School Profile

School Administration

Rob McDonald, Headmaster
Jantsen Wells, Middle/High School Principal
Donna Locke, Elementary Principal
Chris Arp, Athletic Director
Amy Blanton, Administrative Assistant
Denise Cook, Extended Care Coordinator
Julie Jackson, Director of Curriculum & Staff Development
Kim Williams, Guidance Counselor

The School

Spartanburg Christian Academy is a co-educational college-preparatory school enrolling students from 3 year preschool through 12th grade. The Class of 2005 marked the first graduating class. The school is a ministry of First Baptist North Spartanburg, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The student body consists of 52 faculty and staff and 424 students: Preschool – 21, Kindergarten-4th – 136, Intermediate (5th-6th) –69, Middle School – 72, High School – 126

SCA Philosophy of Christian Education

Spartanburg Christian Academy is a ministry of the First Baptist Church of North Spartanburg. We join with our parents in encouraging our students to be lifelong disciples of Christ through Evangelism, Discipleship, Giving and Prayer. Our faculty and staff strive to lead each student to experience a personal saving relationship with Christ. The Bible is God’s inerrant Word and is the basis of all instruction and the test of all truth. We promote academic excellence and critical thinking through the teaching of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith, equipping students to live godly lives in a global society. Our school teaches students to honor the body as the temple of God. As basic doctrines of the Christian faith are taught, students are challenged to apply the principles learned to daily living. As God’s stewards, each student is encouraged to make wise use of time and to utilize material possessions for the glory of God. This philosophy dictates close communication between the home and the school. If SCA is to be an extension of the home, there must be communication between the two, concerning educational objectives, methods of achieving those objectives, obligations of each party, and the need for unity and harmony between home and school. Therefore, when parents and students seek admission or readmission to SCA, it will be understood that they are in complete accord with the objectives, methods, and obligations that accompany such continued enrollment. The lack thereof will constitute need for separation. We believe the following Principles of Education to be foundational to our philosophy of Christian education:

• Prayer by parents, teachers, and students is a significant factor in affecting the lives of the students. (Luke 11:9-10)
• The family, the school, and the church are to be complementary in educating the student for a life of fellowship with God and of service to man. (Deuteronomy 11:19; Psalm 78:4-5)
• Moral standards and a value system consistent with the Bible best prepare a student for fulfilling his responsibilities as a member of our democratic society. (I Peter 2:13-17)
• The teacher represents the parents during the school day, but this representation does not relieve parents of their primary responsibility for the total development of the child. (Ephesians 6:4)
• God has created each student with his or her unique gifts and particular developmental pattern of growth. The responsibility of the school is to be sensitive to these varied patterns of growth, design teaching strategies, and provide instructional environments that are responsive to them. (Psalm 39:13-18)

Statement of Faith

SCA is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), a service organization serving Christian schools across the United States and around the world. Each member school or college retains its individual distinctive and operating independence. Participation in any or all of the services of ACSI is voluntary. ACSI is a full-service association designed to be a meaningful aid to the school's educational ministry. We subscribe completely to the ACSI Statement of Faith: We believe...

• the Bible to be the inspired, only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:15, 2 Peter 1:21)
• there is one God, eternally existent in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30)
• in the deity of Christ, (John 10:33); His virgin birth, (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:3); His sinless life, (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26); His miracles, (John 2:11); His vicarious and atoning death, (1 Corinthians 15:3, Esphesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9); His resurrection (John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:4); His ascension to the right hand of the Father, (Mark 16:19); and His personal return in power and glory. (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11)
• in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation, because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature; and men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ; and only by God's grace and through faith are we saved. (John 3:16-21, John 5:24, Romans 3:23, 5:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5)
• in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28-29)
• in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28)
• in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life. (Romans 8:13-14, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20, Ephesians 4:30, 5:18)

As further distinctive of SCA, we did add these to our Statement of Faith: We believe...

• that water baptism, by immersion, (Matthew 3:11), is the Biblical mode of baptism and testifies of the believer's faith in, and identification with, the crucified, buried and risen Savior. (Romans 6:1-4)
• that the Lord's Supper is an ordinance whereby believers show forth the Lord's death until He comes again. (1Corinthians 11:23-26)

Accreditation

Spartanburg Christian Academy is accredited by South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). SCA is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools (SBACS).

Athletics

The following team and individual sports are offered to middle and high School students: soccer, cross country, volleyball, tennis, baseball, fast-pitch softball, basketball, cheerleading, track, and golf. The type of sports offered depends upon interest and available resources. Varsity sports compete in the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). Younger students are encouraged to be involved in Upward Sports and Impact Sports through First Baptist North Spartanburg. SCA’s athletic teams are paired in competition against a variety of competitive public and private schools. Our challenging practice schedules extend to all our teams, and have proven beneficial for the development of many of our programs. SCA has achieved multiple state championships in girls cross country, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and golf. Our goal is to teach our athletes that we are called to do our very best in every aspect of life – whether it is through academics, athletics, or especially our walk with Christ, even if the odds are stacked against us.

