Discover Parkway

Our Purpose

The ultimate goal of Parkway Christian Academy is to educate boys and girls from a biblical worldview while pursuing academic excellence for the glory of God. We aim to develop Christian boys and girls into mature disciples of Jesus; capable of and dedicated to accomplishing His will for their lives. We believe that includes an assurance of their personal salvation by faith, maintaining academic excellence, and learning to live a disciplined life of conviction and responsibility. We desire to work with parents in bringing their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Our Mission

Invite. Instruct. Inspire.

We invite students to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ as they receive instruction with a Biblical worldview and inspiration to become who God is calling them to be.

Our Vision

At Parkway Christian Academy, our vision is to be a leading institution that fosters a community of dedicated disciples and lifelong learners. We strive to create an educational environment that empowers students to achieve academic excellence while instilling in them a strong sense of conviction and responsibility. Our foundation rests firmly on the teachings of the Bible, and our focus is unwaveringly centered on Jesus Christ. As we nurture young minds, we envision producing compassionate and influential individuals who will positively impact the world with their faith, knowledge, and character.

Our Statement of Faith

  1. 1. We believe in the plenary, verbal inspiration of the Old and New Testament Scriptures in the original autographs and that these writings are inerrant and supreme and final in all matters of doctrine and life (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Mark 12:26,36; Acts 1:16).
    2. We believe in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45: 5-7) eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). We believe in Jesus Christ’s deity and humanity, His conception by the Holy Spirit, His virgin birth, His bodily resurrection, and His personal, visible return with power and great glory (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-8; Matthew 1:20).
    3. We believe that man is created by a direct act of God was a righteous, free, moral being: that he sinned and thereby incurred the penalty of physical and spiritual death not only for himself but also for the entire human race, with the result that we are all sinful by nature (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:17-19).
    4. We believe that Jesus Christ, by His substitutionary death on the cross, made salvation possible for all who will receive Him as their only Savior; that these, who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, will never perish; and that no one can be saved except by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Luke 13:3; Hebrews 9:28; John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 8:30).
    5. We believe that the universal, invisible church is composed of all believers (Ephesians 4:4); that the local, visible church is a congregation of baptized believers in a particular locality associated with worship, fellowship, service, and the observance of the ordinances (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Hebrews 10:24-25; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 8:36; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28) that this local church is independent and the only authority over it is that of Christ and the Word of God.
    6. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate, sexual activity be engaged in, outside of a marriage between a man and a woman). We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, incest, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-27).

Our History

 Parkway Christian Academy, a ministry of Parkway Baptist Church! For over 40 years, God has used the academy to train thousands of boys and girls in the Lakeland area. Originally founded as Temple Christian School in 1974 under the leadership of Dr. Cham McMillen, the school later became Highlands Christian Academy under Pastor John Richardson and was officially renamed Parkway Christian Academy by Pastor Peter Grant in 2018. Today, we offer K4 under the VPK program through twelfth grade, providing students with strong academic training to prepare them for the future. As Proverbs 16:16 states, “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” (KJV). Our success is a testament to the faithfulness of our dedicated Christian faculty and staff. We are excited that God has led you to be part of this ministry and, in keeping with biblical principles, desire for our faculty and staff to exemplify Psalm 133:1, “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” We also uphold the expectations of Ephesians 6:5-6, encouraging obedience and service “as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,” while the administration holds itself accountable to Ephesians 6:9, recognizing that “your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”

Our Community

As a pre-kindergarten – 12th grade campus, our students are part of a community that builds intentional relationships and provides academic programming that is aligned across all grade levels.  Our students represent several churches in the Lakeland area and come from all of our surrounding communities.

Our Programs

Our rigorous academic programs have consistently produced high standardized test scores, contributing to a 100% graduation rate. We are accredited by the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (FACCS), the National Council of Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), and Cognia. Additionally, a diverse range of extracurricular activities allows students to engage in band, choir, and drama.

Administration

Scott Jenkins

Head of School

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B.S. in Biology, minor in Chemistry: University of North Carolina at Charlotte

M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology: Wright State University

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology: Wake Forest University

M.S. Educational Leadership, Bob Jones University

Amy Lewis

Lower School Principal

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B.A. Elementary Education: Landmark Baptist College

M.S. Educational Leadership: Bob Jones University (In Progress)

Randy Padgett

Upper School Principal

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B.S. General Studies, Mathematics: Bob Jones University

M.S. Educational Leadership: Bob Jones University (in progress)

Elementary Faculty

Jovita Evans

VPK, K4

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VPK Lead Teacher Certification

Florida Child Care Professional Credential

Sharon Page

VPK, K4

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B.A. Early Childhood and Elementary Education: Southeastern University

