Announcing our New Lower Elementary Principal!

If you are familiar with NCA, chances are you already know Mrs. Sarah Leighow. She’s a familiar and beloved face in our school community. With 19 years on staff, Sarah has consistently shown a deep love for the Lord and a heartfelt dedication to our students. Her passion for nurturing children spiritually, academically, and personally is evident in everything she does.

Sarah’s calling to work with children began early. At 17, she felt God place a clear calling on her heart to share His love with young people. That calling has guided her through a 26-year journey in education, beginning in 1999 when she first stepped into a classroom.

Before joining NCA, Sarah taught for six years in Miami, Florida, where she worked with a wide range of age groups and even led educational workshops across Florida and here in Washington. 

In 2007, the Lord led Sarah and her family to Northshore Christian Academy, and we are so glad He did! She began her NCA journey teaching Pre-K, where she served for nine years and even helped to start the beloved Pre-K Crowning Ceremony tradition that continues on today.

In 2016, Sarah transitioned to teaching Kindergarten, a role she poured into for nine years. During that time, she became a team lead and mentor, helping to guide and support fellow Lower Elementary teachers.

In the 2024–2025 school year, Sarah stepped into the role of Assistant Principal of Lower Elementary, where she quickly proved her leadership skills, vision, and unwavering heart for our students and families. Sarah’s leadership is rooted in prayer, love, and a deep commitment to helping children grow into the individuals God created them to be. We are incredibly grateful for her continued faithfulness and excited for all that God has in store as she embraces this new opportunity of service as Lower Elementary Principal.

"I am immensely excited for the future of our Lower Elementary Division. For years, God has used Mrs. Leighow to bless students and parents alike in her role as teacher. I have enjoyed seeing Sarah embrace the unique challenges of leadership this year as Assistant Principal, and I am confident in her abilities as she rises to this next level of leadership as our Lower Elementary Principal. The days ahead are bright at NCA!” 

Lane Beasley Head of School

Slide to see more photos of Sarah's time at NCA! 

Sarah's 2011 PreK class becoming 2019 Grads!

Please join us in congratulating and supporting Mrs. Sarah Leighow in her new role!

Message from Mrs. Sarah Leighow

The Lord led our family to NCA in 2007. We were drawn to the Christ-centered environment, where our sons could hear the truth of God while receiving an excellent education. As a teacher, I was deeply inspired by NCA’s mission to partner with parents in nurturing their children spiritually, academically, and personally to become the individuals God created them to be.

For 17 years, I have loved teaching at NCA. This year, the Lord led me to take on a new role as the Assistant Principal for Lower Elementary. It has been a privilege to serve and support our incredible teachers, students, and parents at the divisional level.

Now, the Lord has called me into leadership as the Principal of the Lower Elementary. I am excited to continue cultivating a Christ-centered culture and building a strong, connected community with our staff and families. I am truly honored to serve our division and NCA in this role.

Ephesians 4:11-13
" And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,”

To God be the Glory!

Pursuing Christ,

Sarah Leighow Lower Elementary Principal