We are the

KCA WARRIORS

Kingdom Connection Academy (KCA) is a ministry of Trinity Friends Church. The educational philosophy of KCA is based on a God-centered view of truth and man as presented in the Bible, which is the final authority on all matters (John 1:1, II Tim. 3:16). The student is taught the Bible so he/she may understand God, as well as the student’s own true nature and function as God’s image.
Head of Schools, Dennis Shaffer

Meet Dennis Shaffer

Head of Schools

With over 30 years of experience in Church education and ministry, he is passionate about creating environments where students not only thrive academically but grow daily in their relationship with Jesus. 

Our Values

We offer an education centered on Christ, equipping students with the tools they need to make a positive impact in our community.

Luke 2:52 “And Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.”

We are committed to partnering with families in our community by providing a safe environment for their children to grow physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and spiritually, allowing Jesus to be an integral part of their lives.

Our approach includes:

  • Seeking the word of God for truth and using that for every decision they make.
  • Developing a deep and rich prayer life, centered in a personal relationship with Jesus, fostering open communication.
  • Cultivating emotionally healthy relationships.
  • Building loving connections, using Jesus as our model, including those who may be different from them.
  • Thinking critically, applying wisdom and truth to their learning, and discerning information rather than accepting it at face value.
  • Actively engaging the community through service to others.
  • Understanding their emotions and learning to use them positively in all situations.

Kingdom Connection Academy houses K-6th grade. Classes are small, allowing individual attention and opportunity to make friends and become part of the KCA family.

Curriculum
Your child will benefit from a strong academic foundation that emphasizes language arts, reading, writing, math and science. Bible classes are taught daily, with weekly chapel sessions for spiritual growth. Our licensed Christian educators integrate a biblical worldview into all subjects, ensuring our program exceeds state standards.

Community
Students actively engage in community service, reaching out to nursing homes, police officers, firefighters and veterans. They also support local food banks and shelters, learning the importance of serving others and making a positive impact on the world around them.

Enrichment
Enrichment opportunities abound, with classes in art, music, physical education, library and technology. Students also enjoy field trips and the chance to participate in competitions through the Association of Christian Schools International, encouraging both learning and personal growth.

Parent Involvement
Parents are invited to be active participants in their child’s education through volunteering, attending special programs and maintaining close communication with teachers. Weekly folders and regular school updates ensure parents are well-informed and closely connected to their child’s progress and school life.

Christian education is the result of all knowledge being tested against, and integrated with, a biblically based view of God and the world (Colossians 1:16, 17; John 1:3). The entire process of education is seen as a means used by the Holy Spirit to bring the student into fellowship with God, to assist the student in developing the mind of Christ, to train the student in Christ-likeness, to teach the student to respond like God and to help the student demonstrate Christ-like character qualities so that he/she can fulfill God’s total purpose for his/her life personally and vocationally.

  1. Students learn their identity is in Christ
  2. Teach Christ in every subject – incorporate Him in every part of life
  3. Smaller classrooms with rigorous education environment
  4. Character development of the whole person
  5. Develop a biblical world view based on truth

Admission

Ready to become a KCA Warrior? Click here to download our student application. Please mail or email the completed document and we will start the admission process.

17 students are enrolled (K-6th Grade) for 2025-2026 school year.

2025-26 TUITION AND TERMS

  • Non-Refundable Application Fee: $50
  • Annual Student Fee for K – 6th Grade: $300
  • 2025-26 Tuition: $ 6,500

Financial Aid

Kingdom Connection Academy participates in the EdChoice Scholarship Program offered by the state of Ohio. Through EdChoice, all families at KCA qualify for scholarships that make it possible for students to attend our school. This program offers substantial support for families, providing students with the opportunity to experience a high-quality, faith-based education at KCA.

