GCA Profile

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Grace Christian Academy is to be an instrument used by God for His glory through a Christ-centered education that integrates the truths of Scripture into all disciplines and immerses children and young people in the study of God’s precious Word and the wonders of His creation.  The necessity of a personal relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ, by Spirit-worked saving faith is most important.  In addition, the development of the whole person is encouraged so that students recognize, develop, and use their unique, God-given gifts to cheerfully and wholeheartedly worship and praise the Triune God, serve the family, the church, and one another, and be discerning and responsible citizens in their communities.

MOTTO

By grace, equipping and inspiring students to be life-long learners who know, serve, and glorify Jesus Christ.

SCHOOL TEXT

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.  II Peter 3:18

DESCRIPTION

Grace Christian Academy has its foundation in the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids.  Its purpose is to strive to train up children in the Biblical way they should go, so that, under the blessing of the Lord, as they become older, they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).  Our programs strive to place God and His infallible Word at the center of all subjects studied, instruction given, and policies developed.  We aim to base religious instruction on the Bible and to present it from a truly Reformed perspective in accordance with our Doctrinal Standards: the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession of Faith, and the Canons of Dordt.  In conjunction with our supreme purpose, namely, the honor of God and the eternal welfare of our students, not only Biblical studies are taught, but also a wide range of academic subjects.  Each subject taught attempts to draw its basis and theme from the Holy Scripture which “is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16).

Grace Christian Academy opened its doors in August 2021 to over 200 students in grades PreK to 12.  Our Elementary wing includes PreK, Young 5’s and Kindergarten through grade 6 with grade levels ranging in size from 14 to 21 students.  Our high school wing includes grades 7-12.  The grades range in size from 10 – 25 students.

The school year of 180 days consists of two semesters, each containing 18 weeks.  Each semester contains two nine-week periods.

Our school is located in Grand Rapids, a metropolitan area of approximately 500,000 in southwestern lower Michigan.  Area colleges include Calvin College, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Community College, Davenport University, and Grand Valley State University.

Grace Christian Academy Association is a strong family-oriented constituency that is mainly middle class, drawing from Grand Rapids and several surrounding communities.  The students are primarily from the following churches:  Heritage Reformed, Free Reformed, and Providence Reformed.

FACULTY

Grace Christian Academy staff is composed of full-time and part-time instructors, a director of operations, elementary and high school principals, a curriculum director, counselor, and support staff consisting of secretaries, a facilities manager, aides and a librarian.  Many instructors have advanced degrees.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Grace Christian Academy students and teachers, under the direction of Student Council Committees or Teacher Advisors are involved in service projects like:  sending care packages, making Thanksgiving baskets, participating in a Food Drive, providing appreciation luncheons for the many school volunteers and teachers, participating in benefit concerts, singing for local nursing homes, and raising money for charities.

FINANCIAL PLAN

Grace Christian Academy is a private school system which receives no government funding.  Funds required for operation come from tuition paid by parents, assistance from supporting churches, and gifts.