Welcome to ACSI

We recently spoke with Dr. Jason Rachels, president of Calvary Christian Academy (CCA) in Fort Lauderdale, FL, about what makes CCA unique. He shared with us about the many community outreaches undertaken by students across all four campuses. 

What kind of outreach do you have in your community? 

At Calvary Christian Academy (CCA), we view outreach as both grassroots service and discipleship. The students at all of our campuses serve in many ways throughout the community. They visit assisted living centers, feed the homeless, clean up neighborhoods, support mission trip fundraisers, participate in summer camps, and serve local charter schools. Through our missions program, students partner with local schools and nonprofits, including Food for the Poor, to develop compassion for those in need. Our athletics and clubs also serve in meaningful ways, from beach cleanups to visiting homeless shelters and nursing homes. We also prioritize caring for students through regular check-ins and peer mentoring that connects older students with younger ones. 

How do you support students in navigating today's culture?

We support our students at CCA through mentorship, leadership, and counseling. Small groups and chapels create regular opportunities for students to grow in their faith. We also have spiritual emphasis weeks, retreats, and a dedicated discipleship department that point students to Christ in every area of life. Our PAL (Peer Active Listening) program pairs trained older students with younger peers who may be struggling. Leadership opportunities also come through groups such as the National Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society, and our student leadership class, which includes opportunities for mission trips abroad. Our experienced school counselors are available to students throughout the school day. Two of our counselors are licensed therapists, and an additional therapist is on campus each week. When students need additional support, we also work with a local counseling agency for outside referrals. 

What are some of your school's areas of strength? 

At CCA, our strengths begin with a healthy and loving culture. We value open dialogue and genuine care for one another. Academically, we offer strong core programs along with Exceptional Student Education Services for students with special needs. Our Spanish Immersion program provides another unique opportunity for students, while our competitive athletics and performing arts programs give them additional ways to grow and excel. Daily Bible classes and small groups help students develop a personal relationship with Christ. Grade-level retreats and mission trips give them opportunities to put their faith into action. Our students are eager to lead and serve through retreats, mission trips, and the worship team. A wide range of clubs also helps students connect and engage in school life. 

What makes your school unique? 

Here at CCA, intentional and relational discipleship is at the heart of who we are. Our central mission is to help students grow in their faith. We see our teachers as teacher-ministers who partner with families to develop students academically, socially, and spiritually. Intentional prayer and high academic standards support that mission. We also offer distinctive programs such as Spanish Immersion and Exceptional Student Education Services. Our Varying Exceptionalities track provides a 3-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio for students with significant special needs. Students can also pursue specialization tracks similar to a college major. These tracks include STEM, Fine Arts, Ministry, Psychology, and World Languages.