Why Accreditation?

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) promotes the value and worthiness of accreditation and encourages each school and early education program to continuously pursue excellence. This pursuit matches the biblical directive of approving “things that are excellent” (Philippians 1:10, KJV). The “accredited” seal denotes a school that has met institutional standards of quality, and verifies a commitment to strategic improvement and on-going accountability. The process of accreditation involves three significant elements:

1. Intensive, institution-wide self-appraisal, analysis, and improvement planning
2. External consultation, review, validation, and insights from a visiting peer group
3. Ongoing accountability for improvement through annual reporting and renewal

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Accreditation provides parents and guardians with an assurance of quality education from a dependable educational institution. ACSI is the premier accrediting agency for Christian schools, serving over 5,300 schools in over 100 countries. ACSI accreditation is a process – a self-study, an independent analysis, a comparison to established standards, an assessment of the school's mission, a commitment to quality education, and a willingness to be accountable. GCA uses all of these components to reach toward the goal of excellence in education.

Features of Accreditation and Benefits to You and Your Child(ren)

COLLEGE DEGREED AND CERTIFIED TEACHING STAFF
We pledge that your student will learn in an environment where the instructional staff are credentialed teachers working in their field of expertise.
 
EDUCATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Assures parents that the school will NOT deviate from tried, tested and proven teaching methods and operational excellence when compared to rigorous standards.
 
CAMPUS SECURITY AND ACTIVITY
Provides parental peace of mind that the campus is safe, providing a positive learning environment for your child(ren).
 
ORGANIZATION STABILITY
Comfort in knowing school finances are handled responsibly and that the school will remain solvent and effective for years to come.
 
CHRISTIAN VALUES
Assures parents that your child will be taught Biblical leadership principles through curriculum, classroom, staff interaction, and conduct standard's all with a Christian worldview.
 
UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE
Security that your high school students' work will be recognized by local and out of state colleges and universities indicating your child(ren)'s preparation for higher learning.

WHAT THE VISITING TEAM HAD TO SAY

“ The visiting team commends the board members and executive leadership who are recognized by the school and community as mature Christian leaders (Indicator 2.2). The executive leadership and board members provide spiritual leadership to the staff, students, and other stakeholders in fulfilling the mission of the school. During interviews with board members and school leadership, it was abundantly clear that discipleship is one of the highest priorities of school leaders (Interviews with board members and administrators; self-study, p. 20). „

“ The visiting team commends Grace Christian Academy (GCA) for its demonstrated commitment to the development of the whole child from a Christian perspective, focusing on growth in Christ and wholesome social interactions (Indicator 1.5). Grace Christian Academy has programs in place that address the spiritual, intellectual, physical and social wellbeing and development of its students. The school is intentional in its development of the whole child from a Christian perspective (Interviews with administration, faculty, parents; handbooks). „

“The visiting team commends Grace Christian Academy (GCA) for the sense of community that permeates every aspect of the school experience and is modeled by the board, administration, and teachers. The result is an authentic culture where students are known, valued, cared for and encouraged to love one another as Christ loves the church (Indicators 7.2, 7.4).„

“ The visiting team commends the Grace Christian Academy faculty and staff who exemplify a passion for Christ, for students, and for the philosophy, mission and core values of the school (Indicator 4.1). All personnel have a thorough understanding of the school's mission and statement of faith. The newly formed mission statement on building relationships based on wisdom has created a new excitement and energy within the school culture. It is evident that faculty and staff have a love for Jesus, the students, and desire to see the students love and serve Jesus (Statement of Faith; interviews with board, administration, faculty and parents; observation; COTA). „

“ The foundational documents of GCA define the culture that is desired. GCA offers multiple opportunities to strengthen this community. There is evidence of the love that teachers, students, and parents have for each other. There is strong rapport between teachers and students. During parent and student interviews, multiple comments were made that the main reason the experience at GCA was so positive was because of the Christian principles that are taught and demonstrated by faculty and staff. This is reflective in the COTA with an excellent rating for teacher/student relationships (COTA 5; self-study, p. 50; interviews with faculty and students; observation). „