MISSION STATEMENT To serve families, churches and the community by providing a PK12th grade education, characterized by excellence in the pursuit of truth from a Christ-centered worldview.
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School Leadership Little Rock Christian Academy is a Christian, independent, collegiate institution providing a Christ centered education for 3 year-olds through 12th graders in the greater Little Rock area. Founded in 1977 by the Bible Church of Little Rock, the school is led by a Board of Trust consisting of 14 members. The Board protects the mission of the school by focusing on visionary, strategic planning. The committees on Finance and Trust, along with a Foundation Board, work to provide long-term financial sustainability, as well as strong school leadership for the future. Gary Arnold has been the President and the Head of School at Little Rock Christian Academy since 2007. For over twenty-five years, Dr. Arnold served as the head of school for independent Christian schools in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Before joining LRCA, Dr. Arnold served as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council for Religious and Independent Schools (WCRIS). He currently serves numerous professional organizations including: • Council on American Private Education (CAPE) - Board Member • Council for Educational Standards and Assessment (CESA) - Board Member • PAIDEIA, Inc. – Senior Consultant and past recipient of the Excellence in School Leadership award • Arkansas Activities Association – Public/Non-Public Relations Committee • Arkansas Non-Public School Accrediting Association (ANSSA) - Board Member Dr. Arnold leads an administrative team which provides oversight to six key areas of the school on a daily basis. His team features the Upper and Lower School Principals, Director of Admissions and Advancement, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Athletics and Director of Communications and Digital Learning. The LRCA Leadership Team has over 152 combined years of education experience with 84 of those years spent serving the LRCA community. Additionally an Education Team comprised of Principals, Assitant Principals, and the Director of Learner Services focuses on providing academic and instructional oversight. 3
LRCA Snapshot TOTAL ENROLLMENT
1454
Elementary School
424
Middle School
211
Junior High
289
High School
530
Class of 2014
138
ACCREDITATION: Counsel on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) Arkansas Non-Public School Accreditation Association (ANSAA) Advanced Ed (SACS) SAIS Member
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: NON-DENOMINATIONAL The Little Rock Christian Academy family represents over 100 different churches.
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LRCA Academics ELEMENTARY ACADEMICS The early childhood and elementary curriculum is designed to prepare students for lifelong learning by building a strong academic base, while fostering spiritual and social growth in a loving, accepting environment. God’s Word, the foundation of our curriculum, is taught as a subject and integrated into all other areas and activities. Core subjects include: Bible, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts along with enrichment classes: Spanish, Computer Technology, Music, Art, Physical Education and Library.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMICS The middle school years are exciting, unique and challenging, and our experienced faculty understands the specific needs of developing adolescents. Whether in the classroom, in the hallways or on the playing fields, our goal is to positively impact lives for Christ. Middle school curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of reading insightfully, writing decisively and speaking persuasively. Students are taught in core subject areas (Math, Science, History, and English) while also being challenged to integrate all knowledge within a Christ-centered worldview. Enrichment classes include: Spanish, Physical Education, Music, Band, Orchestra, Choir, Technology and Art.
JUNIOR HIGH ACADEMICS The Little Rock Christian Junior High School program is focused on the whole child while providing an excellent foundation in academic work that is key to success in high school and college. A variety of co-curricular opportunities are offered ranging from chapels, advisory groups, social events, clubs, athletics, seminars, and more where our junior high students begin to develop their unique God-given gifts and abilities. Core classes consist of Math (Pre-Algebra, Algebra or Pre AP Algebra), English (separate Writing and Literature classes), History, Science and Biblical Worldview. LRCA offers many electives in the areas of foreign languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and Latin) Drama, Choir, Band, Orchestra, Art, Digital Art, Technology, Physical Education and Athletics. 5
HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMICS Little Rock Christian offers a college preparatory curriculum with attention to critical thinking and effective expression through writing and speaking. Our highly qualified, committed faculty maximizes opportunities to help students view what they are learning from God’s perspective with Biblical precepts being foundational. LRCA offers over fifty electives in the areas of foreign languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and Latin) Drama, Choir, Band, Orchestra, Art, Digital Art, Business, Technology, Physical Education and Athletics. Graduation requirements are listed below.
