Who we are – Sunward Place Academy

Our Story

Welcome to Sunward Christian Academy. Since our founding in 2000, we have been dedicated to fostering an environment where faith, family, and academic excellence meet. What began as a humble dream with just four teachers and 30 learners has blossomed into a cornerstone of the Boksburg community.

Our Story

A Legacy of Faith

Sunward Christian Academy was established a quarter-century ago by the vision of Pastor Jan van der Westhuizen. His mission was simple: to create a school grounded in God’s grace. A decade ago, the mantle of leadership passed to his son, Leon van der Westhuizen, who continues to lead the school today. Under his guidance, we have grown to accommodate over 375 learners from Grade R to Grade 12. While our campus has expanded and our numbers have grown, the heart of our school remains unchanged. "We’ve come a long way, but the heart of the school remains the same. Through faith, family, and the unwavering support of our community, we’ve built something lasting."

Leon van der Westhuizen,

Principal

More Than a School

A Family

At Sunward Christian Academy, we believe we are a family first and an academic institution second. We pride ourselves on being a place where miracles happen daily. We have seen children from humble beginnings rise to incredible heights, supported by a staff that views teaching as a calling rather than just a job. Our small-school atmosphere ensures that no child is just a number. The bonds formed here last a lifetime, with many of our alumni remaining in close contact with their teachers long after they matriculate.

Community

A Heart for Service

We believe that “giving is part of living.” Our learners are taught the principle of sowing and reaping through active community involvement. We don’t just teach values in the classroom; we live them out in the streets of Boksburg.

Our ongoing outreach initiatives include:

Adopt-a-Granny: Supporting elderly residents at the SAVF Kova Pienaar Home with monthly care packages.
Project Duduza: Providing school supplies and hosting annual celebrations for underprivileged Grade One pupils.
Community Care: From hosting local blood drives to repairing potholes in the Parkrand Village area, we aim to make a tangible difference where we live.

Excellence in Education

We are committed to preparing our learners to be successful, grounded adults who can make a positive impact on the world. This commitment is reflected in our record of excellence:

100% Matric Pass Rate: A testament to the dedication of our “blessed” teaching staff and the hard work of our pupils.
Purpose-Driven Growth: Each year, we select a spiritual theme (such as Facing the Giant) to encourage learners to overcome challenges and step into their God-given purpose.
Holistic Development: We focus on the “whole child,” ensuring they are spiritually, emotionally, and academically ready for the future.

Our Vision

Empowering students to reach their God-given potential through a Christ-centered education that builds confident, purposeful leaders prepared for the challenges of adulthood.

Our Mission

Sunward Christian Academy is a school with purpose, dedicated to providing a holistic education through three core pillars: sustaining academic excellence with a consistent 100% matric pass rate, maintaining a Christ-centered foundation through Bible-based integration, and fostering intentional character building that shapes the whole child for a life of community service and personal growth.