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Who Are We
Mission Statement
The mission of Grace Christian Academy is to develop wise students through relationships, instruction, and service.
Vision Statement
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth
Core Values
The mission of Grace Christian Academy is to develop wise students through relationships, instruction, and service.
Vision Statement
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth
Core Values
- For students to have a personal relationship with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
- For students to acquire and cultivate wisdom (knowledge and skill) which leads to productive, meaningful lives for the glory of God;
- For students to discover, nurture, and discipline their God-given talents
- For students to develop habits that lead to righteous living; striving to live honestly and justly.
Academic Value
Grace Christian Academy takes a traditional, or classical, view of education. This traditional view has been developed and honed for over 2,000 years and has produced the greatest thinkers, artists, and inventors in the West. Ironically, it has taken modern educators just 50 years to dismantle this system in public education. However, just because we have a traditional philosophy at GCA does not mean that we don’t pay attention to the latest brain research and best practices, incorporating that which works.
Traditional education was divided up into three categories: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. These areas are the basis in how we approach education at Grace.
Elementary Years: Students in this age group have been gifted by God to be little sponges. These “grammar” years are characterized by memorization and the acquisition of facts. Rote memorization has been frowned upon in the modern era, but the latest brain research has actually begun to change that opinion. William R. Klemm, PhD, senior professor of neuroscience at Texas A&M University, points out: “We think and solve problems with what is in working memory, which in turn is memory of currently available information or recall of previously memorized information . . . Numerous studies show that the amount of information you can hold in working memory is tightly correlated with IQ and problem-solving ability.”
In addition to the acquisition of facts, students in the elementary grades slowly begin to learn how to apply those facts to solve real world problems and situations.
Junior High: Students in this age group have been gifted with inquisitiveness and the desire to argue so we develop their ability to reason and discern truth. The facts they have learned in math and science are now applied in more complex ways. Students at this age move from learning how to read to reading to learn. Problem solving is more prevalent in all of their activities. One of the differences, however, is that students are not just learning how to apply their knowledge to solve problems, but they are also learning how to identify the problem in the first place.
High School: During these “rhetoric” years, students continue to acquire facts, learning how to reason and discern truth. Students also continue to problem solve but they are stretched by requiring them to consistently use all of the academic disciplines to do so. In high school, students learn in greater detail the skill of taking their knowledge, whether math, science, history, Bible, etc., and organizing it to be communicated in both written and oral formats. At Grace, we have added numerous electives from which students may choose so that the academically talented student will always have the opportunity to be challenged and pushed while the student who needs to be presented with concepts over a greater length of time will also have the chance to develop the academic gifts given by God.
While not following the Trivium of Classical Education to the letter at Grace, we have had great success in preparing students for life and college with this traditional philosophy. We are cognizant that in the 21st century there are a set of skills required for a person to be successful no matter what profession. These skills include the following:
Traditional education was divided up into three categories: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. These areas are the basis in how we approach education at Grace.
Elementary Years: Students in this age group have been gifted by God to be little sponges. These “grammar” years are characterized by memorization and the acquisition of facts. Rote memorization has been frowned upon in the modern era, but the latest brain research has actually begun to change that opinion. William R. Klemm, PhD, senior professor of neuroscience at Texas A&M University, points out: “We think and solve problems with what is in working memory, which in turn is memory of currently available information or recall of previously memorized information . . . Numerous studies show that the amount of information you can hold in working memory is tightly correlated with IQ and problem-solving ability.”
In addition to the acquisition of facts, students in the elementary grades slowly begin to learn how to apply those facts to solve real world problems and situations.
Junior High: Students in this age group have been gifted with inquisitiveness and the desire to argue so we develop their ability to reason and discern truth. The facts they have learned in math and science are now applied in more complex ways. Students at this age move from learning how to read to reading to learn. Problem solving is more prevalent in all of their activities. One of the differences, however, is that students are not just learning how to apply their knowledge to solve problems, but they are also learning how to identify the problem in the first place.
