Imani Christian Academy

Imani Christian Academy was founded in 1993 on the idea that regardless of their background, their resources, and their social inheritance - ALL children deserve an education. Our mission is to embrace all children in our society, particularly the underserved, transform them into whole adults - spiritually, academically, physically, and socially, and launch them into lives of purpose and contribution. Our unique educational model unveils, develops, and nurtures each student.  

Imani is a private Pre-K through Grade 12 school in the East Hills of Pittsburgh, serving approximately 250 children from 14 school districts in Allegheny County (with a waiting list). While open to all students, most are African American inner-city youth; and many come from single-parent homes or are being raised by relatives. Many of our students are challenged by violence, gangs, bullying, substance abuse, negative peer influences, low academic expectations, and low self-esteem. We provide individualized attention, a rigorous academic curriculum, a strong spiritual foundation and everyday exposure to positive role models. Imani provides a learning environment tailored to the student needs. Our impact:
*** 100% of the 2016 class graduated high school.
*** 100% of the 2016 graduates have post-secondary education plans.
*** The dropout rate for high school students is 0%.
*** Overall 30% increase in standardized testing reading scores and a 33% increase in math.

Testimonials

"I knew my son, Eric, was very bright -- but he was failing in school. He joined one of the neighborhood gangs, started to do drugs and skip school. His father left when he was born and I realized he needed a strong male role model in his life. I didn't know what to do…and then someone at church told me about Imani. At first he had a major attitude and an anger problem, but they refused to give up on him. Tru (his mentor) was the answer to my prayers -- he worked one-on-one with Eric. Over time, I started to see a change in him; his grades improved dramatically and he got a new set of friends. He has a 3.5 grade average now and wants to be an engineer. He will be the first in our family to go to college. They saved his life!"

"I know my grandma is doing the best she can, but she is on a fixed income and sometimes we don't have a lot of food or money. I get to eat breakfast and lunch at Imani. Some of the staff help my grandma by buying me the uniform shirt and pants. For Christmas, they bought me a coat…..it keeps me warm."

"My daughter was being bullied at school. The kids called her horrible names, pushed her, and told her she was ugly. She hated school and every day she came home crying. I went to the teachers and principal - but nothing happened. Then I heard about Imani, they do not tolerate bullying. Her grades started to improve and she began to feel better about herself….she made friends and was happy again. She loves school now! Thank God for Imani!"