Academics at GAC - Greater Atlanta Christian School

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Foster Academic Preparedness.

GAC consistently satisfies the highest standards of teaching and learning excellence.

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Lower School

Middle School

High School

We prepare students at every age level for success during their time at GAC, in college, and beyond.

GAC engages students through rigorous, intentional academic experiences that keep in mind the distinct purpose of each student. Research and care inform every decision, from classroom layout to daily schedules and technology resources.

In the GAC Elementary School and Preschool Programs, our youngest Spartans gain a firm foundation in academics, faith, and community that will carry them through their educational career. They discover their interests, talents, and the joy of learning through experiences inside the classroom, STEM labs, and across the campus.

Once in Middle School, our Spartans are challenged and nurtured in an academic community designed to prepare them for the excitement and rigor of high school. A time marked by rich intellectual, co-curricular, peer, and spiritual immersion, this is a phase of tremendous growth.

Each GAC High School student is set firmly on a path forward. Their days are filled with opportunities to develop intellect, faith, culture, generosity, and confidence. Our Spartans go into the world prepared for what it has to offer.

The GAC Approach to Academic Excellence

Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication Skills Infused in Each Course

At GAC we go well beyond learning how to answers questions correctly on a test. Your child will learn to present an argument to the class and defend a hypothesis through a well-researched paper. Students collaborate and learn to reach consensus among their peers.

Personalized Learning with TrekAI

TrekAI, GAC’s innovative AI-based learning tool for grades 6-12, integrates GAC’s curriculum and teachings with advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) to create a personalized, faith-integrated learning experience. This unique tool enhances classroom learning by providing just-in-time tutorial support and helps teachers identify concepts needing further instruction. TrekAI exemplifies GAC’s forward-thinking approach, using AI technology to foster academic success and digital citizenship.

An Education that is Aligned from Young Learners to High School

We have thoughtfully designed a curriculum to enhance your child’s education for an even greater experience throughout their years at GAC, college, and beyond. We meet students’ academic needs and further ensure student success with our state-of-the-art curriculum planning software and Professional Learning Communities where teachers work to create an aligned educational plan for each student.

Flexible Learning with Online and Hybrid Schedules

Our Synchronous Learning option allows students to participate in real-time classroom experiences both in-person and remotely, offering flexibility and choice.

GAC's Ethos School, an innovative online platform, integrates with our college preparatory environment, enabling students to pursue their passions while advancing their education. Additionally, Hybrid schedules and Zero Hour classes help students open their schedules to specialize in areas of interest.

Global Education Creates Global Citizens

A GAC education extends far beyond the classroom, instilling the value and responsibility of being a global citizen. Students participate in learning excursions, mission trips, and study abroad opportunities. Last year, more than 400 students participated in authentic service, locally and abroad. GAC also has global partnerships bringing our faith infused curriculum to students outside of the US with our online learning Ethos School.

A Broad Variety of Educational Opportunities

Your child can grow and nurture their interests by participating in one of the many programs at GAC. Elite tennis players can take advantage of our Tennis Academy. Skilled dancers flourish in our School of Ballet. Musicians are cultivated in our School of Music. Scholars thrive in our 29 AP and 32 honors courses. Students who need additional support benefit from our Academic Support program. At GAC, there is something for every student.

Spaces Our Students Thrive

Cormack High School Complex
Both Long Hall and Tidwell Hall are original structures to GAC when it opened to students in 1968. Named in honor of the long-time GAC family, the 34,000 square foot Cormack High School Complex was redesigned and fully renovated in 2016 based on extensive research of best practices of innovative education and needs of the 21^st century student. Interactive, engaging learning is facilitated by glass walls that allow for natural light, flexible furniture, and portable technology that is easily adapted to hands-on, experiential, project-based learning. The collaborative, alcove settings provide a place for students to gather in small groups to work on projects.

