Greater Atlanta Christian School
Encyclopedia
Greater Atlanta Christian School is a private school located in Norcross, Georgia.
, now known as Indian Trail Road. At first, buildings were scarce and students were few. As of 2009, the school has over 1850 students, and 75 acres of facilities and green space that reflect a college university campus rather than a K4–12 school. Students arrive from over twelve counties to attend this coeducational college preparatory Christian school. Dr. David Fincher, a teacher at Greater Atlanta Christian School in 1972, rose to leadership in 1998 and replaced Jesse Long as President.
Members of the class of 2011 were offered $12.7 million worth of scholarship
s and accepted to 127 colleges and universities. They consistently have students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Program
. GAC holds state championships in academics, the arts, and athletically. GAC has been the winner of the Dodge Athletic Directors' Cup award in Georgia in 2007, 2005, and 2003 acknowledging their best total records in Athletics in the GA High School Association for Class AA. In 2010, GACS won state titles in Boys Swimming, Boys Basketball, and Girls Golf. Their newest facility, The Long Forum, has a state of the art Audio Visual classroom where students can learn and put their knowledge into action during assemblies and chapels. The musical theatre group, Visions, has consistently won regional and state awards. The A Capella Chorus performs throughout the year and has a summer tour. There are 8 Art studios, with over 33 separate art sections taught in the high school, 6 in the junior high, and 28 in the elementary. The Math Team has placed among the top three in state competition for 10 of the past 14 years (A-AAAAA). The Chess Team has placed in the top five in state competition for 3 out of the 5 past years(A-AAAAA). Other options such as Science Olympiad, Robotics, Mock Trial, Web Design, Chess, Debate and Envirothon allow students to explore areas of interest and gain confidence in their skills.
GAC Soccer is one of the most treasured parts of GAC athletics. The Spartans have made the AA playoffs 15 years in a row, have 7 final four appearances in the last 15 years, 6 finals appearances, and 3 state championships. The Spartans appeared in the state finals last year but lost a heartbreaker to the Westminster Schools 2-1. The team looks forward to great success in the near future.
History
Opening in 1967, Greater Atlanta Christian School was started by Jesse Long and had only 149 students on a two-lane rural road in Gwinnett County, GeorgiaGwinnett County, Georgia
, Gwinnett County had a population of 805,321. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 53.3% white , 23.6% black , 2.7% Korean, 2.6% Asian Indian, 2.0% Vietnamese, 3.3% other Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 8.8% some other race and 3.1% from two or more races...
, now known as Indian Trail Road. At first, buildings were scarce and students were few. As of 2009, the school has over 1850 students, and 75 acres of facilities and green space that reflect a college university campus rather than a K4–12 school. Students arrive from over twelve counties to attend this coeducational college preparatory Christian school. Dr. David Fincher, a teacher at Greater Atlanta Christian School in 1972, rose to leadership in 1998 and replaced Jesse Long as President.
General information
GAC is accredited with quality by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, with professional memberships of the Southern Association of Independent Schools, Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools, Georgia Independent School Association, National Christian School Association and The College Board. It is the second largest private school in the State of Georgia.Members of the class of 2011 were offered $12.7 million worth of scholarship
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.-Types:...
s and accepted to 127 colleges and universities. They consistently have students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Program
National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and college scholarships administered by National Merit Scholarship Corporation , a privately funded, not-for-profit organization. The program began in 1955...
. GAC holds state championships in academics, the arts, and athletically. GAC has been the winner of the Dodge Athletic Directors' Cup award in Georgia in 2007, 2005, and 2003 acknowledging their best total records in Athletics in the GA High School Association for Class AA. In 2010, GACS won state titles in Boys Swimming, Boys Basketball, and Girls Golf. Their newest facility, The Long Forum, has a state of the art Audio Visual classroom where students can learn and put their knowledge into action during assemblies and chapels. The musical theatre group, Visions, has consistently won regional and state awards. The A Capella Chorus performs throughout the year and has a summer tour. There are 8 Art studios, with over 33 separate art sections taught in the high school, 6 in the junior high, and 28 in the elementary. The Math Team has placed among the top three in state competition for 10 of the past 14 years (A-AAAAA). The Chess Team has placed in the top five in state competition for 3 out of the 5 past years(A-AAAAA). Other options such as Science Olympiad, Robotics, Mock Trial, Web Design, Chess, Debate and Envirothon allow students to explore areas of interest and gain confidence in their skills.
GAC Soccer is one of the most treasured parts of GAC athletics. The Spartans have made the AA playoffs 15 years in a row, have 7 final four appearances in the last 15 years, 6 finals appearances, and 3 state championships. The Spartans appeared in the state finals last year but lost a heartbreaker to the Westminster Schools 2-1. The team looks forward to great success in the near future.
Notable alumni
- Micah AndrewsMicah AndrewsMicah Andrews is an American Football running back for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. He was named on the 2004 ACC All-Freshman team as well as being named the ACC Rookie of the Week on September 20...
, former Kansas City Chiefs running back - Sherill BakerSherill BakerSherill Shavette Baker is an American professional basketball player in the WNBA, most recently for the Detroit Shock....
, professional basketball player - Brannan SoutherlandBrannan SoutherlandBrannan Southerland is a fullback for the New York Jets. He was regarded as the top prospect at his position in the 2009 NFL Draft....
, former University of Georgia fullback - Jeffrey Harvey, entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Jordan Foxworthy, Documentarian
- Malcom Brogdon Virginia Cavaliers Guard ESPNU150
- Caleb KingCaleb KingCaleb King is an American football running back, who plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2011, and then was cut on September 3. He was re-signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad on September 5...
UGA Tailback #2 RB Recruit - Danny Irizarry Ohio State Midfielder/ Puerto Rico National Team
- Your Boy Corey Comedian
- Rick Hamm Officer in Suwanee
- Edikins Converse seven-sport athlete, citizenship award winner in 3rd grade
- Dean Deweese appeared on Broadway twice in plays "Honey I'm Home" and "There's a Glass Menagerie"