V.P.K. Lead Teacher Staff Credential 

ESOL Certification 

Vicki Boyette

VPK Para

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VPK Teacher’s Aide Certification

Brittany Gamble

VPK Para

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VPK Teacher Aide Certification, CDA (In Progress)

Florida Child Care Professional Credential

Caroline Nipper

K5

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B.S. Psychology, Minor in Religion and Human Services: Southeastern University

Maria O’Carroll

K5

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B.S. Communication Studies: Palm Beach Atlantic

M.S. General Counseling: Palm Beach Atlantic

Katy Sawyer

K5 Para

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Karli Robinson

K5 Para

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B.S. Visual Arts: Pensacola Christian College

Lorraine Brunkhorst

1st Grade

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B.S. Elementary Education: University of South Florida

ESOL endorsement

Marquette Wolfe

1st Grade

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Associates in Child Development: Belmont Technical College

B.S. in Professional Studies-Teaching (in-progress), Bob Jones University

Jessica McLaughlin

1st Grade Para

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B.S.  Elementary Education: Pensacola Christian College

Jessica Kulp

2nd Grade 

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B.A.  Elementary Education: Saint Leo University

Sheryl Hallman

2nd Grade

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B.S. Elementary Education: University of South Florida

M.Ed. ESE: University of Florida (in progress)

M.Ed. Reading: Laval University (in progress)

Carrie Lacey

3rd Grade

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B.S. Elementary Education: University of Central Florida

Reading Endorsement; ESOL Certified 

M.Ed Teaching and Learning: Bob Jones University (In Progress) 

Arielle Pagod

3rd Grade

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A.A.A.  Childhood Ministry: Bob Jones University

B.S. Professional and Educational Studies: Bob Jones University

Elisa Killough

4th Grade – Math, Science, Bible

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B.S.  Elementary Education: Bob Jones University

Jessica Kreeger

4th Grade – Math, Science, Bible

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A.A. Liberal Arts and Science: Grand Rapids Community College

B.S. Elementary Education: Bob Jones University (in progress)

Lindsay Flood

4th Grade – ELA, SS

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B.S. Elementary Education: Murray State University

M.A. Special Education, Mild Mental Disabilities: Murray State University

Amy Thompson

5th Grade – ELA, SS

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B.S. Elementary Education: University of South Florida

Reading Endorsement

Carley Rush

5th Grade – Math, Science

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B.S. Elementary Education: Florida State University

M.S. Mathematics Education: Florida State University

Tyler Ewing

Elementary P.E.

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B.S. Sport Management: University of Indianapolis

Middle & High School Faculty

Joel Bonet

High School Math 

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B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies: Keiser University

A.S. Information Technology: Keiser University

Brad Brown

Bible, Discipleship

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Chasity Cedeno

High School History

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B.A. Elementary Education: University of South Florida

Emily Clements

Art

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B.S. Visual Studies, Graphic Design Concentration: Bob Jones University

Christian Edmiston

Middle School Bible, Spanish

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B.S. Religion – Biblical and Theological Studies: Liberty University

M.Div.: Liberty University

Shelbie Effler

Athletic Director, P.E.

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B.S. Sports Management: Bob Jones University

Mark Evans

School Counselor

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A.A. General Education: Cleveland Community College

B.C.E. Secondary Education: Veritas Baptist College

M.M. Bible and Theology: Veritas Baptist College

M.A. Biblical Counseling: Luther Rice College and Seminary (In Progress)

Ed.D. Community and Care Counseling with Traumatology Cognate: Liberty University (In Progress)

Julianna Gonzalez

Middle School Bible

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B.A. in Performance Studies, Minor in Bible

Kim Harthun

High School Science

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B.S. in Education, Biology, Minor in Administration: Concordia Teachers College

Brooke Keith

ESE Teacher

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B.S. Special Education: Bob Jones University

Brandon Keith

Middle School History

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B.S. Middle School Education: Bob Jones University

Katherine Svendsen

Band, Music

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B.M.E. Music Education, French Minor: Bob Jones University

Shannon Lewis

Chorus

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Meredith Mitchell

Middle School ELA

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B.S. Elementary Education: Trinity Baptist College

Dawn Robinson

Media Specialist

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Associates in Child Development: Belmont Technical College

Bri Sutton

Middle School Science

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A.A. Liberal Arts: Polk State College

B.S. Criminal Justice: Polk State College (In Progress)

Anora Totman

High School English

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B.S. in Bible, Secondary English Ed: Clark Summit University

M.A. Professional Counseling: Liberty University (in progess)

French Certificate: Laval University

Clarissa Wells

Middle School Math

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B.S. Elementary Education, Middle School Math Cognate: Liberty University

Josiah Winston

Middle School Bible, Elementary Music

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B.S. Elementary Education, Middle School Math Cognate: Liberty University

