Considering Christian High School?
The choice parents make for their children's education shapes them academically, emotionally, and spiritually. At LWA, the faculty and staff take seriously the responsibility to develop student's minds, without distancing God from academics. Now offering high school options, LWA is committed to provide a quality education for your student, age 6 weeks to 10th grade. Contact us for more information on enrollment, partnership, giving, and more.
Our Vision
Living Water Academy provides a differentiated, Christ-centered, and affordable High School in West County providing education that meets university admission standards.
Our Mission
Living Water Academy is dedicated to teaching our children the preeminence of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18), who satisfies every thirst of life with His living water (John 7:38). We partner with parents to raise children with Christ- like character, equipping them spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in an environment of academic excellence to impact the world for Jesus Christ.
Our Core Values
As a school we aim to create an ethos that is shared by pupils and staff alike. We hope that these values will raise children with Christ-like character and impact the families and communities represented at Living Water Academy.
Biblical Worldview • Servant Leadership • Academic Excellence • Mission Focused
Living Water Academy provides a differentiated, Christ-centered, and affordable High School in West County providing education that meets university admission standards.
Our Mission
Living Water Academy is dedicated to teaching our children the preeminence of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18), who satisfies every thirst of life with His living water (John 7:38). We partner with parents to raise children with Christ- like character, equipping them spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in an environment of academic excellence to impact the world for Jesus Christ.
Our Core Values
As a school we aim to create an ethos that is shared by pupils and staff alike. We hope that these values will raise children with Christ-like character and impact the families and communities represented at Living Water Academy.
Biblical Worldview • Servant Leadership • Academic Excellence • Mission Focused
Expected Outcomes
A Graduate of Living Water Academy High School Will: View themselves and the world through the filter of God’s Word (Genesis 1-2, Matthew 7:12, Romans 1:20-25, Romans 12:2, Colossians 2:8). Seek to serve others in every aspect of life, family, church, and career (Matthew 20:20-25-28, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:42-45, John 13:12-17, Romans 1:1, Hebrews 13:7). Achieve with excellence in every educational endeavor they pursue (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:23, Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:7-8). See the lost, seek the lost, share the gospel with the lost in every place God calls them. Be disciples who make disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8) |
PHASE 1
- Up to 20 Students Per Class
- Admission of Full or Part-Time Home School Students
- Offering Subjects Required for College Admission
- Partnerships/Alliances for Sports
Core Subjects for 9th Grade
- Geometry OR Algebra 1 (Full Year)
- Biology (Full Year)
- English 9 (Full Year)
- World History (Full Year)
- Biblical Worldview (Full Year)
- Electives will be determined based on available resources to include
- PE, Health, Modern Finance
- Modern Language, Fine Arts
Resources for Electives or additional classes could come from one of the following:
- Homeschool consortiums
- LAUNCH Virtual School
- Missouri Baptist University on-line courses
- Liberty Academy on-line courses
Online courses could occur to complete the school day with a qualified staff member monitoring and coordinating the process.
PHASE 2
- Up to 20 Students Per Class
- Admission of Full or Part-Time Home School Students
- Offering Subjects Required for College Admission
- Partnerships/Alliances for Sports
- Geometry OR Algebra 2 (Full Year)
- Chemistry (Full Year)
- English 10 (Full Year)
- US History (Full Year)
- Biblical Worldview 2 (Full Year)
- Electives will be determined based on available resources to include
- PE, Health, Modern Finance
- Modern Language, Fine Arts
- Homeschool consortiums
- LAUNCH Virtual School
- Missouri Baptist University on-line courses
- Liberty Academy on-line courses
PHASE 3
- Establish Grades 11 & 12 by Fall of 2025
Meet Our High School Staff

Tammy Griggs
Dean of Secondary Education, Spanish
My passion for language and other cultures began in high school, and continued throughout college. I studied in Spain on two different occasions, and I really enjoyed seeing God’s creation through another culture. In my career, I taught 8 years in the public school system, teaching all levels of Spanish including dual-credit classes in partnership with local universities. For the past six years, I homeschooled my two daughters, and I also taught multiple Spanish classes for the past three years at Missouri Baptist University. I am so excited to give our students a solid foundation of a second language during their time at Living Water Academy. In my free time, I love to travel, spend time with my family, and enjoy God’s creation in nature.
Dean of Secondary Education, Spanish
My passion for language and other cultures began in high school, and continued throughout college. I studied in Spain on two different occasions, and I really enjoyed seeing God’s creation through another culture. In my career, I taught 8 years in the public school system, teaching all levels of Spanish including dual-credit classes in partnership with local universities. For the past six years, I homeschooled my two daughters, and I also taught multiple Spanish classes for the past three years at Missouri Baptist University. I am so excited to give our students a solid foundation of a second language during their time at Living Water Academy. In my free time, I love to travel, spend time with my family, and enjoy God’s creation in nature.

