myFCA
Support Us

Welcome

From Our Head of School

Navigation: Select a button to redirect you to the corresponding page.

Welcome
History
Mission
Curriculum
Administration

Welcome from Our Head of School

      We are so excited about what God is doing in our school and in the lives of our students. We are glad that you have given us the opportunity to help you in training your child in the way he should go, as God’s word instructs.

We are “Putting God First in Education”.  The Word says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.  That is what we strive to do, to put God first.  Your child will be receiving an education first in God’s word and in how God expects them to conduct their lives each and every day, in addition to an academic education with high standards.

We will only be able to assist you in training your child in the way he should go; the responsibility ultimately is the parents.  For this reason, we ask that you teach them the same Godly character at home by keeping your house in order. Your home should be a place of peace, love for others, obedience to God, and separation from all sin.

God expects loyalty from all those that call themselves His children. We ask that you are loyal to God, to your church, and to this school.  If there is ever a misunderstanding or problem, please resolve it in a Godly manner with the person or persons involved in the solution. Please do not go to other parents, students, or other faculty not involved.  Spreading negative comments about this school will only hurt the ministry of this school.

We ask that you pray for us always and that you help us promote our school and keep the image of our school a favorable one.  We are instructed in God’s word to edify one another.

We look forward to serving you and your child.

Sandra Lassiter
Head of School

Supporting Parents in their God Ordained calling…
Deut. 6:4-­9; Eph. 6:1­4; Prov. 22:6

History

        Over the last few years there has been a desire in the heart of Pastor Jim Lassiter to see a Christian   school opened at Cobbtown Holiness Church. Many of the members of the church also expressed that   same desire. For quite some time individuals were coming to Bro. Jim and telling him they saw a vision of a   school on the church grounds, while others were having dreams of a school in operation at the church. God   was even placing this in the heart of believers who did not even attend church at Cobbtown.

        Pastor Jim Lassiter could not overlook the overwhelming need for parents to have a place in this area   where their children could be taught Biblical principles and Godly character, as well as, receive a great   academic education. This became a regular prayer among the members of Cobbtown Holiness Church that God would give us wisdom and direction concerning the school He would help us open.

        In January of 2010, Bro. Jim Lassiter presented to the church board the desire to open the school that year. There was 100% agreement that the church was ready to take on this awesome responsibility.God began to bless! He provided us with the portable building we needed and many donations began to come in. God was making a way!

        Bro. Lassiter having been a former A.C.E. student and being familiar with the A.C.E. program, decided that it was the best curriculum for us to utilize. We began to go through the necessary training with A.C.E. to prepare for the upcoming school year. Bro. Jim Lassiter and his wife, Sandra, completed the Administrators Training Program with A.C.E. and after completion, Mrs. Sandra Lassiter took on the responsibility of principal for the school.

        Mrs. Betty Davis completed the Supervisors Training Program and became the first supervisor of the school. Mrs. Cindy Sanford blessed the school the first year by volunteering part-time as the school’s secretary. The following year, Mrs. Dru Douglas took the position as full time secretary and three more supervisors were added, Mr. Andrew Barrow, Mrs. Kayla Barrow, and Miss Gena Peck. Cobbtown Christian Academy opened for school on August 25, 2010 with six wonderful students.

        God has since blessed us with a larger facility and we have renamed the school Faith Christian Academy. We have recently made the transition to the Abeka curriculum and have added multiple teachers and classrooms. We are so excited about what God has in store for Faith Christian Academy.

To God be all the glory!

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 

Proverbs 22:6

Statement of Faith

 

Faith Christian Academy holds to the statement of faith of Cobbtown Holiness Church of Jay, Florida.  This school is a ministry of Cobbtown Holiness Church and the faculty are employees of the church.  The school board consists of the Pastor, Principal, and Deacon Board of Cobbtown Holiness Church.

A listing of our beliefs are as follows:

We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God and the basis for our beliefs.  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation [1 Peter 1:20].  We voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ of Nazareth personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind.  The ordinances of the church are Believer’s Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and the washing of the Saints feet as recorded in the Gospel according to John Chapter 13.

