Shannon and Stephanie Lombard had their children in a Christian preschool near their home in Eastvale, but knew that as their daughter, Nina, approached first grade, they would need to find another option.  Their current school only allowed their children to complete kindergarten before transferring to another school. The Lombards decided early on that it was important to keep their kids in Christian education but hadn’t landed on the right school for their family.  

Then, one Sunday, they were sitting in service at Abundant Living Family Church when former superintendent, Tim Hoy, stood up to share about UCA.  As he talked about the graduating class and the statistics of college-bound seniors, Shannon and Stephanie felt God prompting them to find out more.

They scheduled a tour with Principal Barnes where they asked a lot of questions.  One of their biggest concerns was that their son, Shannon (SJ) was still on the younger side for kindergarten, but they knew he was ready.  Other schools hadn’t been willing to even assess him for placement, but Mr. Barnes offered to have the assessment done.  They were relieved to hear that because during their tour, they fell in love with UCA.  They felt the values of the school were exactly what they wanted for their family.  

After SJ had finished his assessment testing, Mr. Barnes called Shannon and Stephanie to confirm what they already knew, their son was ready to start kindergarten!  

Both kids started school in the Fall of 2018.  In those first couple of years, Shannon and Stephanie were spending three hours a day commuting for school and work but said that it was worth it.  “There is a commitment to partnership with the teachers, principals, and the superintendent at UCA.  We’re all working toward raising these kids together.”

Early on, the Lombards noticed the way United Christian intentionally invests in its curriculum for long-term student growth.  They loved the idea that even in elementary school, their children would be offered opportunities to explore arts, learn computer skills, and even begin studying a new language.  The variety of in-classroom and extra-curricular activities gave their kids exposure to so many character building and creative outlets.  

Diversity wasn’t only present in the classroom curriculum but in everyday campus life.  Shannon and Stephanie loved seeing diversity in family type, ethnicity, and faith backgrounds across campus.  The presence of different perspectives, cultures, and walks of life serves as a well-rounded community for their kids to grow in.  

Last year, Shannon and Stephanie sold their home to be closer to United Christian Academy.  They have seen the way that their children’s natural gifts and interests are being nurtured.  Nina loves helping people and is extremely creative.  In the classroom, Nina gets to serve others and has opportunity to get creative.  SJ loves stem.  The stem kits in his classroom fuel that curiosity.  While Shannon and Stephanie agree that these things are great, what actually pushed them toward such a major life shift was the Christ-centered education.  

“I know that when the teachers leave the classroom, they are the same people, living the same life as they were in it.  They are living out the fruits of the spirit.” Stephanie says.  The Lombards want their children to grow into adults that are honest, act with integrity, and have a firm foundation in Christ.  They know those things are being formed at United Christian Academy.

Shannon and Stephanie will continue to choose United Christian Academy not only because of the excellent education but because they feel the partnership of values between UCA and their home.