Middle School Complex
Completely redesigned and renovated in 2016, the 35,000 square foot Middle School incorporates research-based best practices for student-centered teaching and learning spaces. The active learning classrooms are flexible and adaptable with writable surfaces for interactive discussions, movable desks and chairs, and portable technology. Glass walls extend the classroom to the hallway that provides gathering areas for small group discussions and project work.

Nasmyth Environmental Center
Equipped with a sizable chicken coop, turtle pond, 2,300 sq ft greenhouse, food forest, vermiculture, and aquaponics, the Nasmyth Environmental Center provides hands-on learning space for students to witness and engage in sustainable practices. The Nasmyth Environment Center is named after long-time board member and GAC friend Fernando Nasmyth and his wife.

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Fields Science Hall
Originally built in the late 1990s as a single hall of classrooms, Fields Science Hall was completely redesigned and expanded to advance STEM learning in 2017. Now 13,000 square feet, the facility hosts a new state-of-the-art chemistry lab, a green roof, solar energy panels, and classroom space for anatomy, engineering, marine biology, and astronomy.

Combee Elementary School Complex
The Combee Elementary Complex serves Kindergarten to 5th grade. Our curriculum uses evidence-based practices and best-in-class technology. Students enjoy core subjects, art, foreign language, music, STEM class, and daily P.E. classes. Lessons are infused with a Christian perspective, and students participate in community service and chapel services. Parents are welcome and encouraged to eat lunch with their children and volunteer as partners in their education.

Young Learners
Our newly renovated Young Learners space creates a safe, caring and faith-filled environment for our youngest Spartans (infant-two years old). At every age, our students are nurtured in a play-based environment, guided by loving teachers through developmental milestones. Throughout Summer 2023, the Young Learners facilities underwent a $1.1 million dollar physical expansion that included an engaging new indoor play area, hands-on outdoor learning spaces, and optimized classroom square footage and functionally. Every classroom has been provided with new furniture, that is more age appropriate to allow increased student autonomy, coordination/motor skills, and self-confidence. The new indoor play are and covered outdoor play area creates space for our students to enjoy free play regardless of weather conditions.

Academic News

More than 1575: Innovating Education with Ethos and TrekAI

February 7, 2025

GAC’s commitment to innovation in education goes beyond just an address – 1575, to impact students across the globe. At GAC, we prepare students at every age level for success during their time at GAC, in college, and beyond. In 2017, GAC launched Ethos School, an innovative online school designed to serve Christian schools, hybrid students, and homeschool families across the globe with online classes and academic support services to expand the value of the educational experience for families.

Empowering Student-Athletes Through the Naik Expansion Project

January 26, 2025

Discover how the Shanil Naik Athletic Training Center expansion project is transforming our athletic performance training programs for all GAC Athletes!

A Must Watch Video - GAC Parent Shares Her Heart

January 24, 2025

Take just four minutes to watch this heartfelt testimony from GAC parent, Joi Fairell. Joi’s story is powerful, honest, and inspiring. We invite you to watch until the end and consider joining her family in lighting the way for today’s students and those yet to come.

Introducing the Wood Family Treehouse at GAC

January 9, 2025

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Wood Family Treehouse and Canopy Walk, a unique addition to the GAC campus that will inspire and elevate our students’ outdoor learning experiences for years to come!

GAC Students & Faculty featured in "Faces of Peachtree Corners" Article

December 20, 2024

In the December 2024/January 2025 edition of the Peachtree Corners Magazine, three students and one faculty member featured in the “Faces of Peachtree Corners” article. Each year, the Peachtree Corners magazine receives nominations for individuals who have a direct impact in making their community better. The people chosen for this article are those who work hard to bring the spirit and foundation of Peachtree Corners to life every day.

Empowering GAC Parents: The Parent Partnership Series

December 17, 2024

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with GAC parents to help each child grow as Jesus did, in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. To continue fulfilling that mission, we introduced the Parent Partnership Series in the fall of 2023. Welcoming parents to campus to engage with the GAC community on these vital parenting topics and challenges facing our students has been valuable. The sense of community and support makes our Parent Partnership Series so impactful.

