History of LCA

Life Christian School was established in 1973 with six children and one preschool as a ministry of Life Center Church. For several years, the school operated as a preschool within the church facility. In time, key decisions included offering kindergarten, later beginning of an elementary school, and ultimately expanding through grade 12.

A key factor to our steady growth over the years is summed up in one word: leadership. Over the past 47 years, our leadership has never wavered in its commitment to our mission. The Buntain Learning Center was built in 1985 which provided space for our growing school. In 1994, we expanded the Buntain Learning Center to include additional classrooms, office space, and the Korum Activity Center.

In 1996 the LIFE (Life Is For Everyone) Program was started to provide services to learning challenged students that have dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. The program’s purpose is to teach learning skills to these children to help them overcome their learning disability and transition back to the traditional classroom.

As school enrollment steadily increased, we continued to add to our campus. In 2000, we completed another addition to the Buntain Learning Center, which consisted of upper school classrooms, a fitness center, fine arts facilities, and administrative offices. The Tyler J. Saugen Success Center was created to include a state-of-the-art media center for all students, as well as new learning classrooms for the LIFE Program. In 2018, the Hjelseth Athletic Field was created due to a gift from the Names Family Foundation. 

Upon completing the first of four strategic planning efforts in 2000, the school strengthened its focus on a strong academic core and to inspire young people to become world changers with skills in communications, creativity, relationships, and technology. 

Over the nearly five decades of history, Life Christian Academy has added many student programs, including ASB, National Honor Society, Rotary Interact Club, the Student Leadership Institute, our International Student program, mission trips, and a full complement of fine arts and athletic programs. We are committed to inspiring students to become world changers equipped to be relationship builders, effective communicators, creative contributors, and technologically savvy. 

LCA is distinct in our commitment to create a diverse Christian community. Our students represent the school in their outreach, as well as in community and global service. In most recent years, our students have participated in mission and learning trips to Asia, Europe, and Latin America. 

The LCA Alumni Association now numbers almost 1,000 graduates spread throughout the world. The school now enrolls second generation students from alumni families. Life Christian Academy is accredited by AdvancedEd and is certified by the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability.