Killeen Adventist Junior Academy was founded in 1971, but its story began even earlier with faith, vision, and a willingness to trust God’s leading. In 1969, the land the academy now calls home was purchased with the original plan of building the Killeen Seventh-day Adventist Church. As the two acres were developed and the church family spent time in prayer, a powerful conviction emerged: this land was meant to educate and nurture children. With that decision, a school was born.
Classes were scheduled to begin on September 9, 1971, but, as with many great beginnings, the start required flexibility and faith. The school building was not yet ready. Stepping forward in true community spirit, church member Bonnie House opened her barn on 60th Street, cleaned it out, and welcomed the academy’s very first students. It was there, humble, hopeful, and full of promise, that Killeen Adventist Junior Academy held its first day of school.
By January 1972, the school building was ready, and classes officially moved to the Lake Road campus. Over the years, the academy continued to grow, shaped by dedication, prayer, and a shared commitment to Christ-centered education. In 1982, plans for the school gym began under the leadership of Dr. Gohl, helping complete the campus as it is known today.
More than five decades later, Killeen Adventist Junior Academy stands in a new season of growth and purpose. Under the leadership of Principal Lizzette Garcia, the academy has embraced a bold vision for the future. In 2025, the school officially became a full academy, marking a significant milestone in its history. That same year, the academy purchased the neighboring land, creating new opportunities to build, expand, and better serve generations of students to come.
From a barn to a thriving and expanding campus, our story is one of faith, community, and an enduring commitment to educating the whole child, mind, body, and spirit. And as we continue to grow, the story of Killeen Adventist Junior Academy is still being written.
