Being a student at CELA has positively impacted my everyday life. We talk about what being a Christian means and how we can share our Christian values with others. CELA also provides educational opportunities that I would not have if I was at a different school. It truly is a wonderful experience, and I would recommend CELA to anyone who values education and Christian values.
CELA 7th Grade Student

Attending CELA (Christian Education Leadership Academy) has been an amazing experience for me as an eighth grader. I have always loved science and math and CELA has provided me with the opportunity to explore these subjects in depth. The teachers are knowledgeable about their subjects and are always willing to help me understand the material better. The small class sizes also allow for more one-on-one interaction with teachers. CELA also has elective choices that fit my passions, for example robotics and musical technology. Additionally, CELA strives to improve our Christian values and make us better Christian leaders. I am so grateful for the education and opportunities that CELA has provided me with and would recommend it to any student
CELA 8th Grade Student

I am a CELA student in the eighth grade. I have deeply enjoyed my time here at CELA and will miss it when I am in high school. I feel I am extremely ready for high school because of the amazing opportunities CELA has given me. The teachers are great and go out of their way to help us succeed. I love the electives CELA has, and have enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of such a great school.
CELA 8th Grade Student

I am glad to be a part of this school. My time at CELA has helped me become a better student, leader, and Christian. My close relationships with my teachers and friends are blessings that make every day better. The teachers always help me strive to do my best academically and spiritually. The Chapel services and CVLD class teach me important Christian Values that help me become a better leader and stronger person. I particularly like having younger chapel buddies that I can be an example to. I have also had a lot of opportunities to show these leadership skills outside of the classroom by participating in sports like basketball and cross country as well as in the school musical. CELA is truly an amazing school.
CELA 8th Grade Student

Here at CELA I am blessed to have such amazing classes, electives, teachers, and extracurricular activities. Every day we learn through a variety of educational classes, including Science, Math, Social Studies, E.L.A., and many other excellent courses. There are a range of amazing extracurricular activities too, including many different sports, Chess Club, and Lego Club. The teachers are one of the best parts of CELA because they help me grow not just as a student but as a role model and a leader. With the small class sizes over the years my classmates have become more than friends, almost like family. They are kind, respectful, and we always find a way to have fun. CELA is a truly amazing school, and I am truly blessed to go here.
CELA Student

CELA is an exceptional school because its education system provides a solid groundwork for high school and, ultimately, real life, and it helps students to grow in their faith. At CELA, I am developing great leadership skills that will aid me in the future. The school’s system of learning Christian values has helped me understand and appreciate my faith more and is a fantastic step into Christianity for younger students. The teachers are always very supportive and ready to help students grow. CELA has been a huge part of my life, and I am proud to be a CELA Lion!
CELA Student

CELA is a great school. I am a new student at CELA, and all my comments show how outstanding this school is. You can choose electives, which are basically the non-core classes. You can take the normal things like PE or Art, but you can also take Robotics, Spanish, and Public Speaking. The teachers at CELA teach you how to excel in every class. They want us to get ready for high school, so they treat some things as if it were high school work. Overall, CELA has one of the best education curriculums out of the schools I have been to in the past. I love CELA!
CELA Student

Here at CELA I get to enjoy a variety of electives, teachers who know how to help me succeed, and classmates that are always kind and considerate. Every Trimester, I get to choose new and exciting electives such as robotics or forensics. These classes help me learn new life skills that I would not have known before. In every class I have, the teachers always know how to help me grow not just as a student but as a leader. If I have a problem with anything, they will always find a way to teach me how to correct my mistake. Finally, my classmates are always respectful to everyone, and they make sure that everyone feels included in our class. CELA is truly a great place to go to school
CELA Student

CELA is truly a wonderful school. It is a place where you will always be accepted and are sure to learn something new every day. I feel truly blessed to be at this school, and the teachers are amazing. I love to be able to express my faith and learn about God every day. I am grateful for CELA!
CELA Student

Christian Education Leadership Academy is an incredible school that has changed my life. I have learned not only Science, Mathematics, Language Arts, etc., but have also immensely grown my relationship with God. Each day is new and an educational adventure that increases knowledge and sensibility. Here at CELA, you are challenged, worked, and pushed but always end in triumph. The teachers are there for the students and try their best to make sure every pupil succeeds. To conclude, CELA is a remarkable school in which you will surely excel academically and grow as a leader.
CELA Student

CELA has prepared me in countless ways, from becoming a leader in the classroom to excelling in my academics, strengthening my faith and lastly being a leader in sports! I was set up for success for school and life due to CELA’s expectations, rigor and fast-pace of classes. I have transitioned without issue to a very challenging high school and that is due to CELA’s high standards and wonderful teachers.
CELA Alumni

