8th street was founded by Dave and Sherry Grey in 2021. With a stirring from the Lord to invest in future generations, the idea of purchasing a vacant school building (formerly Phonics Phactory) and launching a brand new school program began. With their involvement at local Rise City Church, the Greys hoped to take the transformative mission at Rise and extend it into the education world. 

They began having conversations and building relationships with those around them that had experience in education. Monica Barham was brought on as a key member in helping develop and direct an early education program. Her experience at the former Phonics Phactory school was invaluable and she was excited to work with Dave and Sherry to start something brand new. 

The school was purchased in June of 2021, and the idea to launch in September felt almost impossible. However the Lord had a plan. He brought teachers and staff together within those few short months and we were ready to launch come September with 8 teachers and 130 students enrolled. Launching a school amid Covid brought its difficulties, but the desire and call to create a place for children to have stability during such a difficult time kept us moving forward. 

During our second school year, the Greys brought on Troy Wagner as Director of Rise Up Education. His experience in previous private school administration has been key to our growth and expansion. Now in our third school year at 8th Street Academy we are excited to be offering classes up to 7th grade, with 250 students enrolled!

The growth and culture that is being developed at 8th Street Academy is definitely one that the Lord has His hand on. We believe He is doing big things in Gresham and we feel honored that 8th Street gets to be a part of that movement. 

8th Street Academy is not only creating a safe space for children to be educated, but is a place for students to thrive in their God given calling. Our hope is that children become rooted in the truths of scripture that are woven into their daily education. That they grow up knowing not only who they are, but whose they are. As God continues to write a story with 8th Street, we would love to have you and your children be a part of it!