Grace Christian Academy is an accredited, private Christian school in Atkins, VA.
Let's Learn!
Count on us for a high-quality, Christian education for Nursery, Preschool,
and Kindergarten through 12th grade!
General Information
Located on the Campus of Freedom Tabernacle Ministries
Located on the Campus of Freedom Tabernacle Ministries
Located on the Campus of Freedom Tabernacle Ministries
Mailing Address:
PO Box 432
Atkins, Virginia 24311
Physical Address:
442 Freedom Tabernacle Lane
Atkins, VA 24311
High-Quality Curriculum
Located on the Campus of Freedom Tabernacle Ministries
Located on the Campus of Freedom Tabernacle Ministries
Our K4-12th grade classes use the Abeka curriculum. It is a traditional, spiral learning approach, offering a comprehensive, biblically based, high-quality education.
Our K2 and K3 classes use the Blue Ribbon Brain-Based/Bible-Based curriculum which uses brain-based learning principles and strategies while incorporating biblical principal
Our K4-12th grade classes use the Abeka curriculum. It is a traditional, spiral learning approach, offering a comprehensive, biblically based, high-quality education.
Our K2 and K3 classes use the Blue Ribbon Brain-Based/Bible-Based curriculum which uses brain-based learning principles and strategies while incorporating biblical principals.
The curriculum focuses on character building lessons that include:
- Kindness: Encourages them to be kind to others, share, and show empathy towards their peers.
- Patience: Helps them learn to wait their turn and understand that not everything happens instantly.
- Respect: Teaches them to respect adults, their peers, and themselves. This includes using polite language and good manners.
- Responsibility: Encourages them to take care of their toys, clean up after themselves, and complete simple tasks.
- Cooperation: Promotes teamwork and cooperation through group activities and playdates.
- Honesty: Teaches them the importance of telling the truth and being honest about their feelings.
- Persistence: Helps them understand that it's okay to make mistakes and that perseverance is important when facing challenges.
- Generosity: Shows them the joy of giving and sharing with others, whether through small acts of kindness or sharing toys.
Hands-On Learning Approach
Located on the Campus of Freedom Tabernacle Ministries
Hands-On Learning Approach
Our hands-on learning approach provides students the opportunity to learn in a unique way. In addition to learning in the classroom, we will also offer learning experiences such as gardening, canning, financial management, home economics, music, art, drama, and more!
Small Class Sizes: Our small class sizes allow our teachers to give st
Our hands-on learning approach provides students the opportunity to learn in a unique way. In addition to learning in the classroom, we will also offer learning experiences such as gardening, canning, financial management, home economics, music, art, drama, and more!
Small Class Sizes: Our small class sizes allow our teachers to give students personalized attention and support. This helps students to develop a deeper understanding of the material and achieve their academic goals.
Meet the Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Mrs. Lesia Harris, Principal/Science & Arithmetic Teacher
Mrs. Lori Deel, Executive Director
The Board of Directors play an integral role in the leadership of Grace Christian Academy. Each board member brings their own unique talents and wisdom to guide the direction of the school. Most importantly, their spiritual guidance and direction from the Lord ensures Grace Christian Academy is following the will of God to provide a quali
The Board of Directors play an integral role in the leadership of Grace Christian Academy. Each board member brings their own unique talents and wisdom to guide the direction of the school. Most importantly, their spiritual guidance and direction from the Lord ensures Grace Christian Academy is following the will of God to provide a quality, Christian education to students.