High School: During these “rhetoric” years, students continue to acquire facts, learning how to reason and discern truth. Students also continue to problem solve but they are stretched by requiring them to consistently use all of the academic disciplines to do so. In high school, students learn in greater detail the skill of taking their knowledge, whether math, science, history, Bible, etc., and organizing it to be communicated in both written and oral formats. At Grace, we have added numerous electives from which students may choose so that the academically talented student will always have the opportunity to be challenged and pushed while the student who needs to be presented with concepts over a greater length of time will also have the chance to develop the academic gifts given by God.
While not following the Trivium of Classical Education to the letter at Grace, we have had great success in preparing students for life and college with this traditional philosophy. We are cognizant that in the 21st century there are a set of skills required for a person to be successful no matter what profession. These skills include the following:
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Probably the most important reason why Christian parents should consider choosing GCA for their children is that every class is taught from a biblical perspective. That means that students learn that our God is a God who communicates and since we are created in His image we must learn to communicate effectively as well. The world around us was created by God and science will help us to understand the wonders of that creation. God is working His plan through human history, so that in learning history we are learning more about our God. All of creation is mathematical, and in learning math we not only learn more about God’s creation, but we actually learn the language of math, which some say is God’s primary language. In technology and in the arts we learn to live out our image in greater depth by being creators ourselves. Learning a foreign language allows us to grow closer to another people who God loves just as much as ourselves. Finally, in learning the Bible, we see God’s plan unfold before our very eyes, and we learn the Gospel message.
Finally, a description of Grace Christian Academy academics would be incomplete without a description of the godly, professional, dedicated teachers God has brought to Grace. In our elementary and secondary programs we have a total of 22 teachers. All of them have bachelor’s degrees in their field. Of those 22 teachers, nine also have master’s degrees with a tenth teacher completing his within a year. Two have two master’s degrees and one will be completing his doctorate this year.
Finally, a description of Grace Christian Academy academics would be incomplete without a description of the godly, professional, dedicated teachers God has brought to Grace. In our elementary and secondary programs we have a total of 22 teachers. All of them have bachelor’s degrees in their field. Of those 22 teachers, nine also have master’s degrees with a tenth teacher completing his within a year. Two have two master’s degrees and one will be completing his doctorate this year.
Spiritual Value
In his book The Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis writes “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.” (Lewis, 2001, p. 45-46). C.S. Lewis touches on a spiritual perspective that is largely ignored by the church and forbidden in today’s culture. When it comes to education, the purpose of life seems to be translated as work hard now, which will let you land a nice job so that you can enjoy your freedom on the weekends. The Apostle Paul, however, rejects this idea in 2 Corinthians 4:18 saying, “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
The value of Grace Christian Academy is that we address the mortal realm from an immortal perspective; choosing to take on the mantra of Carpe Aeternitatem (seize eternity) rather than just Carpe Diem (seize the day). We want to see students live with an eternal perspective; working for the glory of God rather than the glory of man. Although it may seem small, prayer is our most powerful tool when addressing a student’s immortality. As a teacher here at Grace, my greatest joy has been to meet regularly with my colleagues to pray for life change amongst our students. The conviction amongst the staff at Grace as they lift up students in prayer has a weighty value in and of itself. When God answers those prayers, the pleasing aroma of life change (not to be confused with the unpleasing aroma of a junior higher after P.E.) fills our halls; which is contagious amongst the student body.
While at Grace, students are taught through the various academic and athletic disciplines from a biblical perspective. Students are taught the relevance of scripture in today’s culture and how to articulate a biblical worldview in a largely hostile world. GCA takes seriously Psalm 119:11 which says “I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” More than just memorization, students are taught to be thinkers; applying Biblical reality to a culture that is lost. This fundamentally changes why students learn science, math, English, history, etc. and results in spiritual maturity. Focusing on eternity, students use the skills from the rigorous academics at Grace to fulfill God’s mandate to take dominion of creation and to redeem a fallen world. Our students have a purpose, and like the multitude in Revelation 19 are able to proclaim in all they do, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.”
The value of sending your child to Grace is that we see them as an immortal, and we will do everything we can to see that they are an everlasting splendor.
