Our Story
Tanya Whitfield and Kristi Eckerd both live in Little Rock, Arkansas, where they have each homeschooled four children. Their friendship began in 2001 at church when their oldest children, then three years old, were in the same Sunday School class. Quickly becoming close friends, they both embraced the idea of homeschooling, a decision that shaped their lives from that point on. Early on, they found the most exciting part of homeschooling was researching different educational methods and curricula, as well as planning the school year—a passion they shared and discussed regularly.
When their oldest children reached third grade, a homeschool dad offered to teach swim lessons to the local homeschool group. Kristi proposed they meet beforehand for a Bible study, and the moms used the time to bond over shared homeschool experiences. Poolside conversations led them to realize there were common areas of need and uncertainty, particularly in the subjects they felt least confident teaching. Motivated by these discussions, Tanya and Kristi decided to collaborate to address these needs. In 2008, they launched a weekly program offering writing instruction, Bible study, and Spanish. Within a week of announcing the classes, 36 students were enrolled, marking the beginning of a successful school year.
Encouraged by their success and driven by a desire to further support homeschooling families, they expanded the program the following year to include all subjects except math, adopting a classical, unit-study approach. During the summer, they developed curriculum, hired over 20 teachers, created school policies, and enrolled 150 students. Comm. (Communication and Community) Central Academy has been meeting weekly ever since, offering instruction, discussion, and review based on a detailed curriculum guide. Since its inception in 2009, the program has grown steadily, with attendance now averaging over 300 students each year. In 2016, Comm. Central added a second day for students in 7th grade and beyond. In 2025, Comm. Central Academy expanded further, launching three additional branches across central Arkansas under a franchise model, and introducing an online community to support families nationwide using the Comm. Central curriculum—whether as individual homeschoolers, small cooperative groups, or larger academies and micro-schools.
Tanya and Kristi are passionate about the opportunity God has given them to empower parents to homeschool and equip students with both knowledge and communication skills, preparing them to become leaders in their fields and to share God’s truth in their spheres of influence.
Want to learn more about our mission and methods?
Follow the links to learn more.