Over the past few years, Chautauqua Christian Academy has seen a significant increase in student enrollment.

The academy first opened in 1976 with only 14 students, making up kindergarten through third grade. This year, enrollment in kindergarten through 12th grade is 107, which is a 30% increase from last year. It is expected to achieve the same growth for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. The kindergarten class for the upcoming year is also already filled.

Principal Scot Stutzman said the change from Bethel Baptist Christian Academy — as the school used to be known — to the Chautauqua Christian Academy has gone smoothly due to the addition of experienced faculty and staff.

Stutzman was hired by Chautauqua Christian Academy in November 2022. He said CCA has begun to command attention from local parents and public schools when it comes to their new vision for education.

“We are excited about providing area students with an exceptional education, individual attention and exemplary character development programming,” Stutzman said. “Our teachers demonstrate their passion for their subject areas and for helping each student achieve significant academic and social-emotional growth. Our classrooms thrive as the teachers offer instruction that meets the needs of each individual learner in a safe learning environment.”

Stutzman added that there is a focus on being positive and supportive at CCA.

“Our school has a generation of students who model kindness, compassion, and respect each day,” he said. “As people visit our school they immediately notice the pride that our students have in taking care of and supporting one another. Our guests frequently comment how warmly they are greeted by our student-body, faculty and staff. The atmosphere and daily experiences of our students are second to none.”

In addition to the academics and atmosphere, Stutzman said another huge focus of CCA is preparing the whole student for the future. This can include public speaking, communications and required college level classes which are incorporated into grades seven through 12, with the purpose of helping students develop their post-graduation goals, no matter what they may be.

“Responsibility and accountability levels are developed as a part of the character education that is interwoven into every aspect of the student’s day,” Stutzman said. “Chautauqua Christian Academy is more than a school of academics, it offers each student the opportunity to thrive in strong positive teacher/peer relationships, work ethic, personal responsibility, communication and leadership skills.”

Along with academics, CCA offers a variety of sports programs for girls and boys which includes soccer, volleyball and basketball.

“We know that sports is an important part of the middle/high experience and work hard to provide competitive programming for our students,” Stutzman said.

In the coming years, CCA has plans to continue to keep incorporating college level courses along with internships in trade fields with a focus on supporting the growth of Science, Technology Engineering and Math. Stutzman said the academy has already started this process.

“As with anything it does not happen overnight but our solid partnership with Houghton University in conjunction with over 30 different area churches being represented under our roof has given us a strong start,” Stutzman said.