Grace Baptist Academy
Introduction
Grace Baptist Academy is a ministry of Grace Baptist Church. We are not simply a private school, but a Baptist Christian School. We stand for the King James Bible 1611; since we are a Baptist School, we teach the Baptist Doctrine. We are not charismatic in doctrine, nor non-denominational. We have firm biblical convictions and high biblical standards in order to please God.
Philosophy of Education
As a ministry of Grace Baptist Church, the Academy has been established to help families provide a place to train their children to be disciples of Christ and serve God. The family was established by God to train the child in all areas of life. God also established the church for the purpose of reaching those who have not been taught the spiritual truths God intended. The Christian school allows the parents to be confident that their children are being taught what has been instilled at home and through the local church. This can only be accomplished when the home, the church, and the school are focused on the same goal.
With this in mind, it is vital that all parents enrolling children at Grace Baptist Academy wholly agree with the doctrine and direction of Grace Baptist Church which are the same for Grace Baptist Academy. When a child is placed in our school and the family does not follow the doctrine and direction of the church it only leads to confusion and conflict in the thoughts and actions of the child. It must be understood that the primary goal is to train Christian young people to be disciples of Christ who want to serve Him. Students are taught to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
The primary reason Christian education was started was to assist the parents in completing the child's training in all areas of life. Grace Baptist Academy is not just an academic institution. We understand that a child must grow as Christ grew to become what God wants. (Luke 2:52). This is done by focusing on the four areas Christ developed in His life.
The first and most important area is "in favor with God" (spiritual). It is clear from Biblical teaching that a foundation must be laid before any building can be erected. Without this spiritual foundation all other building is worthless. The Bible is the foundation for all teaching in our school. Along with a daily Bible class, each subject incorporates biblical teachings and principles. We want each student and family members to know Jesus as their personal Savior and to live by the teachings of the Bible.
The second area that is addressed is “wisdom” (academics). Only through Biblical and general knowledge will a child learn to make the choice God wants. We use a traditional curriculum and practical teaching methods. Each student is taught to be personally responsible for their learning and is encouraged to do their best for God.
The last two areas that Christ also developed in were "stature and favor with man" (physical and social). Our physical education program is in place to direct students to have more activity and interaction. We also offer many opportunities to serve and help others.
The goal of Grace Baptist Academy is to assist the home and the church to disciple each student spiritually, physically, socially and academically. Because God requires a vessel unto honor, standards for personal conduct, a conservative and modest dress code, and proper conduct outside of the church/school setting are provided. The principles of being lead by the Spirit and having the mind of Christ is the basis of our disciplinary system. Each student must honor God, parents and authorities , along with respecting others. A student is expected to have his appearance and actions reflecting the mind of Christ along with having wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to be a disciple of Christ and a servant of God. This make it easily understood why the Bible is the basis for our educational program. The Bible is taught so that the student will develop biblical values that will direct every step of his life.
Grace Baptist Academy has a GIANT goal to accomplish:
To Guide students into a life-time of service for Christ
To Instill traditional American values
To Allow students to achieve their full potential
To Nurture students in character development
To Train students with excellent academics
NOTE TO GBA STAFF: Abuse and misconduct notices - click below:
Curriculum
Grace Baptist Academy uses ACE curriculum. The teacher will instruct the students traditionally and then they will work in their books independently. With ACE, we are able to reach many types of learning capabilities. Each child learns differently. Some learn better with the teacher instructing in front of the class, while others may be too easily distracted, and studying independently is better for them. Both systems of learning are incorporated to help every child learn.
Admissions Policy
Grace Baptist Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, ethnic origin, or social standing. However, if the student is a teenager and does not want to attend our school and willingly abide by the rules, we will not accept them for enrollment. If a student was expelled from their previous school they will not be able to enroll in our school. We are not a reform school and cannot successfully change your child's behavior; only God can. Each student will be accepted into Grace Baptist Academy based upon their desire to be motivated to serve God and to successfully perform spiritually, academically and socially. Parents must be fully committed to the doctrinal beliefs and ministry direction. The family is encouraged to attend preaching services as often as possible. See Academy Fees below.
We take STEP UP FOR STUDENTS.
To receive more information about GRACE BAPTIST ACADEMY please fill out this form or give us a call at 305-238-7332 ext. 223.
Ethics in Education
As a school that participates in Florida Department of Education School Choice Scholarship program, and pursuant to the requirements set forth in the 2008 Ethics in Education Act, please be advised that Grace Baptist Academy operates under the following guidelines and laws.:
ETHICS IN EDUCATION ACT
Senate Bill 1712 (Chapter Law 2008-108), the Ethics in Education Act, became effective July 1, 2008, and impacts certain operational procedures for private schools participating in the McKay and Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship Programs.
The Act amends Section 1002.421, Florida Statutes, related to participating private school accountability, by adding new requirements to the employee screening process. All instructional personnel and school administrators in a position that requires direct contact with students are subject to the new screening standards.
The private school accountability statute has also been amended to require private schools to develop standards of ethical conduct for the school's instructional personnel and administrators. Instructional personnel and school administrators are defined by Sections 1012.01(2) and(3), Florida Statutes.
Finally, the Act amends Section 1006.061, Florida Statutes, related to the state's child abuse, abandonment, and neglect policy. Private and charter schools are now required to comply with these policies.
An explanation of the requirements, instructions for implementation, and links to additional resources have been provided for your convenience.
EMPLOYMENT SCREENING
1. Grace Baptist Academy disqualifies from employment any instructional personnel or school administrator who is convicted of an act listed under Section 1012.315, Florida Statutes. [Level 2 VECHS fingerprinting (which includes FBI - national, and FDLE - state searches) is utilized to meet this standard.]
2. Grace Baptist Academy conducts an employment history check before employing instructional personnel/school administrators in any position that requires direct contact with students.
3. Grace Baptist Academy screens new instructional personnel/school administrators using the two employee screening tools developed by the Department of Education. New instructional personnel or school administrators are those individuals employed after the law became effective on July 1, 2008.
All Grace Baptist Academy administrators, teachers, and staff members have been fully screened and background checked pursuant to state law. In addition, as an added measure of safety and concern for our students, volunteers who are permitted to enter the campus during school hours are required to undergo the same FBI/FDLE (VECHS) background clearance as hired faculty and staff.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING AND EMPLOYEE MISCONDUCT
1. Grace Baptist Academy prohibits confidentiality agreements with instructional personnel or school administrators who are dismissed, terminated, or resign in lieu of termination due to misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.
2. Grace Baptist Academy posts a notice at the school stating that all employees have a duty to report actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
3. Grace Baptist Academy posts at our school site and on our website the policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators, which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.
All Grace Baptist Academy employees have been trained to recognize signs of child abuse, abandonment, and neglect, and have been advised as to their status as mandatory reporters. Please report any instance or suspected instance of employee misconduct to Paul Provost (305) 238-7332 ext. 223. The Florida Abise Hotline can be reached at 1-800-96-ABUSE.