Providence Christian Academy

Not a school to attend if you're looking for academic excellence. Providence focuses on education in religion, not math or science.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school came for 5-8 grade and was the greatest expirience until i slacked it off in 8th grade. I liked the teachers and students and staff, i recommend anyone who can afford it to go there!

This is a great school! Great environment. The teachers there are just amazing! They really take time to help you understand things if you don't get it.

I am once again amazed at what a great school Providence is. We had a birthday party for our son this weekend and invited his school friends. We took them to a large public party place. When another child purposely tried to irritate them and ruin their experience, they all remained calm, mannerly, and kind. I always wanted an environment where my children would be taught the same values we had taught in our own home. Not only do the teachers do that, but they fill them with spiritual truths that aid them in everyday environments. It's the first and only place I've found where I feel fellow families are like minded.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Providence Christian Academy nearly twenty years ago. It was the same genuine, loving and academically challenging environment back then as it is today. I also met my wife of 14 years there. People ask me all the time if I enjoyed my time at PCA and I tell them that all three of our children are currently enrolled (5th, 3rd and kindergarten). I have seen our children's character develop, their relationship with Christ grow and them getting challenged academically all the time. Our oldest child is incredibly smart and gifted and has qualified for the Duke TIP Program. She is not a child who was educated in the public schools are transferred over.....she is a product of PCA since the beginning. The loving environment they are in daily is incredible. We received a call from our 3rd graders teacher at 9:45 pm a couple weeks ago because she was concerned about her science test and wanted to make sure our daughter was grasping everything. What teacher calls at 9:45 at night?? A genuine one that's who!! We couldn't be more pleased with what PCA is doing for them and for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

Our feeling is that Providence is a good school for the average student. If your child is outstanding in any way, they will not be accepted, they will be judged and isolated. There is much bullying throughout the high school in particular, but nothing is done about it. Our child went there with great expections and left feeling degraded. She is now a shining star once again and very much appreciated by the ones who know her. Very intelligent, beautiful, outgoing and a leader. She wasn't giving a chance at this Christian school. Talking to many others since, I have found that many have had the same experiences, some not lasting one year at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter entered PCA in the 4th grade. Though she was a good student, this experience has really allowed her to soar. Every teacher is intentional in knowing the students and work everyday at "shepherding" them into the person God created them to be. We are very happy that we have found a school that provides strong academics and strong spiritual foundations together. We enjoy being in partnership with the school and the rest of the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child just completed his first year at PCA in HS and we couldn't be happier. The families and staff have been so welcoming to us. The relationship we have begun with so many at PCA have been a blessing to us in many ways. It is rare to find a place that has everyone nurturing the students spiritually and academically. The parent envolvement is incredible. The respect and pride that the students have for their school and each other is incredible. We are looking forward to our child completing his education at PCA.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to public school up until my highschool years. I came to PCA as a freshman and i have loved it ever since. Yes, as with anywhere you go, you have to be the first to step out and make friends. But you have to that anywhere you go (speaking as somebody who has been the "new kid" 3 times). Almost everyone is very nice and will welcome you into their groups of friends (not cliques). I found i made the best friendships when i was involved in sports and almost all of the teachers are very encouraging and great models of what it is to be a Christ-followers. There are many different types of financial backrounds at PCA. We do have some very wealthy families, upper middle class and average families there. We have a lot of people that cannot afford the "name brands" so its not a big deal. If you have enough money to have name brand clothing, cool. If not, cool; join everyone else! Plus, with having to wear uniforms everyday no one really cares. The classes are awesome with more one-on-one attention and the bible classes are great. I love PCA.

Although my daughter attended this school beginning in the 4th grade by the time she entered high school it was no longer the right school for her. To be such a small school it is incredibly cliquey. My daughter was treated very poorly and was harassed on the internet. Vicious lies were told about her by jealous, petty, insecure students. We went back to public schools where the people are much nicer and more respectful of each other. The faculty and staff expect each and every child to fit the "Providence mold". She and I both are glad that she is free to be herself and spread her wings at a larger, public school with many more opportunities than Providence can offer.
—Submitted by a parent

school partners with the Christian home to provide excellence in Christian education. Lots of parental involvement and superior teachers.
—Submitted by a teacher

I would encourage parents of special needs children to be very careful applying to this school. They have "profiles" of the type of child they will accept. Though their website seems to indicate they accept children with a wide range of disabilities, this is not true. They accept absolutely no autism, even if the child is effectively normal and requires little or no services. They are also on the Georgia Special Needs Voucher list, which would seem to indicate they would be more accepting. My son is an award winning honor student with a 3.78 gpa, but was rejected for "academic concerns." This school seems to fit the stereotype of private Christian schools as lily-white, "us four and no more." The administration of the school should watch "The Blind Side" and take it to heart!
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school a couple years ago, and was treated poorly by the students. It is a very preppy, clique school. If you don't have the name brands, you won't be liked. I was harrassed and called personally to be told how I was worthless by a student, as well as many e-mails. I was withdrawn in the middle of the school year in order to go back to public school where people are much nicer and respectable. Whatever you do, do not send your child here if you don't want them to change their personality to fit in.

Providence is a wonderful environment in which to grow young adults! The Providence faculty and staff nurture students academically, spiritually, and physically. The emphasis on the arts is a rare find and has been a blessing to our family in many ways. Speaking as a veteran teacher myself, I have never seen a better environment for growing our students in every area of their lives!
—Submitted by a parent

Even though Providence is a great place to grow in your faith and the teachers are wonderful the students can be rather mean to each other. Students can be mean to each other at every school, but at a christian school some things should not occur as often as they do. Over all Providence is a good school.
—Submitted by a student

The relationships between teachers and students is amazing!!! Every student is so accepting and you are friends with everyone there. I love going here and wouldn't change a thing about it!
—Submitted by a student

My 3 children are at PCA and I'm very thankful for that! My older two were in Gwinnett county schools until 8th and 9th grades, in the gifted program. We switched because we wanted not only an academic education for our children, but a loving, Christian environment where our children could excel not only academically, but in the arts, sports, socially and spiritually. We have received more than we asked for! Our oldest two have received numerous college scholarships along with their PCA friends. Our youngest is thrilled to be a PCA Star and has experienced so much in her 5 years at Providence. Just walk through the doors to the school and you'll feel the difference!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I really appreciate the fantastic faculty. They are very committed to spiritual and instructional excellence. There seems to be some strong negative issues with the elementary administrative staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I have gone to Providence my entire life and I am so glad I have. Some of my best friends come from this school. When it comes to curriculum, I have learned so much, but the teachers care about even more than that. They care about their students. I feel comfortable going up to almost any teacher and just talking to them. They are approachable and loving. I am thankful for what this school has taught me. I have grown so much in the Lord.
—Submitted by a student

The greatest thing going for Providence is the heart the teachers have for the Lord and for the children. In that regard, 5 stars is not enough. But unfortunately, the administration (elementary) allows parents to have too much influence over what the teachers can assign and expect in the classroom. I have seen teachers try to deliver academic excellence with a rigorous curriculum that many parents expect, yet parents complain when homework interferes with their child's extracurricular activities This has had a negative impact on the quality of the education. Elem. admin. also is not consistent in discipline approaches.
—Submitted by a parent