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WALLACE — Wallace Christian Academy (WCA) held a groundbreaking ceremony last Wednesday to celebrate the commencement of construction on its future middle school building behind Poston Baptist Church, bringing the local private school one step closer to realizing its vision for a fully functioning Pre-K through 12th grade private Christian academy in the community. WCA has already raised $220,000 of the $1.2M necessary for the building’s construction and hopes to secure $150,000 over the summer towards the structure’s rough-in plumbing and concrete slab.
Nearly four and a half years have passed since Pastor Chris Jarman first shared his vision for what would become WCA with the Poston Baptist congregation — and almost three since the private Christian academy welcomed its first class of 30 kindergarten, first and second-grade students. Now, the growing school provides education for 110 children from pre-kindergarten to the fourth grade, with over 150 currently on roster for the 2025/2026 school year.
Headmaster Steve La Roux addressed students, parents, teachers and church members at a dedication chapel in the Poston Baptist sanctuary ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. “This is truly a celebration… We’re celebrating the fact that our school is continuing to grow, our school’s doing well. Next year, we’ll be up to fifth grade – but the following year, we’ll need classrooms for our sixth-graders. By God’s grace, we’re taking that next step.”
WCA has added a grade level each year following its establishment, with plans to develop the school into a pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade provider of private faith-based education for Christian families in Wallace and the surrounding area. The academy aims to offer sixth-grade enrollment in time for the middle school building’s estimated completion in August of 2026.
The dedication chapel preceding Wednesday’s groundbreaking featured spirited performances from WCA students who showcased their faith with prayer, pledges and song. “All of this hinges around these little ones. This is why we’re doing this — for them,” explained La Roux as he thanked the parents, family and friends gathered for their continued support.
In a speech following the children’s energetic music performance of God’s Not Dead (Like a Lion) by the Newboys, Pastor Jarman gave thanks to God and the community for making the church’s vision a reality.
“I can stand here and tell you that because of the grace of God and the faithfulness and giving of people just like you, this first building over here is also fully funded and paid for,” said Jarman in reference to the eight-classroom elementary school building constructed in 2024. “I know today, what we’re about to break ground on, God’s going to do the very same.”
