Serving Northeast Florida for More Than 25 years
Rooted in Christian values and traditions, our school’s rich history is a testament to our commitment to fostering spiritual growth, academic excellence, and character development in more than 1,600 students and counting.
Beginnings
In the Fall of 1997, Providence School opened its doors to greet 700 bright and motivated students. The beautiful new building situated on 64 acres near the sunny beaches of Jacksonville, Florida, was founded by active and visionary board member Bishop Paul Zink and founding church New Life Christian Fellowship. Developed primarily as a Christian college preparatory school, the highest value was placed on academic achievement, excellence in the arts, and developing a championship athletic program. Today, Providence serves over 1,500 students from preschool through 12th grade and has become one of the top Christian college-preparatory schools in Northeast Florida. Providence School prepares its students to become boldly Christian and unquestionably academic servant leaders who change the world.
The Vision
During a service in 1995 the founding pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship, Bishop Paul D. Zink, received a compelling vision from God with a divine directive: Build an exemplary, college-preparatory school founded upon Christian principles, with high academics and social graces, producing future leaders who would impact our world for Christ. He later told his congregation, “It will be an environment where the highest quality education can be achieved. This school will set a new level of excellence in integrity and education. It will draw the community towards it. And I want God’s name to be honored by every employee and student that passes through the halls of this school.”
Bishop Zink and his staff then sought wise counsel from well-known Christian schools, educators, pastors, and leaders. As he pursued God’s heart in countless decisions, the Lord revealed that the name of the school would be Providence, which means “divine leadership,” and Providence would offer families continuity in exemplary Christian education preschool through 12th grade.
About the Founder
With over 55 years in ministry, Bishop Paul D. Zink is a second-generation pastor and co-founder with his wife Sharon of New Life Christian Fellowship in 1984. Bishop Zink is recognized as a global influencer who has served on domestic and international mission and ministry boards with unwavering ethics and a passion for building Spirit-empowered Christian leaders. Bishop Zink has appeared multiple times as a guest on Trinity Broadcast Network and published his book, You Matter, in 2015. In 2022, Bishop Zink was awarded the Lifetime of Service Award by Jacksonville’s City Council. Bishop Zink currently serves as Chairman of the Providence School Board, Apostolic Overseer of New Life, and Vice President and Director on New Life Christian Fellowship’s Board of Directors. He and his wife Sharon reside in Jacksonville, Florida, with three married sons, all pastors, and 12 grandchildren.
Listen to Bishop Zink’s School Vision:
Our Mission
Providence School prepares its students to be boldly Christian and unquestionably academic servant leaders who change the world.
