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With the addition of multiple new businesses, Bainbridge’s population and economy has grown over the past few years. This population has also seen an increase in school enrollment, especially for Grace Christian Academy. According to GCA Head of School Sean Johnson, for the past five years, the school’s enrollment has grown from 223 students to almost 370, to the point where waiting lists for multiple grades are needed. While this exponential growth would be seen as a good thing, the school’s facilities are likewise in need of expansion to accommodate it. To that end, GCA has begun a fundraising campaign that will fund these new additions.

The “Growing Grace” campaign aims to fund the construction of an additional six classrooms, a dining hall, and commercial kitchen, all of which will connect the current GCA school building with the school gymnasium. The entire building project is estimated to be roughly 12,000 square feet. The school began consulting architects on the project in early 2023, and construction is set to begin during the 2024-2025 school year. Johnson estimated the construction would take 12-18 months. Once completed, the additions would allow GCA to accept an additional 130 students, for an overall enrollment of 500.

“We believe that God continues to use Grace Christian Academy in a unique way in our community by providing a rigorous college prep education that also prepares graduates to face life from a Biblical Worldview,” Johnson said. “Being the only Christian school within a 45-minute radius, we are uniquely positioned to grow as the world around us becomes less focused on the truths of God’s Word. By being responsive to the growth that God has provided to GCA, we are preparing to reach even more students with daily Bible classes, weekly chapel services, and a focus on the growth of students’ spirits, minds, and bodies.”

Those interested in donating to Grace can visit the school’s website, or contact the school’s development director, Mardi McRae, at mmcrae@gcacougars.org.