The 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will more than accommodate the 100 students now enrolled in the academy and there will be room for growth, said school secretary Amy Millea. The academy, a ministry of Family Church, reportedly has maintained a steady growth rate since its opening in 2001.
Arkansas Christian Academy is at 21815 Interstate 30 W. in Bryant, on the campus of Family Church. Some of the academy's administrative offices were destroyed by a fire in September on the church property. Since then, the church has rebuilt the youth center and is now helping the school build its new facility, according to a press release from the academy.
The goal is to complete the project before the end of the year and move into the new building during Christmas break, Millea said.
A new playground, an entrance and an expanded football field also will be included in the project, according to the press release.
Football will be added as an activity for students in the fall, Millea said. A track team will be added this year, and there are also plans to create a cheerleading program. The academy also has basketball and intramural volleyball teams.
"Our athletic program is young but strong," she said. "There is a lot of interest in it from students and parents. Our athletic director, Steve Miller, spends working hours and almost all of his free time adding to the program."
Arkansas Christian Academy is accredited by Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association and now offers pre-K through eighth grade. If enough interest is shown, the school can add upper-level classes at any time. "We will definitely be adding ninth grade next year and plan to add a grade every year, either way," Millea said.
Registration is open now through the end August for the fall semester. Tours of the school are available by calling Millea at 501-847-1559, ext. 100.
What we have going on now is great, but what we're going to have will knock their socks off," she said.
"Arkansas Christian Academy offers a low student-to-teacher ratio, has an active PTO and desires to help students succeed academically, socially and spiritually," according to the press release.
"We are a Christian school, and that shows in every aspect of our curriculum," Millea said.
This is evident in facility's mission statement: "Receive an excellent education based on God's word. Realize your purpose in God's plan. Respond productively to God's call."
Students participate in chapel daily.
"And it's not boring chapel. It's fun, especially for the younger kids. They sing and dance around and have a great time," she added.