CELA prepared me in my faith. School is hard! Remembering that we are working for the Glory of God is something that really keeps me going in my studies.
CELA Alumni

From leadership development classes to extracurricular clubs, there are many ways in which CELA has prepared me. Specifically pertaining to leadership development, Wednesday student-led chapels teach skills such as time management, planning, organization, leadership, and more as students aim to provide a lesson on a certain topic to the rest of the school.
CELA Alumni

CELA best prepared me for my education in building the right habits. They push you hard in middle school and the teachers always check up on you, when they notice something is “off.” Additionally, the teachers sought to have a relationship with me, and it made me realize how important that is in school. This carried over to high school as I developed many great relationships with my teachers.
CELA Alumni

CELA best prepared me for my education by holding high standards in the classroom and having lots of leadership opportunities in different classes, whether it is through speeches, group work, or leading chapel for the school.
CELA Alumni

I think CELA best prepared me for my education by challenging me on a wide variety of subjects. I was always more interested in math and science, but my education at CELA contained much more than that. I had to step out of my comfort zone and explore other areas of academic interest. This is now allowing me to feel more comfortable picking general education requirements that don’t fit in my STEM realm.
CELA Alumni

CELA has been our biggest blessing of 2022! We found an environment where our children can learn who God says they are and build a strong foundation in Christ before the world can influence them. The teachers, staff, and families we met this year have greatly impacted us. Our daughter sprints into CELA each morning, eager to start her day because she feels loved and valued. As a parent, I am extremely thankful we found CELA!
CELA Parent

We have been very pleased with our experience at CELA.  Between the small class sizes, the personal attention from teachers and staff, and the commitment to Christian teachings throughout the day, our children have flourished here. CELA challenges the children academically but through a loving and supportive environment. Teacher and staff communication is very consistent. They truly care about the whole child and his or her wellbeing. My children are learning leadership skills that are so absent among young people today.  It is woven into all their activities which will ready them for their next education level and beyond. We are committed to CELA and see how this organization is uniquely special.
CELA Parent

We, as parents, make decisions to best set our children up for success. I am happy to say that the decision we made to move our children to CELA was one that doesn't seem like a decision... it seems more like an answer to a prayer.

Our children are thriving in CELA's environment. The smaller class sizes, the combination of technology with a first-class curriculum, while also weaving in Christian principles is exactly the combination we were looking for. Within the first months we saw strides in the kids’ confidence and communication. The "Chapel Buddies" aspect of the leadership development program has already made a noted difference in our somewhat shy, and sometimes timid kids. Who knew our 7-year-old could stand up in front of the whole school and confidently read a prayer? We do, now.

Don't let the beautiful building, state-of-the-art facilities, and property overshadow the real value of this school: the tight, family-esque staff and students sharing a Christian based education while developing personal character and setting kids up for future academic success is what sets CELA apart. As a parent that is guilty of over-researching, over-questioning, and forever wondering if what I/we are doing for our kids is the right thing; this is one decision I am confident that our family will look back on as one of the best we have made in our kids’ lives.
CELA Parent

As a founding family at CELA, we can attest to the wonderful impact it has had on our children’s lives over the years.  Our oldest two started at CELA in preschool and first grade and are now in middle school, and our youngest child is currently in the elementary program.

CELA’s unique program offers children a multitude of opportunities for intellectual, emotional, and social development, both inside and outside of the classroom. The small classes sizes allow for significant personal attention, individualized learning, and foster close relationships among students.

One aspect of CELA that stands out is the opportunity the children have for leadership and public speaking. Even the youngest children are able to stand in front of the entire school and say a prayer or participate in a special program or event (with an older student helper). These regular opportunities instill confidence and provide exceptional avenues for personal development.

Another unique aspect of CELA is that it has the flexibility to tailor its academic program to meet students’ educational needs individually. For example, our son goes to a higher grade level for certain classes for further enrichment, and high-achieving middle school students can take high-school level math courses.

We are also extremely pleased with our children’s spiritual growth and development thanks to the Christ-focused curriculum, teachers, and staff. Our children’s understanding of Bible stories and of Jesus’ love, even at young ages, has been truly inspiring.

