Grace Christian Academy

Grace Christian Academy is conveniently located on Oak Ridge Highway in the Karns community of west Knoxville, Tennessee.  Grace Christian Academy has received full accreditation from both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International for grades K-12. The Academy is the largest Southern Baptist-affiliated school in the state of Tennessee to receive dual accreditation, one of only 16 schools regionally to achieve this status and the youngest school ever to attain this achievement. Grace Christian is classified as a category II school and currently has an enrollment of over 900 students.  All of GCA's faculty, staff, and administrators profess faith in Jesus Christ. The entire academic faculty in grades K-12 have at least a bachelor's degree and an average of 7 years of educational experience. Several of the faculty and administration have advanced degrees.

Grace Christian Academy is a ministry of Grace Baptist Church.  Click here to visit the Grace Baptist Church page.

Grace Christian Academy FAQ

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: 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: 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: Does GCA offer after-school care?
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.

Contact Information

Address: 5914 Beaver Ridge Rd.
City, State, Zip: Knoxville TN, 37931
Phone: (865) 691-3427
Email: gca@gracebc.org
Website: http://gracechristianrams.org/
Map Location