Joe Imel/Daily NewsHoward White is entering his second year as principal of Foundation Christian Academy.

Howard White spent 34 years teaching history and chemistry to high school students in Edmonson County.

Now he’s giving a few lessons in formulating the future.

This is the second year White will serve as principal to the 3-year-old Foundation Christian Academy on Three Springs Road. Having already seen tremendous enrollment growth under his tenure, the principal is planning for future expansions.

Since his first year as principal, the school has increased its enrollment from 111 to 133, at a time when many private schools are worried the economic climate will cut class sizes.

But at FCA, White said the concern is making classrooms bigger to accommodate the influx of students. Part of that plan includes adding a gymnasium and eventually expanding the still-young school building.

White said FCA owns the 40 acres surrounding the school and would one day like to grow to include classes for kindergarten for 4 year olds all the way through 12th grade. Under White, the school has already added seventh and eighth grades.

“The board is trying to grow with wisdom, and I like that idea,” White said. “They could have built a mega complex, but then the question would be how do we pay for it? We seem to have retired much of our debt, but now we’re busting at the seams. … But it’s a wonderful problem to have, a growing problem.”

After spending more than three decades in the public school system, White said it’s refreshing to be part of an expanding Christian environment.

“I have found this to be the most rewarding educational scenario I have ever seen,” he said. “There is total dedication of teachers and the disposition of the students, they almost all want to learn.”

The David Lipscomb University graduate, who retired from Edmonson County High School in 2003, still gets the opportunity to work with the students one-on-one. Several days a week, he teaches U.S. history on the block schedule he helped implement at the school.

During his tenure in Edmonson County, White sponsored many academic teams that went on to compete at the state and national levels. A new quick-recall team at the school is now reaping the benefits of his experience as well.

“We have really brilliant young people and last year, they’d never even heard of a quick-recall team and they went on to win some (matches),” White said. “And this year they will be even better.”

As a preacher for Boiling Springs Church of Christ, White said he also enjoys teaching Bible classes to students on a weekly basis.

While White still gets to spend time in the classroom, growth isn’t the only change taking place at the school.

The school underwent a major accreditation process last year, and recently received approval from the National Christian School Association and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. White said the school is already seeking accreditation from the state private school association.

“This is because of the dedication of so many different individuals and those who have sacrificed their time,” White said. “It’s just so marvelous to be here.”