Admissions at Grace Baptist Academy

Admission Information

Thank you for your interest in Grace Academy. If you would like to receive additional information or schedule a tour, please contact the Admissions office at 892-8222, ext. 115. You may also e-mail your request to Janine McCurdy, Admissions Director, at jmccurdy@gracechatt.org.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy

Grace Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students of the school. (Revised May 21, 2004)

Philosophy of Education

We believe that the education of Grace Academy's students is a responsibility of each parent. The parents must carry out that task or delegate the responsibility to someone of their choosing. We accept the challenge and stand accountable to the parents for the influence we exert on their children. We are committed to provide an excellent educational program and to utilize the most appropriate curriculum and methods in order to establish a creative, supportive and wholesome environment for our students.

We recognize that each student has different learning styles, and it is our responsibility to provide each individual with the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to become a productive member of society. The total educational experience is designed to help each student recognize his/her own learning style, abilities, and talents and to use those in pursuing God's will for his or her life.

We are aware of a changing world and thus have found assessment and modification to be a regular part of a program to prepare students for a fulfilling life.

Our goal is to educate and nurture each student spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. We are striving to have a positive impact on our students, families, the community, and ultimately the world at large.

Mission Statement

Many beliefs and convictions control the overall operation of Grace Academy. These principles give us our unique climate and character, and control the curriculum, pedagogy, and ultimately the very product we seek to prepare for life.

We believe that the Word of God, the Bible, must not only be taught as a subject in our school, but form the foundational principles and premise upon which every area of learning and school life must be based. It is our desire that our graduates not only know the Word of God as a book, but also that they have the ability to apply those principles to every area of living.

The development of our graduates for a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ demands more than just an understanding of the Bible. Each student must come to a personal knowledge of Christ and also see in this faculty and staff a positive demonstration of what that relationship can accomplish on a day-to-day basis.

We believe that a true relationship with Jesus Christ should change every area of school life. For that reason students who do not desire to conform to the mandates of that relationship are encouraged to seek a school environment that meets their individual needs. Living and sharing our faith is not a doctrine but a way of life.

The Bible provides many principles by which the Christian can live and prepare for the future. It is not our mission to indoctrinate or force compliance, but through the combined effort of parents, local church ministries, and the lives of our faculty, to see students accept personal responsibility for their academic achievement, submission to the control of the Holy Spirit, and growth in their walk with Jesus Christ.

Admission Procedures

Admission to Grace Academy is open to any Christian family who express their personal commitment to the Christian faith through active participation and attendance in a local Bible believing evangelical church (refer to doctrinal statement).

Due to limited enrollment, it is very important you register early to ensure placement. Registration will be opened to new applicants on March 1. Incomplete forms and/or forms without the application fee, will be returned. Names will not be added to the enrollment lists until all the requirements have been met.

KINDERGARTEN/ELEMENTARY

The completed student application, most recent report card(s), and most recent annual achievement test scores need to be turned into the school office with a non-refundable registration fee.

Make sure you distribute your reference forms so they can be sent back into the school as soon as possible. (Note: It is always helpful to include a stamped, pre-addressed envelope with the reference form to make the process easier.)

At least one parent must demonstrate and commit to support and further the spiritual growth of the child.

Once Grace has received all the information stated above, an interview will be set up with the parents, student, and Admission Director before a student can be accepted.

An elementary admissions committee will be responsible for the processing and acceptance of all student applications and reference forms.
It will be necessary to review any previous academic and disciplinary records before final acceptance.

Upon notification of acceptance, an enrollment and financial card must be filled out and turned into the office.

Prior to acceptance, children enrolling in kindergarten through second grade are given entrance tests to determine placement and readiness.

All kindergarten and new applicants will need the following items on file before the first day of school: Birth Certificate/Green Tennessee Physical and Immunization Card.

Applicants for kindergarten need to be 5 years old by September 30.

Applicants for first grade need to be 6 years old by September 30.

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

The completed student application, student testimony form, most recent report card(s), most recent annual achievement test scores, and a transcript (for grades 10-12) need to be turned into the school office with a non-refundable registration fee.

Once Grace has received all the information stated above, the Admissions Director will call to set up an interview date for the student and at least one parent.

After your interview, all your information will be presented to the admissions committee. The committee will be evaluating the following:

1. Spiritual Commitment: participation in activities which demonstrate interest spiritually

2. Student Behaviour: a good disciplinary record

3. Academic Performance: ability to succeed in the upper level

4. Social Skills: ability to make a positive contribution to the school

You will be notified by mail of your acceptance or denial. (The registration fee is refunded if a student is denied admission.)

All students entering Grace Academy are required by Tennessee State law to provide a copy of a physical examination, immunization record, and birth certificate which will be kept on file.