MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Grace Christian Academy is to assist Christian families in the teaching of their children by providing them an experiential education that
is
distinctly
Christian,
biblically
saturated,
Christ
glorifying,
academically excellent, and service and mission oriented. We exist to help parents
cultivate
the
legacy
of
Christ's
hope
in
each
student
and
prepare them to spread that hope along every avenue God provides.
to
DEAR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES,
$6 MILLION awarded to 64 graduates
Grace Christian Academy has a
developing all aspects of our
unique calling: we are
students including their spiritual,
intentionally a distinctly Christian
intellectual and physical well-
school, and we are committed to
being. Because of this distinct
excellence in academics, the arts
goal, our school emphasizes a
and athletics, all for the glory of
challenging academic program
the Lord. GCA is an
and a broad range of extra-
interdenominational Christian
curricular activities and athletic
3 National Merit® Scholars
school located in Franklin,
programs. Students are given the
and 7 Commended National
Tennessee. We are blessed to
opportunity to develop their God
Merit® Scholars since 2019
have students representing more
given talents in a loving and safe
than seventy churches throughout
Christian environment.
several counties in Tennessee.
Please take time to visit our At GCA, students, teachers, staff
campus, and talk to our parents
and parents are motivated
to get a glimpse of who we are.
toward excellence in all things.
We'd like to share the GCA story
We have dedicated our lives to
with you in person. Please let me
God and believe that He has
encourage you to contact us so
called us to give our very best in
that we can provide you with a
order to fulfill His calling on each
tour of our campus, as well as
of our lives. Our goal is for each
answer any questions you may
child to be empowered to live a
have and introduce you and your
life characterized by love, trust
children to our incredible faculty,
and obedience to Christ. Because
staff and students.
in the class of 2021
MERIT AWARDS
14:1 student to teacher ratio
98% of students accepted into their first choice college
of this, the Christian worldview permeates every area of our
We believe that you will quickly
school. We are focused on
learn firsthand the loving relationships and dedication that is shared by our educators and students. We hope you will take
26 average ACT for the classes of 2019 - 2021
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.
73
churches represented among student body
Serving Christ,
over
Robbie Mason Head of School
750
students served from Pre-K through 12th grade
GRADUATES GRADUATES OF OF GCA GCA
L LE EA AR RN N OVERVIEW OF GCA'S ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY
The vision of Grace Christian Academy is to
impact
the
world
for
Jesus
Christ.
To
goal,
we
seek
to
know,
love
and
accomplish
this
encourage
students
serve
Jesus,
excellence. built
upon
and
to
to
provide
Therefore, a
biblical
our
academic
philosophy
foundation
and
is 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 most 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
intellectually, child
and
establish
him
socially,
his
spiritually,
helping
unique
each
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
subjects,
featuring
systematic math
range
reading
experiences,
of
academic
phonics
instruction, and
a
and
hands-on discovery
approach to science. Enrichment classes include
STEM,
Art,
Music
are
musical
and
Physical
Education.
Also
featured
presentations,
awards
and
chapel,
drama spelling
bees, community speakers, and field trips.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL We
believe
training
these
ground
5th
and
6th
between
grade
years
are
and
middle
elementary
a
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
this their
organization
season.
We
also
relationships
and
time
want
to
with
their
management
mentor
our
peers
during
students for
in
healthy
connection. 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.
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 middle school teaching philosophy is governed by our mission statement: our students learn experientially as we address the various learning modalities and the latest brain research; we foster their God-given gifts and
interests;
we
direct
them
to
the
Bible
and
to
a
Christ-glorifying worldview. Our curriculum is distinctly Christian
and
excellence students
to
in
biblically
saturated.
all
areas,
and
serve
others
in
we the
We
desire name
strive
for
guide
our
Christ.
Our
to
of
curriculum includes a core program which is comprised of intense and focused studies in Bible, English, Math, Science,
and
History.
students
include
Electives
Computer,
for
Physical
middle
school
Education,
and
Fine Arts. Students also take class trips each year to incorporate
spiritual
goals,
educational
objectives,
hands-on learning experiences, and team building.
