LISBON FALLS – The Lisbon Falls Christian Academy began its 30th year this fall. The private Christian school was started under the leadership of the late Rev. Kenneth E. MacDonald, who had a vision for the need of Christian schools in Maine. The first year began with 18 students and two teachers.

The academy, which uses the School of Tomorrow curriculum, is a ministry of the Lisbon Falls Baptist Church and is open to non-church members. The school is overseen by Pastor Steven DeGroft and Administrator Rick Roberts, along with a staff of four supervisors (teachers) and four monitors (teacher aides, two secretaries and volunteer parents.

The school’s philosophy on Christian education puts an emphasis on building Christian character in their students while challenging them academically, socially, physical and spiritually.

It is a member of the American Association of Christian Schools, Maine Association of Christian Schools and the Athletics for Christian Education League. The associations allow students opportunities to participate in athletics, academic competitions, music/performance competitions and legislative conferences in Washington, D.C.

The school, in addition to competing in the ACEL sports league, competes in school conventions sponsored by School of Tomorrow. Conventions allow students to compete with other students from all over the world (approximately 9,000 schools use School of Tomorrow curriculum) in the areas of academics, music, sports, dramatics, art and photography.

The academy has won the New England Convention 13 out of the past 16 years, and finished in the top three the past two years in the Northeast Region, which includes New York and New England.

Students, using the California Achievement Test, have routinely placed in the top 10 percent nationally in the areas of English, math, reading, social studies and science. Many students exceed the national level when it comes to grade level analysis. They have also done well on the SAT and ACT national tests, usually finishing well above the state and national averages.

The school has seen many successes during the past 30 years and is looking forward to providing a Christian education for many years, with the recent opening of a new gym, updated curriculum and an experienced staff.

If interested in learning more about Lisbon Falls Christian Academy, call 353-8518 or go to the Web site at www.lisbonfallsbaptist.org.