Westminster Christian Academy (Missouri) - History

History

Westminster Christian Academy opened on September 7, 1976 to 72 students. In the first two years, Westminster operated out of rented classrooms from Missouri Baptist University. For the first two years, Nolan Vander Ark was headmaster of the school. Before joining Westminster, Mr. Vander Ark served as a Christian Reformed Missionary in Africa. After two years of renting space, the administration purchased a campus known as the "Des Peres School" in Kirkwood, Missouri. Once Westminster moved to the new campus, Evelyn Downs stepped up as headmistress. She remained headmistress until 1981. Four years after changing locations, the student body quadrupled. The necessity of finding space for the rapidly growing school was unavoidable. So in 1982, Westminster purchased a campus in Creve Coeur where the school is currently located. During this tumultuous time, Arlen Dykstra became headmaster and oversaw the relocation of the school. Under his guidance, the school was accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. (ISACS). In 1984, the school found itself to be without a headmaster once more. Larry Birchler, the registrar for the school, acted in the role of Headmaster until a suitable replacement could be found. In 1985, Jim Marsh became headmaster and continues to lead the Westminster community to this day.