Taylor Ortscheid
Language Arts, Fundamentals of Theater
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech & Theater and Secondary Education from Missouri Baptist in 2013, and I earned a Master of Arts in Theater from Fontbonne University in 2018. I am certified with the state of Missouri to teach Elementary Education, Speech & Theater grades 5-12, and Language Arts grades 5-9. I have been teaching at Living Water Academy for nine years, including grades 4-9, and I have worked as a production manager at both Missouri Baptist University and the Silhouette Production Company. I currently serve as an Adjunct Professor for the Theater Department at Missouri Baptist University. I love any type of Indian food, and when I’m not teaching I enjoy exploring new coffee shops, walking, running, reading and being in the theater.
Language Arts, Fundamentals of Theater
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech & Theater and Secondary Education from Missouri Baptist in 2013, and I earned a Master of Arts in Theater from Fontbonne University in 2018. I am certified with the state of Missouri to teach Elementary Education, Speech & Theater grades 5-12, and Language Arts grades 5-9. I have been teaching at Living Water Academy for nine years, including grades 4-9, and I have worked as a production manager at both Missouri Baptist University and the Silhouette Production Company. I currently serve as an Adjunct Professor for the Theater Department at Missouri Baptist University. I love any type of Indian food, and when I’m not teaching I enjoy exploring new coffee shops, walking, running, reading and being in the theater.

Pam Wamsley
Biology
I have worked as a Molecular Biologist in crop genetics creating disease and pest resistance in corn and potato. I have also worked as a researcher on the Human Genome Project sequencing the Human Genome as well as the C. elegans genome. I have homeschooled my own 6 children for the past 20 years, 4 of them all the way through high school. While homeschooling, I worked as a teacher for Science Coach, a non profit organization that is a division of BioSTL. In this position, I coached middle school and high school students through the process of doing high level research to compete at regional, state, and international science fairs. Some of my students earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place category awards and scholarships at Intel’s International Science and Engineering Fair. I was a head contributing writer of the Science Coach Independent Research Innovative Curriculum that is now used by public and private schools nationwide. I have also taught Biology and Chemistry courses for several years. I love traveling to my kids’ colleges and watching them compete in swimming, cross country, and track. In my free time, I enjoy playing pickleball, reading, and gardening.
Biology
I have worked as a Molecular Biologist in crop genetics creating disease and pest resistance in corn and potato. I have also worked as a researcher on the Human Genome Project sequencing the Human Genome as well as the C. elegans genome. I have homeschooled my own 6 children for the past 20 years, 4 of them all the way through high school. While homeschooling, I worked as a teacher for Science Coach, a non profit organization that is a division of BioSTL. In this position, I coached middle school and high school students through the process of doing high level research to compete at regional, state, and international science fairs. Some of my students earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place category awards and scholarships at Intel’s International Science and Engineering Fair. I was a head contributing writer of the Science Coach Independent Research Innovative Curriculum that is now used by public and private schools nationwide. I have also taught Biology and Chemistry courses for several years. I love traveling to my kids’ colleges and watching them compete in swimming, cross country, and track. In my free time, I enjoy playing pickleball, reading, and gardening.