Staff

Kailey Gregory

 Admissions Coordinator

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Natalie Grant

Nurse

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Martin Krauss

School Resource Officer

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B.S. Criminology: University of South Florida

Sandy Mize

Cafeteria Manager

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Food Manager Certification

Austin Redman

Finance

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B.A. Accounting: Pensacola Christian College

Jeff Shuler

Facilities Director

Heather Smith

Registrar, Executive Assistant

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B.S. Elementary Education: Clearwater Christian College

Anja Strobel

Wellness Coordinator

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Accreditation & Ethics

Parkway Christian Academy  is fully accredited through:

            

Parkway Christian Academy is a candidate for accreditation with:

Parkway Christian Academy Standards of Ethical Conduct

At Parkway Christian Academy, we are committed to fostering a community grounded in respect, integrity, and dedication to the well-being and growth of our students and staff. We uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, and we expect every member of our community to strive to embody these values in both words and actions. Our school culture is centered on respect for the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, and a commitment to excellence.

We therefore expect that all members of our community will:

  • Respect the Worth and Dignity of Every Person: Treat all individuals with respect, kindness, and fairness, both within and beyond the school.
  • Foster a Safe and Supportive Environment: Create a learning environment that supports the intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of every student.
  • Commit to Professional Integrity: Exhibit the highest degree of professionalism, maintaining honesty and transparency in all dealings with colleagues, students, and parents.
  • Promote Fairness and Equal Opportunity: Ensure equal opportunity for all members of the school community.

Professional Responsibilities

Our primary concern is the student and the development of their potential. Employees must make reasonable efforts to:

  • Protect students from conditions harmful to learning or their mental or physical well-being.
  • Avoid exposing students to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
  • Respect and protect students’ legal rights.
  • Never exploit relationships with students for personal gain.
  • Keep confidential any personal information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.

Ethical Responsibilities Toward Colleagues

In maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, students, parents, and the broader community, employees must:

  • Maintain Honesty: Engage in all professional dealings with truthfulness and transparency.
  • Promote Equal Opportunities: Not deny colleagues professional benefits.
  • Refrain from Harassment or Discrimination: Avoid any form of harassment or discriminatory conduct that interferes with an individual’s professional responsibilities or creates a hostile environment.
  • Uphold Professional Relationships: Avoid making malicious or intentionally false statements about colleagues.

Expectations for Behavior

We expect all members of our community to:

  • Respect Privacy and Property: Respect the privacy and property of others.
  • Treat Others with Dignity: Refrain from behavior that intimidates, insults, threatens, bullies, or demeans others.
  • Use Constructive Language: Avoid gossip, rumors, and unproductive sharing of information.
  • Maintain High Standards of Honesty: Avoid deception and misleading behavior.
  • Demonstrate Responsibility and Fairness: Exemplify responsibility and fairness in daily actions.
  • Ensure Safety: Report unsafe conditions or practices to maintain a secure environment.
  • Cultivate Compassion: Serve others with care and compassion, both within and beyond the school.

Training Requirements

All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.

Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators

All employees, educational support staff, and administrators have an obligation to report any misconduct by instructional personnel or administrators that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include:

  • Obscene language
  • Drug and alcohol use
  • Disparaging comments
  • Prejudice or bigotry
  • Sexual innuendo
  • Cheating or testing violations
  • Physical aggression
  • Offering or accepting favors

Reports should be made to Dr. Scott Jenkins, Head of School, at 863-646-5031 at extension 2, or [email protected]. Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Pastor Peter Grant, Chair of the PCA School Board, at 863-646-5031 at extension 1, or [email protected].

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida-certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services. Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct are posted in the PCA Personnel Manual.

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect

All employees and agents of Parkway Christian Academy have a duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Reports can be made by calling 1-800-96-ABUSE or reporting online at http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.

Signs of Abuse:

  • Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, broken bones, burns, withdrawn behavior, or fear of going home.
  • Sexual Abuse: Torn or bloody underwear, pain in the genital area, unusual knowledge of sex, fear of a particular person, withdrawal, or running away.
  • Neglect: Unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, underweight, tiredness, stealing food, or excessive need for attention.

Employer References

Only authorized management personnel are permitted to respond to reference requests regarding a current or former employee. These references are protected under Florida Statutes 768.095 and 39.203, provided the response is truthful and not intended to violate the civil rights of the former or current employee.

Liability Protections

Any individual or institution participating in good faith in reporting child abuse, abandonment, or neglect, or any other legal requirement, is immune from civil or criminal liability as per Florida Statutes 39.203 and 768.095.

These ethical standards are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for our students, staff, and the entire Parkway Christian Academy community. We encourage all members to adhere to these guidelines and help foster a culture of integrity, compassion, and excellence.

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