About Westside Christian Academy

“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands” - Psalm 119:66 (NIV)

Founded in 1994, by Pastor Daryl Ounanian and Mrs. Paula Ounanian, Westside Christian Academy is located on the western edge of Detroit, Michigan. Westside is currently led by Dr. Henry Wells, III, and Dr. Sarah Patterson along with a board of directors that is dedicated to excellence. Graduates of Westside can be found in colleges and universities, the military, and careers like business, education, ministry, and law enforcement.

westside christian academy

Our Mission

To spiritually, academically, physically, and socially cultivate the God-given talents of our students while modeling the love of Jesus Christ. 

Our Vision

To become a replicable model for providing affordable, high-quality, urban Christian education in a loving and Christ-centered environment.

Statement of Faith

Dr. Henry Wells, III

 Dr. Henry Wells, III serves as the Executive Director. His educational development includes a B.A. in Urban Studies from William Tyndale College, an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary, and post-graduate studies in Sociology at Wayne State University with concentrations in the Sociology of Religion and Family. He completed his Doctor of Ministry focusing on the succession of leadership in Ministry. His professional experience expands over 30+ years of working in non-profit, faith-based organizations with the last seven years as an educational leader in K-12 Urban Christian education. Henry has been married to his wife Deborah Wells for over 30 years. Henry and Deborah are the proud parents of two children, Robert James Wells and Melanie Elizabeth Wells.

Dr. Sarah E. Patterson

Dr. Sarah E. Patterson serves as the Westside Christian Academy Campus Principal. She is a proud graduate of Kettering University where she received her B.S. in Applied Mathematics. After working as an actuarial technician for over 5 years, she shifted to education. She received her M. A. in Teaching Secondary Mathematics from Wayne State University. She is a state-certified educator and national Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Most recently, Sarah completed her Doctor of Education in Leadership. Her dissertation focuses on servant leadership and multigenerational teams. Sarah has been married to her college sweetheart, Lee, for over 15 years. They are proud parents of Lee, III, Jonathan, and Joshua. She is an ordained prophet and also serves alongside her husband as Youth Pastors at Living Bread Ministries.

Dr. Patterson (aka Dr. P/Principal P) may be reached at [email protected] or 313-202-9735.