Grace Christian Academy is an accredited, private Christian school in Atkins, VA.
General Information
High-Quality Curriculum
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
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.
Superior Performing Arts Program
Our Performing Arts program is committed to nurturing the God-given talents of each student. Students engage in vocal and instrumental music, drama, and dance, developing not only their artistic skills but also their character and faith. Our faith-based program emphasizes creativity, discipline, and collaboration, providing students with opportunities to perform in various settings. Guided by talented, and experienced instructors, students are encouraged to use their artistic gifts to glorify God and impact the world around them.
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
Meet the Leadership Team
Mrs. Amy Hopkins, Principal: Elementary Division/Third and Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. April Moore-Jones, Principal: Upper Division/Director of Academic Support and Accommodations/Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Mrs. April Moore-Jones, Principal: Upper Division/Director of Academic Support and Accommodations/Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Mrs. April Moore-Jones, Principal: Upper Division/Director of Academic Support and Accommodations/Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Mrs. April Moore-Jones, Principal: Upper Division/Director of Academic Support and Accommodations/Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Mrs. April Moore-Jones, Principal: Upper Division/Director of Academic Support and Accommodations/Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Mrs. Patty Fleenor, Administrative Assistant/Human Resources Specialist/Summer Camp Director
Mrs. April Moore-Jones, Principal: Upper Division/Director of Academic Support and Accommodations/Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Mrs. Patty Fleenor, Administrative Assistant/Human Resources Specialist/Summer Camp Director
Upper school DIVision
elementaRY DIVISION
Mrs. Venessa Taylor, K4 Teacher
Ms. Bonnie Smith, Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Bonnie Smith, Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Bonnie Smith, Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Bonnie Smith, Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Bonnie Smith, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Sherri Alexander, First Grade Teacher
Ms. Bonnie Smith, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Roxanne Burton, Elementary Literacy Support Specialist
Mrs. Roxanne Burton, Elementary Literacy Support Specialist
Early Childhood Education Division
Mrs. Breanna Boardwine, Co-Director: Academics, Family Engagement, and Staffing
Mrs. Breanna Boardwine, Co-Director: Academics, Family Engagement, and Staffing
Mrs. Breanna Boardwine, Co-Director: Academics, Family Engagement, and Staffing
Mrs. Christi Hess, Co-Director: Operations, Safety, and Compliance
Mrs. Breanna Boardwine, Co-Director: Academics, Family Engagement, and Staffing
Mrs. Breanna Boardwine, Co-Director: Academics, Family Engagement, and Staffing
Meet the Board of Directors & Executive director
Board of Directors
Mrs. Lori Deel, Executive Director
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
Mr. Joseph Jennings
Virginia Electric
Mrs. Lori Deel, Executive Director
Mrs. Lori Deel, Executive Director
Mrs. Lori Deel, Executive Director
Mrs. Deel is the founder of Grace Christian Academy and volunteers her time and resources to serve 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
Mrs. Deel is the founder of Grace Christian Academy and volunteers her time and resources to serve 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.