Recent marketing efforts at Vista Ridge Academy, a preschool–8th grade school located in Erie, Colorado, and supported by the Boulder, Chapel Haven, and Twin Peaks churches, appear to have paid off! The new school year began on Wednesday, August 16 with 72 students enrolled. That number represents a 25% increase over last year’s enrollment! Principal and fifth and sixth grade teacher Sandy Hodgson said, “There’s a lot of energy. Parents are excited, students are excited. I’m looking forward to building friendships and getting students enthusiastic about learning. I also look forward to building better community with families, the community in Erie, and our constituent churches.”
VRA is known for its supportive and caring community. Jessyka Albert, associate pastor at Boulder Adventist Church, said, “There’s a warm family feeling when you walk in the door. You don’t feel alone; you’re instantly making connections and friends. Kids feel valued, important and loved.” Lucy Trujillo, who is enrolling her daughter at VRA for the first time this year, echoed this sentiment. “We chose Vista Ridge for our daughter because it’s family oriented with a small community. Everyone knows each other. We feel really good about the school. She’s happy and we’re happy!”
While the children found their way to their classrooms, received their locker combinations, and spent a few minutes getting to know new friends and greeting old ones, parents enjoyed a quiet breakfast in the library. School officially started with an all-school prayer session where faculty were introduced and constituent church pastors offered prayers of blessing for a great new year!
Judging from the happy faces of the children, it certainly does appear that the year is off to a great start. Of course one of the eighth graders, when asked about what he is most looking forward to this year, replied, “Summer.”
Contact: VISTA RIDGE ACADEMY 3100 Ridge View Dr, Erie, CO 80516. T. 303.828.4944
Email: shodgson@vistaridge.org Website: http://biz242.inmotionhosting.com/~vistar10
Becky De Oliveira is director of communication for Boulder Adventist Church.
