The Academy for GOD is a Category IV non-public school, registered with the state of Tennessee and in compliance with all associated requirements. We are also members of ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and a candidate for accreditation with Cognia.  Thus, we adhere to the local laws pertaining to enrollment and attendance, as well as safety requirements such as extensive fire alarm systems and weather-related school closure. 

Is there an academic calendar?

The Academy’s academic calendar begins in August and ends in May each year and acknowledges seasonal breaks and major holidays.

What days and times is school in session each week? 

School days are Monday through Friday. Our Kindergarten program runs from 8:45am-1:15pm each day. All other students attend from 8:45am-3:15pm.

The Academy upholds the TN state compulsory attendance laws and attendance is submitted daily. Once a student have reached 5 unexcused absences in a semester, parents are contacted to discuss potential attendance infractions.

What types of technology are used in the classroom? 

The iPad is our main manipulative, or tool, used for homework assignments, supplemental learning, and student collaboration. In the classroom, teachers utilize various types of technology for both lessons and to enhance student-teacher interaction. We recommend the iPad Apple aims at the educating market. Currently it's the 6th generation iPad (9.7 inches) with 64 gigs with 32 gigs reserved for school use only.

Each classroom is outfitted with a projector or large-screen TV monitor, plus an “Apple TV” and sound system, so that videos, presentations and other visual or audio lesson formats can be utilized in the classroom. There is school wide broad-band internet with protected access for students. While on campus, all students are part of a “closed universe” with no access to web browsers.

How does the school promote its values? 

Each week an ethical value is widely promoted to expose students to ways of being that are essential to living lives of integrity. These values are derived from the Bible (i.e. honesty, patience, generosity, kindness) where certain scriptures are memorized to capture the essence of the value.  Both the meaning and the practice of the value are reiterated in classes and during our weekly large group chapel.

How many students are currently enrolled and what is your teacher : student ratio?

270 students are enrolled at the Academy.  Depending on the level, the teacher-student ratio on campus is 1:14.

Yes, all students will dress in Standard School Attire (SSA) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week. On Wednesday, all students will dress in “Formal Attire”, which is available for purchase on our school store with French Toast Schoolbox.

Is there a school meal program?

Yes, the Academy offers lunch at school each day through the nationwide farm to school program. Parents utilize the meal payment portal to purchase meals on a weekly basis for their student. Those who do not partake in the student program may bring a lunch to school each day. Free and reduced-priced meals are available.

Are there school portraits during the year? 

The Academy offers professional portraits once each semester.  All students will have a formal headshot in the fall, as well as a class and student body portrait. Each spring, all students will have a casual, outdoor portrait in addition to another class and student body portrait. All photos will be made available to parents for purchase, and a picture “make-up day” will be offered as necessary.

What types of school events take place throughout the year? 

Each year, the Academy hosts a variety of special events to showcase student work, raise funds for a project, extend hospitality to students’ grandparents or celebrate a great achievement, such as the end of the school year.  Parents will be informed of these events through a monthly “school events calendar” and even be asked to participate in the planning, set up and other arrangements, as necessary. Our events are purposeful, planned with care to reflect our school values, and we often find these times to be a great opportunity for family and community engagement.

Does the Academy have sports teams?

The Academy for GOD is a member of the Tennessee State Independent Athletic Association (TSIAA), an association of small schools existing to assist member schools by providing leadership and coordination for the administration of interscholastic athletics, which will enhance the educational experiences of student athletes. TSIAA will promote participation and sportsmanship in developing good citizens through interscholastic athletics, which provide equitable opportunities, positive recognition and learning experiences to student athletes while achieving their educational goals.  Through our membership with TSIAA, we offer sports opportunities on our Academy Phoenix teams for our 5th-12th grade students including boys and girls soccer, girls volleyball, and boys and girls basketball, and K-12 cross-country.

How often do students receive recess while at school?

Our philosophy for recess and playground activities at the Academy is to help reinforce the fundamentals of staying safe, teamwork, unity, inclusion and having fun! We don’t merely want to play sports or games in a way that always favors the stronger athlete. Instead, we want all students to feel a sense of security in themselves to participate in all activities, despite how new the activity may be for them.

We accomplish this by creating games and activities throughout the campus for students to develop their social, emotional, and physical skills. During every recess and free-time opportunity the students will experience an environment where they can be themselves and enjoy the opportunity to be creative while working with other students. 

Elementary students receive a minimum of 2 recess periods a day in their schedule. We believe that students need “brain breaks” throughout the day, so that they can be at their optimal performance level when in class. Jr High and High School students receive at least 1 recess per day in their schedule, along with a lunch break.  

Are there school field trips?

All students, K-12, are offered at least one field trip per semester organized by school administration and lead teachers. Field trips are purposeful in the type of activity and service opportunities they offer our students. Each trip aims to reinforce a value or lesson the students have learned in their semester courses. We also value giving our students the opportunity to be active participants within the local community and developing hearts for service.

May I tour (or visit) the school?

All tours are event-based at this time. Our annual Open House takes place each fall and will be advertised via the school website and social media.