Little Rock Christian Academy
Founded in 1977 as Walnut Valley Christian Academy, Little Rock Christian Academy is a private, college-preparatory Christian school serving PK3 through 12th grade. It is committed to its mission "to serve families, churches, and the community by providing a K-12 education characterized by excellence in the pursuit of truth from a Christ-centered worldview." In addition to an excellent academic education, LRCA offers extensive fine arts and athletic programs. Little Rock Christian Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), Association of Christian Schools International, the Arkansas Non-Public Schools Accrediting Association, and is a member of The College Board, National Honor Society, National Beta Club and the Council of Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA).
| Little Rock Christian Academy | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
| |
19010 Cantrell Road , 72223 | |
| Coordinates | 34°48′45″N 92°28′50″W |
| Information | |
| School type | Private |
| Motto | Excellence in the Pursuit of Truth from a Christ-Centered Worldview |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Christian |
| Denomination | Non-denominational |
| Established | 1977 |
| NCES School ID | 01610343[1] |
| Head of school | Dr. Gary Arnold |
| Teaching staff | 142 |
| Employees | 250 |
| Grades | PK3–12th |
| Enrollment | 1375 (2020–2021) |
| • Kindergarten | 72 |
| • Grade 1 | 71 |
| • Grade 2 | 54 |
| • Grade 3 | 83 |
| • Grade 4 | 76 |
| • Grade 5 | 70 |
| • Grade 6 | 99 |
| • Grade 7 | 136 |
| • Grade 8 | 131 |
| • Grade 9 | 130 |
| • Grade 10 | 154 |
| • Grade 11 | 130 |
| • Grade 12 | 126 |
| Hours in school day | 7.2 |
| Color(s) | Navy Blue, Forest Green, White |
| Fight song | Notre Dame Victory March |
| Athletics conference | 5A Central (2012–21) |
| Sports | baseball, basketball, bowling, spirit teams, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, swimming, volleyball, wrestling |
| Mascot | Warriors |
| Nickname | LRCA |
| Team name | Little Rock Christian Academy Warriors |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Independent Schools, Arkansas Non-Public Schools Accrediting Association, and Council of Educational Standards and Accountability |
| Affiliations | Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) |
| National Blue Ribbon School | 2012 |
Academics
Little Rock Christian Academy has top ranking in their test scores with Arkansas private schools. It has earned the ACT College Readiness award for two years. The ACT average score is 26. With 61 National Merit finalists and three National Achievement awards since 1998, LRCA has made a name for itself in its solid, competitive academics. Its DUKE Tip program in the middle school has scored in the record numbers for the past two years. LRCA offers AP and Honors classes at the high school level. over $18.1 million in scholarship money was offered to the class of 2020. In 2012, LRCA was named a National Blue Ribbon School.
Arts
Included in LRCA's arts program is instrumental music, choir, performing arts and visual arts.
Instrumental music- Wind Symphony, Concert/Marching Band (8th – 12th), Jazz Band, Beginning Band (6th), Intermediate Band (7th), Senior High Band ( 12th), Beginning Strings (6th), Intermediate Orchestra (7th), Senior Strings (12th), Jazz Band(7th - 12th)
Choir- Warrior Choir, Madrigal Choir, Belle Choir, Beaux Choir, Middle School Mixed Choir
Visual Arts- Art styles are explored from renaissance to impressionism, expressionism and pop art. Students learn about design, composition, color, line, contrast, shape, and texture
Performing Arts- Each year there are two theatre performances, a fall drama as well as a spring musical. Additional avenues for dramatic expression can be found in additional productions of the senior play, talent shows, grade level plays, and student chapel presentations. They also provide drama classes as an elective in the middle school, Jr. high, and high school.
Athletics
LRCA is a member of the Arkansas Activities Association. The Warriors athletic program includes baseball, basketball, spirit teams, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, Track and Field, swimming, volleyball, and wrestling.[2]
For the 2012 to 2014 seasons,[3] the Little Rock Christian Academy Warriors participate pd in the 5A-Central conference.
The Warrior Pom squad has won 5 state championships over the last 6 years (2015,2016,2018,2019,2020) while coming up short in 2017 as state runner-ups.
In 2012–13 school year, both the boys and girls cross country teams won the 5A state championship.[4]
In the 2017-2018 school year, the lady warrior soccer team defeated rival Pulaski Academy 2-0 for the second 5A state championship in 4 years
In December 2, 2018, LRCA won its first state football championship over rival Pulaski Academy. The final score of this game was 52–38.
Administration
Leadership
- Dr. Gary Arnold – Head of School
- Jim Fink – Chief Financial Officer
- Ann Chami – Head of Lower School
- Justin Smith – Head of Upper School
- Johnny Watson – Athletic Director
- Lynn Beardsley - Director of Fine Arts
School Principals
- Ann Chami – Elementary School
- LeAnn Murry – Middle School
- Tyler Eatherton – Junior High
- Justin Smith – High School
Notable alumni
- Michael Dyer – Former Auburn National Championship MVP RB
- Damarea Crockett - NFL football RB player
- Luke Bakke - Former Professional Golfer. Won Open de Chagua in Chile. 11 time participant in USGA events.
References
- "Search for Private Schools – School Detail for Little Rock Christian Academy". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved Aug 11, 2012.
- "AHSAA School Directory. Little Rock Christian Academy". AHSAA.org. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- "2012–14 AAA Classifications and Conferences" (PDF). Arkansas Activities Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
- "Boy's 5000 Meter Run Boys, AHSAA State Championships" (PDF). Arkansas Activities Association. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
