ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Elementary education at Joshua Christian Academy is here to help Des Moines urban youth reach their fullest potential through affordable Christian education.
At JCA, we understand that a strong education goes beyond academics. We set our students up for success by prioritizing a sound Biblical and academic foundation, while caring for our students as a whole. Our teachers have a passion for nurturing our students’ hearts and supporting our families every step of the way.
Neighborhood Model
To best serve our student population, we have three Joshua Christian Academy campuses located throughout the central Des Moines area.
We currently provide bus transportation to and from JCA Main to JCA South before and after school.
JCA MAIN
Located at 1740 Garfield Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, JCA Main serves as our main office. We serve students from K-7th grade at this location.
JCA WEST
JCA West opened in 2020 and has since grown to serve students K-6th grade. Located in a beautiful historic building in the Drake University neighborhood, we are blessed to share this space with Hope + Elim church.
JCA SOUTH
JCA South is the newest addition to Joshua Christian Academy opening in 2022. It is located at 1000 Wade Street, across from the Blank Park Zoo. JCA South serves students in grades K-5th and 8th-12th.
Curriculum
Our christ-centered curriculum at Joshua Christian Academy has been developed to provide our students with a strong educational background while equipping them with a sound Biblical foundation. We have implemented both BJU Press and Abeka curricula into all classrooms at JCA. In addition to receiving a Biblically-integrated curriculum, students will learn full passages of Scripture in English, Spanish, and ASL.
We have a goal that all students who attend Joshua Christian Academy will be able to read at grade level at the end of their second year.
To best serve our students’ individual educational needs, we test each student throughout the year, evaluating areas of growth and extra support. From there, our teachers and staff provide individualized resources to best fit the student’s needs to reach the next goal.
Daily View
Each day at JCA starts with the Lord. Our students attend Chapel every morning with worship, prayer, and a message.
Throughout the day, students will attend their core classes, such as English, math, and history, with their teachers. For specials like art, music, Bible, and PE, they will travel with their class to another classroom.
We currently do not have the in-house capability to prepare lunch at any of our locations. We rely on the generous hearts of volunteer groups and individuals to provide meals. On the days not covered by a volunteer group, the students are asked to bring lunches from home.
All of our locations have recess throughout the day. We understand the importance of getting our students up and moving!
Learn About our Amazing Teachers
Our teachers are asked to sign a Statement of Faith and have a college degree. They are committed to walking side by side with each student to help them develop a personal relationship with Jesus, their classmates, and members of the community.
Kendra Heidt
JCA West Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Heidt received her degree from the University of Michigan. She was employed as an actuary for eight years. She served as a Special Education Associate in the Waukee preschools. God then led her to JCA West as a volunteer and then as a teacher. She and her husband have three children.
“I am thrilled to live out God’s purpose for my life as a teacher at JCA. I am especially excited for children to learn and know that God has a purpose and a plan for their lives.”
Marjorie Shade
JCA Main 4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Shade graduated from North High School. She had a long career with a number of distinguished organizations including the State of Iowa, NW Bell Telphone, DMACC, and Drake University before retiring in June of 2010. She holds an Associate’s Degree from DMACC, a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Drake, and a Master’s in Theology from Kingsway Seminary. Since 1998, she has co-pastored Amazing Grace Ministries and Outreach Church with her husband and founder, Rev. George Shade, Jr. She started teaching at JCA in 2018.
“I am grateful that the Lord saw fit for me to teach at JCA. I call it “A Dream Deferred.”
Shelly Jerrett
JCA South Kindergarten Teacher
God orchestrated every detail for me to join the JCA family and I give Him all the glory. I have a certificate of achievement in Cross Culture Studies and am finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Early Education with an endorsement in Special education.
I married my college sweetheart and together we have served on the mission field around the world and in our neighborhood as we raise our three children.
”Building relationships with our students and engaging in their everyday lives allows me to pour the love of Jesus into their hearts fervently praying for them to know the Lord personally and cultivating a fire that stirs them to serve Him with all their hearts. Together we shine our lights for His purpose and willing vessel each day.”
Marti Wojcik
JCA Main Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Wojcick graduated from William Penn University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading. She has had various teaching experiences including teaching in New York, Iowa, Michigan, and Arizona. She has held positions in special education and with Sylvan Learning Center as a tutor. Ms. Wojcik has three children. She served in the children’s ministry at BSF for three years.
“I know, without a doubt, that God has called me to be here at JCA. I am more than excited to see what God will do at this school and through the students who attend here. I consider it an honor to work with the amazing staff that God has placed at JCA. I look forward to teaching the children academics while incorporating the love of Christ freely into every part of our day. What a blessing it is to be a part of Joshua Christian Academy.”
Non-Discrimination Policy
Joshua Christian Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin. Subject to the United States Constitution, and all applicable state and federal laws, JCA does not discriminate in its employment or admissions practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the school’s Equity Coordinator, Joseph Jackson, Head of School, 1740 Garfield Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, 515-265-0603, jjackson@jcadm.org. JCA reserves the right to institute hiring and enrollment practices based on the school’s mission statement and philosophies.
