Deer Creek Christian Academy closes its doors after 16 years

The Deer Creek Christian Academy, at 2039 Cape La Croix Road, has closed its doors after 16 years of providing a nondenominational, individualized approach to learning. But its former director, Jackie Brandtner, has no regrets.

"I know we did good work here," Brandtner said. "I'm very pleased with what we did. It was a wonderful labor of love."

Katie Knaup, who for the past three years taught computer science and physical education at Deer Creek Christian Academy, said teaching at the academy had been an "amazing experience."

"Having the opportunity to work for Jackie has been a dream," Knaup said. "What she set up changed the lives of children and families."

Brandtner said that Deer Creek Christian Academy was founded in 1997 and had an average enrollment of about 30 students per year in classes from kindergarten to eighth grade.

"We were small but my dream was not to grow much larger," she said. "I always wanted to keep the student-teacher ratio low. That enabled us to work more individually with students."

Several hundred students enrolled at the academy since its founding, but Brandtner, 62, said it was time for her to retire.

"I can't find someone to shoulder the responsibility of running the school," she said. "That's why it's closing. But I'm ready for new challenges and I plan to do some traveling."

Brandtner said closing the school was bittersweet when she looks back at 32 years of teaching. She began her teaching career at Nell Holcomb Elementary School, where she taught for two years, and then spent 14 years teaching kindergarten and first grade at St. Vincent de Paul Grade School. It was while teaching at St. Vincent de Paul when Brandtner said she was approached by parents who were interested in trying a new approach to education.

"That's where the idea for Deer Creek Christian Academy was born," she said. "But getting a building for the school took time. We used the home of Dr. Bill and Patricia LaFoe for three years."

Brandtner said when the academy finally outgrew the LaFoe home, a man named Pete Buellis, who had four grandchildren in the academy, built and gave the academy its home at Cape La Croix Road, where it welcomed students for the next 13 years.

"We were so fortunate to have received it," she said. "It was such a blessing."

The academy's curriculum challenged students who were academically gifted while offering personal attention to those who needed extra help, Brandtner said. Students were also taught values such as honesty, accountability and respect for themselves and for others in a coeducational environment.

"We're proud of what we accomplished academically," she said. "My students are doing well. Some of my 'B' students are on the 'A' Honor Roll at Cape Central and Jackson high schools."

Brandtner said she wasn't sure what was next for her, but she plans to stay busy.

"I won't be in a rocking chair, that's for sure."

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address: 2039 Cape La Croix Road, Cape Girardeau, MO