About Us
Our History
The Vision
The vision for a regional Christian school in the western part of New York’s Capital District began with a small group of deacons at First Presbyterian Church of Schenectady in 1974. After much prayerful preparation, their vision became a reality when Schenectady Christian School began in the fall of 1976 with three teachers and 29 students in kindergarten through fourth grade using First Presbyterian’s facilities. Envisioned as a regional non-denominational school from the beginning, other area churches quickly had representation on the Board of Directors.
Growth of the Vision
As the fledgling school grew in enrollment, lack of facilities such as a gym, cafeteria and library became a challenge. In 1979, the Board took a significant step of faith by purchasing the former Scotia Junior High School on Sacandaga Road. The new facilities made it possible for the rapid expansion of the school’s program and enrollment at the Scotia campus.
In 2008, we completed the first phase of a multi-year plan to improve our facilities. That phase included the construction of an Activity Center containing a 750-seat gym and athletic facilities; it also included a new parking lot, some renovation of our main building, new sidewalks, and landscaping.
In 2011 we became Mekeel Christian Academy, honoring Dr. Rev. Herbert Mekeel, an exceptional and godly man who played a key role in the launching of the Academy.
Our Philosophy
Christ the Center in Every Area of Life
First and foremost, Mekeel Christian Academy seeks to ensure that Jesus Christ is at the center of our philosophy, purpose, and programs. Believing that it is impossible to truly understand the creation without knowing the Creator, we strive to teach every subject area from the perspective of God's eternal word and to integrate its principles in every facet of school life. Our goal is to produce a generation of leaders who are able to both articulate a distinctly Christian worldview as well as to "live it out" in daily life.
A Passion for Educational Excellence
Mekeel Christian Academy seeks to honor the Lord through the pursuit of excellence in all areas of school life, resulting in a rigorous but developmentally appropriate program for all of its students.
A Heart for All Kids
Throughout our history, the desire of our school has been to make a Christian education available to as many students from Christian homes as possible. This mission along with our staff and faculty's love for all students have made it possible for students to succeed here who would otherwise have been unable to attain academic success.
A Partnership Approach
We believe that parents have the God-given responsibility for the education and training of their children and that our authority as a school is derived from the parents. The Christian school provides the opportunity for the home, school, and church to partner together in the shared task of the godly training of our youth. Mekeel seeks to reinforce, not contradict, the values that the home and church have worked so hard to build into their youth.
We believe all children can embrace who God has created them to be, can define their future, and can change the world.