The King's Academy

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD.” Psalm 127:3

Our Purpose and Vision

A thriving ministry at Sierra Bible Church, The King's Academy was founded in the fall of 2002. The goal of The King's Academy is to provide members of the church and community a school with high academic expectations and Biblical teaching. The King's Academy believes children are a gift of God (Psalm 127:3 ), and strive to help all children achieve to their highest ability in all areas. Although The King's Academy is recognized as an exempt school by the state of Nevada, it strives to meet and exceed the academic standards set forth by the Washoe County School District.

Our Curriculum and Structure

The King's Academy implements the ABeka curriculum for all grade levels. Other curriculums are used to supplement and provide a well-rounded education. Chapel is held every Thursday in the sanctuary, an event parents are encouraged to attend.

School starts at 8:30 AM for all grades, and ends at 11:30 AM for kindergarten, 2:30 PM for grades 1-3, and 3:00 PM for grades 4-6.

Students enrolled in The King's Academy are required to wear uniforms. Specific uniform guidelines can be found in the parent manual.

Before and after-school care is provided through His Kids Preschool.

 

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The King's Academy is operated as an exempt school under the provision of NRS 394.211 and as such is exempt from the provisions of the Private Elementary and Secondary Education Authorization Act.

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Tuition & Fees

Registration Fee - The registration fee is an annual fee for all students. It is to be paid at the time of registration.

First child - $60 per year
Two children - $90 per year total
Three children - $120 per year total.

Kindergarten
Book Fee/Activity Fee -$60 per year
Tuition - $325 per month/month/x10 payments ($3,250 annually)

First - Sixth Grade
Book Fee/Activity Fee - $200 per year
Tuition - $360 per month/x10 payments ($3,600 annually)

 

Staff

Mrs. Irene Miller
Founder, Principal, First Grade Teacher

Irene Miller, the founder of The King’s Academy, has a wealth of experience in education. Prior to The King’s Academy, Mrs. Miller started two other private schools, one in Vermont and one in Texas. A college graduate in education with over thirty years experience as a teacher, she still loves seeing the reaction in a pupil who is learning something for the first time. Irene enjoys using creative approaches to phonics and math, which keeps her students consistently working above grade-level. Her fun-loving, disciplined approach to teaching and school headship has earned respect amongst students, parents, and church leadership. Married, with two sons, two daughters, and ten grandchildren, Irene lives in Reno with her husband, Arthur, who is affectionately called "Moose."

Mrs. Christy Cronk-Kindergarten Teacher

A naturally gifted teacher, Christy Cronk has taught in both the AWANA program and Sunday School at Sierra Bible Church for over twenty years. An energetic classroom presence, with several years experience teaching Kindergarten, Mrs. Christy gets excited with the kids when she sees their faces brighten over learning a new concept. Mrs. Christy uses her musical background and creativity when approaching classroom concepts -- a practice which keeps her students engaged in the learning process. Originally from Southern California, Mrs. Christy moved to Reno at the age of eight. She and her husband Jeff have two children, both of whom have attended The King’s Academy.

Mrs. Jill Ball-First Grade Teacher

Mrs. Jill has been entrusted with the care of children for many years. An experienced Sunday school teacher, she has also worked in a home daycare setting for thirteen years. A California girl, she attended Cal State-Fullerton. She has been married to John for over twenty years and has four children ranging in age from grade school through college. Mrs. Jill has served in AWANA and uses her vocal gift on worship team and choir, and in singing solos. Mrs. Jill enjoys getting acquainted with the strengths and weaknesses of her students in both academics and life. Her passion for teaching lies in seeing students grasp new concepts. Her genuine love for the students she teaches exudes through her smile and demeanor, which quickly puts those around her at ease.

Mrs. Paula Larson-Second Grade Teacher

Mrs. Larson earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in elementary and special education. She is motivated by the eyes of her students when they are filled with pride and accomplishment upon tackling an academic challenge. Alongside the curriculum, Ms. Paula utilizes games and creativity to solidify concepts. Her teaching experience includes time spent in special education, pre-school, and first and second grades. Ms. Paula is married to Steve, and bringing great joy to their lives are their two daughters.

Mrs. Megan Wallace-Second Grade Teacher

A UNR graduate, holding a degree in elementary education, Mrs. Megan began her teaching career at the preschool level. She enjoys the refreshing life perspectives her students bring to the classroom. Her genuine love for Christ and zest for life create an enticing learning environment. 

Mrs. Megan recently married! Both she and her husband were raised in close-knit families with deep roots in the Reno area.  As a college student, she studied abroad in Australia. Those that know her well are acquainted with her adventurous side. She once participated in sky-diving and a bungee jump on the same day.

