New Covenant Academy (NCA), a private school located in Koreatown, Los Angeles, is set to lead the next generation of education by opening a new campus.
Jason Song, Principal of NCA announced on August 8 that the school will open a new campus for lower-grade students starting from the upcoming semester on August 12.
Previously, NCA educated students from elementary through high school on a single campus. However, beginning this fall, the school will operate across two campuses.
The existing campus at 6th Street and Westmoreland will now serve students in grades 8 through 12, while the newly opened campus at 2nd Street and Juanita will accommodate students from kindergarten through 7th grade.
The new campus is also set to eventually open its doors to preschool students, further expanding its offerings to younger age groups.
Song explained, “During the pandemic, we saw a significant increase in student enrollment, which led us to plan this campus expansion.” He further emphasized the importance of providing age-appropriate education, stating, “With the advent of the internet and social media, students are experiencing growth and adolescence earlier than before. To help them learn independence and develop their identities at a younger age, we’ve decided to house the lower grades separately and tailor the education specifically for them.”
The new campus has been designed with safety as a top priority, featuring fire-resistant roofs and doors imported from Korea. “The safety of our students is paramount and non-negotiable,” Song stressed. “We’ve implemented various measures, including security guards and weekly staff meetings, to ensure that incidents like those occurring on public school campuses do not happen at our school.”
In response to concerns about students’ academic performance during the pandemic, Song noted that NCA has strengthened teacher training and upgraded its online systems. “While excellent textbooks and facilities are important, the skills and mentorship provided by teachers are crucial,” he said. “We continuously listen to our teachers’ feedback and provide the necessary support to ensure they can effectively teach and guide our students.”
Founded 25 years ago with just 11 students, NCA has grown to serve 160 to 180 students with a staff of over 30. Despite this growth, Song’s vision remains consistent: to nurture students into valuable members of society through an education ministry grounded in God’s love. Looking ahead, NCA is embarking on a five-year period of growth to ensure it remains a leading educational institution for the next 25 years and beyond.
Reflecting on the early days of the school, Song recalled, “I remember the concerns and skepticism from the community when we first opened as a private school. My goal is to establish a robust system that ensures our school continues to provide excellent education well beyond my retirement.”
As public schools face increasing controversies, including issues related to LGBTQ+ education, Song acknowledged the growing recognition of the strengths of Christian private schools, though he expressed more concern than satisfaction. “The role of educators is to support students who are eager to learn. Our school will continue to advance and grow in this mission,” he concluded.
NCA is currently accepting registrations through its website (www.ncahuskies.org) or by phone at (213) 487-5437.
BY NICOLE CHANG, YOUNGNAM KIM [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]