Board Members Include:
Mr. Douglas Haga (President)
Pastor, Open Arms Fellowship Church
Mrs. Brooke Hylton (Vice President)
Owner, Kidz at Play Therapy
Mrs. Jean Pierce
Secretary, Freedom Tabernacle Ministries
Mrs. Lori Deel, Executive Director
Mrs. Lesia Harris, Principal/Science & Arithmetic Teacher
Mrs. Lori Deel, Executive Director
Mrs. Deel is the founder of Grace Christian Academy and serves as the school's Executive Director. She holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Support Technology from Virginia Highlands Community College; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with a specialization in Leadership from Virginia Intermont
Mrs. Deel is the founder of Grace Christian Academy and serves as the school's Executive Director. She holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Support Technology from Virginia Highlands Community College; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with a specialization in Leadership from Virginia Intermont College; and a Master of Business Administration Degree with a specialization in Leadership from King University. Mrs. Deel has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, marketing, sales, fundraising, economic development, and local government leadership. She is honored to be fulfilling the mission God has called her to do to offer a high-quality Christian education to students in Smyth County and the surrounding areas.
Mrs. Lesia Harris, Principal/Science & Arithmetic Teacher
Mrs. Lesia Harris, Principal/Science & Arithmetic Teacher
Mrs. Lesia Harris, Principal/Science & Arithmetic Teacher
Mrs. Harris is blessed to be the principal of Grace Christian Academy. She began her teaching career 24 years ago with Smyth County schools where she served as a Special Education Teacher and a bus driver. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Preschool through sixth grade from Virginia Intermont College in Bri
Mrs. Harris is blessed to be the principal of Grace Christian Academy. She began her teaching career 24 years ago with Smyth County schools where she served as a Special Education Teacher and a bus driver. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Preschool through sixth grade from Virginia Intermont College in Bristol; a Master of Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia in Special Education - LD, ED, and MR; and at Radford University she received her add on endorsements in Special Education Birth to Five years and Educational Leadership. Grace Christian Academy is a mission field where families need to hear of the love of Jesus. Sharing the gospel is of the upmost importance and is why this is Mrs. Harris’ ministry. She has a deep passion for the students of Smyth County and strives to share her love of Christ with anyone she meets.
Meet the Kindergarten-12th team
Mrs. Patty Fleenor, Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Cassandra Hayton, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher/Athletic Director
Mrs. Patty Fleenor, Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Sherri Alexander, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Cassandra Hayton, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher/Athletic Director
Mrs. Patty Fleenor, Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Cassandra Hayton, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher/Athletic Director
Mrs. Cassandra Hayton, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher/Athletic Director
Mrs. Cassandra Hayton, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher/Athletic Director
Mrs. Amy Hopkins, 3rd & 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Cassandra Hayton, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher/Athletic Director
Mrs. Cassandra Hayton, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher/Athletic Director
Ms. DiAnna Bice, Language Arts Teacher
Miss Marina Hogston, History and Bible Teacher
Miss Marina Hogston, History and Bible Teacher
Miss Marina Hogston, History and Bible Teacher
Miss Marina Hogston, History and Bible Teacher
Miss Marina Hogston, History and Bible Teacher
Meet the Nursery/preschool team
Mrs. Lori Rice,LPN Nursery Teacher/School Nurse
Mrs. Lori Rice,LPN Nursery Teacher/School Nurse
Mrs. Lori Rice,LPN Nursery Teacher/School Nurse
Mrs. Breanna Boardwine, K2 Teacher
Mrs. Lori Rice,LPN Nursery Teacher/School Nurse
Mrs. Lori Rice,LPN Nursery Teacher/School Nurse
Mrs. Hannah Johnson, K3 Teacher
Mrs. Lori Rice,LPN Nursery Teacher/School Nurse
Mrs. Alicia Martin, K4 Teacher
Mrs. Alicia Martin, K4 Teacher
Mrs. Lori Rice,LPN Nursery Teacher/School Nurse
Mrs. Alicia Martin, K4 Teacher
Mrs. Tammy Jones, Aide
Mrs. Charisa Osborne, Aide
Mrs. Tammy Jones, Aide
Mrs.Christi Hess, Aide
Mrs. Charisa Osborne, Aide
Mrs. Tammy Jones, Aide
Mrs.Sarah Pruitt, Aide
Mrs. Charisa Osborne, Aide
Mrs. Charisa Osborne, Aide