Mrs. Shelly Aranda-Third Grade Teacher

Mrs. Shelly enjoys inspiring students by making school fun and relevant. A 2006 graduate of UNR with an elementary education degree, Mrs. Shelly taught kindergarten for three years and homeschooled her own children during middle school. Married to Jaime for almost thirty years, their three grown children are involved in collegiate pursuits. Mrs. Shelly’s organized and artistic classroom, as well as her winning smile, assists young learners in realizing their potential.

Mrs. Jessica Wildschut-Third Grade Teacher

Mrs. Jessica graduated from UNR with an education degree in 2010. She has worked at the preschool level and also taught third grade in the Washoe County School District.  She loves “lightbulb” moments with kids as well as their individuality and creativity. She considers it a blessing to teach at The King’s Academy where she can openly pray and teach about Jesus. Her engaging smile and kind demeanor creates an instant bond with parents and students. Mrs. Jessica grew up in Reno, is married, and recently completed a half-marathon.

 Mrs. Louise Feiler-Fourth Grade Teacher

A graduate of Arizona Western College, Mrs. Feiler has been a teacher in many different venues. She has taught various Sunday School ages since 1985, trained with Child Evangelism Fellowship, taught in Vacation Bible School and homeschooled her two sons from birth through high school graduation. The middle child in a family of six children, she has been married to Philip for over twenty years. An organized educator with a twinkle of humor in her eyes, Mrs. Feiler believes it is the humbling aspects of teaching which afford God to use her weaknesses to prove His strengths. She is rewarded by the “light of comprehension” in a learner’s eyes.

Mrs. Anita Dennis-Fifth Grade Teacher

Mrs. Dennis graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno and began her teaching career in Yerington, Nevada. She has taught in Washington State, at a Christian school in New York, and also in Reno. Mrs. Dennis enjoys teaching history and science with a Biblical perspective, demonstrating to students that God planned all of history in eternity past and created everything. Born in Redding, California, Mrs. Dennis graduated from Sparks High School in Sparks, Nevada, is married to Al, and has two children and three grandchildren.

Mrs. Betty Mae Liedkie-Sixth Grade Teacher

Mrs. Liedkie brings a rich history of education and teaching to the classroom at The King’s Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Corban College (formerly Western Baptist College) in Salem, Oregon. She home-schooled her children at many educational levels and has taught in Christian schools for numerous years. Along with her formal teaching experience, she has been a volunteer teacher in various children’s programs for over twenty years. She cites loving and teaching children academically and spiritually as her motivation.

Growing up in a Christian home in Mammoth Lakes, California, gave her an appreciation for creation, skiing, and hiking. Married for many years with four young adult children, she has lived in Nevada for over 20 years.

Mrs. Amanda Brown-PE, Computers, Music

Mrs. Amanda earned a music degree from Grays Harbor Community College and attended The Meadows Bible Institute. A flute and piano teacher since high school, Mrs. Amanda also uses her music ministry experience to teach the scholastic side while focusing on worship. Her PE and computer students are provided a challenging and practical program which supports the core curriculum. Mrs. Amanda’s ability to wear many hats is an asset to The King’s Academy, where two of her three children attend. She and her husband Dave are active in several ministries at Sierra Bible Church, where they were also married.

Ms. Nancy Durano-Spanish Teacher

Currently serving as administrative faculty in the UNR Computer and Telecommunications Department, Ms. Nancy has taught many age groups in various locations. Her high school and college teaching experience is rounded out by her work as a software consultant in Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Columbia, Peru and Ecuador. Her recent experiences include software development in the United States. Ms. Durano holds B.S. and MBA degrees from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education. Her enthusiasm for life and foreign language engages students in the learning process. She enjoys travel, reading and cooking. A fluent Spanish speaker, she has been teaching her own children Spanish since they were born.

Ms. Sue Fry-Librarian

A beloved time for the kids of The King's Academy is when Ms. Sue enters the classroom with a book in hand. Her engaging and animated reading style promotes a love for literature. Her two granddaughters attended The King's Academy, and her daughter Paula, is a second grade teacher at the school. Sue has taught in a preschool and in Sunday School and managed a physician's office before obtaining her realtor's license. A Reno native, she attended Truckee Meadows Community College and raised two children. When asked what aspect of working with kids brings enjoyment, she stated, "Their smiles bring me joy!"

Chapel Speakers:

Pastor David Smith; Pastor Cassidy Hastings; Pastor Eric Thompson; Children's Ministry Administrator, Jane Houston