Sonlight Academy is the children's educational program of Sonlight Ministries. From a modest beginning of four students, Sonlight Academy has grown into a full-size Christian school educating more than 300 students in preschool through twelfth grade. In May 2002, Sonlight celebrated its first full class of graduating seniors.

Sonlight Academy is an English-immersion school; students receive instruction solely in English. English is the business language of Haiti, and fluency guarantees students a wider choice of careers upon graduation. Sonlight Academy is the sole English-immersion school in Haiti. French is taught as a separate subject in all grades. By graduation, students are trilingual, fluent in English, French, and Creole.

The curriculum at Sonlight Academy is Christ-centered. Bible stories and concepts are included in each classroom's daily agenda. All teachers are committed Christians with educational experience and/or degrees. Classroom aides are Haitians who have achieved the required competency level in English and French.

As students progress at Sonlight Academy, they receive both a sound academic education and a solid foundation for Christian living. Sonlight Academy's enrollment includes students from a cross-section of the community's residents, from some of the poorest to some of the wealthiest children in Port-de-Paix. This enables Sonlight Academy to teach Christianity to all social classes, which is designed to bring about a change at every societal level.

Carmen Niehaus, director of Sonlight Academy since 1987, graduated from the University of Missouri with a Master's degree in Elementary Education. She strives for excellence in the academic and spiritual aspects of the school. If you have any questions about Sonlight Academy or you're interested in getting involved with the school, Carmen would be happy to talk with you. Please contact her at carmen@sonlightministries.org.