L LE EA AR RN N HIGH SCHOOL
GCA strives to be more than just an academic organization. The needs of the whole child must be
met.
As
artistic,
a
result,
athletic,
encourage
our
we
emphasize
and
social
students
to
use
spiritual,
growth. their
gifts
We and
talents to glorify God, to serve others, to build leadership, their
to
enrich
their
lives,
horizons.
Thus,
we
support
service,
Fine
Arts,
and
to
expand
missions
Athletics,
and
leadership
opportunities, and class trips.
Grace
Christian
curriculum as
well
meets
as
Christian
state
ACSI
of
above
testing.
We
classes
partnership
infuse
a
curriculum,
Students
national
standardized in
the
school
standards,
Teachers
matter.
and
high
national
throughout
subject state
and
criteria.
worldview
regardless well
Academy's
perform
averages
offer
dual
with
MTSU
on
enrollment (Middle
Tennessee State University), as well as AP courses in
several
subjects.
Our
classes
are
loosely
leveled to meet students' needs.
Our
high
school
Computer
such
Applications,
Education,
Web
Communication, students
electives,
with
as
Psychology,
Homeownership
Page
Design
and
among
many
others,
direct
experience
to
Intro
to
engage develop
applicable life skills that will equip them for their future.
G GR RO OW W
SPIRITUAL LIFE
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 that 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 it 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.
SPIRITUAL LIFE OFFERINGS: High
School
Spiritual
Life
Leadership
Team,
Worship
Teams,
Senior
Trip
to
Passion
Conference,
World Impact Week, Student-Led Chapels, High School MissionX (a week of serving locally and around the world), Operation Christmas Child, Food Donation Drives, Deer Run "Lion Nation" Backto-School Retreats
S SE ER RV VE E 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.
JAMAICA
MEXICO
THE BAHAMAS
C CO ON NN NE EC CT T ELEMENTARY STUDENT LIFE Field
Trips
-
Gentry
Farm,
Lucky
Ladd
Farm,
Adventure
Science
Center,
Nashville
Children's
Theater, Owl's Hill, Mammoth Cave, Apple Orchard 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. Passport Club - Students gain an awareness of the world around them and become missionminded by learning about the customs and cultures of the countries around the world.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE Field Trips - Carter House and Carnton Plantation, Tennessee State Capitol, The Hermitage, The U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville JA
BizTown
-
5th
grade
and
personal
entrepreneurial
students
learn
finance
to
skills
as
participate they
run
in
our
global
businesses,
earn
economy
and
paychecks,
gain
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 and Washington D.C. GCA History Day - Students choose a subject that pertains to the topic chosen by our school each year. Students create a presentation in formats including websites, documentaries, panel displays and research papers with an award ceremony following. MiniX
-
6th,
7th
and
8th
grade
students
have
the
opportunity
to
choose
an
outside
learning
experience to take part in. Courses are offered to meet a variety of interests and desires. Deer Run Retreat - Students attend a day retreat at the beginning of the school year for team building and spiritual unity.
L L II O ON N N NA AT T II O ON N HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE 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.
Grade
Level
Representatives
Student
Body
President
and
There
are
well
as
as
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 pep
festivities rally,
that
ends
with
Homecoming
Hoedown
Dance
for
a
school-wide
football
high
game,
school
and
students.
Activities for high school students include float building,
an
competitions,
outdoor
movie
Homecoming
night,
pep
House
rally,
and
a
Powder Puff football game.
MissionX
-
High
opportunity
to
school
take
students
part
in
a
have
week
the
long,
outside of the classroom, experiential learning adventure. trips
are
Both
domestic
offered
with
and
international
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
scholarships,
promote
desire
to
to
serve,
create
enthusiasm
leadership,
and
build
for
stimulate
and
a
develop
character in GCA students.
Spiritual Life Team - The high school Spiritual Life Team consists of juniors and seniors who desire
to
Specifically, recruit chapels
impact
our
they
choose
speakers or
even
and
for
Jesus.
a
chapel
theme,
worship
leaders,
speak
school
themselves
at
emcee chapel.
