Leaders in Faith

Rachel Bowen

By Cheryl Johnston

Rachael Blanton Bowen is thrilled to share news of Plant City’s newest Christian school. As a ministry of First Baptist Church of Dover, Tyndale Christian Academy will open this Fall with its inaugural kindergarten class. Subsequently, the plan is to add one grade level each year. Ultimately, the vision is to develop an entire K-12th grade Academy. A few spots are still available for the first kindergarten class.

The school’s name was selected to honor William Tyndale; Christian martyr, Bible scholar, and linguist who translated the Bible into English, drawing from Hebrew and Greek texts.

Tell us a little about yourself and your qualifications for your role as Principal.

My husband and I are from Plant City and I have two children: a daughter going into sixth grade and a son attending Florida State University. As an elementary student, I invited Christ into my life at Plant City Church of God and have since earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Southeastern University. Having worked with students for over 30 years, my passion is to help each reach their fullest potential through seeking God’s will as they study His scripture, spend time in prayer, and daily minister to others. Personally, I feel most connected to God while spending time in nature and during spare time enjoy bike riding, hiking, and canoeing.

What prompted FBC Dover to establish a school?

The Senior Pastor and church leadership recognized that most approaches to education simply teach students what to believe and do not properly prepare them to be leaders in society. Classical education trains students how to think and thus how to lead. Moreover, we believe that to pass the Christian faith on from one generation to the next, education cannot simply integrate Christ into the curriculum, but rather that Christ and His Word must be the foundation, core, and motivation for all curriculum and disciplines. Our vision is to train the future Christian leaders of this community, region, and state by providing our students with a primer classical Christian education.

What can families expect from Tyndale?

We plan to use Memoria Press curriculum, which is Christcentered, and all subjects will revolve around God’s Word. Students will experience art, music, PE, media, and daily recess. They’ll attend an assembly each morning that includes pledges, songs, and scripture and a weekly chapel service, too. Working alongside parents, Tyndale accepts the responsibility to educate students in love while using high academic standards. As a current member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools, we will begin pursuing accreditation through the ACCS.

One difference between a Classical model and traditional Christian school is that students will begin to learn Latin in third grade. Since Latin is the basis of language for several areas of study including medical and law, classically educated Christian students excel in vocabulary and reading from their increased knowledge of this foundational language.

• Tuition: $7,250 plus $300 Materials Fee and $100 Activity Fee.

• Application Fee: $100.

• School Day Hours: 8:00-2:30

• After School Care: Provided at an extra cost

• Address: 3223 Gallagher Road, Dover, FL 33527

• Phone: 813-719-2273

• Website: www.TyndaleChristianAcademy.com

The school’s Chancellor is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Dover, Dr. T.J. Francis Jr., Esq., Principal is Rachael Bowen, and Araby Broussard is the lead kindergarten teacher. Since TCA is a ministry of FBCD, several church staff members are involved in a variety of ways, from teaching music to PE, helping with lunch, administrative work, and special events.

Our mission is to “Train Students to Change the World.” Our goal is to help students seek what is True, Good, and Beautiful in all areas of life. Our mascot is the LION! We are so excited and look forward to the Grand Opening of Tyndale Christian Academy this coming FALL of 2023!