New high school to open in Sparta

Sparta - Area parents and students will have another option coming September. Veritas Christian Academy, a new Christian high school planning to serve Sussex County and the surrounding region, will open its doors for freshman and sophomores on Tuesday, Sept. 5. The new school will be housed in the Sparta Evangelical Free Church’s new facility located on Route 15 in Sparta. The academy, which plans to add junior and senior classes over the next two years, will offer education in a “Christ-centered environment.” According to its mission statement, the school aims to “train the minds, develop the Christian character, and enrich the spiritual lives of its students through quality academic programs and extra-curricular activities. Its purpose is to glorify God by teaching a Biblical world view of life in a Christ-centered environment.” “This is a school for those searching for a fine academic program for their children with God’s truth being the center of their world. This represents the basis for our program versus something that is removed from the public sector,“ said Dr. Eric S. Mindrebo, the academy’s school administrator. Up to now, the closest Christian high school in the area was located in North Haledon, a one-and-half hour bus commute from Sparta. Christian K-8 schools are located in Newton and in Sussex. Mindrebo said he believes the academy is fulfilling a need for those area residents who want their children to continue their education in a Christian environment. The plans for the new school started six years ago with a feasibility study and several public meetings where members of the community expressed its desire and support for such a venture. Phase one of the project took a year and half to complete and comprised 20 classrooms and a gym. Phase two which has not yet begun, will include administrative offices. According to Mindrebo, the new academy and the Sparta Evangelical Free Church maintain an independent relationship with each other, with the exception of the church’s allowing the academy to rent its new facility. The school is searching for land to build its permanent home. Mindrebo said he believes the school has secured a lot located only ¼ mile north from the church, on Route 15. According to Mindrebo, moving into the new building may take four to five years. The Veritas Christian Academy will host an open house next month. The school is currently accepting applications for the 2006/2007 school year and offering Opportunity Fund need-based scholarships for families unable to afford the almost $9,000 a year tuition. An independent company will provide financial assessments for families applying for tuition assistance. Residents are asked to contact the academy at 973-579-6333 to request an application. The forms may also be downloaded from the academy’s Web site at www.veritaschristianacademy.org.