October 2020
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory. Psalm 115:1
Thankful by Robbie Mason, Head of School Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4
All glory to God that we finished our first quarter of school on campus. We had a successful start to our school year, and we are thankful for each week that we get to attend in person and on campus. A huge thank you to our medical team, our administration, and our teachers and staff for their diligence in managing all the new protocol for this school year. Thank you to our families for assisting in keeping students home who aren’t feeling well, thus ensuring the overall health of our entire community. 2020 has truly been an unprecedented year, but God is still at work! We have had students ask Jesus into their hearts, some have made other spiritual decisions this fall, and others have had their faith strengthened by the daily teachings from God’s Word. We rejoice with these students and families as the faith of our students continues to grow. Homecoming Week was a success, and it was good to see many of you at the Homecoming Football Game. We are thankful for each and every family that is part of the GCA community. Please continue to pray for the Solomon family and the loss of their beloved son and brother and for the Vanden Oever family and the loss of their precious husband and father. Let’s continue to remember them during these difficult times. As we work together to equip these students to impact the world for Jesus Christ, we also would covet your prayers. Our students are facing challenges that we never had to face as children and teens, and we are seeing more now than ever that students need and thrive with in-person teaching; having students on campus is instrumental in establishing healthy friendships. As a school and staff, we are committed to stay true to our mission to provide an academically excellent and biblically saturated education that will prepare our students to make a difference in our ever changing world for His name and His glory! Thank you for partnering with GCA!
Academically Excellent and Distinctly Christian
CONTENTS
June 2018
Head of School News
2
Elementary News
4-5
Intermediate/Middle School News
7
High School News
13
Spiritual Life
14-15
Athletics
16-17
Fine Arts
18-19
Academic Achievements
20
Development & Fundraising
21
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Pre-K & Elementary News By Rona Branson
We are so thankful to be back at school in person at GCA. Although we had to make a few changes, it has been a great first quarter thanks to everyone’s cooperation. Our goal in elementary is that students feel the least impact possible due to Covid-19. They need to continue their academic and social lives as normally as possible, and we have been able to do it! Many parents have been joining us for chapel and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Students singing, “I choose joy” at the top of their lungs, as they dance and celebrate while worshipping God has definitely been a highlight for me. Though we are all living through this pandemic, our students are learning not to be caught up in anxiety or fear. They are learning to put their hope and trust in God. What could be more important or more powerful right now? They are living out this verse, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 We have been able to carry on with most of our usual traditions and experiences — like Rome day in 2nd grade and Johnny Apple Seed day in Kindergarten. Students are learning geography through our passport program, enjoying the beautiful weather outdoors with their friends, and getting all the benefits of being in school in person. We have never been more grateful to God for these simple, yet profound things. Our students need them and each other. Thanks to everyone for helping GCA work this fall. We are looking forward to a great year!
Intermediate/Middle School News By Suzanne Bechman The year 2020 has been full of surprises and challenges, none more so than the changes we have all experienced with education! Last March, none of us would have expected being virtual for the remainder of the school year. We all found ourselves in new territory, creating new normals and learning how to operate AWAY from one another. Even then, we expected that things would begin to level out over the summer and that come fall, school would be “normal” again. We planned for the worst, all the while hoping for the best. As the 2020-21 school year quickly approached, once again we realized that things were going to look much different than we were accustomed to. Many, many hours and countless discussions created protocols and procedures to allow our GCA family to once again be together. At times, it seemed as though we were climbing uphill in a snowstorm...but God made a way. On August 12th, we were reunited! It was a glorious day to be back with students and teachers TOGETHER. As we have ended the first quarter of this most unusual school year, I wanted to share the things I have been most grateful for: Our Lord and Savior, who is always faithful The sounds of students back in classrooms who are eager to learn and be back with their teachers and friends Teachers and staff who have worked countless hours learning how to serve their students best...because they love them Parents and grandparents who entrust GCA with their most precious gifts every single day ONE ANOTHER—I realize more than ever how blessed we are as a community and that we are always stronger TOGETHER!
