West Port Experiment

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“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” — Psalm 127:1

For several years, the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Corbin City has prayed and searched for an opportunity to acquire a school property and strengthen the work of Christian education. This summer, the Lord answered that desire through a remarkable series of providences that none of us could have arranged beforehand.

As Presbyterians, we believe the education of our covenant children cannot be separated from the lordship of Christ. God commands parents concerning His Word, “Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Education is therefore more than preparation for employment. We desire to assist parents in raising children who know Christ, understand His world, love His Church, and are prepared for useful Christian service.

Westminster Christian Academy (WCA), a fully confessional Christian school, was established in 2009 and for 17 years met at First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City. The PRC of Corbin City has long supported WCA by supplying teachers and sending students.

WCA serves grades K–12 and has a special relationship with Rowan College that permits qualified students to begin college coursework while still enrolled at WCA. Some students can earn substantial college credits and even an associate degree while completing high school.

WCA traditionally met Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. This allowed families to combine classroom education with homeschooling and made it possible for gifted volunteers to teach without assuming a five-day commitment. Under this model, enrollment grew to approximately 125 students.

Then, in June 2026, the Lord opened an unexpected door.

Southern Cape Christian School (SCCS) contacted WCA about taking over its school in Cape May Court House. SCCS had experienced declining enrollment and accumulated debt, but its board strongly desired that the property remains dedicated to Christian education.

WCA was not financially able to purchase the campus. Yet the Lord had already provided another piece of the answer. The PRC had received a generous donation from Central Bible OPC, placing the church in a position to purchase the property and partner with WCA.

After two months of negotiations, SCCS offered the property at a significantly reduced amount, enabling us essentially to purchase school outright without incurring any debt. Both the SCCS Board and the Session of the PRC unanimously approved the agreement. We are especially thankful for the SCCS Board, whose concern throughout the negotiations was that the property continue serving Christian families.

The Westminster Confession reminds us that God “doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things.” We cannot know God’s secret purposes, yet we can look upon His providences with gratitude. SCCS desired to preserve its Christian mission; WCA needed a permanent home; the PRC desired to strengthen Christian education; and Central Bible OPC provided a generous gift at the proper time.

The move also begins a new chapter for WCA. The school will expand to five days, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. WCA will continue providing teachers Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while the PRC will oversee Tuesday and Thursday.

Those additional days will emphasize practical education and Christian vocation. Students will study mechanical systems, horticulture, constitutional law, debate, speech, logic, life skills, business, finance, and sports science, with plans for STEM, computer science, culinary arts, and additional vocational instruction.

The Puritans understood vocation as more than one’s occupation. The Christian serves God in every lawful calling. We therefore want students who can understand the Westminster Confession and balance a budget; defend an argument and repair an engine; speak confidently and work faithfully with their hands. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

Providentially, Cape May County Technical School is only two miles from the new campus. Discussions with Cape Tech have opened opportunities for students to receive vocational instruction in more than 20 fields, including welding, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, automotive and marine-engine repair, culinary arts, and other trades.

Our purpose is not simply to build a larger school. We desire to assist Christian parents in preparing covenant children for faithful adulthood—for their homes, churches, communities, and whatever lawful vocations the Lord appoints them.

We are deeply thankful for Central Bible OPC, SCCS, WCA, and the many teachers, parents, volunteers, churches, and friends the Lord has used in this work.

Our prayer is that, should the Lord tarry, this property will serve generations of Christian families:

“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” — Psalm 145:4

Soli Deo Gloria!

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Written by Mr. Dan Patterson, ruling elder serving the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Corbin City.

Interested in supporting the school? We welcome every contribution toward the cause. You can donate here by Venmo. Please earmark your contribution for “WCA” or simply “school donation.”