GAC Introduces Phone Pouch Initiative to Enhance Student Focus and Social Engagement

October 2, 2024

Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) is excited to share a new initiative implemented this fall to further support student well-being and academic focus by creating a more phone-free environment. Building on our existing schoolwide phone-free policy, which required students to keep their devices powered off and stored in backpacks, students in grades 6-12 now store their cell phones and smartwatches in school-issued Yondr Pouches.

Carpenter Linneman’s Ethos Experience

August 16, 2024

Last year, the Linneman family embarked on a year-long adventure to Barcelona, Spain to have a unique cultural experience as a family. While overseas, their son, Carpenter, seamlessly continued his GAC education by utilizing Ethos online courses, ensuring he stayed on track academically.

GAC Student Explores Construction Careers Through UGA Program

August 15, 2024

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.

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By The Numbers

216

Faculty members

76%

Faculty hold advanced degrees

90%

AP Pass rate in 29 courses

60+

STEM courses in middle and
high school

40+

Performing and visual
art electives

20+

Trips for experiential learning outside the classroom

Faculty Spotlights

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Jelaine Joseph, Lower School PE Specialist

Jelaine Joseph, known as "Coach J" to most GAC students, is currently in her thirteenth year of teaching at GAC. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Tennessee Wesleyan University and is working toward her Master's degree. Jelaine serves as a PE specialist in GAC's Lower School, assistant coach of Varsity Girls Soccer, and head coach of JV Girls Soccer. She and her husband, Morey, have two children who attended GAC: Marlo, Class of 2021, and Paxton, Class of 2024.

Matt Fincher, High School Social Science Teacher

Matt Fincher, Class of 1995, has been a part of the GAC community for over 30 years. After graduating from Greater Atlanta Christian School, he continued his education at Harding University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1999. He later graduated from the University of Georgia with a Master’s Degree in History in 2001. In 2005, Matt returned to the GAC campus in a new role: teacher. A few years later, he earned his Education Specialist Degree in Social Science from the University of Georgia in 2008. He is certified in all Social Science fields, including History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, and Behavioral Science.

Dr. Linda Byrd, Fifth Grade Teacher

Dr. Linda Byrd is a proud GAC alumna. After growing up in Hodges, SC, she spent three years in Atlanta while her father attended preaching school, during which she attended and graduated from GAC. Inspired by her experiences teaching children during Bible class, Linda developed a passion for helping students persevere through struggles to achieve success. While attending a lectureship at Lipscomb University, she ran into one of her former GAC teachers, who encouraged her to return to her alma mater. Recognizing that the Lord had prepared her for a future in teaching at GAC, she decided to make that return.

Janine Bates, High School Bible Teacher

Janine Bates holds a B.S. in Secondary Education Mathematics from Alabama A&M University and an M.S. in Secondary Education Mathematics from Jacksonville State University. She is currently pursuing her M.A. in Christian Studies from Luther Rice College and Seminary. Janine serves as a 10th and 12th grade Bible teacher and has been part of the GAC community for three years.

Laura Picker, K4 Teacher

Laura Picker graduated from Harding University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. She holds various certifications, including P-12 Spanish, Social Studies (6-12), Elementary (P-5), and a Birth Through Five Endorsement. Laura joined the GAC community in Fall 2024 as a K4 teacher in the Lower School.

Michael Washington, High School Mathematics Teacher

Michael Washington graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Florida A&M University. He holds Master’s degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as a Master’s in Math Education from Georgia State University. Michael began his career as an Electrical Engineer at Motorola Inc. before following God’s calling to teach. He and his wife, Kathy, took a leap of faith and moved from Chicago, Illinois, to Atlanta, Georgia, to embark on this new career.

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