Still Creek Christian Academy

Still Creek Christian Academy (SCCA) is a private, K-12 Christian school situated on 300 peaceful acres in Bryan, Texas. The Academy is the heartbeat of Still Creek Ranch, and the students are made up of children from the community, as well as residents who live onsite. Many in the Brazos Valley are not aware that the academy is open to the community, but it has been open to the public since its doors opened almost 30 years ago. SCCA started with about five community students who joined the academy. Over the years, it has transitioned to more community students than resident students.

SCCA is accredited through the AdvancED, and teachers are masters in their field who strive to see the value of education realized in the lives of their students. At SCCA, the mission is to provide and promote a Gospel-centered worldview that puts faith in God as the firm foundation for living, and to provide a high-quality education for students’ long-term success in life after high school. As students near graduation, they will be fully prepared and equipped to pursue a college education or trade school. In fact, many high school students are enrolled in a dual credit program with Blinn Junior College. The SCCA students look forward to becoming a respected and valuable asset to society as men and women with a Gospel-centered integrity.

“Elementary starts each day with a devotional in the classroom with their teacher. Middle school and high school have chapel every Friday, as well as start every morning together with a devotional. Our elementary classes join us for chapel once a month,” said Shellie Stasny, Still Creek Christian Academy Headmaster. “We are actually moving to a brand new curriculum next year that will be comprehensive K-12;, every subject area is based on the Christian world view and the whole idea that starts from creation and continues to redemption.”

The elective classes at SCCA include equestrian classes, art, a full range of athletics including volleyball and basketball, dance, creative writing, Spanish, wood shop, and welding. The equestrian program is one aspect that sets Still Creek Academy apart. Students have the opportunity to learn horsemanship with a variety of Western and English skills and performance. Like their other athletic programs, the equestrian program does more than just teach practical skills to students—it develops them from the inside out. By learning how to work with horses, they find a sense of pride and ownership, and those disciplines translate to all areas of life.

The onsite 88,000 square foot covered equestrian center is one of the largest arenas in Texas; often used by some of the most legendary names in the horse industry. It is home to over 40 superior performance horses and structured to prepare students for Stock Horse of Texas competitions around the state. The Equestrian Program gives the students a once in a lifetime opportunity to challenge and grow themselves for their future.

Another unique attribute of SCCA is a more intimate classroom setting. “The school board decided that we don’t want our class sizes to be any more than 10 students. We want the teacher to have as small a class size as possible. It also makes sense to be able to pour that extra attention into resident and community students who come in and need concentrated assistance. Right now, we do have some openings for community students throughout K-12 for the next school year,” Stasny said.

Resident students at SCCA are children rescued from crisis situations; children who, through no fault of their own, have been thrust into abusive or neglectful situations. “These kids aren’t victims, and we don’t ever want anybody to think that our kids are victims. That is not the mentality that we want any of the kids that come to us to have, whether they are residents or community kids,” Stasny said. SCCA encourages children to live a life that is empowered and led by Christ, not by their past or even current situation. No matter where a person comes from, they will be put in difficult situations throughout life at work, in relationships, etc. It is important for SCCA to teach children that their circumstances do not define them, Christ defines them; regardless, of whether they come from an active, loving family or no family at all.

“My children have been at Still Creek now for two years, and we absolutely love it,” said Kristen Davis, a parent with three children enrolled at Still Creek Academy. “I have nothing but wonderful things to stay about the Ranch and staff there. Mandy Burlin is absolutely precious and wonderful with the kids. It has been a critical blessing for my family to attend Still Creek, and I’m happy to be involved with everything the school does for not only my children, but also others as well.”

Still Creek Christian Academy meets the needs of students and parents alike in education, faith, and civility. SCCA is able to give children the educational experience the Bible demands, in that they are learning how to live in the world, but not be of the world (John 15:19).

As in any decision, it is important to research and seek God’s direction when choosing an academic home for your child.

To learn more about Still Creek Christian Academy or inquire about enrollment for the upcoming school year call 979.589.3206 or visit stillcreekacademy.org for more information.

article by Ariel Rosentswieg