Diversity at GAC
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Diversity rooted in our mission
Since its beginning in 1968, Greater Atlanta Christian School has been committed to reflecting the diversity of Christian Metro Atlanta. In fact, our founding President, Jesse Long, wrote in his book The Early Days, A Memoir that having a diverse population was one of our "guiding principles." Today, that commitment remains strong.
Diversity at GAC reflects the many dimensions that shape who we are. We embrace diversity through gender, race, ethnicity, life experiences, age, abilities, and socioeconomic status. Our families represent the rich tapestry of God's kingdom. This beautiful fullness strengthens us, broadening our perspectives and unity.
Celebrating Diversity on Campus
![Charles Edwards]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1660050718/greateratlantachristianorg/jya17wdao07pm8bff2rx/charles-1-4.jpg","width":215}])
Charles Edwards
“At GAC, we believe that diversity is a reflection of God’s creativity and a vital part of our mission. Our strength lies in the diversity of our community, where different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences come together with a shared purpose. We are committed to cultivating an environment where every student, family, and staff member feels valued and supported. By embracing and celebrating our diversity, we not only grow stronger but also better reflect the love of Christ in all we do.”
Director of Diversity
Did You Know?
GAC is blessed with a diverse school community that strives to be a reflection of Christian Atlanta. We remain committed to continuing to grow in our hiring and retention of a diverse, highly qualified, faithful team.
Breakdown of Student Body Demographics.
GAC families come from 78 zip codes in 14 counties.
In addition, 38% of recent hires have been faculty/staff of color .
Our faculty and staff also represent many Christian denominations and churches, united by a shared commitment to nurturing faith and character in our students.
Meet our Diversity Team
The primary goal of the Diversity Team is to improve the school’s cultural climate for all students, faculty, and staff. The team seeks to identify needs and implement initiatives that reinforce God’s values of diversity throughout the GAC community.
Charles Edwards
Director of Diversity
Jermaine Fields
Teacher
Susan Kim
Teacher
Natalia Medina
Teacher
The Manley Family: A History of Diversity
From GAC’s first year (1968) and throughout the 20th century, the Manleys shaped the GAC family in many ways: As deeply engaged parents of 8; Constant supporters; Board member; Staff leader. They were living examples of a faithful walk in Christ, and paved GAC’s way to Godly inclusion of all. “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10
Celebrating GAC’s Diversity
![GAC 5th Grader, Noah Kim, selected as an American Heart Association National Youth Heart Ambassador]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740076916/greateratlantachristianorg/q3v9uxmq6lxvjp6qlnio/Untitleddesign8.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740076916/greateratlantachristianorg/q3v9uxmq6lxvjp6qlnio/Untitleddesign8.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740076916/greateratlantachristianorg/q3v9uxmq6lxvjp6qlnio/Untitleddesign8.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740076916/greateratlantachristianorg/q3v9uxmq6lxvjp6qlnio/Untitleddesign8.png","width":940}])
Noah Kim is a 5th grader at GAC, but his life journey is unlike most. Before being born, Noah’s parents, Susan & Keedai, found out that their son would be born with three congenital heart defects. At only six days old, Noah underwent his first open-heart surgery. Noah had his second open heart surgery at two and a half years old.
![Sydni Hope, Class of 2026, Recognized in RoughDraft Atlanta 20 Under 20]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736952726/greateratlantachristianorg/kziuy8dnvyjwuzh1wec6/Hope_Sydni.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736952726/greateratlantachristianorg/kziuy8dnvyjwuzh1wec6/Hope_Sydni.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1736952726/greateratlantachristianorg/kziuy8dnvyjwuzh1wec6/Hope_Sydni.jpg","width":748}])
For RoughDraft Atlanta, the “Meet our 20 Under 20 Honorees for 2025” article is a place where students are recognized for their deep involvement in the community. These individuals, typically high school students, are engaged with those around them, service-oriented, and are true leaders of their community.
![GAC Students Featured in Southwest Gwinnett Magazine's 21 under 21]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731940578/greateratlantachristianorg/pxxfcyuq0shcohr9jbvj/SouthwestGwinnettNewsSotry.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731940578/greateratlantachristianorg/pxxfcyuq0shcohr9jbvj/SouthwestGwinnettNewsSotry.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731940578/greateratlantachristianorg/pxxfcyuq0shcohr9jbvj/SouthwestGwinnettNewsSotry.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731940578/greateratlantachristianorg/pxxfcyuq0shcohr9jbvj/SouthwestGwinnettNewsSotry.png","width":940}])
The November/December edition of the Southwest Gwinnett Magazine holds a few familiar faces. Each year, Southwest Gwinnett Magazine chooses twenty to twenty-one individuals under the age of twenty-one who were nominated to be featured. This year, four GAC students were chosen to be featured.
