Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mission Statement of Gateway Christian Academy?
It is the mission of Gateway Christian Academy to serve as partners with Christian parents to bring their children to a saving knowledge
of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, training them spiritually, academically, and physically to grow in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord according to Biblical truth.
Is Gateway Christian Academy Accredited?
Gateway Christian Academy is a fully accredited school and holds the following accreditations:
Christian accreditation through the Association of Christian Teachers and Schools. ACTS strives to set new standards of Christ-centered academic excellence while assisting Christian schools to realize the highest level of educational credibility.
State recognition through the Virginia Counsel of Private Education. VCPE is recognized by the Virginia Department of Education so this recognition of our accreditation guarantees the transfer of student credits from the state recognized accredited private school to a public school. GCA’s ACTS accreditation is recognized by VCPE.
National accreditation through the National Counsel for Private School Accreditation. NCPSA serves as a national review panel for the standards and review procedures of private school accrediting associations. GCA’s ACTS and Ai accreditations are recognized by NCPSA.
International accreditation though Accreditation International. Ai assures the educational quality of schools and plans for continuous school improvement to increase student learning using standards based on international research, best practices, and historical accreditation processes. GCA’s Ai accreditation is also recognized by the International Alliance for School Acreditation.
Who Should Be a Student at GCA?
Young people who come from homes where the Christian life is taught and practiced in a consistent way.
Young people whose families are involved in a church that nurtures the Christian life through adherence to Biblical authority.
Young people who have a desire to grow in the likeness of Christ and serve Christ faithfully.
Young people who are committed to Christian truth and practice as a personal desire and/or conviction.
Who Should Not Be a Student at GCA?
Any student who does not want to be here.
Any student who does not want to be here for the right reasons.
Right Reasons for becoming a GCA student:
To learn more of Christ, the Bible, and to find encouragement and help in growing into Christ-like maturity.
To develop an academic perspective founded on Biblical truth: God as Creator, man as creation, Christ as Savior, man as sinner, etc.
Wrong Reasons for becoming a GCA student:
To straighten out behavior problems exhibited by the student elsewhere.
To simply get away from problems with specific rules or personalities at previous schools.
To expect a failing or struggling student to excel merely by changing schools and placing them in a better atmosphere.
To expect Gateway Christian Academy to make a spiritual difference with little or no help from the family or a good Bible-believing church.
To expect the rules of Gateway to have a positive impact when the student and/or family is involved in practices contradictory to the Christian code of conduct taught at GCA.
Simply because we are one of the least expensive private (Christian) schools in this area.
Does the Student Need to Profess Personal Faith in Christ?
Although it is certainly our desire that our students know Christ personally, we are willing to accept students who may not be saved if they are open to instruction from a Christian perspective and compliant with the rules and policies of GCA.
How Heavily is the Attitude of the Student Considered in the Admission Process?
GCA students are considered to be progressively more responsible for attitudes as they grow older. Students in grades 4-12 must agree to and sign the “Minimum Standards of Conduct” form. Students in grades 7-12 should obviously exhibit a definite personal desire to be here and live for Christ. Any student who is openly defiant toward school rules and Biblical principles will not be permitted to enroll or remain enrolled at GCA.
Is it Necessary that the Parents Profess a Personal Faith in Jesus Christ?
Younger students (preschool through 3rd grade) may enroll at GCA from unsaved families as long as the parents are willing to abide by the rules and policies of Gateway and will openly support the Christian training received at school.
Older students (grades 4-12) will be held to a higher standard. At least one parent of students grades 4-12 must give clear testimony of a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Both parents should exhibit a strong desire to have their child taught from Christian perspectives in accordance with the statement of faith of Gateway Free Will Baptist Church.
Are GCA Students Required to Attend Church at Gateway Free Will Baptist Church?
Although many obviously do, students at GCA are not required to attend services at Gateway Free Will Baptist Church. GCA has many churches represented among our student body. We strongly encourage (and require in grades 9-12) that all of our students regularly attend a good, conservative, Bible-believing church. If you do not have a regular church home, we invite you to join us at Gateway Free Will Baptist Church.
Does the Academic Level of a Student Determine Acceptance?
GCA accepts only the students whom we are equipped to help. Incoming students may be tested before entering and records from previous schools will be requested. Students who struggle academically or test well below average may be placed on academic probation or accepted only on a lower grade level. Generally, students with severe learning problems will not be accepted at all.
What Curriculum is Used at Gateway Christian Academy?
GCA uses A Beka Curriculum exclusively for all students preschool through 5th grades.
A Beka is continued in most subjects throughout high school.
Bob Jones is used in grades 6-12.
Bob Jones Curriculum is used in some selected high school courses.
Positive Action for Christ Curriculum is used in Bible classes 6th-12th.
Do all Children in a Family Have to Attend GCA?
It is preferable that a family have all school-age children in GCA, but it is not required that all attend in order for any to attend.
What is the Cut-off Date for Admission to Kindergarten?
A child must be five years of age by September 30 to be admitted to GCA without special testing. Special testing may be done for a child with a birthday after September 30 but before December 31.
What Are the Health Requirements for Admission?
All students must meet the standards for medical shots and records required by the Health Department of the State of Virginia.
How is the Issue of American Patriotism Addressed at GCA?
As Christians, we are instructed to honor and respect the higher powers. We are very thankful for the United States of America and will do our best to instill respect for God and Country in all that we do. America is certainly not without fault, but we still believe it to be the best and greatest nation on earth. God bless America!
What is the Cost of Tuition and Other Fees?
(2017-2018)
One student . . . . . . . . .$6,690 per year plus fees
Two students . . . . . . . . $10,710 per year plus fees
Three students. . . . . . . $14,050 per year plus fees
Four students . . . . . . . .$16,040 per year plus fees
Click here to see our Tuition and Fee Schedule
How Do GCA Students Perform on Nationally Standardized Tests?
Our students take the Stanford Achievement Test (10th Edition). In 2015, 81% of GCA students scored higher than the national mean score, and our students’ median grade equivalency was over a full year above grade level. For more detailed results, click here.
Are the Teachers of GCA State Certified?
Teachers in grades 1-12 are required to have earned at least a Bachelors Degree*. Most of our teachers have earned their degrees from Christian Colleges. Since many conservative Christian colleges do not participate in state certification programs, GCA teachers are not required to hold state certification. They are qualified, although not certified.
*A few exceptions have been made for teachers with years of teaching experience.
What is the Average Class Size?
Age Group Average Maximum
Preschool 13-16
Kindergarten 18-22
Grades 1-5 20-24
Grades 6-8 24-28
Grades 9-12 20-28
How Do I Enroll?
Contact the school office and set up an interview with the appropriate department head.
For information about enrollment please call: 499-6551
Or write:
Gateway Christian Academy
5473 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462