LRCA View Book

MISSION STATEMENT To serve families, churches and the community by providing a PK-12th grade education, characterized by excellence in the pursuit of truth from a Christ-centered worldview.

School Leadership Little Rock Christian Academy is a Christian, independent, college preparatory institution providing a Christ-centered education for three year olds through the twelfth grade in the greater Little Rock area.

Founded in 1977, Little Rock Christian is governed by an independent board of trust comprised of committed Christian men and women who are responsible the missional and fiduciary well-being of the school.

Securing and supporting a faithful and effective head of school is the first priority of the school board.

Presently, Dr. Gary B. Arnold serves as the head of school. Installed in 2007, Dr. Gary Arnold has, by the grace of God, led the school forward through program development, professional development, enrollment growth, capital expansion, debt reduction and strategic planning. Before coming to Little Rock Christian Academy, Dr. Arnold has served as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools, the Illinois Coalition of NonPublic School and as the headmaster of Christian schools in Massachusetts and Illinois.

Dr. Arnold currently contributes to numerous professional organizations, including: • The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) – Board member • The Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) – Board member • The Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association (ANSAA) – Board member • The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) – Public / Nonpublic School Public Relations Committee Dr. Arnold directs and enjoys a vibrant leadership team that oversees the daily operations of the school.

LRCA Snapshot TOTAL ENROLLMENT

1459

Elementary School

455

Middle School

211

Junior High

260

High School

533

Class of 2016

147

STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO 10:1 ACCREDITATION: AdvancED Arkansas Non-Public School Accrediting Association Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (certification) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: NON-DENOMINATIONAL The Little Rock Christian Academy family represents over 100 different local churches.

LRCA Academics ELEMENTARY ACADEMICS The early childhood and elementary curriculum is designed to prepare students for lifelong learning by building a strong academic base, while fostering spiritual and social growth in a loving, accepting environment. God’s Word, the foundation of our curriculum is integrated into all areas and activities. Core subjects include: Bible, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts along with enrichment classes: Spanish, Computer Technology, Music, Art, Physical Education and Library.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMICS The middle school years at LRCA are defined as grades 5-6. Our experienced faculty understands the specific needs of developing adolescents. Whether in the classroom, in the hallways or on the playing fields, our goal is to positively impact lives for Christ.

Middle school curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of reading insightfully, writing decisively and speaking persuasively.

Students are taught in core subject areas (Math, Science, History, and English) while also being challenged to integrate all knowledge within a Christ-centered worldview. Enrichment classes include: Band, Orchestra, Choir, Technology, Art, Physical Education and Foreign Language.

JUNIOR HIGH ACADEMICS The Little Rock Christian junior high program (grades 7-8) is focused on the whole child while providing an excellent foundation in academic work that is key to success in high school and college. A variety of co-curricular opportunities are offered ranging from chapels, advisory groups, social events, clubs, athletics, seminars, and more where our junior high students begin to develop their unique God-given gifts and abilities.

Core classes consist of Math (Pre-Algebra, Algebra or Pre AP Algebra), English (separate Writing and Literature classes), History, Science and Biblical Worldview. LRCA offers many electives in the areas of foreign languages Drama, Choir, Band, Orchestra, Art, Digital Art, Technology, Physical Education and Athletics.

HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMICS Little Rock Christian high school offers a college preparatory curriculum with attention to critical thinking and effective expression through writing and speaking. Our highly qualified, committed faculty maximizes opportunities to help students view what they are learning from God’s perspective with Biblical precepts being foundational. LRCA offers over fifty electives in the areas of foreign languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and Latin) Drama, Choir, Band, Orchestra, Art, Digital Art, Business, Technology, Physical Education and Athletics. Graduation requirements are listed below.

Graduation Requirements

College Counseling

Math – 4 units Science – 3 units English – 4 units History – 3 units Foreign Language – 2 units (2 consecutive in the same language) Biblical Worldview – 4 (1 unit for each year enrolled) Fine Arts – ½ unit Physical Education – ½ unit Health and Safety – ½ unit Oral Communication – ½ unit Economics – ½ unit J-Term – ½ unit for each year enrolled TOTAL – 28 credit hours Additional Requirements: Minimum of 15 hours in Service Learning Project and completion of ACT with scores submitted to LRCA. J-Term is an interim “learning zone” between the first and second semesters for high school students. The J-Term school day is divided into two sessions, morning and afternoon.