Chapel

All SCA students attend chapel once each week. Chapel is a time of praise and worship and is divided into age groups so each child receives age appropriate biblical instruction. It is a time of excitement and joy for the students as different speakers join us each week for the praise services. Praise and worship during middle and high school chapels is often student-led.

Extended Care

SCA has a comprehensive after school program, which we refer to as Extended Care. Care is provided for SCA students before school beginning at 7:00 am and after school until 6:00 pm for an additional fee. Preschool-5th grade students may sign up on a monthly basis. Study hall is provided for 6th-12th grades on a daily basis. Students on campus 15 minutes after their dismissal time must report to extended care or study hall. Extended Care is not offered during school-observed Christmas holidays.

Extra-curricular Activities

SCA offers a broad range of elective classes for various age groups to stimulate vivid imaginations: Science Lab, Spanish, Library, Computer, PE, Art and Music. Art, Band, Chorus and drama are available for 5th-12th grade students.

Faculty

All core teachers at SCA hold at least a 4 year bachelor’s degree and SC State Teaching certification or ACSI certification.

Faculty Facts

General Curriculum Publishers and Sources

• Bible - Positive Action, BJU Press, Summit Ministries
• Language - Writing Road to Reading (Riggs), BJU Press, Sadlier-Oxford
• Reading - BJU Press, McGraw Hill, Abeka, novels
• Spelling - Sadlier-Oxford, Abeka
• Math - Sadlier-Oxford, Glencoe, Bedford Freeman Worth, Holt McDougal
• Science - BJU Press, Glencoe
• SS/Geography - Abeka, BJU Press, East Educational, Houghton Mifflin
• Handwriting - A Reason For
• Health - Abeka, ACSI
• Foreign Language - Pearson, Rosetta Stone
• Computer - Bytes of Learning, Thomson Learning

Grading System

Final Grade College Prep

Lunch Program

Hot lunches are prepared by the FBNS cafeteria. Parents receive a calendar with each day’s menu selection for the following month. Reservations are made by selecting the days the student will eat school lunch. Lunch cost includes a beverage.

School Hours

• 3 and 4 year preschool 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
• 1st-2nd grade 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• 3rd-4th grade 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• 5th-6th grade 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• 7th-12th grade 8:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Standardized Testing

Students take the Stanford Achievement Test series in grades 1- 9. The Otis Lennon School Ability Test is administered to students in grades one, three, five, and seven. SCA students consistently score above national norms on all standardized tests. High school students are encouraged to take the PSAT, PLAN, SAT and ACT at the appropriate time for assessment and to insure college application deadlines are met.

Uniform Policy Overview

All students in 5K-12th grade are required to wear a Dress Uniform on Wednesdays of each week as well as other special events. For other school days, students in 5K-8th grade follow a Uniform Policy and high school students follow a Dress Code.

• Dress Uniform consists of a navy blue Interlock Polo with SCA logo (purchased from Lands End, Inc. or Educational Outfitters in Greenville) and khaki bottoms (pants, skirt, skort or shorts depending on age group), and a belt.
• Uniform Policy items include various approved items available through SCA and outside vendors.
• Dress Code consists of similar items in the Uniform Policy, plus other items such as skirts for girls, any collared or crewneck shirt (blouse, golf, or dress style), church t-shirt, pullover sweater, etc.
• Complete Uniform Policy Guidelines are available in the School Handbook.

SCA Distinctive Opportunities

• Elementary classes enjoy many special days such as Patriotic Day, Colonial Day, Gingerbread Day, Mammal Day, Wax Museum, Eating Across America, 100 Days of School, etc. as well as grade-level field trips that bring curriculum to life for students.
• Homecoming is observed during basketball season featuring a Homecoming Court, theme days, parade, etc.
• Drama Club is available for 5th grade students.
• Outreach opportunities for parents include Moms in Touch and All Pro Dads.
• Mother’s Day Teas are a special time for preschool and kindergarten students and their mothers.
• “Breakfast of Champions”, “Fruit of the Spirit” and the “Block Plan” are positive programs for discipline and character building.
• Battle of the Brains & Academic Quiz Bowl Teams are academic quiz teams consisting of middle and high school students. (3-time Battle of the Brains champions)
• Annual High School Retreat for 9th-12th grade students is designed to draw them closer to the Lord, to each other and the faculty.
• Mission & Service Projects include supporting and participating in events for various ministries (i.e. Samaritan’s Purse) and civic organizations (i.e. Special Olympics), etc.
• Grade level overnight trips include 5th grade Barrier Island, 8th grade Washington and senior trip (location determined each year).

