About Us

Our History

Grace Fellowship was founded by God, through the dreams and work of two men: Darryl Schrock and Scott Stauffer. God placed a burden in Darryl’s heart for boys, specifically teenagers, who do not have a godly, involved father figure. He felt a nudge to move to a large city and reach out to these teens, loving them, teaching them, believing in them, and ultimately leading them to our Perfect Father God. After praying and seeking, Darryl was drawn to Detroit. He called Scott, who shared his burden. Together, they continued praying about the idea of moving to Detroit. Following God’s leading, both men and their families moved to Detroit in 2014. 

As a way to support their families Scott and Darryl started Detroit Junk Busters and started offering clean out services to the surrounding communities. After some time they bought an extra trailer and began renting it out. This helped them see a need for roll off dumpsters and they started building dumpsters and renting them out as finances allowed. Today they have over 140 dumpsters, a clean out crew and offer employment to around 12 people. With the growth of the business, they have been able to help with the expenses of the school. After living in Detroit for several years the families started seeing how broken the public school system was and saw the opportunity for a private school in their community. In the spring of 2016 Darryl called Devon Hartzler and asked if he would consider moving his family to Detroit and helping establish a school. The timing was not right then, but after feeling the Lord’s leading Devon and Missy moved to the city in October of 2018. The Lord provided funding and a building was purchased in April of 2019. 

The property needed some work before it was ready for school to start. Grace Christian Academy opened its doors in August of 2020 with 15 students. The Lord has continued to provide and we are excited to see how he will use this to work in this community for years to come. Outside of the school most of our ministry is done in our homes with our neighbors; however, we join together for worship and activities as well. We believe that through Jesus, He has given us the power to overcome all things. He can bring healing to broken families. He can set the captives free. He can break any chains of bondage we may be in, or addictions we have. We dream of each family being a lighthouse in their own neighborhoods, slowly but surely allowing our Father to turn Detroit from a dark city into a city filled with His light. We feel called to disciple the youth that have committed themselves to the Lord, to help them become strong, rooted and grounded in the Lord. To help them become leaders in their homes, the church, and communities. To be fathers and mothers who love their families and who are committed to caring for, teaching, and raising their children to love the Lord and to serve Him faithfully.

Our Mission

Our mission at Grace Christian Academy is to offer a Christ centered education to those who are seeking a better environment for their children. We strive for a quality education that will equip students to face the world of countless influences and voices.

We offer small classrooms, encouraging teachers, and a safe, inclusive environment for young people to develop and thrive. We welcome and value children from diverse family and cultural backgrounds. We see education as a crucial part of future success while also acknowledging the importance of building relationships with teachers, friends, and ultimately God.

School Building Latest News

School Building Updates

Google Maps View

This picture is a google maps picture showing where we are currently and where we would like to move!

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School Building Updates

4381 Larkins St.

4381 Larkins St. is the building we are considering purchasing. This would give us space to accept more students in the coming years and would

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School Building Updates

4469 52nd St.

This is where we are currently having school and have very limited space!

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Other Outreaches

Grace
Fellowship

Our local fellowship of believers has its doors open to the community! We desire to further the kingdom of God through our relationships with the people around us.

Detroit Spike Ball Tournament

We host an annual spike-ball tournament here in Detroit at Romanowski Park as a fundraiser for our school.

Detroit
Bible Camp

Detroit Bible Camp, organized by Woodlawn Youth, is held here each year on the first week of August for the children of the local community.

Meet Our Team

Devon and Missy Hartzler

Administrator/Principal
Grace Fellowship Detroit, Michigan
“We enjoy getting to know the families in our neighborhood. We love family time and spending time with friends. Devon enjoys hunting and Missy spends her time taking care of our little family and the neighborhood children that come knocking on our door. We like to garden and have a dog and chickens. We love the city but enjoy our little taste of country life as well.”