Finally, CELA provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and develop at their own pace. We take comfort in knowing that they are in excellent care at CELA. We cannot say enough good things about CELA and highly recommended it to all families seeking an academically rigorous Christian education.
CELA Parent

When choosing a 3K program, we did extensive research in hope of finding the right fit for our son. We are now halfway through our second year and continue to be so confident that we made the right decision in sending him to CELA.  Every staff member at CELA is incredible and treats us like family. From the moment the kids walk in the door each morning they are greeted by name with warmth and love. Christian values, academic excellence and leadership are at the core of everything done at CELA. We are so impressed that even the 4K students participate in chapel services and have music, art, gym, and Spanish as part of their curriculum. Also, what sets CELA apart is how involved the older classes are with the younger students, which helps organically foster a sense of community and belonging, even with the youngest children. We are so blessed to have a world-class program and facility rooted in Christian values right in Lake Country. I can’t imagine sending our son anywhere else and as parents we know CELA was the best decision we could have made for our family.
CELA Parent

CELA has created an incredible environment of academic excellence that also fosters kindness, respect, and a love of Jesus in its students. Small class sizes and genuine love and care from staff allow my son to be challenged by an individualized education that he anticipates with excitement each day. The school sponsors outreach projects that teach the kids to spread kindness and the gospel. We could not ask for a better blend of Christian education and top-notch academics. We wouldn't consider sending our 3 kids anywhere else, so we are looking forward to many more years as part of the CELA family!
CELA Parent

Sending my preschool child to CELA was one of the best decisions. Not only is he academically learning, but his emotional and social needs are being nurtured and met by every single staff member that he interacts with. The staff is amazing! The small class sizes, the teaming up with older kids for learning opportunities, the array of classes he's exposed to at such a young age is giving him experiences that he wouldn't get anywhere else. If you're even just considering CELA, make an appointment for a tour, you will not be disappointed!
CELA Parent

I see the leadership in my child at home since starting at CELA.
CELA Parent

My child asked to go to school early.
CELA Parent

We were looking for something different, not public and not parochial. CELA is the right blend.
CELA Parent

We were so excited to enroll our daughter at CELA for elementary school. We were looking for a school where kids thrive and learn the way we learned as kids. About two months into the school year, she came home and said, "you know what Mom ... I really picked a good school." I am not sure there is anything better that can be said. When your child is happy in an environment that encourages and challenges them to try new things, teaches them to understand challenges they face while building strong relationships, character and interpersonal skills, that is priceless education. The elementary school years are critical in the development of children, and we can say without question that our daughter is being educated to be a person who cares about and thinks about others, who is academically equipped to handle life and any changes it brings. The staff at CELA really care about our daughter and our family. We could not be happier with our choice to send our daughter to CELA and most importantly, our little girl is too!
CELA Parent

My child is more polite and responsible at home since he came to CELA.
CELA Parent

We’ve been searching for a Christian school with academic excellence and we finally found one.
CELA Parent

My wife Krista and I would like to express our sincere thanks to Brian and Nancy Nahey for both constructing and welcoming our son into the CELA family.

As one of the founding families, we have been at CELA since its inception and have enjoyed our experience there. Our son has grown with a close class of friends that are now in their final year (8th grade). Besides solid academics that we believe have him well prepared for high school next year (Arrowhead), he has also grown as a leader, mentor, charitable young citizen and most importantly a person with Christian values.

We feel very blessed that CELA became part of our lives, and we were able to contribute to its growth and success.
CELA Parent

My child asked to do the prayer at dinner last night for the first time and my husband and I were amazed.
CELA Parent

I like the emphasis on mastery learning.
CELA Parent

CELA is the only school in Lake Country that delivers academic excellence grounded in Christian faith. The amazing teachers and staff at CELA have helped to shape our children and prepare them for a successful future. CELA represents a community of like-minded families who want the absolute best for their children. We have every confidence that CELA has prepared our children for the challenges of the future, not only professionally but also spiritually.
CELA Parent

My child asked to go to school and not go on vacation.
CELA Parent

Until CELA my child never used the words ‘love’ and ‘school’ in the same sentence.
CELA Parent

Over the past 6 years, we’ve moved multiple times and tried to find the right school for our boys to grow as young learners. I can say with full confidence that we’ve found it at CELA.

CELA is a family, from 3K to 8th grade. Our preschoolers truly look up to the older students who are tasked with taking the little ones under their wings and setting an example for how and why we worship God. Faith, leadership, and academic excellence are engrained in every aspect of the school. All kids are taught how to speak to a crowd and how to greet people. Manners and respect for others is emphasized during this crucial introduction to education and socialization.

The preschool program at CELA provides the building blocks for young learners. Each student’s learning is catered to their level, so those that need a challenge get it! My 4K student is learning sight words and starting to read. This is not a daycare-like preschool setting by any means. In addition to the basics, the students go to Spanish, Music, Art, and Gym specials weekly.

