In the News

Champions Christian Academy has completed the Florida Department of Education's private-school site visit process and was found to be in compliance with the requirements of Section 1002.421, Florida Statutes.

In a July 20 letter, the department said it reviewed the school's documentation and determined that the academy had demonstrated compliance with state site-visit requirements. The department also thanked the school for its continued participation in Florida's scholarship programs. The milestone allows the new Lehigh Acres private school to move forward with plans to open for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Champions Christian Academy will serve students in grades 6 through 12 at 1251 Taylor Lane. The nonprofit, non-denominational Christian school was founded by Lorena Peters, M.S. Ed., co-founder and principal, and Dr. Joseph Torregrasso, co-founder and executive director.

Its message, "Real Second Chances Through Faith and Education," reflects a mission centered on students who have fallen behind, become discouraged, or are at risk of leaving school without a diploma.

School leaders say many of the students they hope to reach are older middle and high school students who need a more individualized path. Some may be several credits behind after years in a traditional classroom and may arrive feeling labeled, defeated, or forgotten.

"A lot of these students have already been made to feel like failures," Peters said in an earlier East Lee County News interview. "Before they can care about curriculum again, they have to know somebody truly cares about them."

The academy is designed to be small, personal and faith-centered. Its educational model combines individualized coursework, small class sizes, teacher support, family involvement, credit recovery, graduation planning and Christian values. The school also plans to help students prepare for employment, technical training, college and life after graduation.

Instruction will be provided through Ignitia by Alpha Omega Publications, a technology-supported Christian curriculum. School leaders say the program will allow students to work at an appropriate pace while still receiving direct guidance and accountability from teachers.

Torregrasso said the academy was created to serve students whose progress may not fit a traditional graduation timeline.

"If a student comes in with only three credits, there is no honest way to pretend that student can be measured the same as someone who stayed on track from freshman year," he said. "But that student's life still matters. Their future still matters."

Beyond academics, the school is exploring relationships with local employers, trade programs and apprenticeship partners. Its founders believe earning a diploma can strengthen more than one student's future by helping young people become workers, parents, business owners, mentors and contributors to the community.

"Our approval by the Florida Department of Education is an incredible milestone, but it is only the beginning," Peters said. "This journey has been built on faith, perseverance, countless hours of hard work, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed."

Torregrasso said the academy was founded to provide hope, opportunity, and a personalized educational experience where students can thrive.

"We are excited to partner with families and invest in the next generation of leaders," he said.

Champions Christian Academy participates in Florida scholarship programs, including scholarships administered through Step Up For Students. According to the academy, eligible families may qualify for scholarship assistance that covers the full cost of tuition. The school is also pursuing accreditation through a recognized accrediting organization, a separate process that generally begins after a new school becomes operational and establishes a record of educational performance and continued improvement.

The academy is seeking Chromebook donations, technology resources, church and business partners, workforce connections, trade and apprenticeship partners, donors and sponsors. Technology access is a priority because much of the school's individualized instruction will be computer-supported.

Enrollment remains open for the 2026-2027 school year. Families may schedule a campus tour or attend an upcoming open house. More information is available at CCAPanthers.net or by calling 239-634-2694.

A new faith-based private school launching in Southwest Florida is preparing to serve high school students who have fallen behind, become discouraged, or been pushed to the edge of dropping out.

Champions Christian Academy, founded by Dr. Joseph Torregrasso and Lorena Peters, M.S. Ed., carries the message: "Real Second Chances Through Faith and Education." The school is being built for students who need more than a desk and a worksheet. They need adults who will notice them, call them forward, and help them believe they can still finish.

The school's leadership says many of the students they are called to serve are 11th and 12th graders who have spent years in traditional classrooms but are still far short of the credits needed to graduate.

"A lot of these students have already been made to feel like failures. Before they can care about curriculum again, they have to know somebody truly cares about them." — Lorena Peters, Co-Founder and Principal

That is where Champions Christian Academy hopes to make its greatest difference. The school is designed to be small, personal, faith-centered, and focused on rebuilding students from the inside out.

"If a student comes in with only three credits, there is no honest way to pretend that student can be measured the same as someone who stayed on track from freshman year. But that student's life still matters. Their future still matters." — Dr. Joseph Torregrasso, Co-Founder and Principal

The school's approach will focus on credit recovery, graduation planning, mentorship, Christian values, workforce readiness, and future trade partnerships.

Technology access is one of the school's most urgent needs. Champions Christian Academy is currently seeking Chromebook donations or financial support to purchase devices for students.

"This is about real second chances. These kids are not throwaways. They are champions, and we want to help them see that." — Lorena Peters, Co-Founder and Principal