Thank you for a wonderful first quarter, GCA family! By His Grace, Suzanne Bechman
GCA 6th grade created their own erupting volcanoes! Mrs. Myers' students each designed and conducted their volcanic experiments a few weeks ago, and the results were explosive!
It’s great to be back in the GCA garden! Mrs. Myers’ 5th grade Science class introduced our new rooster “Henry” to our 12 hens.
Robbie’s Birthday
GCA celebrated our annual Homecoming Week in September and the whole school was involved in the festivities. High School girls kicked off the week with our traditional Powder Puff Football Game, where Houses competed for House points. Tyndale House was the big winner this year when they won the final game against Elliot House. The entire school participated in the fun with their own competitions throughout the week. Elementary classrooms had their doors decorated with the Superhero theme, which the High School Student Council judged, Middle School students created spirit flags that were displayed at the Pep Rally on Friday, and High School students worked all week on floats with the Superhero theme that were also revealed at the Pep Rally. Elliot House was Batman, Lewis House was Spider Man, Tyndale House was Captain America, and Wycliffe House was once again named the Float Building Champion for the High School with their Superman Float. Students across both campuses also had fun dress up days for Spirit Week and enjoyed sporting their GCA colors, Camo, Super Hero Day, and a few others. GCA uses this week as an opportunity to welcome our amazing graduates back “home” for a night or two, as well as build traditions with our current student body. Each year, our senior class recognizes four guys and four girls who best exemplify “Loving God and Loving Others” and represent GCA and it’s mission in all aspects of their lives. The 2020 Homecoming Court members were Katelin Alonzo, Sydney Blankenship, Cassie Chapman, Sydney Overton, Blake Barton, Josh Breland, Luke Gill and Callan Jones. Congratulations to the 2020 Homecoming Court! This year, more than ever, we are thankful for our student body, our teachers, and the entire GCA community. Homecoming Week allowed us to celebrate our family and our traditions.
High School News
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By Richard Anderson “My times are in Thy hands” (Psalm 31:15) “As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30) “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. . .and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. . .encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25). . .(Note: the “Day” is the Day of Christ’s return!) Fifty years ago—in the Spring of 1970—I changed my major over into the College of Education. Much went into that decision. . .and I reckon it turned out to be a good decision: on August 12, I began my 48 year in the teaching profession. That morning, I did something which not even the smartest of my Education professors could have foreseen. I drove into campus. . .stopped my car at a “checkpoint” tent. . .and had my temperature checked by none other than our Head-of-School, Mr. Robbie Mason. Having “passed” the temperature check, I went to my office. . .grabbed my walkie-talkie. . .put on my mask. . .stood on the front porch of the High School building. . .and proceeded to greet students coming up the sidewalk—also in masks. . .also having had their temperature checked before they were allowed to exit their vehicles. Then it dawned on me: it was five months TO THE DAY since our students walked through these doors. We walked out of the school on March 12 (for Spring Break). . .and never came back. The ensuing five months brought about much change: locally, regionally, nationally, globally. In fact, it all remains “fluid”. . .even up to this very moment. If God has taught us anything, it is that we are NOT in control and that we MUST be flexible. Those five months have brought great joy. . .and heartbreaking sorrow. We were invited—and then “dis-invited” to weddings of former students. Through no fault of their own, bridal couples have had to limit the number of attendees at their weddings. We have seen babies born into the world. . .one little guy making his “debut” in our school community just a little over a month ago. We have seen young people leave this world, heading to the Father’s house (to which we all aspire). Taken much too soon (by our human way of calculating). . .and leaving two school communities to start the school year with an ache in our hearts. . .in our souls. In the school business, what those five months stole from us was that most valuable of commodities: TIME. Time with our students. . .some have now headed off to college. Time with our colleagues. . .sitting in front of a computer screen is just not the same as face-to-face conversations. And time with which we could have been encouraging one another. . . On all of these counts, here are my “take aways”: 1. My times are in His hands. My times. Your times. Planet Earth’s times. As I said early on, “None of these events have taken Heaven by surprise.” 