This ten-day program offers unique classes to give students opportunities to grow through a variety of experiences as they develop their giftedness. Internships, educational trips, and missions are also offered during this time.

As a college preparatory high school, Little Rock Christian Academy is committed to helping students and parents with college planning. Our college counselors begin meeting with each student during the 8th grade year, and at least one time each semester to set up a comprehensive four-year plan that equips students for their post-secondary education.

The college guidance department remains busy throughout the year preparing students for the college selection process. PSAT/ACT/SAT prep courses are offered on campus. A College Boot Camp summer course is offered for upcoming Seniors. This course includes essay writing, professional editing, mock interviews, resume crafting and editing, application processing and completion, a college admissions panel, and scholarship searches. Our college guidance department co-hosts a college fair every fall where representatives from many colleges are available to visit with prospective students.

National Merit Scholars 2006-2016: 43 Average ACT: 26, 50% scored 29 or higher College Acceptance: 100% Scholarships Offered Class of 2016: $11 million

College Acceptances Abilene Christian University American University Anderson University Arkansas State Universtiy Arkansas Tech Auburn University Azusa Pacific University Baker University Baylor University Belhaven University Belmont University Bentley University Bethel University Boston University Bravard University California Polytechnic State University Carson Newman College Case Western Reserve University Cedarville University Centenary College College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross College of the Ozarks College of William and Mary Colorado Christian University Colorado State University Covenant College Dallas Baptist University Dartmouth College Davidson College Dayton University Delta State University Denver University Drury University Duke University East Texas Baptist University Eastern Pennsylvania College Eastman School of Music Elon University Evangel University Fashion Institute of Design Fashion Institute of Technology Florida State University Fordman University Fort Lewis College Furman University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Mason Georgia Tech Harding University Henderson State University Hendrix College Houston Baptist University Indiana University Ithaca College John Brown University Johns Hopkins University Kansas City Art Institute

King’s College, New York Lee University Lehigh University Linwood University Lipscomb University Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University Loyola University Lynchburg College Lyon College Malone University Mary Hardin Baylor McGill University McLennan College Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State Midland College Millsaps College Mississippi State University Missouri Baptist University Missouri State University New York University North Arizona University Northeastern University Northwestern University Notre Dame Ohio State University Oklahoma Baptist University Oklahoma City University Oklahoma State University Oklahoma University Olivet Nazarene College Ouachita Baptist University Penn State University Pepperdine University Princeton University Point Park University Pulaski Technical College Purdue University Rhodes College Rollins College Rutgers University Samford University School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of the Visual Arts Sewanee: University of the South Sierra Academy of Aeronautics Southern Arkansas University Southern Methodist University Southern Nazarene College Southwestern Assemblies of God University Southwestern College Spelman College St. John’s University St. Louis University Taylor University Texas A & M University

Texas Christian University Texas State University Towson University Trinity College Tulane University Union University United States Air Force Academy United States Naval Academy University of Missouri University of Alabama University of Arkansas University of Arkansas at Fort Smith University of Arkansas at Little Rock University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff University of California, Irvine University of Central Arkansas University of Chicago University of Colorado University of Denver University of Georgia University of Kansas University of Louisiana University of Mary Washington University of Memphis University of Miami University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of New Mexico University of North Alabama University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill University of Oklahoma University of Richmond University of Tennessee University of Texas University of Texas at Dallas University of the Ozarks University of Tulsa University of Virginia University of Wisconsin Utah Valley University Vanderbilt University Virginia Tech University Wake Forest University Washington & Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Watkins College of Art, Design & Film West Point Military Academy Western Kentucky University Westminster College Wheaton College Whitmore University William Jewel College William Woods University Williams Baptist College Wofford College York College

preferred graduate profile With Christ as the foundation, we pray our graduates leave with: •

An authentic faith in Christ exhibited by loving and joyfully serving Him and others. (The Foundation, Luke 10:27)

•

A Biblical WorldView that discerns truth; able to engage society effectively. (World View, Hebrews 5:14)

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The necessary skills and accompanying discipline to become a life-long learner; able to flourish in a collegiate setting and subsequent vocation. (Intellectual, Hebrews 6:1)

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A desire to pursue healthy, Christ-centered relationships. (Relational, 2 Timothy 2:22b)

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The moral fiber to persevere through life with integrity and wisdom. (Personal, Psalm 1)

Athletics I Corinthians 9:24-27 captures the philosophy of the Little Rock Christian Athletics Department. As a part of our total education program, coaches and athletic administration strive to develop student-athletes into a spiritually alive, intellectually alert and physically disciplined individuals.

