Q: Where is Grace Christian Academy located?
A: Grace Christian Academy is a ministry of Grace Baptist Church (7171 Oak Ridge Highway) in the Karns community of Knoxville. The school is located six miles east of Pellissippi Parkway (I-162). Map to GCA
Q: What is the current enrollment at GCA? (2011-2012)
A: Elementary (K-5): 378 students
Middle School (6-8): 239 students
High School: 301 students
Total Enrollment: 918 students
Q: What curriculum does GCA use?
A: GCA uses a variety of materials from several different publishers. The teacher is the key to a successful biblically integrated curriculum. A detailed list of textbooks that are used is available on the curriculum page of the school’s website.
Q: How many students are allowed per class?
A: As a general rule 18 students is the maximum in a kindergarten class and 22 students is the maximum in grades 1-5. Twenty-four students per class in grades 6-12 is the maximum preferred ratio. Several classes are much smaller.
Q: What is the length of the school day?
A: Kindergarten-Grade 5: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Grades 6-12: 8:00 a.m.-3:05 p.m.
Q: Is GCA accredited?
A: Grace Christian Academy is fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. GCA is also a member of the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools.
Q: What are the faculty member requirements?
A: It is the policy of GCA to hire only committed Christian teachers that have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, and are certified to teach. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree, GCA teachers must hold certification with ACSI. Teachers also enroll in continuing professional and Biblical education classes. More than 35% of GCA teachers possess advanced degrees.
Q: Does GCA have Chapel as well as Bible classes?
A: Bible is an integral part of the curriculum at GCA and is a core subject taught in all grade levels. Students also have a chapel assembly each week as well as various days of spiritual emphasis throughout the year.
Q: Are students who graduate from GCA prepared for college?
A: GCA students score above average on their college admission tests. The curriculum in the high school is designed for the college-bound student. Averages of students who have taken the ACT during the last three years have scored above both state and national averages. Approximately 90% of graduates attend college after high school. GCA graduates have been accepted to schools throughout the country, most recently from Yale, Vanderbilt, Brown, Belmont, Trevecca, Auburn, Memphis, West Point Academy, Air Force Academy, Emory, University of Tennessee, Lee University, Bryan College, Virginia Tech, Translyvania University, and Carson-Newman.
Q: What does GCA offer in fine arts?
A: GCA offers instruction in stringed instruments beginning in first grade. Band is available to students beginning in grade 5. GCA students have weekly art and general music classes. Middle and high school students are offered drama, art and vocal ensemble. Private piano lessons are also available from our music teachers. Vocal performance is part of the elementary music classes. Vocal ensembles are available for students in grades 6-12. Vocal ensemble, speech and drama classes are offered for credit to high school students.
Q: What sports does GCA offer?
A: High school sports include volleyball, football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, soccer, swimming, tennis, cross country, golf, and cheerleading. Middle school sports that are offered include football, cross country, volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling and cheerleading.
Q: Does GCA provide standardized testing for students?
A: Stanford Achievement Tests are administered to students in grades K-8 each spring and are one of several tools used to measure academic achievement. The PSAT is administered each fall to students in grades 10 and 11. The test is required for juniors and is optional but strongly recommended for sophomores. ACT and SAT test-taking is recommended beginning in the spring of the junior year. Information about registration and test preparation is provided by the guidance counselor.
Q: Are students required to wear uniforms?
A: Students at GCA have a uniform dress code with a variety of shirts, sweaters, skirts, and pants available. Most uniform items can be purchased from either Educational Outfitters on Kingston Pike, or through the Lands End catalog. Uniforms for physical education classes are required for grades 7-12 and may be purchased through GraceGear. Spirit wear (which may be worn on Fridays) can be purchased at the school. Dress code guidelines are outlined in the student handbook.
Q: Does GCA offer after-school care?
A: Yes, there is an after-school program on campus offered through Grace Place, a ministry of Grace Baptist Church. The times are 3:00-6:00 p.m. daily. The after-school program is also open on in-service days. The after-school program is closed on major holidays.
Q: Does GCA have a lunch program?
A: Yes. Hot lunches as well as various ala carte items are available each day at school. See the Lunch page.
Q: Is GCA sponsored by a church or denomination?
A: Grace Christian Academy is sponsored by Grace Baptist Church, but students from many different denominations and churches attend the Academy.
Q: What are the steps to enroll a child at GCA?
A: To apply for enrollment an application packet must be submitted with the application fee. A personal interview is required for students entering GCA in grades K-12, and there is a required academic screening for students in grades K-8. Please see the Admissions page for details.
Q: What is the age requirement to enter kindergarten?
A: Children must be five years of age before September 30.
Q: Does GCA have a scholarship program or offer financial aid?
A: At this time, GCA does not have a financial aid program or scholarships available.
Q: How does GCA observe holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Halloween?
A: For holidays, emphasis will be placed on the sacred rather than the secular. The use of Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, etc. will not be included in classroom decorations. GCA does not observe Halloween, but will emphasize the fall harvest.