Academics

Preschool Division: 3K-4K

SCA provides half-day programs for 3s and 4s that prepare our young students for experiences in the elementary school. Basic letters and phonics, words, numbers, colors, and directions are introduced as well as practice in elementary motor skills involved in writing, coloring and cutting. 3K and 4K have music and chapel once each week.

Elementary Division: K-4th Grade

SCA has incorporated the Writing Road to Reading (RIGGS) program into our language arts curriculum since its inception.  It has been an excellent phonics-based approach to language arts and has served our program well over the past years.  We continually review and examine new materials currently on the market in an effort to maintain our reputation for excellence in academics.  As a result of this planning, SCA has begun the process of transitioning from RIGGS to a more traditional, phonics-based reading program for 5K-2nd grades.  Our teachers will continue to incorporate the most valuable components of the RIGGS program into our language arts curriculum as we move forward with new materials and technology.  This transition will be beneficial to the overall language education of our students and will be a more user friendly component to our curriculum. In addition to language arts, our basic elementary curriculum includes Bible, math, science and social studies.

Intermediate Division 5th-6th Gade

In an effort to provide a bridge between elementary and middle school, SCA developed an intermediate school for 5th and 6th grades. The goal of these transition years is to encourage students’ independence, develop skills that will benefit students in middle school, and provide opportunities for growth while still in the nurturing environment of the elementary atmosphere. Core subjects include Bible, English, History, Math, Computer, Science and PE.

Middle School Division 7th-8th Grade

Recognizing the uniqueness of the middle years, we seek to involve middle school students in challenging academics and interesting activities that will help them focus both academically and spiritually. The core curriculum includes Bible, English, History, Math, Computer, Science, PE and Health. Algebra I is offered to 8th grade students for HS credit.

High School Division 9th-12th Grade

The college preparatory curriculum offered at SCA meets or exceeds all SC college preparatory requirements. Along with a strong emphasis on Biblical principles, the curriculum features English, Spanish, Computer, Math, History and Laboratory Sciences as required subjects. SCA offers AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP History and AP English.

High School Programs of Study

College Preparatory Diploma

• Bible......4 units
• English......4 units
• Math......4 units
• Science......3 units
• US History......1 unit
• Government......½ unit
• Economics......½ unit
• Social Studies......1 unit
• Composition and Research......1 unit
• Physical Education/Health......1 unit
• Computer Science......1 unit
• SAT Prep/Career & Career Planning......1 unit
• Foreign Language......2 units
• Fine Arts......1 unit
• Electives......3 units
• Total Credits......28 units

Honors Diploma

In addition to units listed above, honors diploma students must earn a minimum of 30 credits and have at least two credits of Honors English, one credit of Honors Math and one additional honors credit must be included among the 30 credits. Recipients of an honors diploma must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 for grades 9-12.

High School Course Offerings

Bible Department

• Bible I, II, III, IV

English Department

• English I, II, III, IV
• Honors English I, II
• Honors American Literature
• Honors British Literature
• AP English Literature and Composition
• Composition & Research

Foreign Language

• Spanish I, II, III

Math Department

• Algebra I, II
• Honors Algebra I, II
• Honors Pre-Calculus
• Honors Calculus
• AP Calculus
• Statistics
• AP Statistics

Physical Education

• Physical Education/Health
• PE Strength Training

Science Department

• Physical Science
• Biology I, II
• Chemistry
• Honors Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Honors Physics

Social Studies Department

• Global Studies
• US History
• Government
• Economics
• AP US History

Technology

• Computer Science
• Media/Yearbook

Electives

• SAT Prep/College & Career Planning
• Life Skills
• Speech

Fine Arts

• Art I
• Advanced Art I, II
• Honors Art I, II
• Chorus
• Concert Band
• Honors Band
• Drama

High School Service Hours

In order to graduate, each student must have 50 service hours. These hours start in the freshman year of High School. The students are allowed to start their service hour registry and continue with it through May 15th of their senior year. If your child is a Junior or Senior in the 2010 -  2012 years, their requirement is 30 hours. The additional hours were added last year.

Service Hours are to aid in the student becoming aware of the opportunities around him/her, to assist those in need or spend time with an organization helping others.  There are many, many opportunities for the students to be involved in. To list a few ; Carolina Pregnancy Center, Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Homeless Shelter, Shepherd’s Door, Mission Trip, shut-ins, working in the concession stand at SCA activities, Special Olympics, Upward, etc. The student has to be in contact with the supervisor, teacher, minister, (person in charge), and that person will fill out a document stating : the student, the job, the time involved, and a brief note of the student’s work ethic.

You may print a copy of the document from the web-site, or  the student may get one from Mrs. Deborah Blanton. It is best to turn in these documents as the service is completed and not wait until the Junior or Senior year. These are also turned in to Mrs. Blanton.

Service Hours Form