It all started with a dream...a vision of providing quality education in a Christ-Centered environment. God put it in the heart of a visionary pastor and his wife along with the willing congregation of Fort Worth First Church of the Nazarene to begin Nazarene Christian Academy in the fall of 1984.
1225 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 1984-1986...
Under the direction of Rev. Dal and Carolyn Newberry, NCA began as a ministry of Fort Worth First Church of the Nazarene in 1984 with one kindergarten class led by Linda Muse. Realizing their vision of offering Christian education in south Fort Worth, the following year kindergarten and first grade were offered. Second grade was added the next year. In 1987, continuing to follow the dream God had put in their hearts and despite incredible obstacles, the church (along with Training Depot Child Care & Learning Center and Nazarene Christian Academy) relocated to its present location in Crowley. In the midst of 22 acres of fields and sunflowers, the only neighbors were the dairyman’s house across the road, the dairy workers’ homes adjacent to the property, and a herd of cows directly across the street.
2001 E. Main, Crowley, TX 1987 - Present...
The first school year in the Crowley location contained kindergarten through third grade. By the second year, the school went through the sixth grade. For a brief time in 1988/89, grades seven through nine were offered but the school returned to having elementary classes only the following year. Under the Newberry’s leadership and the commitment of the members of Fort Worth First, the mission and dedication to quality education both spiritually and academically were rooted and established. Over the years, gifted leaders and teachers led with excellence, and scores of students were taught. Space will not allow to tell of the incredible financial difficulty that was faced during the time of bank failures and high interest rates, but God was faithful and made a way for the school to not only survive but to eventually thrive.
The Dream Continues...
In 1994, the Newberry's retired and moved out of state, and some thought that with their departure the school would close. The church board, however, was eager to find another pastor that would share the vision and dream of Christ-centered education. After a time of prayerful consideration, the board voted unanimously to extend a call to Rev. CB Glidden and his young family to come and lead the congregation and ministries of Fort Worth First. Their oldest daughter was kindergarten age, and when they arrived in October, 1994, she was immediately enrolled in NCA. Over the next few years, the school began to consistently grow. Eventually, the NCA parents asked the school/church board to consider adding junior high classes. Enough seventh grade students were enrolled the following year to support a teacher, and each year after that a grade was added until the first graduating senior class in 2007. During this time, wonderful principals gave leadership in moving the school forward. Under the leadership of David Benson, NCA became fully accredited with the state of Texas in 2001. This was a huge accomplishment! Sheila Meek continued to fine tune programs. Kathie Starks became principal in 2007 and led our school in growth each year and maintained the high quality standards for accreditation. In 2008 a 35,000 sq ft. addition was completed which provided additional classroom space, a science lab, a full size gymnasium, a commercial kitchen, an art room, and many beautiful classrooms.
Since then, NCA increased staff including a guidance counselor, a strong sports programs, and academics along with music (drumline/percussion) programs have been added. In 2011/12 through the leadership of Jim Walton, Steve Shonamon and a host of other parent volunteers, ball fields were constructed. These fields are true labors of dedication of devoted parents that make up the NCA family. In 2018, a decision was made to further develop the programs at NCA under the leadership of Nancy Shonamon, School Administrator/Elementary Principal, and Angie Valdez-Adams, Secondary Principal.
In 2020 Dr. Stan Brooke was selected to lead as Head of School and Angie Valdez-Adams to serve as K-12 Principal. Due to the COVID crisis, Mrs. Nancy Shonamon was chosen to serve as Safety and Accreditation Directory.
Over the years, thousands of students have been touched by the ministry of Nazarene Christian Academy and its amazing faculty and staff. Every one of those individuals have a purpose by God for this time in this place. Each is a part of HIStory and recognize that as He leads NCA’s future is bright! Only God knows how the dreams of what is yet to be for NCA and its students will one day be realized!
