After 33 years as a public school counselor, Vanessa Halford found her new calling when parents began seeking her help with homeschooling. In 2016, she started White Horse Christian Academy, initially meeting in a church and quickly expanding to a warehouse, serving over 70 students in her first year.

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The academy offers programs like master gardening and entrepreneurship. Notably, two eighth graders launched a vending machine business, learning hands on about accounting & customer service.

As enrollment surged, Vanessa sought SBDC assistance for expansion. The academy serves 350 students on campus, supported by 26 fulltime and 4 part-time employees. The academy is building a 16,000 sq. ft. facility.

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