They also lead in serve days and our Lion Nation Retreat, along with other spiritual life activities.
SCHOOL-WIDE ACSI EVENTS Spelling Bee, Art Competition, Math Olympics, Writing Competition
C CO OM MP PE ET TE E
ATHLETICS
These five pillars are the foundation of our athletic programs here at GCA. These pillars help
define
athletes,
our
and
mission,
use
the
which
arena
of
is
to
glorify
athletic
God
through
competition
to
the
build
discipleship Christian
of
student
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.
ATHLETIC OFFERINGS: 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, Trap Team
HS BASEBALL District Champs 18 8th in State 18 State Qualifier 18 State Final Four 19
HS BOYS SOCCER District Champs 21, 19 & 18 Region Champs 21, 19 & 18 State Champs 19 State Runner Up 21
BOYS TRACK & FIELD 2 District Champions 19 Decathlon State Runner Up 19 14 State Qualifiers 18 12 State Qualifiers 19
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD 3 State Champions 21 2 State Runner Up 21 Team Region Runner Up 21 3 Region Champions 21 4 Region Runner Up 21 Team District Runner Up 19
HS GIRLS SOCCER
3 District Champions 19
District Champs 19 & 18
1 State 4th Place 19
Region Champs 18 State Tournament
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Participant 19 & 18
Region Champs 18 8th in State 18
HS FOOTBALL Qualified for State Playoffs & advanced to 2nd Round 17 Qualified for State Playoffs 21
State Qualifier 18
HS WRESTLING 2 State Qualifiers 18 1 State Medalist 18
HS BOYS BASKETBALL District Champs 18
HS GIRLS BASKETBALL District Champs 19 & 18 Region Semifinalist 18
BOYS TENNIS District Runners Up 19 & 17
GIRLS TENNIS District Runners Up 19 District Champs 18 Region Champs 18
BOYS GOLF District Champs 18 & 17
State Quarterfinal 18
P PE ER RF FO OR RM M
FINE ARTS
The Fine Arts Department exists to equip students to worship the Lord, and to share the Gospel in an excellent way by deepening their understanding of our God-given gifts, to expand our audience, and to enrich the quality of life within our families, our school, our churches and communities. God's first act was to create, and we believe that every student has an innate creativity within.
Student
involvement
in
Fine
Arts
yields
great
educational
benefits
in
creativity,
expression of thought, and the building of bridges between different communities. Studies clearly reveal that involvement in the Arts improves academic performance, and more 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 God-given 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: Choir, Dance, Drumline, Film, Fundamentals of Music, Media Arts, Musical Theatre, Set Building
and
Audio/Visual
Tech,
Songwriting,
Theatre,
Video
Editing,
Visual
Arts,
Worship Team
Performance Opportunities: Choir
Competition,
Main
Stage
Musicals,
Talent Shows and Visual Arts Contest
Open
Mic
Nights,
Plays,
School
Concerts,
B BU U II L LD D The mission of GCA has remained steadfast from our founding in 2009. That is to come alongside our parents to help cultivate the legacy of Christ’s hope in our students, and equip them to carry out the hope of the Gospel in all of the avenues the Lord provides. The Grace. Family. Legacy. campaign is an intentional part of our calling to be distinctly Christian and academically excellent by providing our students the needed facilities and space to learn, perform, and continue to grow in community, in relationship with the Lord, and with one another. This campaign focuses on growing our ability to continue to strive toward excellence in all we do academically, spiritually, athletically, and in the Arts.
GRACE. FAMILY. LEGACY. 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 that is in Bible class, in Math or Science class, on an athletic field, or through the various Arts. While our hope and security is 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!
Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
GRACE
CHRISTIAN
SUZANNE
ADMISSIONS
ACADEMY
BROWN
DIRECTOR
SBROWN@GCALIONS.COM
3279
SOUTHALL
FRANKLIN,
TN
ROAD
37064
615.591.3017
GCALIONS.COM