Our Story

 In 1976, James R. Brian launched Operation Rebirth Christian Academy (ORCA) in Dayton, Ohio, as a ministry for boys and families in need -  dedicated to helping young men know Christ and grow spiritually, relationally, and academically. ORCA stands strong on a 17-acre working farm in St. Paris, Ohio – a place where young men find hope, healing, and direction.

ORCA has a mission to serve young men facing challenges in school, home, or community life who are seeking a structured, faith-based environment. Many of our students, both past and present, struggle with academic, emotional, behavioral, or spiritual difficulties. Our vision is to be a transformative academy where these boys become young men of faith, wisdom, and purpose.

In pursuit of this goal, we support our students by helping them develop the skills necessary for successful reintegration into their families and communities through a Christ-centered academic
program. We are driven by the desire to demonstrate and see the love of Jesus Christ change the lives and situations of these boys, their families, as well as the staff and board as we minister. We also want to provide a Christ-centered education to prepare them for a future with a biblical worldview.

Students learn important aspects of being a Christian young man on the farm such as personal responsibility, time management, and respect for others as they learn to work in the garden and
with animals while attending school. Academics are geared personally to each student, and the low teacher-student ratio means that each student gets plenty of one-on-one instruction, something very helpful, or even necessary, for academic progress.

Our students come from all over the Miami Valley, and beyond. While we have the capacity to serve 10 students at a time, we typically try to stay around eight; two additional enrollment spots are reserved for students who are in a hardship situation and need the ministry of ORCA on short notice. This gives us the ability to take on students who may otherwise have no other recourse to finish an academic year and enables us to be ready to minister to students and their families at a time of crisis.

• Our Structure

          Board, Director, Teachers, Dorm Parents

• Students (Current max of 10)

          Academic education, spiritual growth, practical skills

• Activities

          Chores, community volunteerism, nature trips, fun activities

• Family Engagement

          Restoration and strengthening of family relationships

• Prayer

        For wisdom, protection, and  breakthrough

• People

      Volunteers, mentors, teachers

• Partnerships

       Churches, businesses, and organizations

• Provision

      Financial support to fuel a God-sized vision