Christian Life at GAC - Greater Atlanta Christian School GAC is a community where faith is lived out in the classroom, across campus, and between peers. It is the lens through which we view, create, and implement each educational experience. In the design of each classroom, each lesson, each relationship, faith is the foundation of all aspects of the teaching and learning process. Present in the written curriculum, visually represented in each classroom, and incorporated into the design of each lesson, our faith is vibrant and guiding all aspects of our pedagogy. We value the pursuit of academic excellence in the framework of faith for those on our campus and in our digital environments and global partnerships through Ethos School. Learn how the GAC education is faith-infused, cultivating the next generation of Christian leaders. Why Christian Education? A Discussion with Dr. Paul Cable, High School Principal Why do we educate our children? The easy answer is to prepare them for college, careers, and financial stability. But Christian education invites a deeper question: what is the purpose of education at all? “Christian education actually offers a fuller account of why we educate,” says Dr. Paul Cable, High School Principal, “We’re looking to help each student grow into the image of Jesus so they can live out what it means to be in the image of God and participate in His mission in the world.” Student Devotional Reflection: Dwell By: Elli Martin, GAC Class of 2026 Something we’ve done in Student Ministry class that has made a lasting impression on me is “Fall Fresh On Us Fridays.” On Fridays, the class engages in a short time of musical worship with reflection and prayer. This experience is unique to anything else I have ever been exposed to; in church, of course, we engage in worship together, but it is in a larger and less personalized setting. On Fridays, however, since we have a smaller, class- sized group, we are able to be more intimate and vulnerable with each other. Students Lead Annual Can-A-Thon at Greater Atlanta Christian School Supporting the 11Alive/Salvation Army Can-A-Thon has been an annual school-wide tradition at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) since 2012. This year, the GAC student body came together to donate 28,300 non-perishable food items to the Salvation Army. Why Spiritual Retreats? At Greater Atlanta Christian School, our retreats are more than just a break from academics—they are sacred moments where relationships and priorities are reoriented around Christ. Each August, Middle and High School students step away for their Spiritual Retreats, time set apart at the start of the school year to set the tone for all that follows. These retreats combine worship services, messages, small group discussions, and shared experiences like games and activities (with High School students gathering off campus at a retreat center). GAC creates Housing System for Middle School Students To encourage connection and community engagement, the GAC Middle School leadership team launched a housing system this year. Sixth through eighth grade students were randomly sorted into five houses during their annual Fall Middle School Retreat. Women Together in Christ GAC’s 2025 Women Together in Christ event was a beautiful evening of community, worship, and dwelling with the Lord. Exploring a Biblical Worldview Together During the summer of 2025, GAC faculty and leadership took part in a shared reading of Beyond Biblical Integration: Immersing You and Your Students in a Biblical Worldview by Dr. Roger Erdvig. The book challenges Christian educators to move beyond simply integrating faith into lessons and instead create an immersive environment where a biblical worldview shapes every aspect of learning and life. To deepen the conversation, Dr. Erdvig visited GAC’s campus to lead on-site training sessions, exploring how to help students view every subject and situation through the lens of Scripture. The shared experience inspired reflection across campus— on faith, teaching, and what it truly means to teach from a biblical worldview. Introducing GAC’s 2025-2026 Prefect Team The Prefect System is comprised of student leaders from the Senior Class (selected during their junior year) who possess a high degree of commitment to GAC’s values and ideals. Their influence within our school community is based on their character demonstrated through service to the school. Congratulations to this group of students for being chosen to lead the GAC student body over the next year - we look forward to all of the ways you will impact our community! Darius Slayton Inspires Spartans with Powerful Message of Faith, Perseverance, and Service On Wednesday, Darius Slayton (GAC Class of 2015) returned to campus and shared a powerful message with the next generation of Spartans. The New York Giants wide receiver took time to speak at the Lower School, Middle School, and High School chapels, sharing heartfelt wisdom from his journey—from his days at GAC to playing in the SEC at Auburn University and eventually making his mark in the NFL. GAC's Annual Spiritual Retreat At the beginning of each new school year, GAC's high school students start the year off strong as they attend their annual Spiritual Retreat. This cherished tradition, held at a camp location conducive to reflection and growth, allows students to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and deepen their walk of faith. GAC 5th Grader, Noah Kim, selected as an American Heart Association National Youth Heart Ambassador Noah Kim is a 5th grader at GAC, but his life journey is unlike most. Before being born, Noah’s parents, Susan &  Keedai, found out that their son would be born with three congenital heart defects. At only six days old, Noah underwent his first open-heart surgery. Noah had his second open heart surgery at two and a half years old. Jim and Julie Tidwell Commons: A Lifetime of Impact What makes a purpose-filled life? Jim and Julie Tidwell are living examples. For decades, the Tidwell family has loved and served the GAC community. Known: Theme for 2024-2025 School Year For the 2024-2025 school year, the GAC community embraced the theme of KNOWN, inspired by John 17:25-26, inviting students, families, faculty, and staff to KNOW God, to be fully KNOWN by God, and to make God KNOWN to others. Middle School Serves with LETTUM EAT Our middle school students had the opportunity to serve our community at this year’s spiritual retreat. A portion of their day consisted of building “care bags” for the families served