History & Governance
Our History
1950's
In the late 1950s, members of the Washington, D.C. Christian Reformed Church, Knox Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and Wallace Presbyterian Church had a radical idea:
- a school dedicated to inspiring lifelong learners by teaching children to participate in the “great conversation” which defines the intellectual history of Western civilization
- a relentless pursuit of truth, whether it be found in Christian or secular works of literature
- a Christian body of families reminiscent of the ancient Roman city of Antioch where Paul of Tarsus evangelized among people rich and poor from many different cultures.
1960's
In 1960, the then-named Washington Christian School first began serving students in kindergarten through 4th grade. Located in a brick building on Arcola Avenue in Silver Spring, the school was shaded by one of the oldest oak trees in the county. Parents of students, inspired by the school’s mission, catered cafeteria lunches and drove buses.
1982
By 1982, the school had outgrown its environs. It was time to move to a larger facility leased from Montgomery County. Then, in 1996, Washington Christian School merged with Silver Spring Christian Academy to form what we are today: Washington Christian Academy.
2008
In the summer of 2008, Washington Christian Academy made its most exciting move yet. We now have our home in an award-winning neo-Medieval style building designed and commissioned for the school itself. In 2015, we partnered with Bethel World Church to share this 60-acre campus at the southern border of Olney. It is here where we continue to “run the race” God set out for us over half a century ago.
The Washington Christian School Society
The Washington Christian School Society is WCA’s formal ownership organization and was established at the founding of our school in 1960.
Many Christian schools are owned by and associated with particular churches or denominations. The founders of WCA were members of several churches and intentionally created a separate organization to own and govern the school. They saw the benefit of that independence to better represent and serve a broader Christian community. The families currently enrolled at WCA represent over 80 different churches and denominations.
The Society’s role in WCA’s governance primarily includes:
- receiving updates from the Board of Directors and Head of School on school business (all three yearly meetings)
- electing the Board of Directors from among its members (spring meeting)
- reviewing and adopting the annual budget (winter meeting)
- approving any purchase or sale of property (as required)
Society members can also support the school by serving on Board committees.
Why should I join?
Joining the Society is a way to support Christian education in general and WCA in particular. Maintaining a strong and vibrant Society is fundamental to sustaining and advancing our mission and vision. Members become involved in the life of the school and take an active role in its governance and accountability.
Most people initially become associated with WCA as they enroll their children. For many over the years, as they experience what it happening at WCA and see how the Lord is using it build His Kingdom, they want to participate in a larger way. Becoming a member of the Society is one important way to join in this privileged work.
Who can join the Society?
The Society is composed of Christians who have chosen to devote their time and talents to the promotion of Christian education from a Reformed perspective and specifically to the development and advancement of WCA.
To be a member, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Agree with the guiding principles and purposes of the Society
- Believe that the Reformed Standards faithfully reflect the Bible
- Believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God
Society members include parents, grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, faculty, staff, spouses, school founders, and other supporters, reflecting a broad base of Christian support.
Though many school parents are members, it is important to understand the Society is not a parent advocacy organization like a PTA. And, it is open to those outside the school community who meet the membership requirements and have a desire to support Reformed Christian education and WCA.
How do I apply?
Simply complete an application and pay a $10 annual membership fee. Board members and school administrative staff are available at meetings to answer questions about membership and can also be reached by contacting the school.
What are the Reformed Standards?
The Reformed Standards are a collection of the following doctrinal statements that summarize and reflect the truth of Scriptures from a Reformed perspective:
- The Belgic Confession of Faith
- The Canons of Dort
- The Heidelberg Catechism
- The Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms
Copies of the Reformed confessions are accessible here. If you’re thinking of joining the Society and are not familiar with these confessions, reading one or more would be the next step!