         Having been led as we believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost [Matthew 28:19], we do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage in, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort, to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, doctrines, and discipline; and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family devotions; to educate religiously our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to use our influence to combat the abuse of drugs and the spread of pornography; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech-and to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the commandments of the Holy Bible with Jesus Christ of Nazareth as our example.

Marriage and Sexuality

a. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one, legitimate meaning, and that is marriage sanctioned by God, which joins one man and one woman in a single, covenantal union, as delineated by Scripture. Marriage ceremonies performed in any facility or space owned, leased, or rented by this church will be only those ceremonies sanctioned by God, joining one man with one woman as their genders were determined by anatomy at birth (and not subject to change). Whenever there is a conflict between the church’s position and any new legal standard for marriage, the church’s statement of faith, doctrines, and biblical positions will govern. (Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:22-23; Mark 10:6-9; I Cor. 7:1-9)

b. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage as defined in (a) above. We believe that any other type of sexual activity, identity or expression that lies outside of this definition of marriage, including those that are becoming more accepted in the culture and the courts, are contradictory to God’s natural design and purpose for sexual activity. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9-10; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)

c. We believe that God creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, unchangeable genders together reflect the image and nature of God, and the rejection of one’s biological gender is a rejection of the image of God within that person. (Genesis 1:26-27)

The foundation for a great education starts with the curriculum.

Every teacher administered at FCA is highly qualified in their field and have either received or are currently seeking Bachelor’s degrees at the highest level. Click the “+” next to a staff members name to view more info.

Office Staff

Sandra Lassiter
Jennifer Mooney
My name is Jennifer Mooney. I have been working at Faith Christian Academy since 2015, serving as the director of Little Warriors Preschool. I have worked in childcare for many years and started my first job in 1984 with Santa Rosa Christian School. I worked there for a few years but after having my first daughter made the decision to stay home. I was then a stay-at-home mom for the next several years.
In 1997, I was offered a position at Pathway Christian School with Jay First Assembly of God in which I served as a teaching supervisor. When they closed the school, I then had my third daughter and was a stay-at -home mother once again.
In 2006, I began working part-time as the church secretary at Jay First Assembly of God. I eventually began working in their childcare center too. I worked there for several years in both positions and was offered the position as director sometime later. I worked there until the childcare center closed in 2014.
It seems that God has always opened the doors for me to work with children in some capacity. They are truly a blessing, and I enjoy my time with them and the families that we serve.
I have training in Early Childhood Development earning my Florida Childhood Professional Certificate, also obtained my Director Credential. Currently continuing my education yearly to meet the necessary guidelines in preschool.
I have been married to Chuck Mooney for seven years, and we currently attend church at Cobbtown Holiness Church. We enjoy spending time with our children and grandchildren, eating out, and going to the beach together.
I also enjoy fishing, traveling, swimming, gardening, Bible devotions, spending time with God, nature, and just being outdoors.
One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” This verse has kept me many times throughout my life and recognizing that my total dependence is in God.
Brandy Kolb

Teachers

Benjamin Lassiter
Mr. Benjamin Lassiter is a former graduate of Faith Christian Academy and has returned to teach in our high school. He teaches a variety of subjects with a focus on the sciences such as Chemistry and Health.
Mr. Lassiter is currently seeking to complete his Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences degree at the University of West Florida.
He enjoys several hobbies such as sports, hunting, fishing, cooking, and spending time with his wife and newborn daughter.
Mr. Lassiter attends Cobbtown Holiness Church where he and his wife are involved in the Children’s and Youth ministries.
His favorite verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Nathan Leccese

Mr. Nathan Leccese started at Faith Christian Academy as a high school teacher in 2014 teaching a variety of subjects, such as Bible, Math, and Science. In 2022 Mr. Leccese moved in the IT department as the IT Specialist, but still assist with some elective classes and various office work. In 2024 Mr. Leccese moved back into the High School Math teaching position while still supporting the IT department.

Before coming to FCA he spent four years enlisted in the United States Air Force in aircraft metal’s technology as a machinist and welder certified in seven different types of metals.

