Calvary Christian Academy closes down

After many years of serving the CNMI, Calvary Christian Academy will be shuttering its doors effective this month, a decision that has saddened many parents, students, and education officials.

CCA founder and principal Scott Norman confirmed the school’s shutdown in a short telephone interview yesterday with Saipan Tribune.

According to Board of Education member Herman T. Guerrero, Norman’s decision to close down the institution was first relayed to the Public School System and Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan.

Saddened by the action, Guerrero blamed the bad economy as the main reason for the closure. He told Saipan Tribune that the board understands the rationale behind the decision.

“We hate to see something like that [closure] to happen because we consider the private schools as partners of PSS. But we understand that there are some realities that they have to live with,” said Guerrero, adding that CCA failed to meet the needed enrollment numbers to stay afloat.

A possible re-opening of the institution, he said, was never mentioned when Norman made the courtesy call to the board.

Ellen Delos Santos, a parent of a CCA student, said the decision to close down brought disappointment and sadness to the family.

Delos Santos’ two children both studied at CCA for many years. Her youngest—Savannah—just completed her ninth grade and was excited for her 10th grade opening. The student has been at CCA since K-4.

“We received a letter from the school informing us about this decision. We felt bad that it has to close down, but we understand their decision and we respect that,” she said, admitting that it would be a big adjustment for her daughter to look for another school.

According to the mother, she chose CCA for the quality of service it provides to each and every student.

Victoria Nishida, a mother of two kids who studied at CCA for many years, was also unhappy about the news. She told Saipan Tribune that she cried when she heard the news.

Victoria’s daughter—Midori—just graduated last week as valedictorian in the high school level of CCA.

She said that when she first scouted for a school for her children, she researched almost each and every private school on island and decided to enroll her kids at CCA. For her, CCA is among the best educational institutions in the Commonwealth.

News about the CCA’s closure has been a hot topic in many Facebook interactions. Many alumni of the institution have expressed their sentiments and offered nothing but praise for their alma mater and mentors.

Ladera International School also closed down a couple of years back for the same reason—a dearth in the number of enrollees.