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, K-5 Administrator, 2nd & 3rd Grade 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, 6th-12th Administrator, Middle School 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, High School 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.”

Ellie Cooper, After School Program

Ellie is a senior at SCCA who knows and loves all our students. She is CPR certified and has 5 years experience working with children. She plans to join the Air Force when she graduates.

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, K& 1st Grade 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

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.

Brooklyn Socia, K-8th Bible Instructor

As a mother/bonus mother, my main role is to not only nurture, guide, encourage and protect, but to ensure my children have a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. As part of the SCCA team, my goal is no different! Provers 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will turn from it.” I have a servants heart and believe that even one small act of kindness can do big things in someone else’s life. God calls us to the the light, and I pray I’m able to shine for all students while also teaching them to shine in their own ways, whether that be helping in a classroom, the playground or anywhere in between.

Jessica Whipple, 4th & 5th Grade 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.”

Hannah Barajas, Spanish Instructor

Hi! I’m Hannah Barajas, and I absolutely love bringing faith and fun. into the Spanish classroom at SCCA! My heart is to create a space where students feel safe, encouraged, and excited to learn. I believe confidence grows when kids feel supported — and that joy belongs in the classroom.

In Spanish class, you’ll hear music, see movement, lots of speaking practice, and probably a little laughter too! I want students to experience the language in a way that feels alive and engaging, not overwhelming.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and being involved in our school community. It’s such a blessing to partner with families and watch our students grow – academically and in their faith.

Christine Earnest, Floater

I am originally from Northern California. I have always had a passion for helping others. That passion has led me many places. I am so excited that God has led me to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. Isaiah 30:21 (NIV): “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ “

Ashley Goodman , Office admin

I am a wife and mother to 3. God has blessed me with a servant’s heart therefore, helping others has become my passion. I strive to show what it means to be Christ-like through grace and spreading the love of Jesus. My prayer for our youth is to not be led by worldly influences but allow the Holy Spirit to be their guide so they will forever be in the Kingdom of Heaven. I am truly honored and blessed to share each day with your children.