Lake Villa pastor hopes to start Christian school

Saying he has a passion for children's education, a Lake Villa pastor hopes to open a new K-8 Christian school this fall.

Rev. Bob Parikh, pastor of the Linden Villa Baptist Church in Lake Villa, says the nondenominational, "Bible based" school will focus on academics and educating the students toward a "Christian worldview."

"We love children and want to give them a high-quality education," Parikh said. "The school will meet in our church, but will be open to students from other churches."

An informational open house is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m. at the church, 38869 N. Deep Lake Road. Parikh said the informal meeting should allow plenty of time for questions and answers.

The Lake Villa Christian Academy will hold classes in the Sunday school classrooms and will have a small teacher-to-student ratio, Parikh said. They are seeking donations of desks, computers and other classroom items at this time.

Parikh is hoping for an enrollment large enough to allow for eight separate classes, but has options if the number of students is smaller.

"We may have to combine some of the grades during the first year if the numbers aren't high enough," he said.

Annual tuition will be $4,800, but Parikh said students who enroll before June 1 will pay $4,500.

Parents can enroll their kids through the Web site at Lakevillachristianacademy.org.

Parikh says the mission statement on the school's Web site sums up their goal: "To work with families in bringing their children to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and educating them from a Christian perspective, helping them to develop a Christian worldview, and preparing them for tomorrow."

For more details call (847) 245-7471 or (847) 356-1031