MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Grace Christian Academy is to partner with Christian families in the education of their children by providing them a community that is distinctly Christian, biblically saturated, Christ glorifying, academically excellent, and service and mission-oriented.
Equipping Students to Impact
DEAR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES,
Grace Christian Academy has a unique calling: we are intentionally a distinctly Christian school, and we are committed to excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics, all for the glory of the Lord GCA is an interdenominational Christian school located in Franklin, Tennessee. We are blessed to have students representing more than seventy churches throughout several counties in Tennessee
At GCA, students, teachers, staff, and parents are motivated toward excellence in all things We have dedicated our lives to God and believe that He has called us to give our very best in order to fulfill His calling on each of our lives. Our goal is for each child to be empowered to live a life characterized by love, trust, and obedience to Christ Because of this, the Christian worldview permeates every area of our school We are focused on developing all aspects of our students including their spiritual, intellectual, and physical wellbeing
Because of this distinct goal, our school emphasizes a challenging academic program and a broad range of extra-curricular activities and athletic programs Students are given the opportunity to develop their God given talents in a loving and safe Christian environment
We believe that you will quickly learn firsthand the loving relationships and dedication that is shared by our educators and students. We hope you will take time to explore our website, visit our campus, and determine if God has called you to be a part of our school family. It would be an honor for GCA to partner with your family in equipping your children to impact the world for Jesus Christ.
5 National Merit® Scholars and 18 Commended National Merit® Scholars MERIT AWARDS
14:1 student to teacher ratio
Serving Christ, Robbie Mason Head of School awarded to 64 graduates in the class of 2025 $7 MILLION
98% of students accepted into their first choice college churches represented among student body
24 average ACT for the class of 2025
students served from Pre-K through 12th grade over
LEARN LEARN
OVERVIEW OF GCA'S ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY
The vision of Grace Christian Academy is to impact the world for Jesus Christ. To accomplish this goal, we seek to encourage students to know, love, and serve Jesus and to provide academic excellence. Therefore, our philosophy is built upon a biblical foundation and the belief that all truth must be viewed in light of God's truth as found in His Holy Word, the Bible. We teach all subjects from a Christian worldview, finding and exploring God's truths across the curriculum, as opposed to the humanistic approach found in many other schools.
Our hope and prayer is that each student feels seen, loved, and challenged during these crucial years. At GCA, we strive to equip students along any path God calls them.
ELEMENTARY
Our academy is made up of an excellent team of Christian teachers who are experienced and professionally prepared to support the needs of each student. With an average class size of 20 students, teachers can minister to the whole child, seeking to enrich them spiritually, intellectually, and socially, helping each child establish their own unique identity in Christ. Students receive daily Bible instruction, and every opportunity is taken during the course of the day to share and apply biblical truth. The curriculum incorporates a well-balanced range of academic subjects, featuring phonics and systematic reading instruction, hands-on math experiences, and a discovery approach to science. Enrichment classes include STEM, Art, Library, Music, and Physical Education. Also featured are musical and drama presentations, awards chapels, spelling bees, community speakers, and field trips.
We believe these 5th and 6th grade years are a bridge between elementary and middle school, and our desire is to offer intentional and loving support to each student while they navigate these "middle" years. We want our students to be challenged academically and learn valuable study skills We want to foster organization and time management during this season. We also want to mentor our students in their relationships with their peers for healthy connections. But more than any of these things, we want them to know Jesus in a personal relationship and, as a result, know who they are in Him
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL
GCA offers a very nurturing environment in classrooms at the 7th and 8th grade level with a dedicated set of teachers who offer challenging and engaging courses. Our students follow a schedule that includes changing classrooms and a faculty dedicated to discipling and preparing them for high school.
Our curriculum is distinctly Christian and biblically saturated. We strive for excellence in all areas, and we desire to guide our students to serve others in the name of Christ. Our curriculum includes a core program that is comprised of focused studies in Bible, English, Math, Science, and History. Electives for middle school students include Computer, Physical Education, Fitness, Art, and Music. Students also take class trips each year to incorporate spiritual goals, educational objectives, hands-on learning experiences, and team building.
HIGH SCHOOL LEARN LEARN
GCA strives to be more than just an academic organization. The needs of the whole child must be met. As a result, we emphasize spiritual, artistic, athletic, and social growth. We encourage our students to use their gifts and talents to glorify God, serve others, build leadership, enrich their lives, and expand their horizons Thus, we support missions and service, Fine Arts, Athletics, leadership opportunities, and mission trips
Grace Christian Academy's high school curriculum meets state and national standards, as well as ACSI criteria. Teachers infuse a Christian worldview throughout the curriculum, regardless of subject matter. Students perform well above state and national averages on standardized testing. We offer dual enrollment classes in partnership with MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University), as well as AP courses in several subjects. Our classes are loosely leveled to meet the needs of our students.
