Frank Emery introduced his guest speaker, Roy Mickelson-Principal-Windham Christian Academy. Roy is originally from Long Island, NY and he served in the Army in Korea. He and his wife first moved to Maine in 1972. We learned that Roy has another connection to our club. He and Bill Chadwick attended the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, from which Roy graduated in 1981 (Bill in 1982).
Roy loves the outdoors – mountaineering, camping, hiking, canoeing, fly fishing, Father/Son Wilderness Ministry. He has been at Windham Christian Academy for 31 years and has headed the school since 2001 when he became principal.
Professor Lynn Brown of St. Josephs College described WCA as “the best kept secret in the community”. Through a partnership with Saint Joseph's College in Standish called the Early Scholars Program, qualified high school seniors and second semester juniors may take up to four on campus college courses over three semesters while still enrolled in high school. Most of these courses earn the student dual credit (high school and college).
WCA has 100 students in grades K-12. WCA partners with homeschooling parents by providing a one day per week program designed to incorporate music, art, and physical education into their schooling. It is a great opportunity for homeschoolers to interact with their peers and for parents to diversify their homeschool program.
On average these students achieve higher test scores than both the State and Federal averages. School tuition is only $4400 per year vs a State average of $9-10K. This low tuition is thanks to the generous support of the Assembly of God Church and also to teachers who are willing to work for lower than average salaries. Over the years WCA has a strong track record of graduating students who have gone on to productive lives in Community Service, education, Medical professionals, and as missionaries overseas.