The value of Grace Christian Academy is that we address the mortal realm from an immortal perspective; choosing to take on the mantra of Carpe Aeternitatem (seize eternity) rather than just Carpe Diem (seize the day). We want to see students live with an eternal perspective; working for the glory of God rather than the glory of man. Although it may seem small, prayer is our most powerful tool when addressing a student’s immortality. As a teacher here at Grace, my greatest joy has been to meet regularly with my colleagues to pray for life change amongst our students. The conviction amongst the staff at Grace as they lift up students in prayer has a weighty value in and of itself. When God answers those prayers, the pleasing aroma of life change (not to be confused with the unpleasing aroma of a junior higher after P.E.) fills our halls; which is contagious amongst the student body.
While at Grace, students are taught through the various academic and athletic disciplines from a biblical perspective. Students are taught the relevance of scripture in today’s culture and how to articulate a biblical worldview in a largely hostile world. GCA takes seriously Psalm 119:11 which says “I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” More than just memorization, students are taught to be thinkers; applying Biblical reality to a culture that is lost. This fundamentally changes why students learn science, math, English, history, etc. and results in spiritual maturity. Focusing on eternity, students use the skills from the rigorous academics at Grace to fulfill God’s mandate to take dominion of creation and to redeem a fallen world. Our students have a purpose, and like the multitude in Revelation 19 are able to proclaim in all they do, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.”
The value of sending your child to Grace is that we see them as an immortal, and we will do everything we can to see that they are an everlasting splendor.
Athletic Value
Grace Christian athletes will be taught the importance of Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." To ensure that this is taught Grace Athletics mission states that athletics at Grace exists to provide an opportunity for students to utilize athletics and athletic contests as a means to bring glory to God by displaying their talents as an act of worship to God in an effort to influence others in the name of Christ. In order to accomplish this mission, Grace’s vision is to develop athletes to believe that God can be glorified in many ways, including athletics, by establishing that any endeavor that is to be undertaken shall be done with the intention of bringing honor and glory to God.
In order to accomplish this mission and vision, Grace Athletics operates using five core values. These values are:
These core values are based on the first two core values of Grace Christian Academy: The Bible and Christ-Likeness. It is the belief that all core values should be viewed as having their basis grounded in a belief that the Bible is the truth to all endeavors and that Christ-Likeness is what all should strive to achieve in their lives. Each of these core values should be carried out with a demeanor of joy that is reflective of the joy we have in serving our Lord.
Athletics at grace are not only about winning and/or getting our athletes in better shape, rather they are focused on developing the athlete so that he or she can grow as an individual, learn to be part of a team, and develop bonds with other athletes that they will one day call family. Grace athletics focuses on the importance of being a committed teammate and the importance of exhibiting joy while using the physical gifts that God has blessed our athletes with.
In order to accomplish this mission and vision, Grace Athletics operates using five core values. These values are:
- Stewardship
- Servanthood
- Integrity
- Accountability to Authority
- Accountability to Team
These core values are based on the first two core values of Grace Christian Academy: The Bible and Christ-Likeness. It is the belief that all core values should be viewed as having their basis grounded in a belief that the Bible is the truth to all endeavors and that Christ-Likeness is what all should strive to achieve in their lives. Each of these core values should be carried out with a demeanor of joy that is reflective of the joy we have in serving our Lord.
Athletics at grace are not only about winning and/or getting our athletes in better shape, rather they are focused on developing the athlete so that he or she can grow as an individual, learn to be part of a team, and develop bonds with other athletes that they will one day call family. Grace athletics focuses on the importance of being a committed teammate and the importance of exhibiting joy while using the physical gifts that God has blessed our athletes with.
Fine Art Value
Grace Christian Academy offers instrumental and vocal music instruction that includes several performing groups as well as individual and small group lessons given during the school day. It is our hope that all students make participation in either instrumental or vocal music part of their curriculum choice.
The U.S. Department of Education lists the arts as subjects that college-bound middle and junior high school students should take, stating “Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of the world around them. It is also well known and widely recognized that the arts contribute significantly to children’s intellectual development.” The College Board identifies the arts as one of the six basic academic subject areas students should study in order to succeed in college.
