Our Story · Stones of Remembrance
God's faithfulness, told in stones.
In Joshua 4:1-6, God commanded Israel to set up twelve stones as a visible monument to His faithfulness. Like the Israelites, we have witnessed God's faithfulness in bringing us to this point in history. These are a few of our stones of remembrance.
Chapter One · 1995 – 2017
The Vision
A seed planted in Bonton, a ministry leader's dying dream, and a small circle of believers who refused to let the idea die with him.
1995
BridgeBuilders Ministry is formed.
BridgeBuilders Ministry is formed under the direction of Mike Fechner to bring faith, hope, and love to the Bonton/South Dallas community. Prestonwood Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Jack Graham, was and still is a major supporter of this ministry. In 2012, a couple of years before Mike lost his battle with cancer, he shared his vision to start a Christian school in Bonton.
2013
Bonton Farms is born.
Bonton Farms is formed under the direction of Daron Babcock to provide an agricultural intervention to restore lives, create jobs, and ignite hope in the Bonton/South Dallas community. One of the six pillars of Bonton Farms to transforming a community is education for children and adults.
2017
Norm Miller picks up the vision.
Norm Miller, Chairman of the Board of Interstate Batteries, contacted Daron Babcock to discuss the possibility of starting a Christian school in the Bonton/South Dallas community. Years earlier, Norm was one of the key leaders interested in funding the original vision for a school shared by Mike Fechner.
2017
Prestonwood, Bonton Farms, and Interstate unite.
Daron Babcock and Norm Miller reached out to Dr. Larry Taylor, Prestonwood Christian Academy Head of School, to assist with the development of a Kingdom education school. Board members from Bonton Farms, PCA, and Prestonwood Baptist Church, along with Norm Miller and key personnel from Interstate Batteries, met to share the vision and pray.
2017
Weekly strategic planning begins.
A small group of current and former Prestonwood Christian Academy Trustees and Prestonwood Church leaders began to meet weekly to conduct strategic planning sessions and to prayerfully explore God's plan. Four groups agreed to advance the Christian school: Bonton Farms, Prestonwood Christian Academy, Prestonwood Baptist Church, and Norm Miller/Interstate Batteries.
Chapter Two · 2018
The Build
Funding committed, a board assembled, a Head of School called home to South Dallas. The vision gets a date on the calendar.
2018
Start-up funding committed.
Norm Miller commits to providing start-up funding for the school. This leadership gift provides the two to three-year funding essential to launch the school.
2018
A board, a leader, and a launch date.
The King's Academy's school board is formed, and a Head of School is officially hired. Dr. Shailendra Thomas, a nationally respected educator and leader, felt God's call on her life to return to the same community she grew up in as a child to lead The King's Academy.
December 12, 2018
Official launch date for The King's Academy.
After years of vision, prayer, and planning, The King's Academy officially launches.
Chapter Three · 2019
Doors Open
Twenty-seven students. Three classrooms. One God-sized answer to twenty-four years of prayer.
August 17, 2019
Opening Ceremonies.
Opening Ceremonies and Parent/Teacher Orientation are held for 27 students and families. Dr. Jack Graham delivers a celebratory message.
August 19, 2019
First day of school.
The King's Academy opens with three Early Childhood classes: PreK4, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. A faculty and staff of 10 Christian educators are prepared to provide an exemplary Kingdom education.
September 12, 2019
Dedication Ceremonies.
Dedication Ceremonies are attended by approximately 100 guests. Dr. and Mrs. Norm Miller are recognized for the major role they played in the school's conception.
Chapter Four · 2020 – Today
Growing the School
A pandemic, a pivot, and grade-by-grade expansion as TKA's first class climbs upward together.
January 2020
Flourishing in year one.
According to data from MAPS assessment, report cards, and faculty, students are flourishing academically and spiritually. The school meets its 2019-2020 enrollment goal of 30 students and opens a PreK3 classroom.
March 2020
Remote learning during the pandemic.
School closes due to the worldwide pandemic and institutes a remote learning program.
August 2020
Year two begins, 51 students strong.
School starts its second year with 51 students in grades PreK3 to 2nd grade, offering in-person and remote learning options.
August 2021
Year three, 68 students.
School begins its third year with 68 students in grades PreK3 to 3rd grade, offering in-person, hybrid, and remote options.
Where we're going
One grade per year, until our first class graduates.
We continue adding one grade per year while holding fast to our founding commitment: no child in South Dallas is turned away for lack of funds.
Our Academic ProgramBe part of the story
The next stone of remembrance is yours to help set.
Sponsor a student, give to the mission, or apply to join the TKA family.