Pine Lake Academy (PLA) opened in Kodera, Kenya in May 2006 with 47 preschoolers, and within a month grew to 84. By the end of the first year they had 105 children in three levels of preschool. The following year they added grades 1 – 3, and in 2008 added 4th grade. They now have close to 500 students through 8th grade.  Beginning in 2015, permanent cement-block buildings were added to at the school to provide plenty of room for each grade.

These children receive breakfast and lunch, have loving teachers, adequate school supplies, and are exceeding all expectations and learning very quickly. They love coming to school, and some of the children even walk/run 6 km each way for the privilege of attending PLA.  

The kids love sports as well as school -- In 2019, PLA's girls volleyball team went all the way to nationals and placed second in Kenya. The school has a full program of sports and also scouting. 

As the years have gone by, the quality of teaching at PLA has proven itself as the 8th graders regularly perform with excellence in the 8th grade exams that determine where - and if - they will be picked to attend high school.  Almost 100% of PLA graduates have gone on to graduate from high school, and in 2022, the first college graduates who previously attended PLA returned to speak on graduation day.  

Years ago, some parents in Kodera believed that their kids did not do well on the exams because they weren't smart.  Now, they know that given the opportunity, their kids can and will excel.  PLA is one small part of providing for one of Africa's greatest needs - educated, ethical, and engaged citizens who can be leaders, providing the tools and strategies for the continent to leverage its natural resources while preserving its strong cultural values of cooperation, family ties, and faith.