The skills learned through the discipline of music transfer to study skills, communication skills, and cognitive skills useful in every part of the curriculum. In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data, researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show “significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12”.
Musical training can enhance brain function. The musician is constantly adjusting decisions on tempo, tone, style, rhythm, phrasing, and feeling which train the brain to become incredibly good at organizing and conducting numerous activities at once. This can have a great payoff for lifelong attention skills, intelligence, and an ability for self-knowledge and expression.
Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence; traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits and that lead to effective study and work habits. Creating and performing music promotes self-expression and provides self-gratification while giving pleasure to others. Music has a great power for bringing people together. Music is a way for young people to connect with themselves, but it is also a bridge for connecting with others. Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them – a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement.
“The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.” - Gerald Ford, former President, United States of America
The U.S. Department of Education lists the arts as subjects that college-bound middle and junior high school students should take, stating “Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of the world around them. It is also well known and widely recognized that the arts contribute significantly to children’s intellectual development.” The College Board identifies the arts as one of the six basic academic subject areas students should study in order to succeed in college.
The skills learned through the discipline of music transfer to study skills, communication skills, and cognitive skills useful in every part of the curriculum. In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data, researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show “significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12”.
Musical training can enhance brain function. The musician is constantly adjusting decisions on tempo, tone, style, rhythm, phrasing, and feeling which train the brain to become incredibly good at organizing and conducting numerous activities at once. This can have a great payoff for lifelong attention skills, intelligence, and an ability for self-knowledge and expression.
Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence; traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits and that lead to effective study and work habits. Creating and performing music promotes self-expression and provides self-gratification while giving pleasure to others. Music has a great power for bringing people together. Music is a way for young people to connect with themselves, but it is also a bridge for connecting with others. Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them – a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement.
“The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.” - Gerald Ford, former President, United States of America
History of Ministries at Grace
School History
Grace Christian Academy (formerly Grace Baptist Academy) was established in 1973 as a ministry of Grace Baptist Church, with 85 students (K-6) enrolled during the first year. The junior high was added in 1975, and two years later started a high school program.
Grace Christian Academy joined the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) in 2001. Today, the faculty, staff, students, and parents of GCA benefit from the vision and faith of Grace Baptist Church. Serving young people from all areas of Kankakee and neighboring counties, GCA has provided an educational environment in which achieving one’s best and developing Godly character are synonymous.
Church History
Grace Baptist Church has enjoyed the difficulties of growing. It started with a group of people from the Gospel Tabernacle that met on Friday, October 20, 1944 at the home of Mrs. Allie Peters on North Indiana Avenue. Rev. Eldon Farrar, the well-known evangelist and musician, was called as pastor and the first worship service was held at Burk’s Body Shop, adjacent to Bird Park at 868 West Station Street on October 22, 1944. Three weeks later, the little group moved to quarters they used for 18 months over the Old Bear Market, 329 East Court Street...
To read the full history of Grace Baptist Church click here!
Grace Christian Academy (formerly Grace Baptist Academy) was established in 1973 as a ministry of Grace Baptist Church, with 85 students (K-6) enrolled during the first year. The junior high was added in 1975, and two years later started a high school program.
Grace Christian Academy joined the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) in 2001. Today, the faculty, staff, students, and parents of GCA benefit from the vision and faith of Grace Baptist Church. Serving young people from all areas of Kankakee and neighboring counties, GCA has provided an educational environment in which achieving one’s best and developing Godly character are synonymous.
Church History
Grace Baptist Church has enjoyed the difficulties of growing. It started with a group of people from the Gospel Tabernacle that met on Friday, October 20, 1944 at the home of Mrs. Allie Peters on North Indiana Avenue. Rev. Eldon Farrar, the well-known evangelist and musician, was called as pastor and the first worship service was held at Burk’s Body Shop, adjacent to Bird Park at 868 West Station Street on October 22, 1944. Three weeks later, the little group moved to quarters they used for 18 months over the Old Bear Market, 329 East Court Street...
To read the full history of Grace Baptist Church click here!