2. As for God, His way is perfect. He has made NO mistakes. He is too WISE for that. . .He is too LOVING to hurt us. 3. All we have is TODAY. Tomorrow is not promised. May we use today to ENCOURAGE those with whom we come in contact. . .young and old. th
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Soli Deo Gloria. To God Alone be the Glory for this newly-minted 2020-21 school year. . . Richard B. Anderson/High School Principal
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Spiritual Life By Andi Hauk & Dan Spencer It has never been more important in this season of so much unknown, so much division in our world, and so much grief and sadness in our school community, to look toward the truth that God gives us, so we felt it incredibly appropriate that our chapel theme for 2020-2021 should be, “What does God say?” Through the proper use of the Word of God, we can ask what He has to say about what is going on around us and in our world so that we can, in turn, bring glory to His name. While we were unable to have our back to school Deer Run retreat, we are grateful that we’ve been able to have chapel each week. GCA student worship has led us each week in worship, and then we’ve had teachers, parents and guest speakers share with our students and faculty. We’ve also had a wonderful time of prayer for God to work in, around, and through us as a student body. One exciting development to the spiritual life of our school is the gift of a new personalized Bible for each student in our High School. Thanks to the gracious donations of some parents and grandparents, ESV Student Study Bibles have been imprinted, prayed over, and distributed to students. We cannot be more excited that our student body will have this incredible tool to use every day in Bible class over the course of their time at GCA. Thank you to those who have donated to this amazing gift. Finally, we finished the quarter with our annual donation drive for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. Students competed by grade for who could raise the most money, primarily with change, over the course of the week. We asked the students to look into their own piggy banks, rather than their parents’ banks, for this High School mission project. The week started slow, but then our students rallied to raise almost $3,000, which will allow us to fill over 100 shoeboxes. Our seniors (and winners who raised HALF on their own) got to do the shopping, with a little side visit to Cracker Barrel, on Wednesday October 14. In a time where we can’t help but start emails, articles and stories with, “In these crazy times of COVID…” we are so grateful to continue to see God move at GCA. We are believing Him to do a great work in, through, and around the High School student body. Psalm 18:30 - “This God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him”
This month, the GCA Missions class teamed up with Samaritan's Purse to help rebuild a home in Nashville as many homes were destroyed during the March tornado. Samaritan's Purse not only has a Disaster Relief team, but after that team is finished, they then send in scouts to talk with the homeowners to see who has insurance and can rebuild and who cannot. When they locate those that aren't able to rebuild, they suggest that they submit an application to Samaritan's Purse for assistance. The Mission class students worked on Miss Patrice's home, which was badly damaged during the tornado. The class, consisting of eight
boys, worked alongside a team from Pennsylvania and California. They did a great job that day, working hard and encouraging each other and the other teams. It is always wonderful to serve together in the name of Christ. If you are interested in taking a team or if your individual family would like to volunteer, you can contact samaritanspurse.org and look on their volunteer page. You can choose to work one day or several. Samaritan's Purse will be working in the Nashville area until next April.