Kristen Trout
History
I am so excited to be teaching 9th Grade World History this year at Living Water Academy. We will be exploring the history of the world we live in, from Creation to the present, and how God has been present through it all for His perfect plan. I earned a Bachelor of Arts. in History from Gettysburg College and a Master of Arts. in Nonprofit Leadership from Webster University. When I’m not teaching, you can find me at the Missouri Civil War Museum, where I am the Museum Director. I have also worked with the National Park Service, American Battlefield Trust, Gettysburg Foundation, Civil War Institute, Eisenhower Institute, and I am an historian and author with Emerging Civil War. I love running long distances, reading books about history, researching Civil War history, and drinking delicious cups of coffee. My favorite foods are tacos and burritos. I am excited to join the staff at Living Water Academy to share my love of history and of the Lord!
History
I am so excited to be teaching 9th Grade World History this year at Living Water Academy. We will be exploring the history of the world we live in, from Creation to the present, and how God has been present through it all for His perfect plan. I earned a Bachelor of Arts. in History from Gettysburg College and a Master of Arts. in Nonprofit Leadership from Webster University. When I’m not teaching, you can find me at the Missouri Civil War Museum, where I am the Museum Director. I have also worked with the National Park Service, American Battlefield Trust, Gettysburg Foundation, Civil War Institute, Eisenhower Institute, and I am an historian and author with Emerging Civil War. I love running long distances, reading books about history, researching Civil War history, and drinking delicious cups of coffee. My favorite foods are tacos and burritos. I am excited to join the staff at Living Water Academy to share my love of history and of the Lord!

Kara Crisp
Algebra, Geometry
Math is a beautiful reflection of God’s design and glory and I’m anxious to lead students to see His Creation mathematically! We will explore how math is the study of patterns that help our world make sense and use and apply it in practical ways. This is my third year teaching at LWA following a career in engineering and communications. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Education - Mathematics from Missouri State University, I entered the field of civil engineering where I worked for over 12 years. I also tutored high school math students privately for 10 years. Currently, along with teaching math and yearbook at LWA, I serve as the Communications Director for Fellowship of Wildwood where I actively use my creative skills. I’m passionate about sharing my testimony and faith with students to encourage, equip, and support them as they seek to be successful students. I also love reading (and listening to) books, baseball, puzzles, and traveling with my family. My husband, Mark, and I have three beautiful boys, Will (7th), Max (6th), and Grant (forever 3), who we long to be reunited with in eternity!
Algebra, Geometry
Math is a beautiful reflection of God’s design and glory and I’m anxious to lead students to see His Creation mathematically! We will explore how math is the study of patterns that help our world make sense and use and apply it in practical ways. This is my third year teaching at LWA following a career in engineering and communications. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Education - Mathematics from Missouri State University, I entered the field of civil engineering where I worked for over 12 years. I also tutored high school math students privately for 10 years. Currently, along with teaching math and yearbook at LWA, I serve as the Communications Director for Fellowship of Wildwood where I actively use my creative skills. I’m passionate about sharing my testimony and faith with students to encourage, equip, and support them as they seek to be successful students. I also love reading (and listening to) books, baseball, puzzles, and traveling with my family. My husband, Mark, and I have three beautiful boys, Will (7th), Max (6th), and Grant (forever 3), who we long to be reunited with in eternity!

Mark Grossmann
Bible
I grew up in Florissant, Missouri, and in 1989, I traveled to Kenya to teach Bible for two years at Mombasa Baptist High School. I fell in love with teaching, with the students, with Africa and its people, and with making disciples. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri Baptist University, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. I have an amazing wife (MJ), five very cool kids ( Janie and Ethan, Josiah and Courtney, and James), a granddaughter, (Olivia Grace), a grandson (Peter Jesse), and a pup named Hezekiah (Hezzy). I had the blessed pleasure of being a missionary with my family in East Africa for 23 years. I love fast-pitch softball, baseball, St. Louis style pizza, and fishing in Missouri streams and creeks, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at Living Water Academy this year.
Bible
I grew up in Florissant, Missouri, and in 1989, I traveled to Kenya to teach Bible for two years at Mombasa Baptist High School. I fell in love with teaching, with the students, with Africa and its people, and with making disciples. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri Baptist University, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. I have an amazing wife (MJ), five very cool kids ( Janie and Ethan, Josiah and Courtney, and James), a granddaughter, (Olivia Grace), a grandson (Peter Jesse), and a pup named Hezekiah (Hezzy). I had the blessed pleasure of being a missionary with my family in East Africa for 23 years. I love fast-pitch softball, baseball, St. Louis style pizza, and fishing in Missouri streams and creeks, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at Living Water Academy this year.
TUITION: $11,500 with introductory offer of 10% for enrollees in the 2022/2023 school year.
HOMESCHOOL ADMISSIONS: Individual Al-A-Cart Classes are $850 per semester plus fees.
Please contact us for enrollment details.