History

In 1962, Native American Christian Academy (formerly Sun Valley Indian School) began in the heart and mind of Gertrude Jones. She had worked with Native Americans for over 20 years and wanted to do something special for the children. Her dream was to provide an orphanage, but local First Nation Leaders convinced her that a school would make a difference in the lives of children from various reservations. Miss Jones committed to that need and committed to providing children with a quality Christian education.

In January of 1963 the school opened its doors for the first day of classes. A handful of students started classes and lived in a small trailer located on a 5-acre plot of land. Now 60 years later the school has helped educate hundreds of students – multiple generations in many families. Native American Christian Academy’s campus now consists of 32 buildings on 72 acres, and we still have that same commitment – to provide our children with a quality Christian education.

The mission of Native American Christian Academy is to educate and disciple students for Christ. Our core values are Holiness, Service and Teamwork. Native American Christian Academy is an independent, not-for profit institution, recognized as a 10% mission special of the Church of the Nazarene teaching a Wesleyan-Holiness Theology.

Native American Christian Academy provides students three meals a day, showers, and a safe school/home environment, where our students live and learn under the loving and prayerful care of dedicated dorm parents and instructors. The students and their dorm parents participate in regular activities, special field trips and meet people from across the nation. Students are encouraged and mentored as they learn important life lessons and biblical teachings in the hopes of building a foundation for continued growth and success.

Native American Christian Academy provides an education for children in first through twelfth grade. The program allows our students to participate in a wide variety of foundational classes including science, literature, math, English, physical education, Bible, history and art. We also offer a choice of electives allowing our student’s minds and horizons to be stretched as they experience extra-curricular opportunities in learning Native American customs, computers, sports, and music.

The average tuition for a student at Native American Christian Academy runs about $13,500 a year. Families are charged just $50 per month. At this rate most families should be able to make the investment in their child’s education. We administrate in faith believing that God will provide the remaining costs through tax credits, donors, sponsors, and any excess funds attained through the Christian Network Foundation.