A Collaborative Ministry of Hope Academy & St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Middletown PA

In Middletown, Pennsylvania, a congregation with a big vision has transformed the future of early childhood education. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, long committed to serving its community, took a bold step to collaborate with Guatemala-based Hope Academy to form a bilingual, STEAM-based preschool here in Pennsylvania, called Hope Academy PA. This initiative, born out of a desire to expand access to high-quality education, has flourished through a remarkable collaboration with Hope Academy in Guatemala. It is a story of faith, innovation, and the power of relationships that cross cultures and continents.

Hope Academy PA was inspired by the work of Hope Academy Guatemala, a school that provides young girls with access to education in a country where such opportunities are scarce. Leaders recognized that bilingual education fosters creativity, independence, and economic security—essential tools for breaking cycles of poverty.

When St. Peter’s Preschool, a 54-year-old ministry, faced closure, the congregation saw an opportunity to reimagine early childhood education. With over half of local students on free and reduced lunch, it became clear that access to a high-quality, bilingual STEAM curriculum could help prepare children for lifelong success. A STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) approach was intentionally chosen to cultivate curiosity and critical thinking.

STEAM education encourages children to explore ideas, ask questions, and develop creative solutions. Parents regularly share that their children are learning at an accelerated pace thanks to this multi-cultural approach. Hope Academy PA students not only gain academic skills but also develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a love of learning that will serve them for years to come.

The relationship between Hope Academy PA and Hope Academy Guatemala is a dynamic collaboration. As mission partners with the synod, we have found meaningful ways to integrate faith formation across both schools. A beautiful example of this is our bilingual chapel curriculum based on the Fruits of the Spirit. Twice a month, students gather for a Bible story and reflection. They take baskets filled with themed fruits back to their classrooms, exploring how these values manifest in their daily lives.

This year, we welcomed Yesy, a Guatemalan teacher, who spent a semester at Hope Academy PA introducing Spanish immersion play. Her presence enriched both students and congregation members, reinforcing the global connection that underpins this mission. Our congregation also actively supports Hope Academy Guatemala through fundraisers, mission trips, and educational exchanges. Teachers from both programs collaborate regularly, sharing best practices and creating opportunities for students to connect across borders through virtual exchanges. These relationships strengthen our collective understanding of God’s work in the world.

One of the most inspiring stories from our program is that of a young girl with special needs who had struggled with mobility and speech. When she first arrived, we were uncertain how she would adapt. Today, she confidently walks through our halls speaking in both Spanish and English, demonstrating the power of inclusive education.

The most rewarding moments are the ones where children excitedly share their experiences—whether it is a song they learned in Spanish, a science experiment that sparked their curiosity, or a chapel lesson that deepened their faith. These moments remind us why this work is worth every challenge.

The vision for Hope Academy PA is one of continued growth and deepened collaboration. We hope to expand access to more families in need, strengthen our bilingual curriculum, and build even stronger ties with Hope Academy Guatemala. For those who wish to support this mission, there are many ways to get involved. Sponsorships provide crucial financial aid for students, while volunteers can contribute by reading to children, assisting with events, or supporting our community garden. Every act of generosity—whether local or global—helps sustain this transformative work.


To learn more about Hope Academy PA or to get involved, visit https://www.wearehopeacademy.org/.