Randen Zimmerman

7th-8th Grade/Vice Principal
Sandy Ridge Mennonite Church Wakarusa, Indiana
“I haven’t been to nearly all the places I want to see! I absolutely love the city and am so glad God has called me here in this season of my life! I want to be a ‘doulos’ for Christ!”

Erica Miller

5th-6th Grade
Woodlawn Mennonite Church Goshen, Indiana
“I love to travel and meet new people. A few of my favorite pastimes are hanging out at coffee shops, reading, and playing games.”

Harmoni Ropp

Kindergarten/Teacher's Aid
Kitchi Pines Church Bemidji, Minnesota
“We enjoy getting to know the families in our neighborhood. We love family time and spending time with friends. Devon enjoys hunting and Missy spends her time taking care of our little family and the neighborhood children that come knocking on our door. We like to garden and have a dog and chickens. We love the city but enjoy our little taste of country life as well.”

Caitlin Mullet

1st-2nd Grade
Agape Christian Fellowship Ashley, Michigan
“I enjoy being outdoors and going on adventures with friends. In my free time I love to read, take care of my plants, and write.”

Julia Mast

Kindergarten/Teacher's Aid
Lamb of God Church Howe, Indiana
“I love deep discussions and traveling. Some things I enjoy doing in my free time are taking care of my plants, decorating, and being out in nature!”

Jessenia Croutch

3rd-4th Grade
Valley Mennonite Chapel Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
“I enjoy music, deep discussions, and hanging out with people. One of my favorite ways to spend a weekend is to hike with friends. Something I find very fulfilling is to help children get excited about learning.”

Lavern Miller

PR/Media
Sonlight Chapel Washington, Indiana
“I haven’t been to nearly all the places I want to see! I absolutely love the city and am so glad God has called me here in this season of my life! I want to be a ‘doulos’ for Christ!"

Devon and Missy Hartzler

Administrator/Principal

Grace Fellowship Detroit, Michigan

“We enjoy getting to know the families in our neighborhood. We love family time and spending time with friends. Devon enjoys hunting and Missy spends her time taking care of our little family and the neighborhood children that come knocking on our door. We like to garden and have a dog and chickens. We love the city but enjoy our little taste of country life as well.”

Randen Zimmerman

7th-8th Grade/Vice Principal

Sandy Ridge Mennonite Church Wakarusa, Indiana

“I haven’t been to nearly all the places I want to see! I absolutely love the city and am so glad God has called me here in this season of my life! I want to be a ‘doulos’ for Christ!”

Erica Miller

5th-6th Grade

Woodlawn Mennonite Church Goshen, Indiana

“I love to travel and meet new people. A few of my favorite pastimes are hanging out at coffee shops, reading, and playing games.”

Felicia Miller

Kindergarten/Teachers Aid

Northwoods Mennonite Church Hayward, Wisconsin

Some of my favorite things are exploring new places, reading good books, and learning new things. I love Asian food, good music, and adventures with friends.

Miss Kristen Kauffman

1st-2nd Grades

Christian Light Church Manns Choice, PA

I enjoy trying new things, reading, outdoor adventures, and traveling as much as possible.

Mr. Adrian Rodriguez 

5th Grade

Tuscarora Valley Chapel Port Royal, Pa

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and love working with kids! A few of the things I enjoy doing in my free time are hunting, fishing and pretty much any sport.

Kenny And Rachel Bange

3rd-4th Grade

Barnwell Mennonite Church Barnwell, SC

We are new to city life! We love spending time with our friends and families, and want to get to know Detroit and its people better. Our whole family loves the outdoors, whether it’s gardening, hunting, or sitting around a campfire. Kenny enjoys disc golf, volleyball, and spending time with his girls after work. Rachel likes sewing, reading, and playing piano. We look forward to seeing how God can use us in this city!

Nurture Faith and Learning at Grace Christian Academy

Enroll at Grace Christian Academy for a Christ-centered education that nurtures both academic and spiritual growth.

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