The facilities are exemplary, and the staff are some of the most helpful, committed, and compassionate people I’ve ever encountered. We could not be happier that we found CELA. We look forward to watching our children continue to grow there.
CELA Parent

Since joining CELA almost 2 years ago our kids have grown so much more than just in their learning capabilities, and the general courses offered. While our kids have grown in their English Language Arts, Science, Math, and Social Studies, they have also matured in their walk with God. Their maturity when dealing with a recent death of a family friend astounded me. Not only is CELA teaching our kids in core subjects, but they are also preparing our kids for the trials of life from a biblical perspective.

We had previously attended a different private school in the Lake Country area which is well know for its rigor in academics. CELA has proven more academically rigorous but has prepared the kids better for this rigor than their previous school with less homework. We are astounded by their growth. This is evidenced by the constant improvements we see in our children’s testing scores. Both kids and parents in our home have been so happy with the decision to become part of the CELA family.
CELA Parent

The most outstanding part of CELA is the student body.
CELA Teacher

As a career educator with over 20 years of classroom experience, I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the CELA staff and school community. Although new to the CELA faculty, I immediately discovered an environment where I felt thoughtfully supported by school leadership and fellow colleagues. Having a background in public and private school settings, it is rare to find a place where academic success is equally paired with a solid Christian foundation. Beyond creating educational environments where student success is cultivated through individualization, every staff member wraps their teaching around a compassionate calling to develop student academic and interpersonal success. CELA encourages students to be the best version of themselves, as God created them to be, in their words and actions, both in and out of the classroom. The addition of a strong family involvement component further empowers staff members to create a sense of community and belonging. I am genuinely thankful to be a part of this remarkable team and look forward to going to work each day.
CELA Teacher

After many years in public education, it is amazing to share the love of Jesus with my CELA students and coworkers every day! The Christian Values and Leadership Development program that starts each school day in every grade focuses staff and students on the Biblically based values that allow us to share the message of the Gospel with the world. It’s my favorite part of the job and sets CELA apart from other schools. In addition, dedicated and supportive parents and students, a staff that cares for each other like family, and extensive curriculum resources make CELA a special place to work.
CELA Teacher

At CELA, we are not just co-workers, we are family. We support each other, lift each other up, and go the extra mile. We do this for each other and, most importantly, for our students. At CELA, the entire staff works together to ensure that students are excelling and receiving an exceptional education. This includes learning the value of leadership and Christian values, all while having some fun! The care and trust the administration have in their teachers is truly special! I look forward to being here each day and am truly blessed to work with such professional and positive people!
CELA Teacher

I am so proud to be a member of the CELA Staff. My favorite thing about CELA is our community. Our staff and parents feel like family. We are a family that encourages and supports one another with the same goal in mind. We want to grow and develop the hearts and minds of our amazing students. We desire to help them to be rooted in faith, preparing them to lead the next generation with wisdom and the love of Christ.
CELA Staff Member

Having been a teacher at CELA since it opened, I can say honestly that our commitment to the three pillars of academic excellence, Christian values, and leadership development never wavers. What sets our school apart is how these three combine together to provide a learning environment that is truly unique. Each of the pillars complement each other in such a way that our students are changed in a way that others can’t help but notice. Parents tell us all the time about the changes they see in their children at home. Local high schools have told us over and over that our graduates that we send to them have something “different” and become leaders at their schools. Now that we have several graduating classes who are in college, we can see all the more the fruition of our vision to make Christian leaders for all walks of life. I look forward to my own two children being a part of this vision and gaining something that they could not at another school.
CELA Teacher

I have never experienced greater support from families.
CELA Teacher

Ever since I started teaching at CELA in 2021, I have been in awe of the many opportunities this school has to offer. The students and staff are incredibly lucky to have top-notch resources and facilities available to them daily. Another special thing about CELA is that the teachers and supporting staff members are on the same page when it comes to student goals and objectives. We all work extremely hard in shaping our students to be well-rounded individuals. It is just amazing to see the results, when students not only understand the curriculum, but when they show leadership, Christian values, and how to be a successful member of the community.
CELA Teacher

I have been fortunate to work at CELA with a variety of talented staff members who have not only taught me innovative teaching techniques but who have also enriched the meaning of CELA’s 3 pillars: Christianity, Leadership & Academics. Like many educational institutions, academic excellence is the main goal, however at CELA, code of conduct within school and the community, and the commitment to raising Christian leaders is equally important. CELA is interested in the student as a whole and thus the staff works diligently to develop each part of that student. The teachers take time to get to know each student as well as their family members. As a result, the trusting relationships among staff members themselves as well as between the staff and students are quite unique. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work at CELA and be a part of an amazing place.
CELA Teacher