Life lessons of punctuality, perseverance, teamwork, self-discipline and dedication are learned in Warrior athletics and give students an opportunity to reflect the character of Christ both on and off the field. Christ-centered athletics provide an avenue for displaying God’s plan to teammates, opponents, and spectators. Athletes, fans, parents, cheerleaders and staff are encouraged and expected to reflect Christ by winning humbly and losing graciously.

Little Rock Christian joined the Arkansas Activities Association in 2000. Since that time we have developed thirteen Warrior athletic programs offered for both Junior High and Senior High students. Our teams have won conference and state championships in most every sport, our first in 2001. Recently, our Warriors claimed the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Sports award for the state’s best overall athletic department for the 2012-13 school year in classification 5A. Little Rock Christian athletics will remain committed to helping student athletes become the individuals that God created them to be, running the race in such a way that they may obtain the prize.

Arts The Little Rock Christian Fine Arts program seeks to cultivate the Godgiven talents of our students by providing a variety of venues for student learning and achievement in the arts. While a diverse knowledge of the arts is developed, we believe cultivating an art form also stretches and grows a student's character. In addition to creativity and expression, a study in the arts produces persistence, patience, consistency, respect, and a teachable mindset.

Students are afforded opportunities to explore and develop their abilities in both the Performing and Visual Arts in the academic setting: • Vocal Arts - offered preschool through high school • Instrumental Arts - offered 6th grade through high school • Studio Arts - offered preschool through high school • Theatre - offered junior high and high school All of LRCA's high school Fine Arts programs are activity involved in their respective regional academic associations, and attend workshops, clinics, and competitions each semester.

Students are also given the opportunity to explore, develop, or enhance a skill in LRCA's after school Fine Arts Academy. Weekly private and group lessons are offered in all areas of the arts and are based on age and skill level.

Whether a student pursues the Arts as a career or as an enhancement, Little Rock Christian Academy's Fine Arts program offers the academic and extracurricular opportunities needed to support and advance their goals.

BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW STANDARDS

The purpose of Biblical Worldview is to partner with

THE STUDENT WILL . . .

families and churches to train and challenge students toward a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.

•

Understand the nature and character of God as revealed in Scripture.

•

Recognize the nature and value of man as created in the image of God, fallen, and in need of restoration.

•

Articulate God’s plan for a restored relationship through Jesus Christ.

•

Desire and pursue knowledge and application of Scripture as God’s inspired, inerrant word.

•

Understand the importance and benefit of practicing spiritual disciplines, emphasizing prayer and service.

•

Intelligently evaluate and positively engage the prevailing culture.

•

Understand each believer’s role and responsibility in God’s redemptive plan, to share the gospel at home and abroad.

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Comprehend God’s active involvement in history through people, events, and His Church.

Beginning with Biblical Foundations in elementary grades our Biblical Worldview curriculum emphasizes the Christian truth that permeates all areas of life. Foundational to Biblical Worldview is the affirmation of God’s inspired, inerrant word as the transcendent standard by which we understand and interpret all aspects of our existence and by which we live our lives.

As we study Church history—the adventure of God’s people from the beginning of time until today— we challenge students to identify with its participants and discover their own role in God’s redemptive plan. We study man’s intellectual history recognizing that parallel to God’s plans are competing philosophies developed by men.

We challenge students to discern truth and untruth as they filter non-Christian worldviews through the sieve of scripture and hold them up to critical examination. Our goal is to graduate students who reflect Christ in word and action to the world around them, to both individuals and the larger community.

Admissions Little Rock Christian Academy is a Christian covenant community. One adult in the applicants family must profess a personal, life-changing, salvation experience with Jesus Christ in order to be admitted to the school. We seek families who believe in the purpose of a Biblical education and highly motivated students who will contribute positively to our community.

HOW TO APPLY Application forms can be accessed and completed at LittleRockChristian.com/Admissions.

Once all forms have been returned to the Admissions office, an interview and testing will be scheduled. A non-refundable application of $75.00 must be submitted with each application.

To schedule a tour or a shadow experience please call 501-868-9822 or email visitlrca@littlerockchristian.com.

TO SEE WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT GO TO

ExperienceLRCA.com