FCA Leadership
Head of School
Mrs. Wendy Lester
As Head of School at Faith Christian Academy (FCA), Mrs. Wendy Lester is committed to ensuring FCA remains firmly grounded in its founding Christian mission while embracing a forward-looking vision for growth and impact. She leads with a heart rooted in faith, collaboration, and servant leadership, envisioning FCA as a shining light in the Northeast Florida community where students grow in their relationship with Jesus and live out their faith in every aspect of life. Under her leadership, FCA is dedicated to equipping students to excel academically, lead with humility, and serve Christ in their homes, churches, communities, and throughout the world.
Mrs. Lester has been part of the FCA and Living Waters World Outreach Center community for more than 20+ years, serving in a variety of roles that reflect both her experience and dedication. At FCA, she has taught across grade levels—from third through twelfth grade—in subjects including Bible, Science, History, Art, STEM, and Leadership. She has also served as a substitute teacher, office staff member, Curriculum Director, Science and Math Department Head, Staff and Student Development Director, Upper School Principal, and, most recently, Interim Head of School. Beyond the classroom, she has led as Children’s Ministry Director at Living Waters, served on the worship team, and coordinated FCA’s former American Heritage Girls troop.
A graduate of Fernandina Beach High School, Mrs. Lester earned her Bachelor of Science in Christian Education with a minor in Church Business Administration from Toccoa Falls College and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership at Southeastern University. Her faith has been the cornerstone of her life since giving her heart to Christ at the age of nine, and for over two decades she has faithfully served in the local church and Christian education.
Deeply rooted in the Fernandina Beach/Yulee area, Mrs. Lester returned to her hometown after college to invest in FCA and its mission. She has been married to her husband, J.D., for 26 years, and together they have two children, Hannah Violet and Jacob, both graduates of FCA and now students at the University of North Florida. The Lester family remains deeply invested in the mission and future of Faith Christian Academy, carrying forward its legacy of faith, character, and academic excellence.
Lower Campus Principal
Mrs. Charity Simpson
Mrs. Charity Simpson serves as the Lower Campus Principal at Faith Christian Academy, where her heart is to create an environment where students are known, loved, and encouraged to become all that God has created them to be. She is passionate about helping each child discover their gifts while providing the support and challenge they need to thrive. With experience supporting children who learn and think differently, including students with autism and diverse learning needs, Charity believes every student deserves to be understood, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed.
Charity’s love for Christian education began when she was a student herself. Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, she attended Christian school from kindergarten through graduation and experienced the lasting impact of being known, encouraged, and shaped by both faith and learning. That experience became the foundation for her passion to create the same kind of environment for the next generation.
With more than 16 years of experience in education and Christian ministry, Charity has served as an elementary teacher, children’s minister, homeschool mom and co-op leader, director of academics, and pastor’s wife. Each of these roles has strengthened her passion for partnering with families, supporting teachers, and helping students grow academically, personally, and spiritually.
Charity holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University and is currently completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She and her husband, Nathan, have served together in ministry and Christian education in Indiana, Ohio, and the Charlotte, North Carolina area before making Jacksonville home and joining the Church of Eleven22 family. Nathan serves as the middle school principal at Trinity Christian Academy. Married since 2004, they are the proud parents of Caleb, Rylee, and Kaden.
Charity is honored to serve the Faith Christian Academy family and is excited to see all that God has ahead. Her life verse, Ephesians 3:20, reminds her that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
Upper Campus Principal
Mr. Zach Bridges serves as the Principal of Faith Christian Academy, where he is committed to fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth in every student. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education (2012), a Master of Science in Educational Leadership (2020), and a Master of Divinity (2010), which has prepared him for a life of ministry, teaching, and leadership.
Zach began his career in education as a missionary in Juneau, Alaska, where he taught at a Bible college alongside his young family. That experience ignited his passion for training up the next generation to walk in both knowledge and faith. He and his wife, Rachel, have been married for 21 years and share a lifelong heart for missions. Together, they serve as the Children’s Pastors at Living Waters World Outreach, where they have been members for several years.
The Bridges are blessed with three children, one of whom currently attends FCA. Zach first became connected to Faith Christian Academy years ago while living on Amelia Island during college, and today he counts it a privilege to serve the school community that first inspired his love for Christian education. His desire is to see students not only succeed in the classroom but also grow into Christ-centered leaders who impact the world for God’s Kingdom.
Mr. Zachary Bridges
