Neelam Bahadur of Palmetto Christian Academy

In 1992, a group of parents seeking a Christcentered education for their children established an outreach through East Cooper Baptist Church. Today, this group is well-known in the Lowcountry as Palmetto Christian Academy. The school currently has approximately 640 students in preschool through 12th grade.

Today, this group is well-known in the Lowcountry as Palmetto Christian Academy. The school currently has approximately 640 students in preschool through 12th grade.

A private, college preparatory Christian school, it offers honors, AP and dual credit courses with individualized attention in small class sizes, averaging 13 to 14 students each.

Neelam Bahadur is one of the many qualified teachers guiding these students. Her career with Palmetto Christian Academy began in 1999 and now, after nearly two decades, she shares the same passion she began with.

“My approach to teaching any grade level has been much the same,” said Bahadur, who has had the privilege of teaching students of all grade levels in countries like India, Tanzania, Canada and currently in the Charleston area. “Teaching and business are alike in the fact that students must be able to witness authenticity, dedication, consistency, aspiration and respect for the job at hand. In business, as well as in the field of education, a leader must maintain a higher standard and follow it with commitment.”

Bahadur’s extensive experience includes owning and operating her own private elementary school in India, where she also was principal.

“While teaching, you are able to help students not only to excel in academics but also in every area of their lives, equipping them to become life learners. I share my life experiences with my students. In doing so, students are able to relate to my teaching, and I establish a good relationship with them. They begin to understand that goals set before them are real and attainable. A leader must always lead by example.”

Like Bahadur, educators at PCA dedicate themselves to serving their students, families and communities.

“I have served as a leader in women’s ministry for several years and am currently involved in teaching at the International Family Church in Charleston,” shared Bahadur. “I am actively involved in serving PCA and my local church ministry, following advice given specifically to women in Proverbs. Women can become astute business leaders if they are dedicated, hardworking and upright. Success knows no boundaries.”

Dedication to the business and compassionate sides of teaching is the key to success for Palmetto Christian Academy, which is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

“Our vision at Palmetto Christian Academy is to create lifelong learners who do all things with excellence,” Bahadur said.

By Stacy Domingo