How LIGHT began...
LIGHT Academy was started by two friends, who wanted a different schooling option for their kids. Kaely, mom of 6, was a homeschool mom who wanted her kids to experience a school setting without them being gone all day. Camala, mom of 3, was a public school mom who wanted her kids home more. In 2020, they partnered with a classroom teacher to make their dream become a reality!
"Now to HIM who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to HIM be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
Before her oldest started kindergarten, Kaely was researching hybrid schools in other states, but couldn't find anything like it in Wichita, so she decided to homeschool. Camala loved the part-time kindergarten option that her oldest (twins) attended, but she knew a part-time option was not available for older grades, so she sent her twins to public school for 1st grade. During that 1st grade year, Kaely began calling places to ask about part-time or hybrid schooling. Without knowing this, Camala was also researching this, and had even talked to the same people that Kaely had, both asking if their kids could attend part-time in their school district. After seeing this schooling option wasn't going to be possible nearby, they began talking about starting their own hybrid school together. God orchestrated the details in amazing ways, and as the "pilot year" in 2020, LIGHT began with one 2nd grade class of 9 students. The next year, LIGHT expanded to K-3rd and it has continued to grow every year!
Katie Eck, an elementary school teacher, was subbing for the Maize school district and felt God was calling her to do something different, even though she didn't know what that was. While talking with a friend about it, she was told about Camala and Kaely's dream to start a part-time school at the church they all three attended. As soon as the three of them got together, it was obvious that God had a plan for this hybrid school! She became the very first teacher for LIGHT in 2020 and was actively involved in starting LIGHT Academy. She is currently our lead elementary teacher and teaches 2nd grade.
We quickly outgrew the space that we rented from our home church, so in August of 2022 we moved LIGHT to Central Community Church. We rent their upstairs classrooms and the church staff has blown us away with their generosity and constant support of our school!
Kaely, Camala, and Katie after signing the contract to move LIGHT to Central