Seven New Christian Schools Since 2022: God Is Moving Across Ohio
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2)
Few things are more strategic to the Church’s disciple-making mission than planting Christian schools. This year, we celebrate an extraordinary milestone: since 2022, Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) and our Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) have partnered with local churches to launch six new Christian schools across Ohio, and expand access at four others.
A student (middle) leads the Westside Christian School staff in prayer before classes start.
God Is Expanding Access
Through our innovative school-in-a-church model, God is expanding access to Christian education for families in every corner of the state. By leveraging existing church facilities, we help keep costs low, making it possible for more families to afford a high-quality, Christ-centered education.
This year alone, we:
Partnered with churches to launch four new schools in Van Wert, Madison, Marion, and Heath.
Helped four more schools secure charters, enabling them to accept EdChoice Scholarships. This not only expanded their capacity but also made a high-quality Christian education possible for more families — one school saw a 58% increase in enrollment this year.
Celebrated continued growth at our first two schools, Westside Christian School (2022) and Crown Preparatory Academy (2023) in Columbus.
New School Plants in 2025
Kingdom Connections Academy | Van Wert
Generations Matter Academy | Madison
Berean Christian Academy | Marion
Rhema Academy | Marion
Newly Chartered Schools in 2025
The Christian Academy | Heath (New in 2024!)
Bible Believers Christian School | Lima
Anchor Christian Academy | Zanesville
Hametown Christian Academy | Norton
That brings the total to 10 Christian schools in churches. With dozens more in the pipeline and other states starting their own Christian Education Networks, this movement is just getting started.
Why It Matters
Christian schools are not only about academics; they are about discipleship. By shaping how students think about God, themselves, and the world around them, a Christ-centered education prepares the next generation to live faithfully and lead courageously in a culture desperate for truth.
Scriptural Foundation
God’s Word in Deuteronomy 6 reminds us to teach His commands to our children at home and throughout daily life. Christian schools help fulfill this calling by providing a learning environment where students are guided by Scripture and formed to think biblically about the world around them.
Stories from the Field
“OCEN has been a central support for us since the beginning of our work to launch. Their how-to manual for churches provided a framework for much of our plans, and we still refer to it to help us stay focused on the big picture tasks that are necessary to get across the finish line with our launch. We are deeply grateful for OCEN, and know that we likely wouldn’t have been able to make as much progress as we have to date without them.” — Gateway 2 Hope Christian Academy Launch Team
“CCV’s team continues to be just a phone call away in answering questions or finding out answers, as well as receiving support from the leaders of OCEN member schools. What tops the list, though, is the prayer support I know we are receiving from the whole CCV organization. These new schools are the work of God, and He is hearing and answering the prayers of His people.” – School Plant Administrator
Thank you
None of this would be possible without your prayers and support. Watch the recap and explore the gallery below to see the impact you’ve made possible. Together, we are shaping the future of Ohio by equipping children with a Christ-centered education.
As Ohio's largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
The Ohio Christian Education Network is a network of more than 200 Catholic and Evangelical schools in Ohio, under Center for Christian Virtue. OCEN protects the religious liberty of Christian schools and ensures every Ohio family has access to a Gospel-centered education. For more information, visit OhioCEN.org.
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