Founding
Zion Christian Academy

The initial spark for Zion Christian Academy was not a grand vision for a full-fledged school, but rather a daycare and learning center. What started in 1995 as a Day Care quickly expanded to include Classes for two and 3-year-olds as Little Sonshine Learning Center. This success led to the addition of a Pre-Kindergarten 4-Year-Old Program, specifically designed to advance and prepare children for Kindergarten, setting them up for future academic success.

As Little Sonshine Learning Center flourished, a deeper calling began to emerge. While praying in the classroom halls in 1996, Pastor Joyce felt God stir her heart to take things even further. This experience marked a crucial shift, solidifying the belief that the true purpose extended beyond basic childcare, instead becoming a higher mandate to provide comprehensive Christian education.

In 1997, Zion Christian Academy was established. With this renewed clarity of purpose, the focus shifted towards establishing a private school. Each year, one or two grades would be added to accommodate the next class moving up. This transition required significant dedication, resourcefulness, and faith.

Today, Zion Christian Academy is a fully realized and fully accredited private school providing a unique learning environment for students through the 8th Grade. The following steps are the high school project, which is underway, and the buildings are being built. It is an inspiring time at ZionChristian Academy, as the vision is even more coming to life! The evolution from a daycare idea in 1995 to a thriving private school reflects a journey of faith, perseverance, and a deep commitment by so many. The results: educational excellence guided by spiritual conviction. The

school continues today, impacting students' lives by equipping them academically and, more importantly, spiritually, training them to be world changers throughout their lives.

Meet our
Principal

Cathy Culbertson’s heart for Zion Christian Academy runs deep. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 36 years and have attended Gathering Place Church for their entire marriage.

For the past 25 years, Cathy has served in the church’s Children’s Ministry. She and Jeff raised two children who attended ZCA from preschool through 8th grade, giving her a unique understanding of the school from both a parent’s and an educator’s perspective.

Before becoming ZCA’s Principal six years ago, Cathy was a middle school teacher at the academy for many years. She also taught in Kenton County Schools prior to joining ZCA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Kentucky University and a Master of Education from Liberty University.

Cathy’s leadership is guided by her strong faith in God. She is passionate about creating a positive school environment where students not only thrive academically but also grow in their walk with the Lord—equipping them to make a lasting impact for Him in the world.

Our Pastoral
Oversight

Meet Garrett Cuzick, the Lead Pastor of Gathering Place Church! He’s not just a pastor; he also dedicates himself to teaching our students at our weekly ZCA Chapel and middle school Bible classes. Garrett has a special connection to Zion Christian Academy, which he attended from preschool until 8th grade. He treasures the wonderful memories he made while there and loves seeing students create their own lasting experiences!

Garrett and his wife, Briana, are passionate about ensuring your student grows up in a safe and nurturing academic environment. School is not like it used to be years ago; the culture has changed, even within elementary school. With the support of parents and our dedicated teachers, we can help kids develop strong morals and values through the Holy Spirit from a young age. Our responsibility is to guide them on right and wrong, good and bad, holy and unholy, not the world!

FAITH THAT FORMS

Discipleship is embedded in daily life. From the classroom to the lunch room, from team huddles to chapel services, our students are immersed in a community that celebrates excellence, expects integrity, and models faithful living.