News Summary

Napa Christian Campus of Education has announced it will discontinue its high school program due to financial challenges and a decline in international student enrollment. As the school transitions to serve only younger students starting in the 2025-26 school year, Principal Justine Leonie described the decision as a significant change. The departure of Prolific Prep, a major basketball academy, further impacted enrollment numbers. Despite launching a fundraising campaign, the school faces financial hurdles but remains committed to improving its educational offerings for younger students.

Napa Faces Change as Local Christian School Alters High School Program

The picturesque city of Napa is about to witness a significant change at the Napa Christian Campus of Education, as the beloved institution has announced it will be discontinuing its high school program. This decision follows the departure of Prolific Prep, a renowned basketball academy that had been an integral part of the school since 2017. A mix of financial challenges and a decline in international student enrollment have prompted this tough move.

Transitioning to Focus on Younger Students

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Napa Christian will shift its focus and operating model, serving students only from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. Currently, the school caters to approximately 160 students. The decision has been described by Principal Justine Leonie as a “tectonic shift,” reflecting profound changes at the school. It has been made solely on financial grounds and after extensive discussions among school board members and the local community, who ultimately lent their support to the closure.

The Impact of Prolific Prep’s Departure

Prolific Prep had played a substantial role in boosting Napa Christian’s prestige, producing several notable basketball talents, including 12 McDonald’s All-Americans and five NBA players. Their move to Florida to open a state-of-the-art training facility for the upcoming 2025-26 season has left a significant void in the high school enrollment numbers. This departure is undoubtedly a huge loss for the school, which had benefitted from the academy’s presence for so many years.

Struggles with International Enrollment

The decline in the school’s international student enrollment has also been concerning. Napa Christian has seen interest wane, with only 12 international students from a handful of countries currently enrolled. Historically, these students have contributed greatly to the school’s finances, paying annual tuition rates that ranged from $27,875 to $33,525—more than double the rates for domestic students. As policies around immigration tighten, schools like Napa Christian have found it increasingly challenging to attract international families, an issue that reflects broader national trends.

A Rich History at Napa Christian

Napa Christian has a rich legacy, dating back over a century and initially formed by members of the Napa Seventh-day Adventist Church. The school opened its Pine Street campus in 1947 and expanded to a full K-12 institution in 2003, graduating its first senior class just two years later in 2005. The coming spring will mark the final high school graduation, bringing an end to a chapter that has lasted for decades.

Financial Challenges Ahead

In light of these transitions, the school has recently launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for necessary infrastructure improvements. Despite reaching out for community support, the campaign has raised a mere $2,600 toward its $50,000 goal. While the appeal highlighted some serious financial hurdles, it did not specify any immediate plans for shutting down other programs, leaving many in the community hoping for a brighter future.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges ahead, Napa Christian is committed to enhancing its project-based model for transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. The school aims to position itself as a leader in elementary education within the region, seeking to create an enriching and engaging environment for its young learners. Change is always a bit unsettling, but it also brings new opportunities, and the community is hopeful for what lies ahead.

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