Born from Tragedy, Pastor Justin Walker’s Vision for Tuition-Free Education Sparks Hope in Kentucky

“We want to see the church, at large, rallied around this and say, ‘Oh, this is possible; we can do this,’” the pastor said. “I have this crazy vision: I would love to see, in 20 years, that it would be the strange thing if you went into a church and they didn’t have a school. … [We want to see] churches across America saying, ‘We can open a school.’”

Necessity, as the saying goes, is the mother of invention—a truth Pastor Justin Walker of Salt and Light Baptist Church experienced firsthand. After losing his wife Sarah to cancer in 2021, Walker found himself not only grieving but also grappling with the overwhelming responsibilities of being a single father of six and a full-time bi-vocational pastor. In the midst of this personal upheaval, Walker’s frustration with the content in public libraries led to an awakening: there was a dire need for faith-centered education in his community. What began as a simple Facebook post venting about inappropriate materials for his daughter evolved into a life-altering mission—launching First Principles Academy, a tuition-free, Christian grade school designed to put Christ back at the center of education. Walker’s heartbreak birthed a vision to serve families who, like him, were navigating financial struggles and a desire for godly education for their children.

The school, housed in a former horse auction facility, opened its doors just after Labor Day with 65 students, offering classes from kindergarten through sixth grade. Walker is clear in his purpose: First Principles Academy is more than just an educational alternative; it is a ministry dedicated to weaving Christ into every aspect of learning. Students and parents must agree to this Christian worldview, with the ultimate goal being for students to encounter the Gospel, even in math class, and share its message at home. Walker hopes the success of his school will inspire churches across America to follow suit, envisioning a future where church-sponsored schools become the norm rather than the exception. His journey—rooted in pain, purpose, and faith—serves as a shining example of how tragedy can transform into a powerful beacon of hope.