Our high school electives, such as Broadcasting, Christian Discipleship, Graphic Design, Media Arts, Photography, Songwriting, and Yearbook, among many others, engage students with direct experience to develop applicable life skills that will equip them for their future.
SPIRITUAL LIFE GROW GROW
At the heart of GCA is our devotion to Christ, the inerrant Word of God, and equipping students to impact the world for Jesus Christ. We believe God’s desire is for each person to come to the knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Savior Bible classes are built into our core curriculum because we believe them to be of the utmost importance in understanding how God, our Creator, relates to us and how we should view our relationship with Him. Weekly chapels are filled with student-led worship and student, teacher, or guest-led devotions. Throughout the year, we schedule service and mission opportunities for our faculty and staff, as well as our students in middle school through high school. More than an academic organization, we are a family of faith that seeks to honor our Lord and Savior with our hearts and minds and through our relationships with one another.
S P I R I T U A L L I F E O F F E R I N G S : High School Spiritual Life Leadership Team, Worship Teams, Senior Trip to Passion Conference, World Impact Month, Student-Led Chapels, High School MissionX (a week of serving locally and around the world), Operation Christmas Child, Food Donation Drives, "Lion Nation" Back-to-School Retreats
SERVE SERVE SERVICE & MISSIONS
GCA fosters a culture of service and missions by providing opportunities for students and faculty to be actively involved in meeting the needs of each other, our community, and the world. We desire for our students and staff to develop a lifestyle and heart of service, with an emphasis to live out the call to follow God anywhere and impact the world for Jesus wherever and however God leads.
BELIZE
CONNECT CONNECT
ELEMENTARY STUDENT LIFE
Field Trips - Gentry Farm, Lucky Ladd Farm, Adventure Science Center, Nashville Children's Theater, Owl's Hill, Mammoth Cave, Apple Orchard, Travellers Rest Historic House
Book Buddies - A reading program that pairs older elementary students with younger elementary students to read aloud to each other throughout the school year, benefitting both students' reading and listening skills.
Learning Experiences - Market Day, Living History Museum, Wax Museum, Rome Day, Knighting Ceremony
Book & Character Studies - Throughout the elementary school, each class reads various books together, focusing on character studies with hands-on projects, experiences, dress-up days, ceremonies, cultural activities, and class celebrations.
GeoMissions - Students gain an awareness of the world around them and become mission-minded by learning about the customs and cultures of the countries around the world
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE
Field Trips - Carnton Plantation, Carter Plantation, Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, TN
JA BizTown - 5th grade students learn to participate in our global economy and gain entrepreneurial and personal finance skills as they run businesses, earn paychecks, vote in elections, and donate to philanthropy while they work and engage in a fully interactive simulated town
Deer Run Retreat - Students attend a day retreat at the beginning of the school year for team building and spiritual unity.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE
Field Trips - The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum (7th grade) and Washington D.C. (8th grade)
Case for Creation - Students will participate in a lively debate bringing science to life and deepening their faith by showing that science and religion can support each other. It is important that students can defend the Christian faith from a biblical perspective but also understand the opposing viewpoint.
Deer Run Retreat - Students attend a day retreat at the beginning of the school year for team building and spiritual unity
Serve Day - Students serve the local community through various ministries
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE
LION NATION LION NATION
Grace Ambassadors - Grace Ambassadors is a leadership team comprised of students who apply to the position and are approved by the Administration Team. The Ambassadors help with new student tours, greet at school events, and other opportunities throughout the school year
Student Council & Houses - Student Council is open to students in grades 9-12 There are Grade Level Representatives as well as Student Body President and Vice President Student Council is responsible for student life activities and Houses, in which all students are grouped for the duration of all of their high school years for competitions, Homecoming festivities, and spirit nights for sporting events
Homecoming - Homecoming Week is a week of fun festivities, the Homecoming football game, and the Hoedown Dance for high school students Activities for high school students include float building, House competitions, Homecoming pep rally, and a Powder Puff football game.
MissionX - High school students have the opportunity to participate in a week-long, outof-classroom, experiential learning adventure Both domestic and international trips are offered with mission components Faculty and staff prayerfully choose a variety of trips and experiences to expose students to the world outside of GCA
National Honor Society - The purpose of this organization is to create enthusiasm for scholarships, promote leadership, stimulate a desire to serve, and build and develop character in GCA students.
Spiritual Life Team - The high school Spiritual Life Team consists of juniors and seniors who desire to impact our school for Jesus. Specifically, they choose a chapel theme, recruit speakers and worship leaders, emcee chapels, or even speak themselves at chapel. They also lead in serve days and our Lion Nation Retreat, along with other spiritual life activities.
