Background Information

Since 1980, Gahanna Christian Academy (formerly called Evangel Christian Academy) has served as an extension of the home and a partner with the church in providing Christian education. Presently, students come to GCA from over 100 churches representing many different denominations. Located just north of the intersection of Hamilton Road and State Route 62 in Gahanna, Ohio, GCA continues to serve a growing student body.

Students from Christian homes, whose parents profess faith in Christ and are active members of an evangelical church, are eligible for enrollment. Admission is based upon a written application, an interview with the building principal, and the recommendation of the pastor of the applicant's church.

All teaching and administrative staff have graduated from accredited colleges and universities. Many of our staff have advanced degrees. They are employed on the basis of their own personal profession of faith, commitment to educational excellence in their teaching, and a love of working with young people.

Gahanna Christian Academy was founded on the concept of parental involvement. Our schools are an extension of Christian family life, and we take seriously our obligation to be partners with parents in providing the best possible education for our students. From kindergarten to high school graduation, GCA is dedicated to bringing every student to his or her highest potential: academically, socially, and spiritually.

As partners, GCA encourages all parents to become involved in their child's education through participation in a number of volunteer opportunities made available throughout the year.

See our Philosophy of Education, Statement of Faith, GCA Goals, and Statement of Purpose, for a more in-depth look at who we are, what we believe, and what we teach.

Historical Information

Gahanna Christian Academy began in 1980 as Evangel Christian Academy. GCA began operations with Elementary grades in one building. In 1987, an additional building was provided by Evangel Temple Assembly of God and the Middle School grades were added. GCA is chartered by the Ohio Department of Education and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

In 1998, additional modular classrooms were added to expand the Pre-school and provide for 2 Kindergarten classrooms as the Elementary school continued to grow.

GCA continued as a Kindergarten through 8 th grade school until 1996 when the decision was made to add High School. The 9 th grade began in 1996 while additional facilities were being constructed. With the addition of the science lab, music room, art room, computer lab, and additional classrooms, GCA was operating as a K-12 Christian school.

The first graduating class was in 2000 with 15 graduating seniors. They received over $250,000 in scholarships and grants to various colleges.

Gahanna Christian Academy has grown over the last 26 years:

Student enrollment has increased from 160 in 1990 to 406 in 2006 with full classrooms as new facilities are being planned..
Preschool enrollment has increased from 50 children in 1990 to 99 in 2006 with a waiting list as new facilities are being planned.
Certified teaching staff has increased from 10 in 1990 to 35 in 2006.

2006-2007 GAHANNA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PROFILE

GCA EAGLES

Administrators:

Superintendent: Pastor Lawrence Bates

Middle/High School Principal: Scott Crites

Elementary Principal: Ruth Bischoff

Pre-school Director: Marsha Hindman

Athletic Director: Sharon Annis

School Location : Gahanna Christian Academy (GCA) is situated in the northeast area of Columbus, Ohio in the suburb of Gahanna, Ohio, a rapidly growing business and residential community.

Gahannal Christian Academy : G CA is a growing private Christian Preschool, and Kindergarten through 12 th grade, independent, co-educational school, founded in 1980; Evangelical and Interdenominational in faith; selective in admissions.

Faculty: GCA’s faculty members have a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Several faculty and administrators have Masters Degrees. All faculty are certified by the State of Ohio.

Accreditation/Affiliations : GCA is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and are currently pursuing ACSI certification. We are also fully accredited by the State of Ohio, Department of Education.

Student Body Enrollment – 2006-2007 school year:

Elementary School (K-5) 173

Middle School (6-8) 110

High School (9-12) 123

Total enrollment Kindergarten-12 th grade 406

Preschool 99

Class Distribution : The average class size ranges from 12-22 students.

Graduation: In 1996, GCA expanded its educational offering to accommodate high school students. The school’s first graduating class of 15 took place in 2000. In 2006, 31 seniors graduated.

Athletics: Gahanna Christian Academy is a member of the ACSI Athletic Association, the MOCAL (Mid-Ohio Christian Athletic League), OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association), and the Fellowship of Christian Athletics. We have a strong, competitive athletic program beginning in middle school. GCA’s athletic program consists of Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball, Co-ed Soccer, Boy’s and Girl’s Volleyball, Cheerleading, Boy’s Baseball, and Girl’s Softball.

Extra Curricular Activities : GCA students are highly involved in a variety of activities including, but not limited to; National Honor Society, Student Council, ACSI Art and Music Competitions, Spelling Bee, Speech, Writing and Math Competitions, Band, Choir, Chamber Ensemble Events, Homecoming, Science Fair, Drama, Chess Club, Fishing Club and Yearbook.

High School Curriculum : Our school offers a variety of courses to meet the academic needs and educational interests of our student population. We currently offer general and college preparatory course tracks. Community service is required of all students in grades 9 through 12.

Honors Curriculum: GCA has expanded over the past several years, currently offering the following courses: AP English, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, Art I, II, III; Computer Science, Sociology, Applied Economics, Chamber Ensemble, Spanish I, II, III, IV, and a Post Secondary Education Option Program.

“In Christ are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3