by LETTUM EAT . Founded by Chef Hank, LETTUM EAT is a mobile food service that provides meals to families in surrounding areas struggling with food insecurity. Our students got to encourage these families through handwritten notes that they included in each bag. 2024-2025 Annual Prefect Trip The GAC student leadership team embarked on an unforgettable backpacking adventure in Colorado, accompanied by GAC President, Dr. Scott Harsh, High School Principal, Dr. Paul Cable, and High School Dean of Student Culture, Jes Guarneri. This annual trip serves as a time of exploration and personal growth, allowing our student leaders to challenge themselves physically and mentally while deepening their understanding of leadership from those who lead at GAC. K3 Packs the Pantry for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries In May, K3 gathered at Aldi in Peachtree Corners to buy items for the “Pack the Pantry” initiative. After shopping, the group enjoyed dinner at Chick-fil-A. The event was captured in a heartwarming photo featuring Mrs. Burrough’s class loading the donations. First Family GAC Mission Trip This past year, GAC launched the first ever international Family Mission Trip to Vieques, Puerto Rico. Partnering with Beyond Relief, the group worked together to help in the early stages of building a Christian youth camp called Camp Victoria. Kenneth Marshall Shumard: Purpose. Vision. Sacrifice. Heart. In our better moments, those are qualities we all want to embrace. Yet living out those qualities consistently? That’s where our human frailties can get in the way. So we thank God for powerful examples who remind and call us up again; People who have helped shape visions, then poured themselves out to make dreams come to life. Renowned Korean Choir Visits Greater Atlanta Christian School Students GAC had the distinct honor of hosting the renowned Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) Korean Christian Children's Choir , a group of 40 talented age 7-13 performers who delivered a heartwarming message of international Christian unity and gratitude. Click to view full story, photos, and a recording of the performance. GAC Middle School Students Serve in Tuba City, Arizona GAC students recently embarked on a transformative mission trip to Tuba City, Arizona where they served the Navajo community and experienced spiritual growth while connecting with local residents. The trip was filled with meaningful activities, community engagement, and breathtaking moments of appreciation for God's creations. GAC Students Embark on Winter Break Mission Trips GAC students recently traveled to various locations worldwide to participate in mission trips during Winter Break from February 13-17, 2023. These mission trips allowed students to serve communities in need while also gaining valuable experiences and insights into other cultures. Students saw firsthand the power of God’s love. GAC Students Selected as Honoree and Runner-Up in Intown Magazine's "20 Under 20" Atlanta Intown and Reporter Newspapers recently recognized GAC Senior Kate Hidell in their annual "20 Under 20" feature as an honoree and GAC Junior Ivy Holland as a runner-up. Each year, the newspapers choose young people who give back to the community through service and leadership while juggling academic responsibilities. Greater Atlanta Christian School students embrace the giving spirit with Can-A-Thon Greater Atlanta Christian School is one of the biggest supporters every year to Can-A-Thon - and their eager students are doing their part again to help the effort. GAC Community Gathers to Support Neighboring School GAC families gathered on Saturday, August 20 to sort and pack donated school supplies such as pencils, crayons, notebooks, folders, and disinfecting wipes, for the teachers and students of neighboring school, Meadowcreek Elementary School. GAC High School Students travel to SharpTop Cove for Spiritual Retreat GAC's high school students started the year off strong as they traveled up to SharpTop Cove for their annual Spiritual Retreat! Throughout the week, students have spent time growing in their relationship with one another and the Lord. GAC Welcomes Director of Spiritual Life We are pleased to announce the addition of Justin Bagwell, who will join us beginning in August in a new role as Director of Spiritual Life. Justin brings nearly 20 years of experience in student ministry to the GAC family. Spiritual Retreats Offer Connection and Reflection for Students It is more important than ever that we provide a safe space and dedicated time for our students to come together for their annual spiritual retreat. Our high school students met in fellowship and worship to celebrate and discuss their faith. Spiritual Retreats Set the Tone for the 2019-20 School Year GAC Middle and High School kicked off the 2019-20 school year with a renewed sense of purpose during their Spiritual Retreats. Bastian Center Stage and Cross Tower Located in the heart of the GAC campus, The Bastian Center Stage and Cross Tower host community and family worship events throughout the school year. From our annual worship breakfast that welcomes new staff and faculty to special performances from our band and choir, our outdoor amphitheater provides the perfect space to connect, worship, and grow in faith with one another. Artusa Hall in the Performing Arts Center Renovated in 2017, the Performing Arts Center includes the expansive Artusa Hall, a performance space beautifully adorned and crafted to accommodate up to 150 performers on the stage alone, as well as 950 audience members. The facility is a space for school chapels, band performances, ceremonies, and other events. The space is recognized for Frank and Susan Artusa and their children. Long Forum The Long Forum is a multipurpose 82,000sf arena with full HD Video, concert grade audio and intelligent lighting. The two-level arena provides ample seating (up to 3,400) for our schoolwide chapels. The retractable stadium seats allow the lower arena to provide 16,000sf of open floor space with upper arena seating for 900. Justin Bagwell "It is our mission at GAC to help each child grow as Jesus did, in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52) Christian life at GAC is filled with students experiencing God in exciting and tangible ways: in the classroom, chapel, service opportunities, missions (both local and abroad), and through meaningful relational connections. We believe every student's faith is unique and their influence matters for the kingdom of God." Director of Christian Life