About Strong Academy Co-Op
Strong Academy exists to strengthen families and build strong foundations in the next generation. We are committed to fostering a collaborative community where families can access high-impact educational support, shared spaces, opportunities for spiritual growth, and meaningful connection. What started as a simple “yes” has grown into a movement—and we believe the best is still ahead.
At Strong Academy, we nurture the whole child—spiritually, socially, emotionally, and creatively—building a strong, values-based foundation.
Flexible programs for families
Drop off your child or stay and be part of the experience
Attend one day or all five days
Sibling discounts available
Partial scholarships offered
Remote workspace available for parents
Well-rounded academic development through traditional subjects paired with the joy of play-based learning
Music and art thoughtfully integrated into each day
Hands-on science labs and practical kitchen skills
Christian-based curriculum
A team of dedicated, experienced educators
We are proud to offer
Strong Academy is rooted in a story of faith, obedience, and a deep love for children. In 2010, Rebecca Hannon was awakened in the middle of the night and heard the words “Strong Foundation.” As she began to write, the Lord gave her a vision along with the verse from 1 Corinthians 3:11: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one which has already been laid, which is Jesus Christ.” From that moment, Strong was born—standing for Strength Through Relying On God.
What began as a small, weekly youth gathering on the Prospect and Massachusetts blocks of Buffalo, NY quickly grew into something much more. Rebecca started by serving 5–10 children each week, cooking meals out of her own pocket and creating a space where kids could experience both discipleship and dinner. That small gathering grew into three weekly meetings, reaching nearly 60 children. With the help of volunteers from local churches, Strong became a place where kids were consistently poured into, known, and loved.
During this time, Rebecca brought her youth group to serve at Breakout Love Buffalo, where she met Jake Hannon—who would later become her husband. Together, they continued serving and discipling youth until the Lord called them to Virginia to complete their schooling. While in Virginia, they began building their family, welcoming three children in just three years.
Soon after, God called the Hannon family back to Buffalo with a vision for revival. Though they didn’t fully know what that would look like, they responded in faith—packing up their home when their youngest daughter was just six weeks old and moving back to the city they felt called to serve. They quickly reconnected with their community and relaunched Strong nights on Buffalo’s West Side.
What began as outreach soon grew into Strong Academy, a full-day Christian school. Starting with toddler, Pre-3, and Pre-K4 classrooms, the vision was to grow year by year. However, just a few years in, COVID-19 and a rapidly growing family (3 more kids!) led to a necessary pause in operations.
In September 2025, Strong Academy was relaunched—this time as a homeschool co-op. Beginning again with early childhood classrooms, the program expanded to include Makers Club offerings for ages 5–12, creating a hands-on, collaborative learning environment for families. Just a few months later, in November 2025, WNY Strong Foundation was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—bringing to life a vision that had been placed in Rebecca’s heart over 15 years earlier.
our History