Celebrating Grace in Athletics By Len McKnatt
Humility / Passion / Unity / Servanthood / Gratitude We are so thankful to be on campus and to be competing in fall sports during this time. We want to take this opportunity to recognize some special performances. We know more accolades and awards are to come as we move into the playoffs and tournaments. We will include any new award winners in the next addition of “Celebrating Grace�. Our HS Girls Volleyball team completed its regular season by finishing 3rd in the North Division in their district. They have also already punched their ticket into the regional tournament starting next week by placing in the top 4 of the district tournament. Two of our young ladies received recognition for their outstanding play during the regular season. Senior setter Sydney Blankenship was named 1st Team All-District and senior libero Ashley Woodrick was named 2nd Team All-District. Congratulations to these young ladies and best of luck to our team as they continue in post season play. Blankenship was also named to the All-District Tournament Team. Our HS Football Team is off to an outstanding 4-4 start. They have put themselves in great position as they vie for a playoff spot over the course of the next several weeks. There have been many great performances, but we would like to recognize three individuals who have garnered special attention. Senior running back Blake Barton has racked up 686 rushing yards in his first 6 games with 13 touchdowns. Barton also has 2 receiving touchdowns and is currently 2nd in the state with 15 total touchdowns. Blake has been nominated 3 times for Williamson Home Page Football Player of the Week. Senior quarterback Ashton Kelley was recently nominated for Williamson County Player of the Week after leading the Lions to a 45-12 Homecoming victory over The Webb School (region opponent). Kelley completed 15/25 passes for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ashton also had a rushing touchdown in the game. Senior linebacker Kytn Wolf is having a career season on the defensive side of the ball. Wolf is currently 2nd in the state in total tackles with 82 through the first 6 games. Kytn has 3 tackles for
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losses including 1 sack. Congratulations to these gentlemen and their team on their outstanding start. Our HS Boys Golf team has had another outstanding season. The team fell 3 shots short from qualifying for the region tournament, but we had two individuals who advanced with great performances. Sophomore Pierce Holsinger finished 2nd in the district tournament shooting a great round of 74. Senior Josh Breland also advanced, shooting a round of 80. Breland shot a 71 in the region tournament to advance to the state tournament. Holsinger’s 77 left him just short of the state tournament. Breland ended his fabulous season with a 13th place finish at the state golf tournament. Congrats to Josh and Pierce. Our HS Girls Soccer and HS Cross Country teams are still in regular season play. Girls Soccer has locked up 3rd place in a tough district and began district tournament play on October 10. The Lady Lions finished 4th in the region tournament and have advanced to the state tournament which began this week. Mary Bradley Myers and Adyson Wolf were named to the All-District Soccer team. Best of luck in the state tournament to our Girls Soccer team. Our Cross Country team has had a couple of meets recently and all participants have reached personal records. We want to congratulate Michael Koellein, Josh Hilner, Ava Jenkins, and Faith Jenkins for recently medaling in a meet. Best of luck to all of our runners as we gear up for our region meet. Please congratulate all of these teams and individuals on their accomplishments. We are most proud of the way all of them compete to honor our Lord and Savior. Thanks for your continued support of GCA Athletics. Go Lions and Lady Lions!
Celebrating Grace in Athletics
By Len McKnatt We are so thankful to be on campus and to be competing in fall sports during this weird time. We want to take this opportunity to recognize some special performances. We know more accolades and awards are to come as we move into the playoffs and tournaments. We will include any new award winners in the next addition of “Celebrating Grace”. Our HS girls volleyball TEAM completed its regular season by finishing 3 in the North Division if their district. They have also already punched their ticket into the regional tournament starting next week by placing in the top 4 of the district tournament. Two of our young ladies received recognition for their outstanding play during the regular season. Senior setter Sydney Blankenship was named 1 TEAM AllDistrict and senior libero Ashley Woodrick was named 2 TEAM All-District. Congratulations to these young ladies and best of luck to our TEAM as they continue in post-season play. Blankenship was also Josh Hilner named to the All-District Tournament TEAM. rd
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Faith Jenkins
nd
Michael Koellein
