About Canaan
About Us
Canaan Academy is a private, faith-based school rooted in the principles of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church. Located in the vibrant Eastern Cape, our mission is to provide a holistic education that nurtures the academic, spiritual, and personal growth of our learners.
We take pride in cultivating a supportive community that values integrity, excellence, and teamwork, ensuring every learner is equipped to thrive in a dynamic world. Guided by faith and a commitment to service, we prepare students to lead lives of purpose, compassion, and success.
Our Story
Canaan Academy was born from a vision: to ensure that every African child has access to quality, affordable education. In 2000, this dream began humbly in Idutywa with a preschool and Grade 1 class. From those small beginnings, the school has grown steadily over two decades into three thriving campuses: Idutywa Primary, Ngcingwane , and East London High School.
Our journey has been guided by a mission to go beyond traditional academics. At Canaan Academy, we believe in holistic education—combining rigorous academics with personal growth and character development. This approach has transformed our schools into sanctuaries for learning, where students are not only prepared to face the modern world but also equipped to shape it positively.
Every milestone we’ve achieved reflects our dedication to nurturing confident, resilient, and principled leaders. Over the years, Canaan Academy has become a beacon of hope and a place where young minds are empowered to reach their full potential and live with purpose.
This is our story—a story of humble beginnings, growth, and an unwavering commitment to excellence for future generations.
Message from the Founders
At Canaan Academy, we believe in empowering our learners with the skills, values, and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Rooted in a foundation of faith, family, and excellence, our goal is to nurture resilient, confident individuals who are not only academically prepared but also ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
As founders, we are committed to creating a supportive and inspiring environment that encourages every learner to discover their potential and achieve greatness. Together with our dedicated team, we strive to foster a sense of family and community where integrity, teamwork and compassion guide us daily.
To our past, present, and future Canaan Academy family—students, teachers, and parents —you are the foundation, the heartbeat, and the vision of our journey. To those who came before, your dedication, faith, and perseverance have laid the groundwork for everything we achieve today; we honour and celebrate your legacy. To those with us now, your passion, commitment, and hard work are shaping a vibrant present, filled with growth and excellence. And to those yet to join, we eagerly anticipate the unique contributions you will bring as we continue building a community rooted in faith, family, and a shared pursuit of greatness. Together, we are writing a story of impact that will echo far beyond these walls.
We are honoured to partner with our parents, staff, and broader community in this journey of cultivating future leaders. Let us continue working together to make a lasting difference in the lives of our children
Our Mission
Canaan Academy is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, character development, and a strong sense of purpose within a faith-based environment. By promoting integrity, teamwork, and service, we aim to inspire lifelong learners who will lead with courage and wisdom, while receiving a quality education.
Our Vision
To be a leading institution that nurtures compassionate, faith-driven leaders who are prepared to excel in all areas of life and make a positive impact on the world.
Our Core Values

Faith
Rooted in the Seventh-day Adventist tradition, we integrate spiritual growth and biblical principles into all aspects of learning.

Family
We cultivate a warm, supportive community that values collaboration and inclusivity.

Excellence
We strive for academic, personal, and spiritual excellence, empowering students to reach their full potential.

Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and respect.

Service
Inspired by Christ’s example, we encourage learners to give back to their communities and serve others with compassion.
Who we are
About Canaan
We at Canaan truly believe that the foundation of any learner is very important and plays a huge impact in not only the learning area but the child’s character.
Overview information
Canaan Academy is a private school, rooted in the Countries friendly province, Eastern Cape. We pride ourselves in not only producing confident, aware and resilient students but also on growing and nurturing each individual while at a formative stage of their development.
Canaan has grown from strength to strength since the year 2000 when its founders envisioned the school as a leading light in independent education in the province. With a dedicated staff as well as teamwork within the student body we strive to balance individual excellence and achievement within the Sport, Cultural and Academic programmes offered. There is a delicate balance to be struck between nurturing each individual student and encouraging leadership and independence.
At Canaan, staff and parents work together to achieve this in the raising and encouraging of our students, each of whom matter, and all of whom are cared for and urged to reach their own potentials.
About
Canaan Academy is a Private School that follows the belief system of the Seventh-Day Adventist church. It goes from crèche all the way through to grade 12. It is divided into three campuses, two in Dutywa and the one in East London. Dutywa campus has a primary section which starts from crèche to grade 7 and then a High school section in Ngcingwane from Grade 8 all the way through to grade 10 however, by 2022 we will be having our first matric class. We have an option of either being in hostel or being a day scholar. East London campus starts from grade 8- 12 and is strictly boarding.
The school is based on the SDA principles and strives to groom the learners with “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” hence the motto “Knowledge is Power.”

History
Canaan Academy would not be where it is today and we give all thanks to our Almighty Father.
Canaan Academy- Dutywa was founded in 2000 by James and Margaret Kyambadde. Both teachers, who had a love for teaching and wanted to have an impact on the lives of young children. The school was first located at the Dutywa train station with only 27 learners registered at the start.
As years went by we moved to where we are now on Union street, with classes from crèche all the way through to grade 7 which is now the Primary school. Requests from parents kept coming in for the school to expand till Matric. A campus was then opened up in East London due to lack of space on the Dutywa campus. God was not done with us and as a result after operating for 5 years in East London the school was blessed with land in Ngcingwane, Dutywa and as from the beginning of 2020, Dutywa was split into two: Primary (crèche to grade 7) and High (grade 8 to 10) with the dream of having our first Matric class in 2022.
We at Canaan truly believe that the foundation of any learner is very important and plays a huge impact in not only the learning area but the child’s character.
We are so blessed to be able to provide Education to our learners from crèche through to grade 12 and our prayer is that every child that passes through us leaves us with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve great things in this world.
Join Our Canaan Community
Whether you are looking for a nurturing Primary School or a High School focused on preparing students for the future, Canaan Academy is a place where Knowledge is Power and faith guides each step. Explore our website, reach out with questions, or schedule a visit to experience the Canaan Academy difference.