About LCA
Lakeland Christian Academy is a preschool through 12th grade covenant school, where we pair a strong biblical worldview with critical thinking skills to empower students toward academic distinction and a life in pursuit of following God.
The Bible is our foundation and standard for every area of excellence including the lives of our faculty, staff, and students. It’s important to us that every child feels seen, heard, valued, and supported from day one. We invite you to explore and learn more about how your family can join ours here at LCA.
OUR VISION
Lakeland Christian Academy partners with families by providing a biblically centered, academically excellent education for the glory of God.
OUR MISSION
Equipping our students with academic excellence and a discerning faith.
Meet Our Team
Joe Elrod
Superintendent
John Myers
Board Member
Nate Bosch
Board President
Chad Hummel
Board Member
Shon Steger
Board Member
Lauren Slagle
Board Treasurer
John Urschalitz
Board Member
Cheryl Bremer
Board Member
Lindsay Gergely
Vice President
Rachel Rhoades
Board Member
Matt Moyer
Board Member
Marc Goodwin
Board Member
Robyn Palmer
Board Member
Alan Grossnickle
Secretary
Our Statement of Faith
A Statement of Faith is a listing of facts that you and your family believe and practice. All Lakeland Christian Academy faculty and staff members, as well as each student’s family, must agree to the following Statement of Faith: 1. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as verbally inspired by God, inerrant in the original writing, and of supreme and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21) 2. We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen. 1:1;John 10:30,37-38) 3. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, in His Lordship over all of life, and in His personal and imminent return. (John 10:33; Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:23; Luke1:35; Heb. 4:15, 7:26; John 2:11; 1 Cor. 15:3; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 2:9; John 11:25; 1 Cor. 15:4; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 5:1) 4. We believe that the Holy Spirit’s ministry includes conviction of sin, and the regeneration, indwelling, and filling of believers, enabling them to live the Christian life. (Rom. 3:19,23; John 3:16-19, 5:24; Eph. 2:8-10;Titus 3:5,6; Eph. 5:18; 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19,20) 5. We believe in man’s direct creation in the image of God, his subsequent fall into sin resulting in spiritual death, and the necessity of the new birth for his salvation. (Gen. 1:26-28, 5:1-2; John 3:16-19; Rom. 3:23, 5:8, 9) 6. We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including but not limited to adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sin and thereby offensive to God (Matt. 15:18-20, 1 Cor. 6:9-10), and that participation in the new birth leads us away from such activities (2 Cor. 5:17, Acts 15:20, 29). 7. We believe that salvation is complete and eternal, by God’s grace alone, received as the gift of God through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work. (Eph. 2:9-10; Titus 3:5) 8. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of eternal life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of eternal damnation. (John 5:28,29) 9. We believe in the spiritual unity of born-again believers in one true Church, the body of Christ, and in the organization of its members in local churches. (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:12,13; Gal. 3:26-28)
LCA Spirituality
The Bible is not just integrated into our curriculum, it is the foundation for everything we do. This is not a tagline or idealistic statement; it is who we are, and what makes an LCA education different. It’s about teachers who love God and care about the students. It’s about discipling students to grow in their faith. It’s about students developing a Christian worldview that is able to engage and impact the world. Rooted firmly in Scripture, we are committed to nurturing hearts that love God, minds that seek truth, and lives that reflect Christ in word and action. From the earliest years through graduation, students are intentionally guided to know who they are in Christ and to walk confidently in His calling while being surrounded by teachers and staff who model authentic faith and spiritual leadership. We partner closely with families to create a consistently, Christ-centered environment where biblical truth forms students whose faith is both deeply personal and actively lived. At LCA, we believe a strong spiritual foundation prepares students not only for academic success, but for a lifetime of purpose, service, and influence.
The LCA Difference
1974
LCA was founded in spring 1974. That year, in partnership with Warsaw Christian School, plans were made for WCS’s 7th and 8th grades to join LCA. Eleven acres were purchased, and on September 3, LCA opened in the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church with 42 students in grades 7–9, adding one grade each following year.
1975
LCA moves to a location on Wooster Road with
one modular building. A second modular building is added during the next school year.
1978
The Class of 1978 is LCA’s first graduating class.
1979
A third building and its annex is constructed.
2000
LCA moves to its new campus in Winona Lake,
Indiana.
2010
LCA joins the Indiana High School Athletic
Association (IHSAA).
2016
Enrollment is up to 150 students!
2020
Warsaw Christian and LCA merge to become one Preschool - 12th-grade school.
2022
Enrollment over 430 students!
2025
LCA broke ground to construct a new facility to finally bring all students to one campus in Winona Lake
2026
LCA opens brand new facility to achieve the One Campus Vision
christian values
Faith is not an afterthought in our curriculum, it’s the lens through which everything else is taught. From science to history to art, learning to discern with faith helps students to think critically and engage the world around them with an education rooted in a confidence of knowing who they are in Christ.
academic excellence
Ranked in the top tier for college readiness, LCA equips students with the skills they need to thrive in higher education and beyond. With a focus on writing and problem solving with a deliberate approach to technology– used as a resource, not as a replacement for thinking– to prepare students for the path God has for them.
safe environment
Kids are still kids at LCA, but the way our community responds makes all the difference. When issues arise, teachers and staff will address the heart of the matter, guiding students towards reconciliation and growth. In our community, students learn to encourage one another and build friendships grounded in respect and faith.
famiLy oriented
All cliches aside, we truly are a family. As a covenant school, we partner intentionally with families to echo the values you teach at home. With shared beliefs and expectations, we create a supportive environment for students where teachers, staff, and parents walk alongside each other in the spiritual and educational journey of each child.
individual attention
At LCA, students are known by name. Teachers and staff take time to learn about each child’s strength and struggles, in a safe and caring environment. In our close-knit community, students will grow in confidence as they discover the person God is calling them to be.
opportunities for involvement
Beyond the classroom students have opportunities to discover their interests and develop their gifts through: athletics, fine arts and theater, Bible quizzing, student worship arts, and interest-based clubs. These experiences help students learn teamwork, leadership, and perseverance while keeping Christ at the center.
A Word from our Superintendent
We recognize that sending your child to a Christian school is a big commitment. It is a financial commitment, it is a time commitment, but most of all it is an eternal commitment. LCA does not take that commitment lightly. We too are committed to our families and our students. We are excited that each student will be receiving a consistent and cohesive worldview from preschool to grade 12. LCA's goal is not to produce morally good students, but to equip students with biblical wisdom so they can withstand the storms of secularism and fight against the advances of Satan (Matthew 7:24-27 & Eph. 6:10-18).
For over five decades, Lakeland Christian Academy has remained steadfast in its calling to provide a Christ-centered education marked by academic excellence and spiritual depth. From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, we intentionally shepherd students toward a biblical worldview that prepares them not only for college or career, but for a lifetime of faithful service to God—as future spouses, parents, leaders, and citizens. It is our privilege to walk alongside families in this sacred work, trusting the Lord to use LCA as a place where students are known, challenged, and equipped to live out their faith with perseverance and purpose.
We are eager to talk with you and learn how we can partner together in your child’s life!
In Christ, Joe Elrod