Our HS Football TEAM is off to an outstanding 4-4 start. They have positioned themselves in great position as they vie for a playoff spot over the course of the next several weeks. There have been many great performances but we would like to recognize three individuals that have garnered special attention. Senior running back Blake Barton has racked up 686 rushing yards in his first 6 games with 13 touchdowns. Barton also has 2 receiving touchdowns and is currently 2 in the state with 15 total touchdowns. Blake has been nominated 3 times for Williamson Home Page Football Player of the Week. Senior quarterback Ashton Kelley was recently nominated for Williamson County Player of the Week after leading the Lions to a 45-12 Homecoming victory over The Webb School (region opponent). Kelley completed 15/25 passes for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ashton also had a rushing touchdown in the game. Senior linebacker Kytn Wolf is having a career season on the defensive side of the ball. Wolf is currently 2 in the state in total tackles with 82 through the first 6 games. Kytn has 3 tackles for losses including 1 sack. Congratulations to these gentlemen and their TEAM on their outstanding start. nd
nd
Ava Jenkins
Our HS Boys Golf TEAM has had another outstanding season. The TEAM fell 3 shots short from qualifying for the region tournament but we had two individuals that advanced with great performances. Sophomore Pierce Holsinger finished second in the district tournament shooting a great round of 74. Senior Josh Breland also advanced shooting a round of 80. Breland shot a 71 in the region tournament to advance to the state tournament. Holsinger’s 77 left him just short of the state tournament. Breland ended his fabulous season with a 13 place finish at the state golf tournament. Congrats to Josh and Pierce. th
Our HS Girls Soccer and HS Cross Country TEAMS are still in regular season play. Girls Soccer has locked up 3 place in a tough district and will begin district tournament play on October 10. The Lady Lions finished 4 in the Region tournament and have advanced to the state tournament beginning Tuesday, October 20. Mary Bradley Myers and Adyson Wolf were named to the All-District Soccer TEAM. Best of luck in the state tournament to our girls soccer TEAM. rd
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Our Cross Country TEAM has had a couple of meets recently and all participants have reached personal records. We want to congratulate Michael Koellein, Josh Hilner, Ava Jenkins, and Faith Jenkins for recently medaling in a meet. Best of luck to all of our runners as we gear up for our Region meet.
#12 Mary Bradley Myers
Please congratulate all of these TEAMS and individuals on their accomplishments. We are most proud of the way all of them compete to honor our Lord and Savior. Thanks for your continued support of GCA Athletics. Go Lions and Lady Lions!
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By Carrie Estes We are beyond blessed to get to continue with our Fine Arts extracurricular activities and shows. Most schools have had to postpone their Fine Arts events, but we truly believe the students need the outlet and community. God’s Word is very clear that He cares deeply for the Arts and how they affect people’s hearts, and we want to continue to reach as many people as we can during this difficult time while using our God-given talents to glorify the Lord.
This quarter, we have continued with our Art Clubs and Dance Teams. For the first time, GCA also began an International Thespian Society for our High School students. Our Elementary School Dance Club has doubled in numbers with 52 students involved, providing two different clubs. The Worship teams on both campuses are flourishing under the direction of our new choir teacher Mrs. Halliburton. We are also currently in the middle of rehearsals for our IS/MS production of Honk! JR. Don’t miss the show at the end of this week We are having another Art & Athletic Family Night on October 30th. Come see Honk! JR. at 5:00 PM and then the football game at 7:00 PM. Much love and blessings to all! Audience for One!
Here are some examples of the beautiful artw Advanced Art students have been creating th students used the “stippling” technique to cre dots. The Advanced Art students drew portra passion, creativity, and joy that these studen such a gift!
work that the Intermediate and his year! The Intermediate Art eate an animal portrait using many tiny aits using the “gridding� method. The nts bring to the classroom has been
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Grace Christian Academy students named 2021 National Merit® Scholarship Semifinalists Franklin, Tennessee (September 15, 2020) - Grace Christian Academy announced two members of the Class of 2021, Anna Cella and Luke Gill, were named Semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit® Scholarship Program. The announcement came September 9 from the National Merit® Scholarship Corporation. Of the 1.5 million entrants representing 21,000 high schools in this academic competition, these two distinguished individuals are among approximately 16,000 students nationwide to achieve this honor. They are now qualified to compete for a share of 7,600 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth more than $30 million, and advance to Finalist standing. As a Semifinalist, Cella and Gill are considered two of the highest scoring entrants from our state on the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. "It is a wonderful thing when intellect, diligence, and the grace of God intersect in the life of a student and of a school,” said GCA High School Principal, Richard B. Anderson. “To that end, Grace Christian Academy gratefully acknowledges the recognition of both Anna Cella and Luke Gill as National Merit Semifinalists. This is a milestone moment for these two students, for their families, and for our entire school community. We celebrate these two fine young people and give God the glory for their achievements.”
