About Us
Welcome to Wilson Junior Academy, an accredited private Seventh-day Adventist Christian K-10 School located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. For over 100 years, we have been dedicated to educating children in academic excellence and training compassionate leaders and willing servants, equipped and confident to share God’s offer of salvation. Our leaders believe in the soon coming of Christ, but also recognize the importance of being good citizens and Christian neighbors while actively serving our God as we are awaiting His return.
All are welcome, no church membership is required. We believe in providing and maintaining a safe, drug-free, respectful, disciplined, nurturing, and encouraging environment.
If you are looking for something different, Wilson Junior Academy can be a special place for you.
Our Faculty
Ginnie Hakes
Principal / Grades 5-8
Ginnie holds a BS in Elem Ed, a BA in Music, and Masters in School Administration with over 25 years of experience. She’s passionate about helping students think for themselves rather than just reflect other’s thoughts. John 15:16 is her motivational Bible verse. “Understanding that God hand-picked me to bear fruit for Him and promises to provide whatever I need helps me serve with confidence every day.” By the way, don’t be surprised to find her behind a camera lens or a good book in her free time.
Cindy Berger
Grades 1-4
Cindy Berger is a certified elementary education teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree. She has 7 years of experience and is passionate about inspiring young students in their academic pursuits. Cindy also fosters a relationship with Christ, the creator of all knowledge, in her classroom. She strives to follow Matthew’s counsel to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Her goal is to inspire students to love learning and do their best.
Danielle Berger
Grades 9-10
Danielle earned her BA in Mathematics, with a minor in education and religion from Southern Adventist University. Preceded by an AS degree in General Science. She has returned to work here at her Alma Mater, after working at a boarding school in Pennsylvania. She has a great passion for teaching and learning, especially if it pertains to mathematics. She loves to guide her students not only in their academics, but also in their spiritual and character growth. She clings to the promise in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, “says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Mission Statement
The mission of Wilson SDA Junior Academy (WJA) is to motivate students to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. It is WJA’s desire that students and faculty will follow God’s leading in being an inspiration to their families, churches, and communities.
Vision Statement
In addition to achieving academic excellence, the graduates will become compassionate leaders and willing servants, equipped and confident to share God’s offer of salvation in these last moments of earth’s history.
Educational Philosophy
Our conviction is that true education must provide for intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical development and especially a personal relationship with, and a commitment to, Christ. We strive to teach students to be thinkers, rather than mere reflectors of other men’s thoughts.
Our Program
Our program offers core subjects aligned with MI State Standards, a full Gymnasium, a Bible-based Curriculum and Instruction, Religion Classes, Faith Building Chapels, a Handbell Music Program, Community Service Bible Labs with family-sized classes. Statistics show that Seventh-day Adventist Education is the best way to educate citizen scholars who demonstrate respect, integrity, truthfulness, perseverance, responsibility, caring, courage, and problem-solving.
Bible Labs
Monthly community service projects provide opportunities to build relationships with our community and promotes a lifestyle of loving service rather than selfish ambition.
Journey to Excellence Video Presentation
Hear from administrators, teachers, parents, and students about the quality academics, strong curriculum, and integrated spiritual and moral content of our school.