Mr. Leccese holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Software Development with a major in Game Software Development from National American University.

Mr. Leccese is not married but is engaged to Miss Angela Evans. He has two children who are currently enrolled in high school at FCA. He attends church at Cobbtown Holiness Church where he teaches the Teen Sunday school class and operates the sound and video equipment for the livestream ministry.

Some of Mr. Leccese’s hobbies include embroidery, vinyl sticker design, digital art, and streaming on Twitch. He does all of the logo embroidering for the school’s uniforms as well as designing our P.E. uniform gear.

His favorite scripture passage is James 1:2-3, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

Anita Davis
Mrs. Anita Davis felt the call to return to the ministry of education after being in the corporate field for over 30 years. In 1991, she worked with the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) program in Louisville, Kentucky and later assumed the role of principal at Families for Christ Christian Academy.
After working in the ministry of education for approximately ten years, Mrs. Davis returned to the corporate field in Business Management and recently worked in mental health until the Lord brought her full circle to where her heart truly is – educating and nurturing young minds and hearts.
Mrs. Davis has taught high school Bible, English, Spanish and History at FCA for the last two years. She is continuing her education and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education with concentration in Middle/High School English.
Mrs. Davis attends Cobbtown Holiness Church and has been married 38 years to Mr. Russell Davis. She has two adult children with one grandchild who lovingly calls her “Porka” instead of Grammy.
Mrs. Davis also enjoys being a seamstress, has a heart for the worship/music ministry and has recently picked up learning the dulcimer from her Appalachian roots of North Carolina.
Her favorite scripture speaks where the Lord asks us to put down our weapons of war and stand in awe of Him and His mighty power. As God, He is sovereign, faithful, omnipotent and unfailing.
Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Rebecca Odom
Mrs. Rebecca Odom is a 2018 graduate of FCA and has returned to be our fourth grade teacher in 2022-2023 school year. She moved to our high school in 2023-2024 school year teaching History 7th-12th grade and is currently teaching 3rd grade. She is currently working on completing her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, having already completed two and a half years at Pensacola Christian College where she was listed on the Dean’s List. Mrs. Odom was also a member of the Zeta Alpha Rho Society where she was nominated Collegian Chaplain.
Mrs. Odom recently got married to her husband, Colby, and they are serving as youth pastors at Cobbtown Holiness Church. She enjoys spending time with her husband and family as well as baking. Her students have recently nicknamed her Mrs. O’smart.
Her favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”
Candace Pennell

Mrs. Candace Pennell is currently our High school History teacher at Faith Christian Academy. She has been working at Faith Christian since 2019. She has also worked as a K3 teacher in our pre-K and 6th grade teacher for 3 years. 

Mrs. Pennell felt the Lord place a calling on her heart to work in the ministry of educating  children. She loves seeing children grow, find their strengths, work through weaknesses, and achieve goals. 

Mrs. Pennell has a great love for children and has 3 children of her own with her husband Bradley Pennell. 

Prior to serving at Faith Christian Academy she was a stay at home mom and homeschooled her kids while her husband served in the military for 10 1/2 years. 

Mrs. Pennell currently  leads worship at True Grace Fellowship and has been a worship leader since she was 17. This is one of her passions and a gift that the Lord blessed her with. She has also led many women Bible studies out of her home. 

She enjoys spending time with her family, sports, all things coffee, and fishing. She is passionate about sharing the gospel with others and building relationships that are centered around Christ. Her favorite scripture  is 1 John 3:18, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and truth.”

Andrew Barrow

Mr. Barrow is the Assistant Principal and our fifth/sixth grade teacher at Faith Christian Academy. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Ministerial Leadership with a focus in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University. He started teaching at FCA in 2012. Mr. Barrow is married to Mrs. Kayla Barrow and they have four children together. Mr. and Mrs. Barrow are the youth, children, and worship pastors at their church, True Grace Fellowship. In his spare time, he enjoys camping with his family. His favorite verse is Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

