The History and Creation of Eastside Academy
The story of Eastside Academy is, at its core, a story of God’s provision and faithfulness. It is a testament to how God works through people, events, and unexpected challenges to build His kingdom on the Eastside. The Academy’s history is deeply rooted in a call to serve vulnerable and at-risk students—those who had been pushed to the margins and given up on by traditional education systems.
The Origins: Eastside Urban Academy (1995–2001)
Eastside Academy’s roots go back to 1995 when CRISTA Ministries founded the Eastside Urban Academy (EUA) at the First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue (FPCB). EUA was established to serve at-risk students who needed a second chance to earn a high school diploma and turn their lives around. The school thrived in its mission, but due to financial constraints, CRISTA made the difficult decision to close EUA in June 2001.
The Birth of Eastside Academy (2001)
Nancy Detterbeck, a former teacher at EUA, recognized that without the school, many students would have nowhere to go. Motivated by her deep commitment to the students and the vision of the school, she founded Eastside Academy in the fall of 2001. Classes initially resumed at Ground Zero, next to the Bellevue Boys & Girls Club. But Ground Zero would only be available through the end of the year.
In October 2001, Nancy met with Community Outreach at FPCB to present her vision for continuing the school. With nowhere else to turn, she asked for space. The committee unanimously approved her request, allocating two classrooms and office space in the church’s chapel building. The Church Session affirmed the decision in November 2001, and early financial support followed—$10,000 from Kent Chaplin, matched by the Ames Family Foundation.
Leadership and Early Growth (2002)
In February 2002, Greg Stone joined Eastside Academy as Director. While exploring a career change, Greg read a King County Journal article titled “Teacher Revives Christian Alternative School: Academy ‘Started with Nothing,’ Returns to Bellevue Church.” He felt a clear calling to build a Christ-centered educational program at the Academy and soon became a spiritual and organizational anchor.
Recognizing the need for structure, Greg recruited an “interim” board of directors, a term that many quickly learned meant long-term commitment. Elizabeth Hendrix, Mike Burns, Evan McDonald, and others answered the call. To keep the doors open, they launched a fundraiser with only six weeks to plan. Against all odds, the event—featuring a video narrated by Eric Slocum and a talk from Dan McDonald—raised $23,000. Volunteer teachers, mentors, and counselors were recruited. That spring, Eastside Academy graduated five students.
School Year 2002–2003: Building Structure
Eastside Academy started the 2002–2003 school year with 22 students, a principal, a teacher, and Director Greg Stone. A more permanent Board of Directors was established, and a grant-writing program began. The annual budget was set at $150,000, later growing to $216,000.
The first formal board meeting took place on September 24, 2002. Over dinner (Chinese, of course), board members laid the groundwork for governance, financial planning, and a long-term vision. A major fundraiser was scheduled for March 27, 2003, with Mike Riley and Dan Allender as speakers. Financial shortfalls tested the board’s resolve. At one point, teachers went unpaid. The board and church stepped up: the Ames Foundation and FPCB contributed significant emergency funding, including $76,000 from the church. P&L statements were introduced, and connections with Mars Hill Graduate School brought counseling interns into the school. Youth Eastside Services began collaborating with the Academy. A strategic retreat in May 2003 helped solidify vision, mission, and goals.
In the summer of 2003, Eastside launched what would become its long-standing mentoring program.
School Year 2003–2004: Expanding Programs
As part of the new strategic plan, Eastside hired a new principal and two additional teachers. A 12-step recovery program was launched, staffed entirely by volunteers. Mentor Brent Christie started a boys’ basketball team, and volunteer Kathy (last name not recorded) created art classes to give students creative outlets.
Mars Hill interns continued to offer counseling, and Eastside explored a ProStart program. The board initiated a master plan focusing on three areas: education, mentoring, and substance abuse recovery. Remodeling of classroom space began with support from FPCB. The school’s budget grew to $435,000.
School Year 2004–2005: Professionalizing Operations
Eastside added Directors of Education, Mentoring, and Substance Abuse/Recovery programs. New hires included an Administrative Services Coordinator, a Development Coordinator, and a Math Teacher/Assistant Basketball Coach. The basketball and creative arts programs continued to thrive. A Development Team was formed to sustain the Academy’s financial health. Chapel time and small focus groups were introduced for spiritual and emotional support. That year also marked the completion of the classroom remodel in the Chapel Building. The operating budget reached $626,000.
Vision and Legacy
Throughout all these years, the vision has remained steadfast:
“To be the leading educational model for effecting change in the lives of at-risk youth in the Pacific Northwest.”
Eastside Academy is more than a school. It is often the final option for young people who have failed in traditional systems and have begun to lose hope. The Academy offers not just academic education, but also personal transformation, mentoring, recovery support, and the unshakable belief that every student has God-given potential.
As we reflect on these early years, we celebrate the courageous efforts of staff, volunteers, board members, and donors who answered God’s call. And above all, we give glory to God, “for through Him, all things are possible.”