Graduation Requirements Math – 4 units Science – 3 units English – 4 units History – 3 units Foreign Language – 2 units (2 consecutive in the same language) Biblical Worldview – 4 (1 unit for each year enrolled) Fine Arts – ½ unit Physical Education – ½ unit Health and Safety – ½ unit Oral Communication – ½ unit Economics – ½ unit J-Term ½ unit for each year enrolled
TOTAL – 26 credit hours Additional Requirements: Minimum of 15 hours in Service Learning Project and completion of ACT with scores submitted to LRCA. J-Term is an interim “semester” between the first and second semesters for high school students. The J-Term school day is divided into two sessions, morning and afternoon. This ten-day program offers unique classes to give students opportunities to grow through a variety of experiences as they develop their giftedness. Internships, educational trips, and missions are also offered during this time. 6
College Counseling As a college preparatory high school, Little Rock Christian Academy is committed to helping students and parents with college planning. Our college counselors begin meeting with each student during the 8th grade year, and at least one time each semester to set up a comprehensive four-year plan that equips students for their post-secondary education. The college guidance department remains busy throughout the year preparing students for the college selection process. PSAT/ACT/SAT prep courses are offered on campus. A College Boot Camp summer course is offered for upcoming Seniors. This course includes essay writing, professional editing, mock interviews, resume crafting and editing, application processing and completion, a college admissions panel, and scholarship searches. Our college guidance department co-hosts a college fair every fall where representatives from many colleges are available to visit with prospective students.
National Merit Scholars 2013-14: 6 Average ACT: 26 College Acceptance: 100% Scholarships Offered (last 2 years): $20 million
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College Acceptances Abilene Christian University American University Anderson University Arkansas State Universtiy Arkansas Tech Auburn University Azusa Pacific University Baker University Baylor University Belhaven University Belmont University Bentley University Bethel University Boston University Bravard University Carson Newman College Case Western Reserve University Cedarville University Centenary College College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross College of the Ozarks College of William and Mary Colorado Christian University Colorado State University Covenant College Dallas Baptist University Davidson College Dayton University Delta State University Denver University Drury University Duke University East Texas Baptist University Eastern Pennsylvania College Eastman School of Music Elon University Evangel University Fashion Institute of Design Fashion Institute of Technology Florida State University
Fordman University Fort Lewis College Furman University Georgia Mason Georgia Tech Harding University Henderson State University Hendrix College Houston Baptist University Indiana University Ithaca College John Brown University Kansas City Art Institute King’s College, New York Lee University Lehigh University Linwood University Lipscomb University Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University Loyola University Lynchburg College Lyon College Malone University Mary Hardin Baylor McGill University McLennan College Middle Tennessee State Midland College Millsaps College Mississippi State University Missouri Baptist University Missouri State University New York University North Arizona University Northeastern University Northwestern University Notre Dame Ohio State University Oklahoma Baptist University Oklahoma City University
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Oklahoma State University Oklahoma University Olivet Nazarene College Ouachita Baptist University Penn State University Pepperdine University Point Park University Pulaski Technical College Purdue University Rhodes College Rollins College Rutgers University Samford University School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of the Visual Arts Sewanee: University of the South Sierra Academy of Aeronautics Southern Arkansas University Southern Methodist University Southern Nazarene College Southwestern Assemblies of God University Southwestern College Spelman College St. John’s University St. Louis University Taylor University Texas A & M University Texas Christian University Texas State University Towson University Trinity College Tulane University Union University United States Air Force Academy United States Naval Academy University of Missouri University of Alabama University of Arkansas University of Arkansas at Fort Smith University of Arkansas at Little Rock University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff University of California, Irvine University of Central Arkansas
University of Chicago University of Colorado University of Denver University of Georgia University of Kansas University of Louisiana University of Mary Washington University of Memphis University of Miami University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of New Mexico University of North Alabama University of North Carolina University of Oklahoma University of Richmond University of Tennessee University of Texas University of Texas at Dallas University of the Ozarks University of Tulsa University of Virginia University of Wisconsin Utah Valley University Vanderbilt University Virginia Tech University Wake Forest University Washington & Lee University Washington University Watkins College of Art, Design & Film West Point Military Academy Western Kentucky University Westminster College Wheaton College Whitmore University William Jewel College William Woods University Williams Baptist College Wofford College York College
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BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW The purpose of Biblical Worldview is to partner with families and churches to train and challenge students toward a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
Beginning with Biblical
Foundations in elementary grades, and moving through Biblical Worldview classes at the Middle School and High School, the curriculum emphasizes the principle that Christian truth permeates all areas of life. Foundational to Biblical Worldview is the affirmation of God’s inspired, inerrant word as the transcendent standard by which we understand and interpret all aspects of our existence and by which we live our lives. As we study Church history—the adventure of God’s people from the beginning of time until today— we challenge students to identify with its participants and discover their own role in God’s redemptive plan. We study man’s intellectual history recognizing that parallel to God’s plans are competing philosophies developed by men. We challenge students to discern truth and untruth as they filter nonChristian worldviews through the sieve of scripture and hold them up to critical examination. Our goal is to graduate students who reflect Christ in word and action to the world around them, to both individuals and the larger community.
