New, but familiar home for Silver Valley Christian Academy

KELLOGG — The Silver Valley Christian Academy is returning to Mountain View Congregational after brief stints at two different locations.

For the past five years, the school has been held at American Lutheran Church across town, as well as one year in the First Baptist Church in Kellogg, but will now be at the building that they called home for more than two decades prior.

SVCA principal Shelby Brandi is excited for the move because it meant growth was happening — and not just for her school.

“We were growing and our enrollment is increasing,” Brandi said. “The church also needed access to the classrooms they were using due to their own growth, so this was a very positive and amicable split.”

Earlier this month, Mountain View pastor Dave Langer hosted a barbecue to promote interaction between members of his congregation and the incoming school staff and parents.

“It was cool to see the two different bodies of people interact so positively,” Brandi said. “Pastor Langer’s wife helped the kids make smores, it was a great time.”

The Mountain View building facilitates a school far better than most buildings are able to and it should lead to a positive learning environment for the students.

“The classroom sizes are much bigger than what we had before and the kids will get lots of natural light from the many windows in the school, which also gives them a view of the beautiful mountains we are surrounded by,” Brandi said. “The kids will get access to a playground courtesy of the Mountain Valley of Cascadia nursing home next door and our kids will once again have weekly interaction with the residents at the home.”

More than anything, the teachers at SVCA are refreshed and thankful for the reception they have been given at their new home.

“Everyone has been so welcoming, especially Pastor Langer,” Brandi said. “We are so excited for this coming school year.”