Cousins work together to start Christian school

“I went to a Christian school all my life and loved it,” stated Samantha Towne, Rochester.

“My husband Kyle and I graduated from Fulton County Christian Academy. But since then, many of the area Christian Schools have closed, including our alma mater. Along with my cousin, Shanna, and her husband, Elliot Hazen, we felt a burden to provide a Christian school in our area. That’s why we started Legacy Christian Academy. It is our desire to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Teaming up with the Hazens, the Townes started making plans. “We firmly believed it was God’s calling in our lives to start the school. We had considered it in years past, but it was not God’s timing. When we got the call from the Hazens, we knew God was calling us to step out.”

Towne got in touch with her mentor and past English teacher who’d started a Christian school in her own area. “She helped us immensely and was an excellent resource in the startup process. God sent a lot of people in our path to help us gain a firm foundation for the work He was calling us to.”

She continued, “When it was time to look for a building, God provided everything that we needed. We are renting a space from the Geneva Center. They have a beautiful facility, and we are blessed to be there.”

Towne is the director. “We put a lot of time and effort into researching and planning what Legacy would look like. It was a busy year of putting policies in place, choosing curriculum, hiring staff and interviewing families for admission.”

They hosted a successful open house in the spring of 2021. “Word began to spread quickly about what we were doing. We were blessed with an amazing team of teachers who love the Lord and have a heart for Legacy’s mission. We are grateful that He continues to grow our team. We have seen exponential growth over the last year and are preparing for the years ahead.”

A large highlight for Towne is her own children’s response to attending Legacy. “I have three children at the school: Kyla in 5th grade, Kynslie in 4th and Noah in 1st. All three of them love it there. My two girls have thanked me on multiple occasions for the work I’ve put in to start their school. One thing they consistently mention is how they get to learn about God at school.”

Towne wants her children to have a Christian worldview. “I want them to see the world through the lens of Christ. I believe our mission statement says it well: ‘Our mission is to be an extension of a Christian home and aid parents in giving their children a Biblical worldview through education …’”

This busy mom is also active at Faith Outreach Center church. “I’m a worship leader there and love attending worship concerts.”

She concluded, “We started LCA for all of the Christian families in our community who value a Biblical Worldview for their children. We want Legacy to outlive us. We’re working together to provide excellent academic instruction consistent with Biblical truth and which honors the name of Christ.” Legacy Christian Academy utilizes Abeka curriculum and offers grades K4-12.