![GAC Student Explores Construction Careers Through UGA Program]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740400717/greateratlantachristianorg/surmzdguqvk0bleojhxm/IveyConstruction.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740400717/greateratlantachristianorg/surmzdguqvk0bleojhxm/IveyConstruction.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740400717/greateratlantachristianorg/surmzdguqvk0bleojhxm/IveyConstruction.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740400717/greateratlantachristianorg/surmzdguqvk0bleojhxm/IveyConstruction.jpg","width":810}])
GAC junior Ivey recently participated in a unique opportunity designed to introduce high school girls to careers in construction. Hosted by the Athens Area Women in Construction in partnership with the UGA College of Environment and Design, the free summer camp provided hands-on experience in construction-related fields.
![GAC Welcomes Dr. Howard, Professor of Ethics and Reconciliation, on Campus]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1628616559/greateratlantachristianorg/yc2uc5xaldgrpxa7yw2g/AaronHoward.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1628616559/greateratlantachristianorg/yc2uc5xaldgrpxa7yw2g/AaronHoward.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1628616559/greateratlantachristianorg/yc2uc5xaldgrpxa7yw2g/AaronHoward.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1628616559/greateratlantachristianorg/yc2uc5xaldgrpxa7yw2g/AaronHoward.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1628616559/greateratlantachristianorg/yc2uc5xaldgrpxa7yw2g/AaronHoward.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1628616559/greateratlantachristianorg/yc2uc5xaldgrpxa7yw2g/AaronHoward.jpg","width":2200}])
"Let's teach children to celebrate their differences and to embrace the Imago Dei within each other. Let's free them from the burden of hate by showing them Christ's love." - Dr. Aaron Howard
![GAC Alumni Passes Georgia Anti-Hate Crimes Act]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1598276631/greateratlantachristianorg/ftkj7vxnmxhczy3gf1qn/hatecrimebill-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1598276631/greateratlantachristianorg/ftkj7vxnmxhczy3gf1qn/hatecrimebill-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1598276631/greateratlantachristianorg/ftkj7vxnmxhczy3gf1qn/hatecrimebill-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1598276631/greateratlantachristianorg/ftkj7vxnmxhczy3gf1qn/hatecrimebill-2.jpg","width":1024}])
GAC alumni Chuck Efstration (Class of 2001) authored and helped to pass Georgia’s new Anti-Hate Crimes Act, which received national attention this year and was recently signed into law. Georgia previously had been one of four states without a hate crime law.
![GAC Student Leaders Use Music to Highlight Black History]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1582918502/greateratlantachristianorg/nvln0c7wqiyqmimpmxsp/4I9A9862_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1582918502/greateratlantachristianorg/nvln0c7wqiyqmimpmxsp/4I9A9862_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1582918502/greateratlantachristianorg/nvln0c7wqiyqmimpmxsp/4I9A9862_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1582918502/greateratlantachristianorg/nvln0c7wqiyqmimpmxsp/4I9A9862_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1582918502/greateratlantachristianorg/nvln0c7wqiyqmimpmxsp/4I9A9862_1.jpg","width":1500}])
“Music embodies the words we can’t express. It comforts us during our deepest tragedies and fuels us during our greatest triumphs. More importantly, it unites us. Black History Month is not just for African Americans. The music you will hear today is woven into all of our lives” shared Simone Roberts, GAC’s Student Leader of Unity, who then proceeded to further describe the reason for the day’s special chapel assembly.
![International Student Program: The Wilsons and Jacky Zhang ‘18]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1592858632/greateratlantachristianorg/ymqkacd74jcnjjzdpwmi/Jacky2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1592858632/greateratlantachristianorg/ymqkacd74jcnjjzdpwmi/Jacky2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1592858632/greateratlantachristianorg/ymqkacd74jcnjjzdpwmi/Jacky2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1592858632/greateratlantachristianorg/ymqkacd74jcnjjzdpwmi/Jacky2.jpg","width":960}])
Hosting an international student forms one family out of two.
While school nurse Kristen Wilson was palming warm foreheads and administering inhalers to Elementary students, back at home there were two Crock-Pots slowcooking dinner for her family. The newest addition, Zhang '18, was an active six-foot teenager who ate like one.
![I Have a Dream Chapel Brings it Home]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1574087968/greateratlantachristianorg/abcmqxa3bbvnch9udqpy/blackhistory.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1574087968/greateratlantachristianorg/abcmqxa3bbvnch9udqpy/blackhistory.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1574087968/greateratlantachristianorg/abcmqxa3bbvnch9udqpy/blackhistory.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1574087968/greateratlantachristianorg/abcmqxa3bbvnch9udqpy/blackhistory.png","width":960}])
Victoria Chyrack helped close out Black History Month in a big way. This senior felt motivated to organize GAC’s first ever I Have A Dream Chapel. From "Feeling Good" with the trombone back up, to a choral rendition of “It's a New Dawn, It's a New Day” to “September” by the GAC Band, the assembly was one of the most moving this year.