Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Williams
Hi Charles, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Started off at the Christmas dinner table with my wife and family in 2021. We were asking ourselves if we started a school what would it be like. Several ideas discussed was Jesus first, and strong Bible- based academics with small class sizes, and physical challenges every day.
I continued to work on the vision, mission, business plan, and funding, as I worked at several public schools. God led me to John 14:6, where Jesus tells his followers “He is the way, the truth, and the life. From there a school was born. One that focused on Jesus each day, and everything else flows from there. The foreseen struggle was funding this “dream”, and that’s where we were the start of 2022.
So I talked to a lot of Foundations, and applied for grants, and spoke with other nonprofit leaders, and was inspired by their stories. I researched programs and grants that specifically were for private schools and that’s when I found the Drexel Fund Founders Program.
First time I applied I didn’t get in. There were a few components they were looking for that were not in place. We went to work and solidified those components, and later that year I applied again and The Way Academy was accepted into the rigorous program! After a year of trusting in the Lord and praying, and intense learning across the country, we were hiring teachers and enrolling 6-8 grade students.
Now we are looking at educating 6-10 grade students in 2025, and sharing the gospel with all of them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Rocky road for sure. The biggest struggle was finding funding for TWA when it really was only a vision. Imagine, it was hard to get anyone or organization to give and support TWA as there were no building or students…
Finding a building was another ordeal. When your business has no track record there aren’t many that believe you will make it, so they don’t want to lease their space to you. Our first and second attempt at securing a space ended abruptly, but as they say “the 3rd time was the charm.”
Enrolling students was the other struggle because we didn’t sign the lease for our school until May 2023, 3 months before TWA opened…..
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Well I started off back in 2002 as a math teacher and basketball coach. I also directed school bands my first year as I have a Masters in Music. I taught math for 8 more years before becoming an assistant principal and then. principal I’ve enjoyed leading several schools to high performance, by forming strong bonds with teachers and students.
I’m most proud of my relationship with Jesus, my Lord and Savior, because all things are possible with him. and also my love and marriage to my wife for the last 16 years, and being a father to my 3 girls. That’s what I’m most proud of….keeping the main thing the main things!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
When God calls you to do something, go do it. Praying and reading the Word gave me confidence, and it can do the same for them. Also, when folks ask you are you sure, tell them I trust in God!
The other thing is make sure to surround yourself with other leaders that are doing something similar. We all need a support group , and it’s tough without one. They can reach out to me and I’ll encourage them!
Pricing:
- $9300 – middle school students
- $10000 – high school students
- $50 – application fee
- $500 – enrollment fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewayacademy.net/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewayacademy.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewayacademy2021
