Grace Christian Academy is the region’s newest high school, set to open this fall. Currently enrolling freshmen, GCA is “an independent, non-denominational, college preparatory high school whose mission is to glorify God by equipping students with a spiritually and academically solid Christian worldview.”
GCA will open for its first class of students on Aug. 26 and follow Daviess County Public Schools academic calendar and schedule.
“We are fully preparing to open our doors,” said Chris Holmes, who will oversee day-to-day operations as Head of School. “We’ve moved to Aug. 26 now to line up with other schools around us just for convenience for our families who have kids at multiple places. We’re still looking forward to getting going.”
Holmes said they plan to hold an open house in late July or early August where prospective enrolled students will be able to meet their teachers and have an opportunity to get more information.
GCA will also adhere to the recommendations of the Kentucky Department of Education. Though still in development, GCA’s curriculum will align with Kentucky’s academic standards, incorporate biblical principles, and utilize textbooks and materials from both secular and Christian publishers.
“We intend for our students to receive an excellent education but at the same time, the concepts that will be presented to them will be done so in a way that is informed by the Bible,” Holmes said. “We believe it is important for the students to understand the world around them from the perspective of what the Bible has to say. Kids are going to learn all their academic subjects very faithfully and just like public school counterparts, it’s not going to be a walk in the park.”
Kristyn Gabbert, associate administrator and English teacher, said her classes will read classic and contemporary works alike, but lessons will also include a biblical component.
“They will have a class where they learn specifically about the Bible and how to protect their faith,” Gabbert said. “But they will also be exposed to some of the classic texts students in public schools study as well.”
GCA intends to offer traditional courses, as well as Dual-Credit and Advanced Placement options. GCA is also exploring mentorships, internships and other innovative learning strategies.
As a new school, GCA does not yet possess accreditation. But, they are committed to securing accreditation through Association of Christian Schools International, one of the largest and most respected accrediting agencies for Christian schools. The accreditation process is very detailed and requires time to complete. GCA anticipates accreditation will be in hand by the time the first class graduates in 2023-24.
“We want to have demonstrated publicly that we are a fit and healthy institution and you don’t do that overnight,” Holmes said. “You have to establish practices and maintain those practices to receive and keep your accreditation. We’re already beginning that process.”
Gabbert said she had been looking and praying for the last two years to find a Christian-based high school before GCA came along.
“I read about the school and felt like with my personal relationship with Jesus, the Christian school was ideal for me,” she said. “I definitely aligned with the philosophy at GCA so I filled out their online form and reached out to them through Facebook. Dr. Holmes reached out to me and we discussed the position and it just went from there.”
Though she expects some challenges in the new role, Gabbert is ready to get started.
“The first year will definitely be a learning experience for everyone,” she said. “I definitely expect the students to have an enjoyable experience. I think that having a Christian high school in Owensboro is such a unique and great opportunity. We are definitely ready to start and we’re all excited.”
A release from the school reads, “GCA is independent of and is not affiliated with any particular church or denomination. GCA is unapologetically evangelical. The Bible is at the heart of everything we do, and our entire curriculum will be taught from a biblical perspective. Every student will study the Bible as an academic core component, and all subjects are taught from a biblical worldview. Students will have opportunities to memorize Scripture, attend chapel, participate in service projects, etc. which will foster a greater grasp of and appreciation for God’s Word.”
Holmes said they’ve done various marketing and advertising to help increase awareness as they reach out to more potential students, but ultimately it will be their efforts in the classroom that likely have the biggest impact.
“Word of mouth (is key),” he said. “The longer we exist, the more people will know what we are doing. Our reputation is going to build.”
Gabbert added that student input will be important to their growth.
“High school students really value their peers’ input, so I think as have GCA students who are enjoying their experience they will tell their peers from church and community activities and more interest will develop,” she said.
For approximately the first two years, GCA has been granted the use of the facilities at Yellow Creek Baptist Church, where Holmes has served on the ministry staff for 13 years. A block of seven classrooms is being readied for use by the school.
Eventually, GCA plans to build a permanent facility on the 40-acre property that it owns near the Owensboro bypass.
Grace Christian Academy is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation. Governing the school is a board of directors consisting of parents of students, professionals, and other leaders.
According to the release, “The tuition for the 2020-21 school year is $8,542 per student. Tuition and fees are necessary in order for Grace Christian Academy to fulfill its mission. Tuition assistance is available. Because GCA uses a rolling admissions process, there is no deadline to apply as long as space is available.”
