OUR PURPOSE

We exist to empower students to discover their unique identities in the Kingdom of God and to equip them to glorify Him in every way.

OUR STORY

It’s always been our heart to create God-honoring, family-centered, safe, creative learning environments that are entirely free from liberal bias and indoctrination.

We started by homeschooling our own five children then established a homeschool co-op at our church where like-minded families could gather together to learn and grow and support one another.

At some point along the way, we started dreaming about having a K-12 school.

We know that homeschooling isn’t an option for a lot of families for various reasons, and we know many families feel trapped and desperately want to escape the liberal agenda being forced on them by public schools.

Fast forward to 2019. We had been searching for our second campus for Faith Life Church. We were bursting at the seams in New Albany and had been on the hunt for months for a building that we could make our own. Frustrated in the search, we prayed as a congregation and, together, sowed a seed into overseas outreaches, believing that we had received our new campus building.

And then… God.

Two days later, we were given our new campus building. Two days!

But it gets even better than that. Because the new campus wasn’t just one building; it was THREE. And it wasn’t just any three buildings…

It was an ENTIRE SCHOOL CAMPUS.

We had to pinch ourselves! The property included THREE buildings with more than 80,000 square feet with a studio for our dance ministry, classrooms galore, computer labs, science labs, a music room, an art room…

God had given us more than we could have asked or imagined (Ephesians 3:20).

The dream of a K-12 school was no longer just a dream.

Guardian Academy was launched.

And every year now, we anticipate that enrollment will exceed our expectations. Why?

You don’t have to look far to find out what has been happening in our nation’s public school system, even here in Ohio.

  • “Comprehensive sex education” to children as young as five years old
  • Mandated instruction on LGBT history and lifestyles
  • Allowing trans-identifying students to enter bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers designated for the opposite sex
  • Allowing biological males who identify as females to compete in girls’ sports

These are just some of the things that are being forced upon children and young people by our public education system. A fiercely liberal agenda is being pushed on our children and grandchildren like never before. This is our next generation of leaders in our families, our churches, our communities, our nation, and our world that we’re talking about!

Whether we like it or not, as believers, we are at war. There is a spiritual battle raging between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness, and the stakes—the hearts, souls, and very lives of our children and the next generation—are higher than ever.

Who is influencing the next generation? As parents, grandparents, mentors, leaders, educators, and pastors, it should be US. It is our responsibility to protect them spiritually and emotionally, to teach them the truth of the Word of God and the principles of His Kingdom, to empower them to discover their unique identities as children of God, and to equip them to glorify Him in everything they do.

That’s why we launched Guardian Academy—to partner with you in your journey to inspire and nurture your children’s love for God, love for others, and love of learning, and to prepare them to confidently demonstrate the love of Jesus to the world.

Welcome to Guardian Academy!

Gary and Drenda Keesee
Founders

OUR FOUNDERS

Gary & Drenda Keesee

Over 20 years ago, Pastors Gary and Drenda created Faith Life Church with the goal of creating a close-knit gathering of people who wanted something more from life. More impact. More purpose. More of God. Now, Faith Life Church consists of more than 3,000 members as well as a thriving T.V. ministry and various global outreach programs.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions.

Current students can apply for scholarships through the Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN).  Apply here https://ohiocen.org/ocen-sgo/apply/

In 2025/2026

Drop off begins at 8:15 a.m.

Class begins at 8:30 a.m.

Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m.

Pickup time officially ends at 3:15 p.m.

After 3:15 p.m. students will be sent to after care.

1. GET INFORMATION

  • Visit Guardian Academy either scheduling a tour, Open House, or virtual Open House
  • During the school year, schedule a “Guardian for a Day” if applicable/available
  • If Guardian Academy determines that the student is a good match for Guardian Academy, you’ll be sent a link to our online application

2.  APPLY

  • Submit an application
  • Schedule an interview with the Guardian Academy principal and take a placement test
  • If Guardian Academy determines that the student is still a good match for Guardian Academy, you’ll be sent your link to enrollment

3. ENROLL

  • Submit Enrollment Packet
  • Sign Tuition Contract and Student Handbook
  • Welcome to Guardian Academy and attend orientation

Yes, uniforms are worn at Guardian Academy. Find more details here.

Elementary grade classes will have a max of 12 students per class.

Middle and high school grade classes will have a max of 16 students per class.

We do not have a lunch program.  We ask all students to bring a packed lunch from home.

As part of the application review process, we will determine if we can provide the services needed to support your student’s unique needs. Please provide all of the information and details during the application process.

The safety of our students, staff, servant leaders, and guests is one of the highest priorities here at Guardian Academy Academy. All doors remained locked throughout the day and can only be opened by teachers and staff. Anyone on campus must have a background check if remaining on campus for a prolonged period. Any contract workers must sign in, have a visitor’s badge, and be escorted on campus during school hours.

As of June 2024, Guardian Academy is chartered by the Ohio Department of Education

Yes, once a student is enrolled in Guardian Academy, you can apply for Edchoice dollars

Van transportation is provided from the Faith Life Church New Albany Campus (2407 Beech Rd., New Albany, Ohio 43054) to Guardian Academy (284 S. Liberty St. Powell, Ohio 43065) at an additional cost. The van departs from New Albany at 7:10 a.m. and returns students by 4:15 p.m.  Space is limited, so apply for van transportation ASAP if you would like to utilize it.

No. We do not currently have any clubs or extracurricular activities on-site. However, we are partnering with Faith Life Church, and the Columbus Crusaders for extracurricular activities and sports options.

All of our teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree. Each teacher has signed and agreed with our Statement of Faith. They all come from various backgrounds and have different expertise. All teachers are committed to instructing our students in the ways of the Lord and teaching subjects from a Christian worldview.

Student enrollment at Guardian Academy on March 1, 2025, was 96 students.

Want to see our campus and learn more about how Guardian Academy can partner with your family for the 2025-2026 school year?