History

Faith Academy began as a dream . . . the dream of a few missionaries who envisioned a place where their children could grow and learn. These parents confidently placed their vision for a school in the hands of God and watched as He took their dream and formed it into reality. The school began with donated books and equipment in a rented large old house on V. Mapa Street in Manila. The home served as both classrooms and dormitory. Forty-seven students in grades 1-8 and six teachers began this journey of faith on July 15, 1957. The school quickly outgrew its facility and land was purchased about ten miles east of Manila. During the summer of 1962, the school moved to the new property. The 1962-63 school year opened with 212 students. In 1965, Faith’s first senior class of eleven students graduated.

There are many chapters in the story of God’s faithfulness to the school. A particularly noteworthy one occurred on November 19, 1970 when Faith Manila was severely damaged by typhoon Yoling. Sixty percent of the campus was destroyed. Gratefully, there were only three minor injuries. As the news went out, God faithfully began to bring in the funds and expertise to rebuild. Classes for the elementary were cancelled until after Christmas break. Grades 7 – 12 held classes at International School in the afternoons. By January 8, 1971, reconstruction of the classrooms was far enough along so all classes could resume. God provided over and above our needs and Faith was not only able to rebuild but a number of expansion projects were completed with the additional funds. According to one staff member, “God has turned our disaster into one of the best things that has happened to Faith Academy”.

Faith Academy Manila has maintained a dynamic and relevant education through the years as illustrated in the following significant events. It was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 1972. Daniel Kim began a new trend in 1979 by becoming the first of many Korean students to enroll. In 1981 Faith began offering the University of Cambridge, U.K. IGCSE Education programme. The first Korean teacher joined our staff in 1999 and in 2004 a Korean Studies program was added in the high school.

In 1982, a group of parents from United Christian Academy and several home schooling families in Davao asked Faith Academy to facilitate a branch school. Faith Academy Mindanao was established as a satellite school of Faith Academy Manila. Dr. Ed Danielson served as the founding administrator.

This sister school, Faith Academy Davao moved to the present campus in 1987. In July 2008, Mindanao International Christian Academy (MICA) ceased operations and Faith Academy Inc., extended its service in Davao to meet the needs of high school MK students, thus creating the new merged student body, staff, and employees. In addition, the MICA facilities became a part of Faith Academy facilities. The campus is now known as Faith Academy Mindanao (taking on part of the MICA name).

In 2005, Faith Academy was formally recognized by the Philippine Department of Education as an International School in conjunction with our charter as an alien school. As a result, the school may accept students of any nationality including Filipinos. Today, Filipinos are our third largest ethnic group.

The year 2006 marked some great milestones for our campuses. After going through a number of interim superintendents, the school was blessed to have Tom Hardeman accept the position. He is now in his sixth year and brings stability and wonderful leadership. The 2006-2007 year also included the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Faith Academy Manila and the 25th anniversary of Faith Academy Davao.

One of the great joys of the last few years has been the privilege Faith has had in partnering with Ttokomsa Home Mission Church to assist teachers from restricted access countries. We have had seven groups of teachers come and observe how the school operates, participate in workshops, collaborate with staff, and interact with students.

In Manila, the Dick and Helen Cadd Fine Arts Center was opened in October 2008. The heart of the Center is a 900-seat auditorium. This facility, along with the adding of 8th period to the school day, has transformed the Fine Arts Program in High School. The only classes offered during that period are Fine Arts. In 2009, the Kiehlbauch Science Wing was completed, adding three state-of-the-art science classrooms to the Manila campus. Meanwhile, Faith Academy Mindanao added new classrooms, the Performing Arts Center, a covered court, and a new soccer pitch during this time.