Our History

 Greater Honor Academy was established in 2019 by a small team of dedicated parents who realized there was a great need in our local community for programs that were equipped to serve traditional learners as well as those who learn differently. This need birthed a desire to create an enriching learning and social experience for all students. Over the years, Greater Honor Academy has grown  offering a variety of classes and field trips. It is a community where Christ is exalted, and parents and students connect, learn, and thrive together.

Our Mission

As a hybrid homeschool option, GHA offers academic and enrichment classes taught by qualified parents and teachers. In addition to providing excellent instruction, we foster a community that deeply desires to glorify God in all things. 

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

● Every child is beautifully designed by God.

● Every child is given unique purposes that He enables them to fulfill.

 ● It is an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with helping our children discover their God-given potential and gifts to be used to serve others.

Greater Honor Academy is a home education support group founded on the following beliefs:

The Vision

To offer instruction in a manner that captures the hearts and minds of all our students, even students with non-traditional learning styles and abilities. We do this while offering as much flexibility as possible for families, while appropriately challenging each child.

Partnering With Parents

Too often, children with learning differences are either denied access to schools or find that their progress is stifled because of how they are labeled. Our goal is to WALK IN STEP WITH GOD’S HEART to show greater honor to those lacking the outward honor of the world. Most of our children would be considered “typically developing,” but we are special-needs friendly on purpose and by design. We believe that a flexible learning environment allows kids to flourish where they are strong.

We desire to PARTNER with other parents to educate our children, but more importantly to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. GHA is a place where parents can actively converse with teachers and other homeschoolers. Parents maintain their autonomy, directing both the education of their children and their family lives. They are generally free to either observe classes, fellowship as the opportunity presents itself, or simply have a time respite, after teaching or volunteer duties are satisfied.

Our Team

  • Aneesah Barnes

    Program Director

    I’m a mom of 8. In 2008, I embarked on the journey of homeschooling my children.

    In 2019, I started Greater Honor Academy with a dear friend. GHA was born out of necessity. We discovered that there was a great need in the world of home school co-ops to have a special place for all children, including those who learn differently. In addition to directing GHA, I’ve taught Preschool, Literature and I’m currently teaching/facilitating a Public Speaking and Mock Trial class.

    I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, hiking, learning new things about people, and watching 19th century movies.

    After studying Biology at Florida A&M University for three years, I completed my undergraduate studies at Lasalle University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biotechnology. Following my graduation, I developed a passion for working with adolescents while teaching 7th grade reading in a charter school in my hometown of Philadelphia. I also worked both as a Program Coordinator and Youth Advocate servicing at-risk teenagers.

  • Allison Van Wyk Wanaselja

    I taught 3rd grade in Japan for 3 years at Christian Academy in Japan and in Philly public schools including Independence Charter School for 4 years. After my kids were born, I’ve been homeschooling ever since, with my 6 kids ranging from age 3-16. I’ve been involved in several homeschool co-ops and micro schools and have been at GHA since 2022. I am currently teaching World Cultures to grades K-3 and 4-6.

    I enjoy gardening, exercising and being outside, crocheting and reading good books. I especially enjoy Mediterranean food!

    I have a B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Dordt College and a masters in Reading Writing Literacy from UPenn.

  • Vanessa Sell

    I believe homeschooling is about living life alongside your children, building a relationship with them and opening the door for them to build a relationship with Jesus. I'm passionate about paying attention to how children learn best and facilitating that, learning from nature and the real world and letting children learn at their own pace and develop their passions.

    I've been homeschooling for over two decades and still have nearly two decades ahead of me; my 12 children range in age from 4 to 24. Our family loves to travel, hike and camp, but we live in the city and love that too!

    I have a B.S. in Sociology with concentrations in Counseling and Youth Ministry; I'm just beginning a M.A. in Christian Counseling.

  • Jean Shaw

    For 13 years my husband and I homeschooled our three children who are now adults. This is my fourth year at GHA teaching science classes, including courses in Anatomy, Physical Science, Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, and Life Sciences.

    I enjoy playing most games, especially card games, deck-building games, and mystery-solving games. I designed two different amazing race games for a ladies retreat and for a youth retreat.

    I have a B.S. in Secondary Education/Biology from Juniata College and an M.A.R. in Counseling from Westminster Seminary. I worked for 8 years counseling teens and families at New Life Youth and Family Services.

  • Chiana Sanderson

    Prior to investing the last 18 years as a home educator, I earned a PhD in Biological Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania.

    Over the years, I have instructed young learners in Chemistry, Biology, Physical Science, Geology, History, Science and the Bible, Survival Preparedness and more.

    Along the way I have studied and applied brain development, nutrition and holistic living practices, to help heal the brain and draw closer to the Lord. I truly enjoy hiking, reading, cooking and learning new things.

Statement of Faith

We require at least one parent to uphold the statements outlined in GHA’s Statement of Faith. Leaders, teachers, and parents will be required to adhere to them in all areas of service. All of our class offerings will be from a biblical worldview.


▪ We believe the Holy Bible to be the Word of God, without error as originally breathed out by God, sufficiently and supernaturally preserved to show us His perfect plan for mankind today.  As such, it is the only rule and authority for Christian faith and practice.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21)
 
▪ We believe in the one true God who is eternally and equally existent in three persons: God the Father; God the Son; and God the Holy Spirit.
(John 10:30; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 5:7)
 
▪ We believe that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution.

(Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 1-2; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:45)


▪ We believe that man was created in the image of God. Through man’s sin, he was separated from God, becoming spiritually lost and needing to be born again.
(Genesis 1:26-27; John 3:3; Romans 5:15; Colossians 1:21)
 
▪ We believe that salvation is by grace alone, by believing in and submitting to Christ as Lord and personal Savior. Salvation is only through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-9; Acts 4:12)


▪ We believe that the church of is composed of all born-again believers. As believers, we are called to live lives pleasing to the Lord and to abstain from practices which grieve Him.   (Ephesians 4:17-32; Colossians 1:18; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:13-14)
 
▪ We believe that holy matrimony, i.e., God’s perfect plan for marriage, is between one man and one woman.  Anything outside of that is contrary to God’s original design for marriage, and contrary to New Testament instruction for the Christian Church.
(Genesis 2:24, Matt 19:4-6, Ephesians 5:32, Romans 1:18-32)
 
▪ We believe that God is the giver of life and all human life is sacred and to be protected.   (Genesis 1:27; Job 12:9-10; Psalm 139:13-16; Exodus 20:13; Psalm 82:3-4)
 
If questions arise that are not covered in the statement of faith we encourage discussion in love, study of the word of God, prayer for God’s direction, and liberty in non-essentials. (See Romans 14)