SCHOOL-WIDE ACSI EVENTS
CCOMPETE OMPETE
These five pillars are the foundation of our athletic programs here at GCA. These pillars help define our mission, which is to glorify God through the discipleship of student athletes, and use the arena of athletic competition to build Christian character. We believe that these characteristics are foundational to growing future men and women for the Kingdom of God. Our goal is to compete to win every game, but our purpose and identity are in something much greater.
“NOT THINKING LESS OF YOURSELF BUT THINKING OF YOURSELF LESS.”
“WHEN YOUR PASSION AND PURPOSE ARE GREATER THAN YOUR FEARS AND EXCUSES, YOU WILL FIND A WAY ”
“IF EVERYONE IS MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER, THEN SUCCESS TAKES CARE OF ITSELF.”
“EVERYBODY CAN BE GREAT, BECAUSE EVERYBODY CAN SERVE.”
Boys Basketball, Girls
Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Wrestling, Baseball, Softball, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Boys Tennis, Girls Tennis, Boys Track & Field, Girls Track & Field, Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Boys Golf, Girls Golf, Cheerleading, Hockey, Swim, Trap, and Mountain Biking
HS BASEBALL
District Champs 23, 22, 21, 19, 18, & 16
Region Champs 22, 19, & 18
State Final Four 19
State Tournament 23, 22, 21, & 18
HS BOYS SOCCER
District Champs 22, 21, 19, 18 & 17
Region Champs 22, 21, 19 & 18
State Champs 22 & 19
State Runner Up 21
State Quarterfinalist 23
HS GIRLS SOCCER
District Champs 19 & 18
Region Champs 18
State Tournament 21, 19 & 18
HS FOOTBALL
Qualified for State Playoffs & advanced to 2nd Round 17
Qualified for State Playoffs 21 & 20
HS BOYS BASKETBALL
District Champs 18
HS GIRLS BASKETBALL
District Champs 19 & 18
Region Semifinalist 18
BOYS GOLF
District Champs 18 & 17
Boys Cross Country
Region Champs 18
8th in State 18
State Qualifier 18
5 State Qualifiers 23
12 State Qualifiers 19
Region Champion 24
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
4 State Champions 22 & 21
4 State Runner Up 22 & 21
8 State Qualifiers 22
Team Region Runner Up 21 &
4 Region Champions 22 & 21
6 Region Runner Up 22 & 21
3 Region Runner Up 24
Team District Runner Up 19
3 District Champions 19
Team State 3rd Place 21
FINE ARTS PERFORM PERFORM
The Fine Arts Department exists to inspire students to reflect the creativity of God. Our passion is to pursue excellence in appreciating, creating, and celebrating the Arts while faithfully serving the Creator. God’s first act was to create, and we believe that every student has an innate creativity within.
Fine Arts Vision Statement: Reflecting God’s love through the Arts
Student involvement in Fine Arts yields great educational benefits in creativity, expression of thought, and building bridges between different communities. Studies clearly reveal that involvement in the Arts improves academic performance, specifically SAT scoring. God's Word is very clear that He cares deeply for the Arts and how they affect people's hearts, and we want to reach people while using our Godgiven talents to glorify the Lord
EQUIPPING STUDENTS TO BE SALT & LIGHT
Education and engagement in the Fine Arts is an essential part of our school curriculum. Our goal is to expose and enrich students to as many different genres of Arts as possible.
Fine Arts Offerings: AP Art, Broadcasting, Choir, Dance, Drumline, Fundamentals of Music, Media Arts, Musical Theatre, Photography, Pop Ensemble, Set Building and Audio/Visual Tech, Songwriting, Theatre, Video Editing, Visual Arts, and Worship Team
Performance Opportunities: Choir Competition, Main Stage Musicals, Plays, School Concerts, Talent Shows, and Visual Arts Contest
BBUILD UILD
Since our school was founded in 2009, God has blessed us in exponential ways Devoted families have continued to partner with us in our mission. As we remain committed to excellence in all phases of our school, now is the time to advance the mission of GCA. This campaign is an intentional part of our calling to be distinctly Christian and academically excellent by providing our students and the entire GCA community with the facilities that will allow our entire student body to be on one campus
Building for Generations
There has never been a more significant time than now to make sure we are equipping the next generation to enter the world armed with a biblical worldview and, even more importantly, to experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That relationship with Jesus is shared, encouraged, and fostered in everything we do at GCA, whether in Bible class, math or science class, on an athletic field, or through the various arts. While our hope and security are not found in buildings, we do need them to fulfill our mission. In all things, we are humbled and thankful for the Lord's faithful guidance and provision, and we ' re excited about the future of our campus!
