Long Range Plan—Faith Christian Academy

2013-2018

Introduction

The School Board of Faith Christian Academy is charged with the responsibility of

analyzingschool facility needs as well as future needs related to programs and growth. The mission of the school is to partner with Christian parents to provide a Biblically integrated education which equips students to embrace Biblical truth, to strive for academic excellence and to exemplify Christ-like servanthood in homes, churches and communities.

1. Goals and Objectives

When the implementation of the plan is completed, it should ensure Faith Christian Academy is an accredited, K3-12 school which meets the physical, academic, and spiritual needs of the students of Waynesboro, Georgia.

2. Background

In 2007, Faith Christian Academy incorporated after the closing of Burke Haven Christian School, a K-8 school located in Waynesboro, Georgia. Parents formed an advisory board, elected a board of directors, and incorporated the school under the leadership of the Board of Directors. The school continued to function at Burke Haven’s location in downtown Waynesboro. The Board pledged to parents that it would offer a high school program which would grow with the current seventh grade students.

In 2010, the school had grown to an enrollment of 80 students and relocated to its present campus on Route 24 in Waynesboro. The school added a new K3 classroom, went through grade 7, and had 10 teachers on staff. One of the teachers initially served as the director of the school.

In 2011, the school added an eighth grade and a middle school curriculum director. The function of the director was to oversee curriculum and to begin investigating the steps towards accreditation. The board developed the goal of hiring a full time administrator and starting a high school program. A parent teacher fellowship was formed to promote family activities in the school and community and to support the teachers and school through fundraising. Chapel programs were offered weekly for students in grades K-8.

Starting in the 2012-2013 school year, the board of directors hired a principal and head of school for grades K3-9. The board and head of school worked together to implement a high school curriculum for the ninth grade, hire additional teachers, and apply for accreditation through the Georgia Accrediting commission. The enrollment for this school year was 95 students. The board also developed a goal of adding a high school wing to the current building to be completed for the 2013-2014 school year. The 5-9th grade Upper School was provisionally accredited by the GAC in May of 2013. The school also began an intermural sports program for basketball and tennis. The 4-H program began at FCA. Students who excelled academically were recognized by the Duke Talent Identification Program.

In 2013-2014, the school’s enrollment for K3-10th grade was 118 at the start of the school year. The board contracted to add a high school wing and a multipurpose gym area to the existing building. Construction delays prevented the completion of this project during the 2013-2014 school year. Additional high school staff were hired and the school joined the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association. The school affiliated with the GICAA for basketball and tennis. The school also affiliated with American Christian Schools, International, to provide professional development for teachers and enrichment programs for students. A Beta Club was formed to recognize students who

excelled academically and provide them with service opportunities. A cheerleading/pep squad was started. In May of 2014, the school’s K-10th grade classes received provisional accreditation through the GAC.

Prior to the start of the 2014-2015 school year, the new classroom wing and multipurpose/gymnasium were completed. The school opened in August with an enrollment of 127 students. A high school science teacher was hired to coordinate the opening of a science lab. A part time librarian was hired to coordinate the development of our school library. A media center with six computer stations was opened. AP US History and SAT Prep were introduced into our 11th grade curriculum through GAVS. The multipurpose room opened for use as a lunchroom and gym. All teachers who were hired met credential requirements of the GAC. A running club was added to promote athletic opportunities for students in each season of the school year. The multipurpose room was outfitted for use as a basketball court and the curriculum development began for the 12th grade class.

In 2015-2016, the school body consisted of 135 students. The board met and maintained the following goals:

  • Maintain visibility in the community as a school with strong academics and a focus on the development of Christian principles
  • Add a 12th grade program and hold graduation for seniors
  • Provide college application assistance for juniors and seniors
  • Complete accreditation review for elementary through high school
  • Graduated a senior class of HOPE eligible scholars and GAC accreditation
  • Continue to develop a strong athletic program through the GICAA and add extracurriculars including chess and computer club
  • Implement a Dual Enrollment program with Augusta Technical College
  • Adding a fine arts component for middle grades
  • Offering a summer camp for athletics

In 2016-2017, the year started with 147 students. The board is committed to the following goals for the 2016-2017 school year:

  • Focusing on the development of Christian principles within the curriculum
  • Achieving five year review for GAC accreditation
  • Adding an archery program and exploring a soccer program in the spring
  • Adding additional coursework for high school classes
  • Adding a structured weekly music program for grades 1-6

Recommended Schedule for Construction and Renovation

Construction/renovation goals achieved during 2013-2018:

  1. Completion of high school addition/multipurpose wing
  2. Removal of old storage trailer
  3. Installation of lockers
  4. Expansion of science lab and media center
  5. Installation of basketball goals in gym and gym storage
  6. Creation of archery range

Remaining construction/renovation goals for 2014-2018:

  1. Develop an estimate to determine the cost for purchase and upkeep of additional grounds to be used as a soccer field
  2. Develop an estimate to determine the cost for two additional classrooms and a large classroom space for music/fine arts
  3. Develop an estimate to determine the cost for a full size gym

3. Committee Principles and Philosophy

In assessing needs and developing projects, FCA is guided by aphilosophy that advocates a balance between what is educationally appropriate and wise management of assets. It strives for facilities that support quality educational programming.

It recognizes that:

  • The School should operate efficiently with safety and security measures in place.
  • Individual school enrollments should be appropriate to the building capacity. The maximum school enrollment is 225 within the current building.
  • Use of portables should be minimized/eliminated.
  • Building and remodel designs should maximize energy efficiencies and educational technologies.

4. Recommendations

Needs are identified in three categories: safety and security, programs and growth. At the request of theBoard, they will be categorized in phases that reflect the priorities developed.

5. Technology

FCA recommends keeping technology infrastructure and classroom technology needs up to date.

6. Land Acquisition/Exchange

The current property is 5.5 acres. For the school to continue to expand physically, additional acreage will need to be purchased from the surrounding pecan orchard.

8. Study and Survey

At the conclusion of each school year, the current structure is to be surveyed to assess:

  • Physical improvements needed in the classrooms
  • Physical improvements needed in secondary spaces
  • Physical improvements needed in gym/multipurpose areas
  • Technological improvements needed in the classrooms
  • Repairs/refurbishments needed to be made to existing building
  • Assessment of cost and need base for additional classroom expansion

9. Funding Construction and Renovation Projects

Currently, the school holds a note for the original building at $400000. This is due in 2020. The school placed a substantial deposit on the additional building with a total cost of $340000. Tuition is responsible for the interest and principle of these loans. Grants have been used to assist with technological costs and outfitting classrooms. Tuition will continue to increase each year to offset inflation and to cover loans.

10. Recommended Schedule for Construction and Renovation

The board adopted a completion date of 2014 for the high school addition/multipurpose wing. The board is currently assessing the development of projects for school to include:

  • Installation of lockers for students in middle and high school (2014-2015)
  • Removal of portable trailer for storage (2014-2015)
  • Expansion of the science lab (2015-2016)
  • Storage space for physical education equipment (2015-2016)
  • An outdoor basketball court/tennis court (2016-2017)
  • Additional classroom space and full size gym (2020)