Why South Side Christian Academy?

     The south side of Peoria, Illinois, specifically zip code 61605, suffers from high unemployment, rising teen pregnancy rates, poverty, crime, and underperforming schools. Zip Code 61605 is listed among the 100 poorest zip codes in the United States. Unemployment in 61605 is nearly 5 times what it is in the rest of Peoria.*

     Many families living in South Peoria believe as we do that Jesus Christ is the only hope for true transformation in the lives of all people. These families want a better environment for their children and welcome the idea of more Christian influence there. Our goal is to come alongside these families and help them bring Christ’s love and positive change to their neighborhoods through high-quality Christian education. We started with a kindergarten class in 2016, and have added a grade each year. We now offer grades k-8.  We pray that our students will be have the educational and spiritual foundation to take His love back to their community as future pastors, business owners, doctors, nurses, school teachers, lawyers, skilled trade workers, and the list goes on.

  Serving primarily students in zip code 61605, South Side Christian Academy is a fully faith-funded school, meaning that we have faith that God will provide the needed funds to educate our students through donations from generous people like you. We are honored to join God in this great work of bringing quality Christian education and Christ-centered transformation to Peoria’s south side. To do this, we need the support and prayers of many people and organizations. Positive change is possible. God can make it happen. Will you join us in this dream to bring new hope for a brighter future to the children and families of South Peoria?

*Tarter, Steve. "Community in Neglect." Peoria Journal Star [Peoria] 16 Aug. 2015, Business sec.: F1. Print.