Springfield, Mass. – Sometimes a single decision can change the trajectory of a person’s life.
Myron Callender, a freshman at Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, believes that his life would be quite different if he had remained in public school. He wouldn’t have experienced classes that could inspire his future career. He may have struggled to live up to his potential in the classroom. And, he would have missed the leadership opportunities that have built his confidence.
“I believe that PVCA has really changed my life for the better,” Myron said. At PVCA, he learned that he can be a better person while also being himself.
“I didn’t have to be someone who is always perfect. PVCA showed me that everyone makes mistakes,” he said. “You just have to come back and know that, even though you make mistakes, you can make them right.”
Both students and teachers comment that the Academy is a place where they’re allowed to be imperfect, and they’re given the grace to learn and move forward in a positive way.
Myron felt this care and compassion at PVCA from the beginning of his experience, and he recognizes that teachers and staff ensure that he continues to move in the right direction.
“My teachers lift us up. Even when we get something wrong, they still help us, and we’re able to figure it out,” he said. “Here, if you’re behind in a class, teachers will help you and allow you to learn and grow spiritually and academically.”
“I feel like it’s set me up better than it would have if I’d stayed in public school,” he added.
A Touch of Class
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy admits students from preschool through 12th grade. Because the school only has about 350 students, class sizes are small which ensures plenty of individualized teaching. There are also multiple specialized classes that are unique to the Academy.
Myron has been a student at PVCA for five years, and now that he’s in high school, he’s able to take an audio-visual engineering class, something that wasn’t even an option at his public school.
While the opportunity to study audio-visual technology has opened his eyes toward a potential career path, it has been most valuable as a leadership experience. He’s able to work behind the scenes for school concerts and programs and obtain “real world experience.”
These types of opportunities are encouraged at PVCA. Working on productions has given Myron the confidence to become a leader at his own church.
Christian education has helped him grow in his belief system. Myron said that many classmates at the Academy are from different denominations. At PVCA, these conversations about faith have allowed him to better understand various perspectives.
“You’re able to compare your beliefs with another student’s and find places where you’re able to grow,” he said.
The Academy’s Christian worldview is developed through in-depth Bible study and excellent academics which has helped Myron grow in his faith.
The Power of Having a Voice
The school’s program includes a wide range of activities, from sports to fine arts. As students are encouraged to take leadership roles, many of these opportunities are activities that are traditionally led by adults. Seniors help coach grade-school sports teams, and the older students often lead the weekly chapel services.
“This school is really great at integrating the students into things that normally only the teachers would be a part of,” Myron said.
By participating actively in student-life, he feels that he is recognized as an important part of PVCA. Being included in decision-making is something that has given him confidence and has validated that he’s an important part of the community.
At Myron’s previous school, he felt that students were seen and not heard.
“This school shows that kids are seen and can be heard and that their voice is very powerful,” he said.
Take a tour of PVCA to see how the school can make a difference in your student’s life. Visit pvcama.org/schedule-a-visit/ for a brief tour to learn more about the school, the curriculum, and activities. Registration for the fall semester is open now.