Our History

The Avon Grove Nazarene Day Care Center began in September 1981 to meet an  expressed need of families in the Avon Grove community.  Under the direction of Kathy Snyder, it opened as a daycare with a focus on early childhood education, accepting children ages 6 weeks through age 12 at an hourly drop-in rate.  Since those humble beginnings, the Avon Grove Nazarene Academy has grown, changed and evolved.  

In 1989, when Kathy left AGNA to direct privately owned day care centers,

Barbara Crockett became the new director.  Mrs. Crockett served for many years  and saw many changes.  Modular classrooms were added to begin regular

preschool classes.  Then, when the church pastor purchased his own home, the

Academy began using the parsonage (the current Academy building) for classes. 

In March of 1992, the Academy was licensed by the Department of Non-Public

Education to add Kindergarten. 

In August of 2003, Barbara Crockett retired after 22 years of teaching and

directing at AGNA.  The next few years brought many changes.  Esther Schutz

served as director during this transitional time, when infant and toddler care ended and themed summer day camps began.  These changes helped re-focus AGNA on preschool, kindergarten and school age programming. 

In June of 2005, Kathy (Snyder) St. John returned. The program was renamed as Avon Grove Nazarene Academy. The Academy has continued to grow under her leadership, and one of the most exciting projects was adding the new gym!  The Academy students and the entire community have benefited greatly from this addition. 

In July 2023, Kathy St. John retired and Avon Grove Nazarene Academy is currently under the leadership of Beckey Fickinger and Karen Bunjo. 

Over the years, AGNA has formed forever friendships with so many children and families in the community.  We are now teaching the children of former students and even employing former students!  AGNA is proud of the committed staff over the years, with only three directors in 35 years and current teachers/staff that have been here for 10-15 years!  Our alliance with the Avon Grove public and Charter schools has remained strong.

The Academy continues to look to the future, knowing that more changes and

growth are certain.  We thank the local community for all the support over the

years, and we look forward to many successful years ahead!