While it has been providing an alternative education setting for students in the area for nearly two decades, only recently was Liberty Christian Academy able to call itself an accredited institution.The Wright City school, which began in Warrenton, was awarded its accreditation from the American Christian Schools International organization in June.“It brings legitimacy to things we’re already doing,” said Administrator Bev Wilgus. “When people are looking for schools to send their children, it gives us some credibility.”While the school has been sending graduates to colleges around the country for many years, its students will now have access to even more resources.“It also allows us to apply for many grants and funding that before we were ineligible due to not being accredited,” said Wilgus. “It opens doors and more access and shows prospective parents and others who might want to give to LCA that we are a viable institution.”Liberty Christian had been a member of American Christian Schools International for about nine years, before seeking accreditation.“We looked into different accrediting agencies and decided to go with ACSI,” said Wilgus. “It’s a process you have to go through, including a self-study. We did a self-study several times. We applied and that gave us two years to do the initial self-study to see where we were lacking and where to improve.”Now the school is looking to expand, currently tied for its largest ever enrollment at 141 students.Designs and proposals have been discussed since the spring, but the board is still trying to determine how to move forward in an effort to accommodate the growing need for space.“We’re still considering the possibilities,” said Wilgus. “We’re maxed out on space, with no room to add any more classrooms. We’re looking at what options are best.”Liberty Christian eagle logo