Principal Mark Thomas of Victory Christian Academy stated in an interview: “Well, to start off, what I knew about private school was mostly stereotypical. I assumed private schools were predominantly for wealthy, white families. After working at Victory for a few weeks, I really noticed how similar it was to a public school. The student body was representative of the diverse environment that is Polk County.”
Mark Thomas, Principal at VCA, was quoted in an article about the “WOKE” school.
“I can’t speak for other schools, but at Victory, we have created a setting where it looks like a public school and functions similarly. Our school is accredited by the same agency that accredits public schools.”
“I have found that at Victory, both at the teaching and administrative levels, our school has total control over our curriculum, policies, and classroom management. Trying to figure out what students need is very simple if you are working directly with them. In Florida public schools, the school board and superintendents are often too far removed from the schools to know what they need individually. Instead, each school is treated virtually the same despite each one being different.”
Since this is SIMILAR TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL, why do parents spend thousands of dollars a year on tuition? Shouldn’t the school be free as a public school since it is being governed like one? Maybe the school does not have as much control as they think, since the majority of their tuition comes from CHOICE SCHOLARSHIPS. It has once been said, that you are a slave to your debtor, follow the money trail, and you will find who you are enslaved by.
Mark Thomas quotes at the end of the article, “Out of all the things that people have tried to do, the most positive thing I’ve seen is this opportunity for choice.”
In the Garden of Eden, we were presented with the opportunity of choice, and as humans, I don’t think that choice was the most positive thing for us.
Editor’s note: reimaginED guest blogger Ashley Elliott is a former Florida Tax Credit Scholarship recipient from Lakeland, Florida, and a member of the 2019 cohort of the American Federation for Children’s Future Leaders Fellowship Program.
https://victorylakeland.org/ministries/victory-christian-academy
Love Mr. Thomas! He is a wonderful leader who pours into staff and students. I have seen him lead, guide, and go above and beyond to keep students safe and in school. Proud to have my children attend Victory!
Mr. Thomas is an incredible educator and administrator. He pours his heart and soul into his staff and students.
You should write a piece about what exactly your vendetta against VCA is cause we’re all dying to know why your so obsessed with them.
AMEN!!!!
Seems like the articles are factual with proof. Links supplied to articles with photos from social media accounts. Nothing is a lie. Why can’t people accept the truth?
“Whistle blower….”
Hahahahahahaha
Go to the faces of the teachers and administrators and tell them this. Stop hiding behind your computer. Shame on you.
As an avid reader of the Lakeland Gazette I feel that this is good journalism. Why is it that when someone states the facts and people disagree with the information provided, it is considered disinformation or accusing someone having a personal vendetta? Good journalism as this states the facts as they are backed up with actual statements Mark Thomas and others at this school have made. Pictures and social media post by the wrongdoers all have been provided to substantiate the truth. It is very clear that Victory School and Church has many issues that are NOT in line with biblical teachings. Just because you may like the staff does NOT omit them from wrongdoing, lies, deceit and having double standards. So in closing everyone is entitled to an opinion but the FACTS is what matters and the facts are the truth, not opinions. The writer of these articles have conducted themselves in a true journalist manner by alerting the community of the ongoing and shameful wrongdoings of Victory.
As Pastor Blackburn says….THERE YOU HAVE IT! VCA is a public school.
These articles about VCA are ridiculous! 2 of my kids graduated from this school and I have one more that has been there since kindergarten. This school isn’t perfect, because none are—news alert…no organization is, that is run by any human. Anyway, what this school does have are teachers who have cared about my kids not only academically, but they care about their wellbeing and their spiritual growth. My kids that have graduated are now college educated and are making an eternal difference in the lives of others around them. I owe part of that to VCA…it takes a village to raise your kids and I am thankful for Victory and all the faculty and staff that have helped shape my kids into the adults they are today.
Ridiculous? How about true! You must see that it is a public school under a Christian name for money. It is not producing anything spiritual! The Headmaster marched with BLM, FACT. The students are posting their non Christian lives on social media. Students expelled for drugs on campus. Condoms found inside the school and on school property. Now the Principal admits in HIS OWN WORDS that it is like a public school. They are their own downfall. Plus, the students do not live in Christian households nor do they attend a church. Ask and you will find the truth.
Go to the faces of the teachers and administrators and tell them this. Stop hiding behind your computer. Shame on you.
Instead of attacking the school… why don’t you go after the parents??
Hmmmmm…… too hard of a concept for you since you have some sort of vendetta against a school that wants nothing but the best for their students.
The best?! Laughable. They do not support these students after they receive their checks for the year. The students do what they want. The administration is liberal and not conservative. Masked up, vaxxed up, marched with BLM….shall I continue? They sweep everything under the alter, double down and deny the facts. So much sex is happening in that school, along with alcohol and drugs. It is ridiculous to deny it. The Headmaster does not want the pastors involved in the school. Clearly!