Our traditional approach teaches our scholars how to learn, how to think critically, and how to articulate their thoughts while instilling the joy of pursuing truth and practicing goodness. We follow a content-rich, grade-appropriate curriculum that emphasizes subjects such as Biblical instruction, literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts as well as civic responsibility. We are building intelligent, confident, virtuous American citizens.
We model and instill the servant leadership ethic
Passion for children's security, Christian spiritual formation, and future success
Reverence for our Lord: Father God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit
The strong connection between us that encompasses Love, Grace, Commitment, and Accountability
We believe absolute truth is embodied by our Lord Jesus and expressed in Biblical teachings
Yellowstone Classical Christian Academy was established in 2023 after local families began asking for another educational option beyond public school or homeschool. The school opened in Joliet in a historic church building and welcomed its first students for the 2025–26 school year.
From the beginning, that vision has been met with extraordinary generosity and support. A historic church building in the heart of Joliet became our home. Donors, churches, pastors, families, teachers, and neighbors stepped forward to give, serve, and help make the school possible. Our first year brought that vision to life as our founding students learned, sang, prayed, recited, served their community, and grew in confidence, character, faith, and a genuine love of learning.
And we’re just getting started. YCCA is growing alongside our students, adding grade levels each year with a vision to eventually serve students through 12th grade. Looking further ahead, we see the possibility of bringing classical Christian education to more communities across our region. What began with a handful of families in Joliet is becoming something we believe can serve rural Montana for generations to come.
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Founder and President of YCCA, Virginia grew up on a farm in Michigan and attended Michigan State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in education. She moved to Joliet, Montana in 1983 to teach music, where she raised and homeschooled her 5 sons. Virginia has more than 50 years of experience providing private music instruction, and along with being President of the Board, Virginia serves on the finance and building committees. She also serves as the Head of School.
Virginia is passionate about providing our children with the very best we can offer them, and believes that “the classical education model is unsurpassed since it teaches children how to think for themselves, and how to express their thoughts with clarity.” She currently resides in Billings and enjoys spending time with and teaching music to her 13 grandchildren. She and her husband Steve attend Emmanuel Baptist Church in Billings.
Mark was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest but followed his family history in Fallon and Lewis & Clark Counties back to Montana. He graduated from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s in political science, recently retired after serving a lengthy career in law enforcement, but is a small business owner operating in the Yellowstone Region.
Mark is the Vice President of YCCA’s Board of Directors, and his responsibilities include governance, insurance, human resources, and policy and procedural development. He has enjoyed working on several agency & non-profit boards including MCSO Search and Rescue, Mt. Hood SAR Council, River Safety Task Force and the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association.
Mark currently resides in Roberts with his wife Victoria and their children, and has been attending Red Lodge Alliance Chapel, Billings Faith Chapel, and Red Lodge Rock Creek Church.
David is a native Montanan who served our country in the Navy and is a founding board member and Secretary of YCCA. David is a small business owner and has been an Awana leader at his church for the past 10 years. He attended Montana State University in Billings, where he received both his Associate’s Degree in Computer Systems Technology and his Bachelor’s in History. Growing up, David was homeschooled in Montana and is well-read on topics including history, culture, religion, and politics. He attends Joliet Baptist Church.
Scott grew up in Billings, where he graduated from Montana State University and received a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. He is a founding board member of YCCA and serves on the development committee. As a strong constitutionalist who has a passion for our country as envisioned by our founders, Scott felt led to find a way to make a difference in the lives of young people and knew he wanted to be a part of YCCA when he heard our Founder, Virginia, speak about her vision for the school. Scott and his wife live on Duck Creek between Billings and Laurel and attend Life Source Church in Billings.
Rachel grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Hillsdale College in 2017, where she received her degree in Political Economy. It was at Hillsdale that Rachel was introduced to classical Christian education and came to understand the incredible power of being taught how to think, and not what to think. Rachel works full time as a Director of Development for PragerU. She is a member of our marketing committee and is responsible for all social channels and our website.
Rachel is passionate about helping others gain access to education that provides an alternative to the progressive agenda being pushed in many schools. Rachel attends Stonebridge Bible Church in Franklin, TN.
Denise was born and raised in southern Arizona. After college, she moved to Dallas, Texas, where she worked in corporate accounting for 15+ years for several international companies, both Christian and secular. Since moving to Absarokee, Montana in 2000, she’s had various administrative jobs in real estate and Christian camping ministries, tax preparation, and as financial director for a local community foundation. Denise has experience in restaurant, customer, and guest services, as well as writing, editing, and proofreading. She holds certificates in Christian counseling.
Denise came on board as YCCA’s Treasurer. She lives in Absarokee and currently enjoys working at Special K Ranch, a working ranch for Developmentally Disabled adults, where she provides respite care. She has a small bookkeeping clientele and has a passion for baking and helping people. She attends Grace Fellowship Church in Absarokee.
