New Christian School in Central

CENTRAL — The fall semester is well underway for Central’s first new school since the creation of the Central Community School System.

Apostolic Truth Academy has opened its doors in the education building at Life Tabernacle Church, 9323 Hooper Road in Central.

The Christian school was founded by pastor Tony Spell and his wife, Sister Shaye, the principal.

Life Tabernacle was founded by Brother and Sister Bervick Spell, Tony Spell’s grandparents.

During its first semester, Apostolic Truth Academy has 35 students enrolled in K through 12th grade with eight faculty members.  It uses the ABEKA curriculum.

Pastor Spell said graduates of the school will be eligible for participation in Louisiana’s TOPS scholarship program.

The church is sponsoring a Harvest Festival all day on Saturday, Nov. 12 to help raise money for the school.  Local businesses, organizations, and individuals can rent booths for $100 each and may sell or give away products and services.  More than 100 booths have already been reserved.

The event will include lots of food, games, and entertainment.

Enrollment in the school has been limited to church members during the first semester, but Pastor Spell said non-members may apply for the semester starting on Jan. 3.

The pastor said he wanted to start the school for several reasons, including spreading the word of Christ, combatting the worldly influences that corrupt young people, and promoting high academic standards.

“We’ve been surprised at the students who come to us from other schools who do not have basic skills, including reading,” he said.

The church has been experiencing rapid growth, in part because of its bus ministry.  “On Sunday mornings, we run buses through neighborhoods from Scotlandville to Central and pick up kids who otherwise would not attend church.  Some of their parents are on drugs or in prison.  At first, we rented two buses from First Student.  Now we own six buses that run the routes.”

Last Sunday, 129 children rode the bus to church, he said.  Some of them come from the trailer parks at Tanglewood or on Foster Road.

Some of these children, along with children of long-time church members, form the basis of the school’s student body.

Pastor Spell, who is 31, said many of these students would have otherwise been destined to be murderers or thieves but now will become productive members of society.  “You are going to see these young people graduate, get a job, raise good families, and make a real contribution.”

Most of the teachers at Apostolic Truth Academy are members of Life Tabernacle who donate their services to the school.

In addition to academics, students learn the Bible.    Pastor Spell personally teaches the Bible class, and students from K through 5th grade memorize one Bible verse a week.  Older students learn two a week.

“We go counter to what this generation is being taught,” he said.  “We will put the right role models in front of these young people.  Failure is not an option.”

“We offer corporal punishment at this school too, and we had to use it twice this year!” he laughed.

For more information, call 485-7833.