A "Lifechanging" Columbia School

Columbia (WLTX) - Jubilee Academy is small in many ways, but it's changing lives of many in a profound way.

To understand their story, you first must know where they come from.

"My best friend got shot on my birthday. It was gang related, they walked up and shot her. My mom was in jail all my life so I never had a mom and my dad died when I was two," said 17-year-old Jessica Kirkbride.

It is for kids like Jessica Kirkbride that the private christian academy was formed two years ago. "It's a lifechanging place," said Jessica.

Jessica is one of 15 other students, ages 4 through high school that go to the school which is located off Two Notch Road.

"We started out like a homeschool atmosphere, we operate like a big family. Everyone helps everyone else. The big ones take care of the little ones," said Jubilee Academy founder Sandee Hensley.

Sandee Hensley is a former Columbia school teacher who formed Heartworks Ministry. For a number of years she operated an after school program for kids living in high poverty homes. Then came the call from parents to make something that would be full time. Two years ago she opened up Jubilee Academy.

"I'm the number one bathroom cleaner, bottle washer, taxi cab driver, and the extra mom and teacher and everything," said Hensley.

Hensley's given her life and her heart to the children. If one of them has trouble at home, Hensley opens her door to them.

"I just love her for coming into my life, and knowing that I can depend on her anytime I need something," said Jessica.

Hensley's main passion is providing the children with an education that will carry them into college.

"The community houses several schools like one of the worst 25 in the nation," said Hensley.

"I never used to know what homework was about or know how to do it because they never taught me how to do it in class," said Jessica.

Currently the building has several teachers that work with each child as they need. Not only are the children receiving a very personal education, but they're also learning life lessons.

"I would want that they would get married before they have babies. That they would not get on drugs. That they would explore the potential God put in them rather than living in the toxicity of the generational poverty, gang infested neighborhood," said Hensley.

Parent Sandra Brown has two children going to the school, and is the mother of the academy's first graduate.

"This place is a God-send to kids and parents who are ready to make that step and give their kids exactly what they need," said Brown.

For Jessica it shows no matter where she came from, right now it's about where she's going.

"This school is getting me ready for college and know that I can depend on myself in life," said Jessica.

Despite the cost ranging around $10,000 per student, parents are charged just $75 per month. The accredited school is funding almost entirely through private and church donations.

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