Academics

Classes at KCA are taught from a biblical worldview, designed to actively engage students in learning while encouraging them to think critically. Our curriculum prepares students for college and equips them to become Christian leaders who make a meaningful impact in the world. Community outreach is a key part of the KCA experience—students at every grade level will participate in service projects throughout the year, striving to make both a local and global impact for Christ.

Daily Class Schedule:

  • Reading
  • Language Arts
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Handwriting
  • Bible
  • Lunch & Recess

Weekly Special Classes:

  • Gym
  • Art
  • Music
  • Chapel
  • Computer (monthly)

Support K.C.A.

Kingdom Connection Academy is a Nonpublic Chartered Christian school

1.

SGO Scholarships

The state of Ohio’s Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) tax credit authorizes donors who contribute to K-12 student scholarships through a certified SGO to receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their state taxes. Contributions made before April 15 will be credited toward the previous year’s tax liability. Applications for the 2025-26 school year are currently closed and under review. 

2.

Volunteer

We believe serving others builds a stronger, more connected community rooted in faith and compassion. Our volunteers are essential to creating an inspiring environment where students feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow.  

Kingdom Connection Academy

3.

Donate

We are always looking for gently used or new student reading books for classrooms and our school library.

You can also donate money directly to the school. 

Become a

KCA teacher

We seek Christians who have a passion to help students become servant-leaders and develop a devoted love for God and for His kingdom. Our team members must be in full support of the KCA mission, as well as possess the traits of a life-long learner.

All Teachers, Subs and Volunteers need
to complete the following:

  • Application / Resume
  • Have an FBI  and BCI done through the local Buckeye Education  (See school for this form)
  • Transcripts (Subs and Teachers only)
  • 3 References
  • Interview
  • Training
  • Signed Employee Handbook

Contact Us

Have questions? Feel free to reach out or fill out the contact form and we will get back to you!

Head of Schools, Dennis Shaffer

Meet Dennis Shaffer

Head of Schools

With a deep love for children and a calling to shape the next generation to be World Changers through Christ-centered education, Dennis Shaffer serves as Head of Schools with a heart rooted in faith and leadership.  With over 30 years of experience in Church education and ministry, he is passionate about creating environments where students not only thrive academically but grow daily in their relationship with Jesus.

Dennis believes that every child is uniquely created by God and has a divine purpose.  It’s his conviction that fuels his commitment to nurturing students spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. 

He is a graduate of Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary (Elementary Education/ Master’s).   Dennis married his childhood sweetheart Tawnya and they are blessed with three amazing kids (Zach, Justin, & Jordyn) and 7 grandchildren (Lane, Leena, Landry, Zayden, Jameson, Micah and baby?).   Before settling in Van Wert 4 years ago he spent many years in Indiana and Michigan.   When not walking the halls or leading chapel, Dennis loves to travel, water ski, and spend time with family at their lake cottage.

His life verse is Romans 8:28.

Board

Members

Dennis Shaffer  

Lisa Nolan

Seth Owens

Bruce Baer

Virginia Hammons

Angie Murphy

Brad Custis

 

Carla Custis

Cindy Tinnel

Scott Mayes

Treasurer

Our

Teachers

Mrs. Tammy Smith

Kindergarten

Mrs. Beth Saunier

1st-2nd Grade

Mr. Seth Owens

3rd Grade

Mrs. Missy Mullenhour

4th-6th Grade

Mr. Dennis Shaffer

Head of Schools

Ms. Lisa Nolan

P.E. Teacher

Mrs. Mandy Fifer

Music Teacher

Mrs. Angie Wolfrum

Art Teacher

Donate Directly To

Kingdom Connection Academy

  1. Click on the Donate Now button to donate via Trinity Friends Church.
  2. Be sure to select “Kingdom Connection Academy” under “Fund”. This will make sure you donation goes directly to the school. 
  3. Select one-time donation or make it monthly.
  4.  Enter your email address and hit “continue”.
  5. Finish filling out your payment information and complete your donation.