Leslie Black
Kayla Barrow
Our first grade teacher, Mrs. Barrow has been a teacher at Faith Christian Academy for eleven years. She acquired her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, ESOL, and Reading from the University of West Florida and completed her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Pensacola Christian College.
Mrs. Barrow loves children and has four little ones of her own. She and her husband, Mr. Andrew Barrow, are the lead pastors at True Grace Fellowship Church in Milton where they have attended for thirteen years.
She enjoys teaching reading and is passionate about building disciples for Christ. Her favorite verse is Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all of the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”
Brittany Butler
My name is Brittany Butler. My husband, Michael, and I have three beautiful children. We attend Cobbtown Holiness Church where we are both active in children’s ministries and outreach. I love all things coffee but spending time with my husband and children bring me one of my greatest joys.
I am in my fourth year at Liberty University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Autism, while holding a membership with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. This is my fifth year at Faith Christian Academy, where I started in the preschool, and have been in Kindergarten the past two years.
My favorite verse is a verse that speaks volumes to me because it has been a reminder for me on multiple occasions: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end,” Jeremiah 29:11.

Little Warriors Pre-School

Teisha Gillman
My name is Teisha Gillman, and I have worked in the childcare field for over ten years. I believe children are our heritage and it is a humbling and important calling from God to give them a good foundation to build upon not only academically; but also, to introduce them to Jesus Christ.
I graduated from high school in 2004 from Christian Liberty Academy and went to college online at Ashworth College where I received my Associates Degree in Healthcare Management. My original intentions were to be a medical office manager, but I found that I loved working with children even more.
I went through Childcare Education Institute and received my Florida Childcare Professional Credentials to teach K4. I was then blessed to be hired by Faith Christian Academy to work in “Little Warriors Preschool” in 2015.
I love watching the children in my class grow and learn throughout the school year and to see their excitement when they learn a new letter or read their first word.
I have attended Whitfield Pentecostal Fellowship Church all my life and I love my church family. I am also the Assistant Church Secretary, which I enjoy. Some things that I like to do are to crochet, work in the garden, and spend time with my family.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” To me this verse means that no matter what the situation may be or the circumstances, if we will pray and seek God first in all things, wait patiently on Him; He will strengthen us and help us to accomplish what He has for us to do.
Tabitha Gillman
My name is Tabitha Gillman. I have been working with children for over ten years now, and it truly is my passion in life. I have been teaching K4 at Faith Christian Academy’s “Little Warriors Preschool” for going on six years.
I am a certified Florida Childcare Professional through the Childcare Education Institute, and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Ashworth College.
I love my job. We are very blessed to be able to share God’s word with the children everyday, as well as lay a great academic foundation. Every class that I teach becomes such a big part of my heart, and I am forever grateful for the call that God has put on my life. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatsover ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord.”
I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. I have attended Whitfield Pentecostal Church all of my life; I love my church, and my church family with all of my heart.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 17:7-8, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and it will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit.”
Lauren Bell
My name is Lauren Bell. My husband and I have been married for 8 years and have 3 beautiful children.
We attend First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola.
I have been in childcare for 10 years. I’ve always had a passion for teaching children and I feel childcare is my calling.
I believe God has lead me to FCA and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
I enjoy spending time outside, spending time at the creek and having movie nights with my family.
My favorite bible verse is Isaiah 12:2, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
Jennifer Templeton

Staff Members

Latisha Leccese
My name is Latisha Leccese. I have worked at Faith Christian Academy for a little over two years. I first started out cleaning and helping where needed. Later, I became a teacher’s assistant for K3 before moving to my own class with infants and one-year old’s.
I am currently completing classes toward furthering my education in childcare. I have been married for nine years and have two children. One of my children is currently in the second grade at FCA and the other one will start in K4 next year.
Some of my hobbies include thrift shopping, spending time with my family, trying out new recipes, and baking. I, also, love to take the boat out to the beach.
I attend Cobbtown Holiness Church where everyone treats me like family. My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Dana Parker
Sherri Butler

My name is Sherri Butler but everyone calls me Sha Sha. I have been so blessed to work at FCA for one and a half years. I’ve been married to my husband Ricky for 41 years. My hobbies are cooking, gardening, and going to church. I sincerely pray for God’s continued blessings on FCA, children, staff, and all connected. My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”