Equipped for Life

Preparing Students for a Life of Christian Service

At the heart of our mission is the desire to train students spiritually, academically, socially, and physically so they are truly equipped for life. While every area of student development is important, this page highlights the spiritual emphasis that sets the foundation for everything we do.

Retreats & Impactful Trips

Retreats at GCA are a cherished tradition that offer students a vital opportunity for reflection, fellowship, and spiritual growth over several days. Traditionally held at inspiring locations like Thomas Road Outpost, these retreats allow students to step away from their daily routines and confront the challenges they face in life. Through impactful worship sessions, dynamic teaching, and small group discussions, students deepen their faith and build lasting connections with their peers.

Spiritual Emphasis Trip Middle School

The Middle School Spiritual Retreat is a special time set aside each year for students to step away from daily routines and focus on what matters most. This overnight, off-campus experience is built into the scheduled curriculum and provides a balance of worship, team-building, recreation, and meaningful discussions. Students are encouraged to grow in their faith, strengthen friendships, and build lasting memories. Best of all, there is no additional expense to families—this impactful retreat is fully included in our flat-rate tuition policy.

Spiritual Emphasis Trip High School

Each year, high school students take part in a three-day retreat designed to refresh their hearts and minds while drawing them closer to God and one another. Stepping away from the classroom, this intentional time gives students space to reflect, recharge, and re-center their priorities. Through engaging sessions, group activities, and opportunities for personal reflection, they are challenged to deepen their faith and apply it to real-life decisions.

Beyond the spiritual growth, the retreat fosters unity within the high school community. Shared experiences, recreational opportunities, and time spent together strengthen bonds among classmates and staff. As part of the school’s curriculum, the retreat is already included in tuition, ensuring every student can benefit from this meaningful and transformative tradition.

Discipleship

Discipleship U is a transformative program designed to cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ while equipping students with the tools they need to live out their faith in every aspect of life. Through engaging lessons, dynamic discussions, and practical applications, students explore biblical teachings and their relevance in today’s world. This program emphasizes personal growth, accountability, and community as students are encouraged to develop their unique gifts and share the love of Christ with others. By fostering an environment of spiritual growth and mentorship, Discipleship U prepares students to become confident, compassionate leaders who actively seek to impact their communities and the world around them for the glory of God.

Chapel

This weekly gathering features uplifting singing, inspiring preaching, engaging Scripture readings, and heartfelt prayers that envelop our staff, faculty, and students in faith and encouragement. Messages are brought to life by dedicated Academy staff and esteemed visiting leaders from the church and community. Each chapel is not just an event but a transformative experience that nurtures spiritual growth and connection among students, fostering an environment where faith thrives and cultivating a close-knit Christian community.

Community Service

Serving others is at the heart of who we are. From local outreach projects to larger community events, students are given regular opportunities to put their faith into action and make a difference in the lives of others.

Spiritual Formation in Elementary

In the early years of schooling, hearts and minds are especially open—and we view that as a precious opportunity. At the elementary level, spiritual growth is woven into every day in ways that are age-appropriate, nurturing, and relational. Through Bible lessons, stories of God’s love, memory verses, and gentle discussion, students begin to see who God is and how He cares for them.

We also create moments of wonder and worship through music, prayer, and simple acts of kindness—that invite children to respond in heartfelt ways. Our teachers intentionally guide these experiences, helping students ask questions, express faith, and grow in confidence. In all of this, we aim not just to teach about God, but to help little hearts lean into His love—laying a spiritual foundation that will support them in every season of life. You can read more about the elementary curriculum by visiting the Elementary Academic page.

Foundations

Foundations in a school setting refer to the essential core principles, values, beliefs, and practices that guide how the school operates, teaches, and nurtures its students. Foundations shape the school’s mission, vision, educational approach, spiritual focus, and community culture. They are the starting point for curriculum development, classroom expectations, teacher behavior, and student growth—providing a consistent framework that supports every part of the learning experience.