About Us

Rooted in Faith. Focused on Excellence. Built on Friendship.

Star City Christian Academy (SCCA) was founded in the Fall of 2025 by two lifelong friends and passionate educators, Lori Ottley and Rebecca McGee. After years of service in the public school system, they felt called to create a small, Christ-centered learning environment where children can grow spiritually and academically — with personalized attention, hands-on experiences, and a whole lot of love.

SCCA is a micro-school, similar to a homeschool co-op, and a ministry of Fellowship Bible Church in Star City, Arkansas. With a heart for children and a commitment to Biblical values, we aim to provide a school experience that’s both academically excellent and spiritually enriching.

Our mission is to cultivate an environment where every person, regardless of their background or beliefs, feels welcomed, supported, and inspired. Through worship, outreach, education, and creative expressions, we aim to empower individuals on their unique journeys of faith and personal growth.

We exist to glorify God, lead children to a relationship with Him, and help students reach their full potential — mind, body, and spirit.

Our Founders

Lori Ottley, Co-Director and K-3 Lead Teacher

Certified K–6 Teacher
Certified K-12 Teacher for English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL)
20+ years experience in public education
Former English Language Learner Director for Cleveland County School District
Passionate about early literacy, language development, and American Sign Language (ASL)

Lori brings joy, creativity, and deep experience in working with diverse learners. She loves helping children discover their voice through reading, writing, and language. Lori’s spiritual goal is to help children learn to use their hardships and trauma as a testimony versus a life sentence. Lori’s goal is to help children use the pain or hardship in their lives to glorify God.

Rebecca McGee, Co-Director and 4-8 Lead Teacher

Master’s of Education
Certified 4-8 Teacher, all content areas
Certified K-12 Teacher for English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL)
18 years experience in public education
National Board Certified Teacher

Rebecca is passionate about helping students reach their full potential and experience the world around them. She loves exposing children to hands-on learning and real world experiences.

Our Staff and Ministry Partners

Sue Bratton, Food Service

Ms. Sue is the mother of five, grandmother and great-grandmother of 24 with 2 on the way. She retired after working 25 years in preschool and is very excited to be part of SCCA.

Catherine Garrison, 9-12 Lead Teacher

Bachelor of Arts degree in English
Master of Arts degree in Literature
Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction Program Administration
Certified 7-12 Teacher in English Language Arts and K-12 Curriculum and Instruction Program Administration
30 years experience in public and private education, grade 4 through college
Previous secondary academic instructional facilitator and educational professional development provider
Independent Educational Consultant

“I want to provide my students with positive and powerful educational experiences so they will enjoy learning and be prepared for whatever God has in store for them.”

Ashley Goodman, Office Manager and Instructor

Bachelors of Science in Education Studies
Masters of Education in Teaching Candidate
3 years experience in public school and homeschool

“I love to serve and love helping children become confident and know their worth. I want all children to know that although the world will define them by the deck of cards they are dealt or how much money they have, that is not how God defines us. I want to help them defend their faith and fight on their knees. I want to be an example to kids that Jesus didn’t come to be served, but came TO serve. Ephesisans 6:12-13 says, “For we sturggle not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”

TJ Griffith, PE Facilitator

Masters in Physical Education and Health
25 years teaching experience
40 years experience leading aerobics classes
Creator of Classercise Fitness Program PE Curriculum

TJ Griffith is well qualified to lead, support, and motivate students to not only participate in class activities but also understand the importance of maintaining healthy habits beyond the classroom. TJ’s background in personal training across all age groups has strengthened her ability to provide individual support and adapt workouts to suit a range of fitness levels. She has an open mind to ways of healthy living.

Renee’ McBryde, Activity Teacher

Master of Arts in Teaching
21+ years teaching experience
Certified to teach all content areas in Pre-K through 4th grade

Renee’ is passionate about making sure her students know how much they are loved. She believes children need to know how much she cares about them before they care what she wants them to learn. Children may forget what she says, but they will never forget how she made them feel. Renee’ loves Jesus and wants her students to know Him as well. “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.'” Matthew 19:4 NKJ

Alex Meza, Interim Spanish Instructor

Mr. Alex is a Star City High School graduate and has completed his Welding Technology degree from UAM.

A native Spanish speaker, Mr. Alex is looking forward to helping his students learn why it’s important to speak more than one language, to discover new things as they learn to speak Spanish, and to find out more about the different cultures of Spanish speaking countries.

Chris McGee, High School Bible Instructor

Bachelor of Arts in History
Master of Arts in Theology and History
26 years experience teaching and preaching God’s Word
Remote instructor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Military Veteran of United States Air Force Air Combat Command, Intelligence Analyst
Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Member of the Ohio Valley Military Society

Chris is committed to teaching Scripture in the context of its original audience as this allows his students to peel back the layers of time and discover the rich depth of meaning waiting beneath the surface of familiar Bible stories.

Pam Whipple, After-School Tutoring Director

20 years experience as homeschool teacher
25 years experience as typist/proofreader

“I love to see kids learn and discover new things. I passionately believe that every child is loved by God and deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive in a loving environment.

Jessica Whipple, 3rd – 5th Grade Homeroom Instructor

25 years teaching Abeka curriculum
Wife of Dr. Paul Whipple
Mother of seven

“I love to nurture the beautiful minds of children, inspiring them to love learning, to love the world around them, and most of all, to love the God who made them. I am convinced that every child has a unique key to unlock his understanding. I love helping to discover and turn that key.”