History & Beliefs

The History: “From Vision to Reality”

In February 1994, the Elders of Faith Christian Fellowship Church (FCFC) and Pastor Edgar Bonniwell of Cincinnati, Ohio asked Mary Lou and Edward Wambach, to research the requirements for beginning a Christian school. The Wambachs visited the Ohio State Board of Education and a number of Christian schools within a 150-mile radius of Cincinnati. The Christian school administrators, and a number of local parents gave much guidance and encouragement. After receiving the results of this research, the FCFC Elders prayed and felt led of God to ask the Wambachs to form a committee that would develop a plan to establish a Christian school in the Newtown school building then owned by the church.

In October 1994, the first meeting of the school committee was held. A preliminary plan for a school was adopted. The ten founding members of the committee became the Board of Trustees of Miami Valley Christian Academy. They were as follows: Edward N. and Mary Lou Wambach, Dr. Henry E. and Marilyn Wedig, John and Ellen Maloy, James and Jennifer Simunek, and Paul and Phyllis Zender.

The goal was to open a private, independently incorporated, non-denominational Christian school. The primary purpose was to provide academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment which would assist students to fully understand that the sacredness of life is a gift from God, that they should welcome the discipline of learning and embrace a lifestyle predicated on the moral absolutes of the Holy Scriptures. The plan was to begin classes at Miami Valley Christian Academy (MVCA) beginning in August 1996.

Robert S. Marriott, attorney at law and a committed Christian, with Graydon, Head, and Ritchey, prepared the Ohio State Incorporation papers and acquired the 501(c)(3) recognition of tax exemption. The MVCA Constitution and Code of Regulations were prepared by the Board of Trustees with help from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), Ed Reck of World Harvest Christian School and Bud Schindler of Dayton Christian Schools. Many hours of prayer and preparation were given freely. God wonderfully provided the talents and skills so that MVCA would have a firm foundation.

In November 1995, Mr. Andrew Lowe, a public school principal with 30 years experience came to MVCA as headmaster. Mr. Lowe worked endless hours developing the curriculum, hiring teachers, writing manuals and applying for a State Charter. His sacrifice and love helped give birth to MVCA. Mrs. Carolyn Nauglebaugh spent hours typing. Her hard work, humor, sacrifice, and dedication were an inspiration to all.

The Board of Trustees and many others spent long days cleaning, painting, and acquiring furniture and materials in anticipation of opening day. God blessed MVCA with a multitude of friends who prayed and gave their time and talents with much joy.

On August 21, 1996, MVCA opened its doors with five kindergartners and six first graders. Mrs. Diane Pearson and Mrs. Kathy Morris sacrificed part of their salary the first year. Mrs. Dody Staker and Mrs. LaRae Bircher taught the music and art specials without remuneration.

We thank God for all His provision and know in our hearts that Miami Valley Christian Academy is His doing. May God alone receive all the glory.

Mrs. Mary Lou Wambach
Founding President of the MVCA Board of Trustees 

Beliefs (Statement of Faith)

Miami Valley Christian Academy, a Christian educational institution, through its Trustees, officers, faculty, staff, students, and supporters, is bound in sacred covenant to preserve, defend and practice the “faith once delivered unto the saints” as contained in Holy Scripture and as stated in the following prepositional truths:

  1. We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, infallible Word of God and that it is the final authority in faith and life.
  2. We believe there is only one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, who are the same in substance, power and glory.
  3. We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, true God and true man, and that He lived a perfect and sinless life.
  4. We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical but also spiritual death, which is separation from God; and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, which is enmity against God, becoming sinners in thought, word and deed.
  5. We believe the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, as a substitutionary sacrifice, was resurrected, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will return to set up His Kingdom on Earth to reign in righteousness and justice.
  6. We believe that Salvation is by grace through faith and that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God, and that the Holy Spirit indwells all believers.
  7. We believe there are two ordinances, Baptism and the Lord’s supper, which are divinely enjoined upon all Christians. Without merit in themselves, they provide an expression of faith regarding the believer’s identification and fellowship with Christ.
  8. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the conscious punishment of the lost.

Educational Cornerstone: Timeless, Proven, God Honoring Standards

MVCA steadfastly embraces our commitment to uncompromising Christian education through Biblical Worldview instruction. This foundation has proven to bear the fruit of academic excellence, Christian leaders and good citizens. Our commitment is grounded in and affirmed through timeless education standards:

Our Christian faith formation is founded in Bible study. In addition, our middle and high school students participate in daily Discipleship classes. Discipleship is the process by which we are prepared to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We do not interpret nor substitute social justice or Christian relativism for Scripture.

We teach non-revisionist U.S. and World History. Our students graduate informed by the past and prepared for the future. Our American heritage and the responsibilities of self-governance are integral to our civics coursework and study.

We rely on the proven value of phonics, grammar, and cursive handwriting instruction as the basis for teaching English Language Arts and Reading. A focus on “readers are learners” is incorporated and encouraged through our Accelerated Reading program.

We teach Science as an extension and exploration of our natural and supernatural world. Scientific study is fundamental to Christian education. The intricacies and beauty of Creation are revealed and thus revered through scientific inquiry and knowledge.

With the end in mind, we use Mathematical instruction that enables our younger students to attain developmentally appropriate and necessary math facts and skills. This foundation is critical for mastery of high-level computation, algebraic reasoning, and calculus.

We teach and explore Literature through the Classics, enriching and feeding our students’ souls and imaginations. The study of classical literature has proved foundational for college-level reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary and critical thinking skills. It is equally important in stirring imagination, which fuels innovation within all areas of interest.

Acknowledging that God’s gifts are not limited to academics and that athletic and artistic expression work in concert with the classroom, MVCA offers extensive athletic and fine arts programs. We value and celebrate the uniqueness of each of God’s children.

We welcome the opportunity to personally share our commitment to offering the finest Christian education experience in Cincinnati. We invite you to join us on campus for a relaxed and individual tour of our mission in action. We prayerfully and excitedly await your call! For a printable copy of this page and these standards, click here.

MVCA steadfastly embraces our commitment to uncompromising Christian education through Biblical Worldview instruction. As such, we have NOT adopted the Common Core State Standards.