Academics

With the Abeka curriculum and experienced teachers, your child will have mastery review of key academic concepts. Your child will begin cursive writing in kindergarten and practice it through the fifth grade. Students who transfer to HCA pick up quickly. Teachers ensure students have the stepping stones of foundational academics to then excel at the next levels. Hendersonville Christian Academy primarily uses the Abeka curriculum for all grade levels.

Hendersonville Christian Academy has developed a scope and sequence that is used for all students from preschool through high school with the truth of the Scriptures still at its foundation. Goals and objectives have been constructed for each subject and grade. Textbooks are carefully selected to be used as tools by teachers to not only teach subject matter but to integrate Bible truth.

HCA maintains a solid foundation of high academic standards cohesively joined with biblical truths and teachings. The school believes that there are three defining characteristics of a biblically-based, Christ-centered education:

1. Biblical Integration

This is the blending of biblical principles and scripture with traditional subject areas. Within all disciplines and activities of the school, at all levels, there are elements that can point students in the direction of their Savior and Creator. The task of the Christian school teacher is to help students discover those elements by integrating applicable scriptures and scriptural principles with what they are learning in math, science, literature, athletics, fine arts, and indeed all subjects and activities of the school. In order for students to develop a Christian worldview (and in order for an education to be considered Christian), all subjects must be taught, not only by Christians, but from an integrated Christian frame of reference. In addition, all students attend daily Bible classes and weekly chapel meetings throughout the year.

2. Role Model Influence

This refers to the morality, integrity, character and spiritual condition of the people involved in the school and particularly of the administration and faculty. For HCA to describe itself as "Christian," it must be staffed with people who themselves are distinctively "Christian." Meaning, people who are beyond question born-again Believers and know that their personal lives and the daily quality of their relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ will affect students for generations to come. They study and use the scriptures as their guide for life, their source for wisdom and strength, and the standard by which all things must be judged. In short, these must be people who have internalized the Word of God and have allowed the grace of God to produce a living curriculum within them that is obvious to all.

3. Discipleship

This is the process whereby the values and beliefs of one generation are continually placed before, and directly taught to, the next generation. An education that purports to name the name of Christ must disciple students by directly involving them with the Word of God and placing before them who the Word of God calls them to "be" and what that Word calls them to "do" in their daily lives. Through discipleship we endeavor to create a foundation of a thorough knowledge of the Bible in order to bring about development of character and lifestyle consistent with that knowledge. The school’s endeavor takes the form of opportunities: Bible class, chapel, community service, mission trips, staff relationships, and positive peer influences. All of these venues provide students with the opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the Bible and make decisions that shape who they are in Christ today and for the rest of their lives.

1. Through Biblical integration, we want students to discover the hand, heart, and mind of Christ throughout the universe of creation and thought.
2. Through role model influence, we provide students with a developmental influence that can only come from mature, born again Christian adults.
3. Through discipleship we endeavor to create a foundational knowledge of the Bible and a lifestyle consistent with God's Word.

As a college preparatory school, we believe that an education that bears the name of Christ must equip, not hinder. 

Standardized testing is used for kindergarten through high school students. An annual IOWA standardized test helps students, parents, and educators track academic progress while keeping accountability. The CogAT (cognitive abilities test) is given biennially to juxtapose a student’s aptitude with academic performance. High school students take the ACT test both in junior and senior years; all high school students receive ACT preparation classes. 

As a college preparatory school, we believe that an education that bears the name of Christ must equip, not hinder. The faculty at HCA desires to prepare students for life. While most of our students will proceed to a four-year university, a portion of students will choose trade school or the workforce directly after high school. 

An academic guidance counselor assists in guiding students during the decision-making process through a senior-level guidance class as well as individual meetings. Registering to vote, completing the TN Promise application, filling out the FASFA and identifying college scholarships are just a few tasks in guidance class. 

Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to take dual enrollment courses from accredited universities either in person or online. This allows them to earn college credit while still obtaining high school credit.
 

HCA offers a varied and challenging academic curriculum with several extracurricular programs to ensure its students have a strong educational foundation and reach their full potential. Students at HCA will have more opportunities because they are not limited to just one or two activities.

In the Athletic Department, students can participate in cross country, volleyball, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, and archery. The Fine Arts Department offers art, choir, private string lessons, yearbook, digital editing, and graphic design. These departments are well-recognized and have been awarded several high honors. There are also various clubs, honor society, and missions and volunteer opportunities for the students as well.

Hendersonville Christian Academy boasts several awards from National Merit Scholars for above average ACT test scores, but none are more important than the spiritual and educational foundation that is necessary for college and later life. Not only are 100 percent of HCA graduates eligible to attend college, but they also receive numerous scholarship offers for academics, athletics, fine arts, leadership, community service, and much more.