History of Petra Academy

Petra was founded in the summer of 1995 by a group of Bozeman parents convinced they wanted more for their children's education than they were currently receiving. Louise Turner attended an Association of Classical and Christian Schools conference in Moscow, Idaho, and brought back the insights that she had gained about classical, Christian education. She shared this vision with other interested parents and they opened the school that fall. The Lord provided strength, clarity and vision as they took this step of faith with Mrs. Turner serving as the Administrator, a role in which she faithfully served for thirteen years. Petra Academy is very grateful for the labor of these founding parents.

Books were ordered, students were enrolled and teachers were hired, but Petra still lacked a facility in which to meet. After continuing to pray, God provided a building on the Friday before school was to begin. Classes commenced on Monday, September 11, 1995.

Since that time, God has abundantly provided all that Petra has needed at exactly the right moment. The enrollment that first year was nineteen students in grades 7-10. There were many challenges that first year. Expenses were great but income was tiny. Beginning with secondary classes instead of elementary classes also posed a great challenge. Many thought Petra would not survive, especially when the building flooded and Petra lost its entire library.

After three years, elementary grades were added as God supplied every need including buildings, staff and families to help. Petra has continued to experience growth and is currently in its third location since inception. There are eighty students currently enrolled, eighteen staff members and a full K-12 program. We praise God for the foundation that He has laid at Petra Academy.