While many barriers left the dream long unrealized, God, our Great Provider, made a way. Promise Founder and Head of School, Sarah Cumming, began her teaching career in 2003 at schools very different from what Promise would become. In 2006, her husband’s work moved them from East Texas to New York City. While there, Sarah taught at a Christian school located in an underserved neighborhood near Harlem. Six years later, Sarah returned to Tyler with a new vision: a dream for Christian education in North Tyler, serving families for whom the opportunity was desperately needed but historically inaccessible.

Sarah shared her dream, and God fanned the flames.  Essential relationships including local Christian schools and a North Tyler church, New Days Community, came  alongside, providing experience, resources and connections. Along with those organizations, several pioneer families joined the effort and in this creative, God-breathed collaboration, Promise Academy was born.

From small beginnings – 12 Kindergarteners and 2 part-time teachers – Promise Academy blossomed, growing into 60 K-5th grade students in only five years. Today, Promise Academy serves almost 90 students and their families and has expanded to include a kindergarten readiness program.