Ridgewood Baptist Church

The beginning of Ridgewood Baptist Academy formally took place on February 27, 1974, when the congregation of Ridgewood Baptist Church voted 119 yes, 3 no, to start a Christian school.

The original plan called for having K-5th grade, however, as plans were being made, interest increased and it was decided to expand the school through the 8th grade. Ray Pearce was appointed to survey other schools, legal ramifications, the church and school's personal needs and requirements, and report these fmdings in a written letter to the Deacon Board. A school board was then appointed consisting of Jack Price, Jack Lepper, Jim Haywood, and Dave Reeves. They made a thorough study and determined that a minimum of $15,000 would be needed to provide the necessary equipment to get started by the fall of 1974. In a special thrust for the school, God provided more than the $15,000 to show His approval and backing.

Mrs. Beverly White, wife of the youth pastor at that time, was a great help in ordering the needed materials and equipment along with getting the school organized. Also instrumental in the initial setting up of the school's program were Pastor Keith, Mrs. Cathy Bergstrom, Mrs. Edith Storch, and Mrs. Mary Lynn Lemke. Mrs. Betty Haywood and Mrs. Jean Landrey set up the school library and ordered the necessary books for it.

The first year sixty students enrolled from K-8th grade, and of this number 75% were from outside our church. Pastor Keith served as temporary Administrator, and Mrs. Cathy Bergstrom ably assisted as Principal, while Mrs. Barb Durham proved to be a very capable secretary that first year and throughout the first four years of the Academy. The teachers that first year were: Mrs. Cathy Bergstrom, K-2nd grade; Miss Deborah Hudgins, 3rd-5th grade, with Mrs. Sandra Koop assisting part-time the second semester; Miss Linda Lee, 6th-8th grade. This new ministry and work had its rough edges that needed smoothing, but the Lord provided and the school completed its first year.

Brian Keith, RBA Principal
Ridgewood Baptist Academy was the result of a concerned church and concerned Christian parents. It was not started only as an alternative to the problems in the public schools, but because the Word of God admonishes the home to instruct in Biblical principles, something seriously neglected and even scoffed at in the public schools. In February of 1975 the school hired Stan DeVaney as Administrator, however, Mr. DeVaney and his family did not move to Joliet until July of 1975 because of his teaching in a Christian school in Michigan.

In the second year 117 students were enrolled, 9th grade had been added, and the staff was increased to six full-time teachers, one part-time teacher, one teachers aide, plus the school secretary and administrator. The church approved the addition of 10th grade the third year, and the enrollment increased to 150 students. The staff stayed the same in number but with some different personnel. With the fourth year of operation the 11th grade was added, two more teachers were hired for full-time employment and one part-time staff position. In addition to the administrator, the teaching staff now consisted of: Dave Floyd, Edith Storch, Maureen Werner, John Bears, Bob Schneider, Donna Fitch, Rhoda Steenhover, Kris Kraker, Greg Bode, Lisa Brinkman (teachers aide), and also two nurses, Jeanne Woodman and Linda Downen. In the fourth year more programs and activities were strengthened and developed.

In 1979, Ridgewood Baptist Academy graduated its first class and has not looked back since that time. The need for a quality Christian Education in today's society cannot be over-emphasized. Ridgewood Baptist Academy certainly fills that need. Over the years, the Lord has blessed our school, and we have seen the enrollment increased to its present size of around 250 students. Though times have changed, the heartbeat of the ministry has not. It is such a joy to see our graduates obtaining higher degrees of learning, finding God's will in their lives, faithfully attending church, and living a life that glorifies the Lord. Our principal, Brian Keith, and our trained teachers are solemnly aware of their great responsibility of not only imparting academic information, but also teaching Christian morals and molding citizens for the glory of God.