18 Years of Shaping Lives: The CVA Journey from Home Daycare to Educational Excellence

When Essence Marsh started her home daycare 18 years ago, she had a vision that went far beyond simply providing childcare. Today, as Christian Village Academy celebrates its 18th anniversary, that vision has transformed into something remarkable - a legacy of educational excellence that's shaped hundreds of young lives in Reynoldsburg and surrounding areas.

From Home base to Learning Center

"I remember starting in my home and treating it from day one as the parents walked in the door as if they were already walking into a building," Essence recalls. It wasn't just about making space - it was about creating something extraordinary.

Picture this: a family home transformed into a learning haven. What was once a four-bedroom house became a one-bedroom apartment upstairs, with the entire bottom floor dedicated to nurturing young minds. For six years, this was where the CVA story began.

The Three Pillars That Changed Everything

From those early days, three core beliefs guided everything:

• Academic excellence

• Spiritual foundation

• Building self-esteem

"I think if any kid, black, white, purple, red, whatever, has those three things, they'll be able to go out here and do whatever they need to do in the world," Essence shares with conviction.

Growing Beyond Walls

The transition from home to center brought new challenges and opportunities. "When you now enter into the building, you're open to so much more of the world," Essence reflects. "Being able to be consistent with what our philosophy is - this is how we do things, we're school, we're not a daycare."

This commitment to excellence never wavered. Instead, it grew stronger.

The Proof is in the Returns

Perhaps the most touching testament to CVA's impact? The children who return - not as students, but as staff. "I have kids now who are probably already graduated from high school," Essence beams. "I have a lot of kids that come back and work for me."

These full-circle moments prove that CVA isn't just a school - it's a legacy in the making.

Looking Forward: The Next 18 Years

While reflecting on nearly two decades of success, Essence's vision for the future remains clear. Her dream? To expand CVA's impact by adding a kindergarten program, allowing students to journey from infant care through their elementary foundation all under one roof.

"My ultimate dream is to have an actual kindergarten program where kids can come to Christian Village Academy from infant age and go all the way through till kindergarten so that then when they go to first grade, you know, they will be ready."

The Heart of Success

What makes CVA's 18-year journey so special isn't just the growth from home to center or even the academic achievements. It's the unwavering commitment to three simple yet powerful principles: strong academics, spiritual foundation, and healthy self-esteem.

These principles have guided countless children toward success, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom walls.

Celebrating Today, Building Tomorrow

As we celebrate 18 years of excellence, CVA continues to evolve while staying true to its core mission. The future holds exciting possibilities - expanded programs, enhanced facilities, and most importantly, more lives transformed through education.

Want to be part of our next chapter? Visit Christian Village Academy and see how 18 years of experience shapes excellence in early education every day.

Join our legacy of learning - schedule your tour today.