UPPER TOWNSHIP - Three years ago, the old Rock Hill Elementary No. 2 closed its doors as a public school.

This fall, children will cross the building's threshold again once the Sugar Creek Christian Academy becomes the county's newest educational choice.

The community is invited to an open house Saturday to learn more about the school and what it has to offer.

"We want parents who come to see that we're serious about providing a God-centered, safe, effective education," said the Rev. Mike Long, pastor of Sugar Creek Baptist Church. The school is a part of the church's outreach ministry.

"It's (the open house) going to be both for education and for registration. Some parents have already made the decision to send their kids to the school, others are still contemplating. This is an invitation to the community to come and see our facilities and learn more about Christian education."

School leaders emphasize the Christian academy will offer small, nurturing classes in a safe environment. The Abeka Curriculum offered is the same that is offered at other local Christian schools, such as Grace Christian School in Huntington, W.Va., and Rose Hill Christian School in Ashland, Ky. Above all, children will be taught Bible principles, faith in God, respect for one's country and responsibility for one's community.

The Sugar Creek Christian Academy is a non-public, non-chartered school. When it opens, it will offer grades K-5 and then add a grade each year until the school provides a full 13 years of education.

There is plenty of room for the growth school officials are expecting. The old elementary building came complete with a gymnasium, kitchen, playground and lots of parking. There are more than 20 class rooms, although some are now used by the church's adult ministry, Landmark Bible College. Volunteers have spent months painting, cleaning and getting the facility ready for public viewing and for classes in the fall.

"We're really proud of our facilities," Long said. "We're proud of how it looks."

This is the first in a series of such receptions planned in the coming months. The open house will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There will be supervised children's activities in the gym so parents can meet with school staff.