History

Imani Christian Academy began as an alternative to public education in 1993 with 30 students in a single-family house in Swissvale which is east of Pittsburgh. The vision for Imani was born out of a desire to create a learning environment free of violence and focused on developing positive self-esteem in children with Christ as the center and foundation of their education.

Imanis mission is to embrace all children in our society, particularly those who are at-risk, transform them into whole adults spiritually, academically, physically and socially and then release them into lives of purpose and contribution.

Imani welcomes children of all racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds. The children are educated in an environment that unveils, develops and nurtures the uniqueness of each of them. The discovery of purpose in their lives is the heartbeat of Imani Christian Academy. We value each child. We mentor and guide each one to achieve his or her highest potential. This is accomplished by using the resources of the church, the home and the community.

Our Christian philosophy begins with the belief that children are precious gifts from God and they must be nurtured in an environment that promotes and teaches that God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. That is our daily focus. Every child is born with purpose and destiny and we help to reveal this to them.

Imani Christian Academy recently completed its thirteenth year of operation. We have a zero drop-out rate. Since 1994, a total of seventy-five students have graduated from Imani Christian Academy. Fifty six percent (56%) have attended a four-year college or university. Sixteen percent (16%) went on to attend vocational school and fifteen percent (15%) have gone on to be gainfully employed. Without the supportive, academic environment offered at Imani, these graduates may have ended up in very different circumstances. We are proud that our graduates found their purpose while at Imani and that they are contributing to our community in a meaningful way.

In 2007, we graduated twelve young women and three young men. Three of the students were accepted into college, five were accepted into junior college, four were accepted into vocational school, and three are gainfully empolyed. In 2006, we graduated twelve African American males and two African American females. Nine of those twelve African American males were accepted into colleges (Penn State, Edinborough and Community College of Allegheny County), one is attending vocational school for construction, one is gainfully employed and one is seeking acceptance into a special tutorial program at Penn State. This is remarkable when you consider that in Pittsburgh, less than 50% of African American males finish high school and less than 1% go on to post-secondary education.

Although we are proud of the number of our students who go on to college, we are aware that not everyone is destined for a college education. Thats why we work individually with every student to uncover their talents and interests and from there determine their purpose in life. Our teachers and staff support each student in realizing their purpose whether it is to be an accountant, a hair stylist, a soldier, or a homemaker. We believe that every child is called by God for a certain purpose, and that each purpose is equally important.

Imani Creed

An Imani student is spiritual. We recognize the finished work of Jesus Christ. We are thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who walks with us. We are comforted because the Lord is our Shepherd and we are glad because nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

An Imani student is mentally strong. We have been tried, tested and elevated to a level of academic excellence by pursuing our studies with passion. We are world changers. Our minds have been expanded and our purpose and destiny have collided with the reality of our aptitude.

An Imani student is socially responsible. We have been developed in our service. Our God-given gifts are on display for the benefit of all mankind through our service. We live out the declaration and the designation of the Son of Man by recognizing the good in all men and serving them unselfishly. Our goal in this is to die for others so they might realize the love of Christ. No task is too small and no task is too large for we know that those whose paths we cross will recognize the love of Christ through our service to them.

By these standards, an Imani student can be identified. By these standards an Imani student is set apart. By these standards, an Imani student will bless your heart.