CRESAPTOWN — A local private school that served the community for more than half a century will not open this year.
Calvary Christian Academy, based on McMullen Highway, did not respond to a Cumberland Times-News request for comments.
The school recently announced the closing on its website.
“For the last four months, we have poured our hearts and prayers into continuing the ministry of Calvary Christian Academy with the intent of taking ownership and operation of the school from (Calvary Baptist Church),” a statement on the school’s website read. “Despite all of our efforts, enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is significantly short of the bare minimum required to open and operate the school.”
The website states that the church in recent months worked to transition the school’s leadership to Kainos Christian Fellowship.
Kainos and Calvary Baptist decided the school would not open this month as planned.
“Please know that we did not reach this decision lightly or without exhausting every possible option that would allow us to continue,” the announcement stated. “We appreciate everyone who enrolled, supported us, and prayed for the school.”
CCA plans “to pursue the possibility of offering a homeschool umbrella program and sports through Calvary Baptist Church,” it stated. “We will share additional information as those plans develop.”
History
CCA operated in the region for 52 years.
Founded in 1973 “to serve families in Western Maryland with a Christ-centered education,” CCA in 1995 achieved full accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International, and five years later expanded academic and extracurricular programs including technology integration and athletic teams, its website stated.
“From the earliest years in preschool, students are nurtured in a loving environment that introduces foundational skills in reading, math, and phonics through engaging, play-based activities that also cultivate essential Christian values such as integrity, responsibility, kindness, and sharing.”
Middle and high school levels focused on “preparing students for college and life beyond with a comprehensive curriculum encompassing bible, English and literature, social studies, science, foreign language, math, physical education, and fine arts,” the website stated.
Beyond academics, CCA was “deeply committed to nurturing spiritual growth,” it stated. “Our mission is to inspire each student to become a strong follower of Jesus Christ, equipped to stand firm through life’s challenges.”
Background
In mid-October, CCA had raised 40% of its financial goal to survive another month.
At that time, the school didn’t respond to requests for comment, but its website featured a “Save CCA” donation page that showed $22,155 had been raised, with $32,845 to go.
“Calvary Christian Academy needs your help, but we still believe in miracles,” the website stated at that time. “This month, our goal is to raise $55,000 — not for growth, not for extras, but simply to keep our doors open in November.”
Challenges included lower enrollment, it stated.
“We’re currently projected to be $315,000-$320,000 negative this school year,” the website stated.
“But our mission goes far beyond survival. Our dream is to one day have 1,000-2,000 monthly supporters — people who believe that every child deserves a Christ-centered education, no matter their family’s financial situation.”
The school in September posted on social media that “after 52 years of Christ-centered education, we’re facing urgent financial need — but we believe God is not finished with our story. Every gift matters — large or small — and your generosity can make the difference in keeping CCA’s doors open for the next generation.”
MCA
In September, the new pre-K through 12th-grade Messiah Christian Academy opened in Carpendale, West Virginia, with Dan Thompson as administrator of the school.
Before that, he worked for 35 years in various roles, including administrator at CCA.
In May last year, Thompson said he didn’t want to criticize his former employer, but added that he left the school due to concerns about church leadership related to CCA, which is a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church.
“It was best that I step aside,” he said at that time.
Last week, Thompson said a sales agreement was reached for Messiah to buy the former Frankfort Intermediate School from the Mineral County Board of Education.
The purchase aims to help the academy expand Christian education across Mineral and Hampshire counties in West Virginia, and Allegany County in Maryland.
The Mineral school board “voted unanimously to convey the divided 7.06-acre parcel of land, building, and contents,” Thompson said at that time.
“We basically came to a verbal agreement (of) $515,000,” he said and added that MCA has $31,000 in a building fund, is working with a local bank, and hopes individuals will contribute toward the purchase price of the property.
“We’re asking some partners to help,” Thompson said. “We will do fundraisers through the year.”