To the editor:

I was pleased you chose to cite Deer Creek Christian Academy as an example of a private school in your recent editorial, which addressed the issue of tax credits for those parents who choose to school their children somewhere other than the public schools.

We are quite excited about the plans for our new building and the opportunity to offer our unique educational approach to more students in this area. We feel there is a definite need for a program such as ours, which stresses high academic achievement and individualized education in an atmosphere which fosters success.

There are, however, a couple of errors in the editorial. Our plans are to accommodate approximately 30 students next year, not 80. Our low student-teacher ratio, which is an integral component of our program, will remain intact.

While we did use the formula of 45 days in class and 15 days off, we now have adopted a 35/10 formula. Again, we firmly believe this modified year-around schedule allows our students to enjoy shorter, more frequent vacations and have a much higher rate of retention of material than does the traditional school year.

Thank you for your continued interest in our school.

JACKIE BRANDTNER

Educational Facilitator

Deer Creek Christian Academy

Cape Girardeau