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BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW STANDARDS THE STUDENT WILL . . . •
Understand the nature and character of God as revealed in Scripture.
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Recognize the nature and value of man as created in the image of God, fallen, and in need of restoration.
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Articulate God’s plan for a restored relationship through Jesus Christ.
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Desire and pursue knowledge and application of Scripture as God’s inspired, inerrant word.
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Understand the importance and benefit of practicing spiritual disciplines, emphasizing prayer and service.
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Intelligently evaluate and positively engage the prevailing culture.
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Understand each believer’s role and responsibility in God’s redemptive plan, to share the gospel at home and abroad.
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Comprehend God’s active involvement in history through people, events, and His Church.
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Arts The Little Rock Christian Fine Arts program seeks to cultivate the Godgiven talents of our students by providing a variety of venues for student learning and achievement in the arts. Our vision for the arts is founded upon the idea of God as the Master Creator. We desire to instill in students an appreciation for the arts as well as a desire to use their gifts for God’s glory. Whatever the artistic journey, students emerge with greater insights into their Creator as well as themselves. Our program is designed to offer students a variety of aesthetic experiences with an emphasis on participation, process, and expression and not solely on product or performance. Students are afforded opportunities to create, explore, and develop their gifts in both the performing and visual arts, and introductory as well as advanced courses are offered to meet student needs. Performing arts courses include concert and marching band, choir, string orchestra, musical theatre, and drama internship.
Intro to Art, Advanced Art
portfolio, and Drawing represent some of our visual arts courses. AP Music Theory, Digital Photography, Digital Illustration, and Graphic Design 2 are also available.
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Athletics I Corinthians 9:24-27
This scripture portrays the philosophy of the Little Rock Christian Athletics Department. As a part of our total education program, coaches and athletic administration strive to develop student-athletes into a spiritually alive, intellectually alert and physically disciplined individuals. Life lessons such as punctuality, perseverance, teamwork, self-discipline and dedication learned in athletic arenas give students an opportunity to reflect the character of Christ both on and off the field. Christ-centered athletics provide an avenue for displaying God’s plan to teammates, opponents, and spectators. Athletes, fans, parents, cheerleaders and staff are encouraged and expected to reflect Christ by winning humbly and losing graciously. Little Rock Christian joined the Arkansas Activities Association in 2000. Since that time we have developed fourteen Warrior athletic programs offered for both Junior High and Senior High students. Our teams have won conference and state championships in most every sport, our first in 2001. Recently, our Warriors claimed the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Sports award for the state’s best overall athletic department for the 2012-13 school year in classification 5A. Little Rock Christian athletics will remain committed to helping student athletes become the individuals that God created them to be, running the race in such a way that they may obtain the prize.
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Campus Tour
Warrior Hall Auditorium
Middle School
Weight Room
LRCA Campus
Warrior Hall
Junior High
Elementary School
High School
preferred graduate profile The Little Rock Christian Board of Trust developed the graduate profile to describe the ideal graduate. With Christ as the foundation, we pray and work toward our graduate leaving with: •
An authentic faith in Christ exhibited by loving and joyfully serving Him and others. (The Foundation, Luke 10:27)
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A Biblical WorldView that discerns truth; able to engage society effectively. (World View, Hebrews 5:14)
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The necessary skills and accompanying discipline to become a life-long learner; able to flourish in a collegiate setting and subsequent vocation. (Intellectual, Hebrews 6:1)
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A desire to pursue healthy, Christ-centered relationships. (Relational, 2 Timothy 2:22b)
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The moral fiber to persevere through life with integrity and wisdom. (Personal, Psalm 1)
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Admissions Little Rock Christian’s admissions process is an integral part of fulfilling the Warrior mission statement. We engage in a selection process with the goal of identifying capable and highly motivated students, ones who will benefit from a Little Rock Christian education while positively contributing to our community. WHEN TO APPLY Little Rock Christian Academy encourages families to start the application at any time. We accept and process applications year round. HOW TO APPLY Simply go to LittleRockChristian.com/ Admissions/ Apply Today. The application must be finished and supplemental application forms downloaded, completed and returned to the school before our evaluation begins. A non-refundable application fee of $75 must be submitted with each application.
To schedule a tour or a shadow experience please call 501-868-9822 or email visitlrca@littlerockchristian.com.
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19010 CANTRELL ROAD | LITTLE ROCK, AR 72223 | 501-868-9822