"The top schools I am applying to are Washington University in St. Louis, University of Richmond, and Furman University. I like them for their programs and locations. I want to study English or Psychology, with a minor in a foreign language. In college, I definitely want to be involved around campus by joining a faith-based organization and playing an intramural sport like ultimate frisbee. I would also love to study abroad somewhere in Asia or Europe."
Of the nationwide pool of Semifinalists, 15,000 students are expected to advance to Finalist standing, representing less than 1% of US high school seniors to achieve this rank. Attaining Finalist standing in the competition requires meeting high academic standards and fulfilling a number of rigorous prerequisites. These designees are selected on the basis of their accomplishments, including, but not limited to, involvement in community activities, proven leadership skills, and potential for college success. Finalists will be selected for three types of National Merit Scholarships, thereby earning the Merit Scholar title. The Merit Scholars will be announced beginning next spring. GCA Academic Dean, Dr. Amy Hodgson said, “With all of GCA, we thankfully share in the joy of Anna and Luke – their academic giftings are just beginning to bear fruit!” Grace Christian Academy also applauds Joe Hauk, Josh Hilner and Grant Solomon for their achievement of being named National Merit® Commended students. To receive this status, Hauk, Hilner and Solomon were among the top 3 -4% of scorers on the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit® Scholarship Qualifying Test, and have been recognized with this honor for their outstanding academic success.
"I am applying to a wide range of colleges, including UTK, UNC, Georgia, Wake Forest, and Vanderbilt. My top choice right now would be UNC or UTK. I am interested in studying business or pre -law and pursuing a career in Law. I hope to be able to study abroad, have internship experiences, and just have fun making memories in college."
mission of providing an experiential education that is biblically saturated and Christ glorifying. We are so grateful to be in school together and providing our In times of seemingly endless change, it is students with structure, in-class learning, great to know there are three things that fine arts opportunities, athletics and remain the same at Grace Christian more. Academy. Those are the faithfulness and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, The Grace. Family. Legacy campaign is the generous hearts of our families and pressing through the adversity of GCA’s commitment to our mission: to 2020. Although we slowed the pace of the continue to be a school that provides our project as we navigated a new landscape students an experiential education that is with Covid-19, we are continuing to move distinctly Christian, biblically saturated, forward with Phase One, which includes Christ glorifying, academically excellent, the new high school building and athletic and service and mission oriented. facilities. Providing the space and facilities to give our students the best environment Our love and dedication as servants of to succeed holds incredible value to us as Jesus Christ continues to be the most we strive to serve our families. important focus of our school. He is the ultimate provider and sustainer. We are so We are excited to unveil updated plans grateful to continue to rest in His steadfast and a timeline to you as we near the end of love, provision, and faithfulness to us even this year. We encourage you to visit our in times of change and uncertainty. website www.gracefamilylegacy.com to see a few of the updated images of the new We want to personally thank you from the high school building. bottom of our hearts for your continued commitment to support GCA and the While we are all tired of hearing “We are Grace. Family. Legacy campaign. As the all in this together”…We are all in this uncertainty mounted in the spring around together! You continue to demonstrate Covid-19 and its effect on the economy, we your commitment to GCA, and we plan to slowed our pace of progression for the new continue to demonstrate our commitment high school. We did not and have not to your family. We look forward to moving stopped planning and moving forward, forward with our new high school in the but we slowed down the process. We have coming months. been absolutely encouraged and excited by your continued commitment, faithfulness If you have any questions, or would like to and generosity since that time. Our year- meet with us, please do not hesitate to to-date giving is actually above where we reach out. were this time in 2019. You have demonstrated a level of commitment and Sincerely, support during the most difficult time most of us have ever faced, and your Brad Myers generosity has not gone unnoticed. Thank Director of Development you!! 615-578-3021
The Development Office
As a school, we want you to know that we remain committed to you. We are committed to continue to achieve our
Mission Statement
3279 Southall Road Franklin, TN 37064 615-591-3017 www.gcalions.com
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 to prepare them to spread that hope along every avenue God provides.