CHRISTIAN PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Norcross, Atlanta, GA
Source: http://www.greateratlantachristian.org/academics/lower-school
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
CHRISTIAN PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Norcross, Atlanta, GA
Elementary School
Supporting Academic and Spiritual Growth Rooted in the Christian Faith from Kindergarten to 5th Grade
We believe that every child, no matter how young, is a thinker, change-maker, dreamer, and community member.
GAC's private elementary school, located in Metro Atlanta,
utilizes a intentional and strategic approach for students to work collaboratively with classmates and teachers, who engage them in discovery opportunities that keep students interested and engaged in learning. We offer STEM programs and digital learning opportunities that prepare students for the course work in higher grade levels. Our students visit our
Nasmyth Environmental Learning Center
, which has a working greenhouse, fish hatchery, chicken coop, as well as two floating classrooms on Lake Lanier. Our goal is to provide a strong faith-infused, academic foundation and rigorous learning experience during the elementary school years to prepare students for long-term educational success and a mindset rooted in the Christian faith.
Schedule a tour or visit
Our Academic Approach
The Arts
Athletics
Faith
After School Engagement
Traditions
Nasmyth Environmental Learning Center
Parent Activities
GAC academic standards surpass state standards and challenge our students to grow in their knowledge through a well-rounded curriculum that includes a solid foundation in principal subjects, weekly activities in our
STEM
laboratories, world language skill development, and weekly visits to
SPARK
, the learning laboratory in the media center. From Kindergarten to Fifth Grade, learning is hands-on and students leave the elementary school prepared for the challenges of middle school, including having gained skill in technology literacy. Students as young as 4th grade prepare Keynote presentations to share their learning with their peers. The curriculum is adapted to technology so that students can advance their learning in the most innovative ways.
Instruction to the arts begins early at GAC. Here are a few of the creative opportunities for our Lower School students:
The
School of Music
provides private, one-on-one instruction for all students in all instruments, from the string and percussion instruments to vocal and piano, and can be taken during the school day.
The
Fifth Grade Band
is a class for students who wish to begin study of a wind or percussion instrument. They meet several times a week during the school day and perform throughout the year.
Students participate in the
Visual Arts
program beginning in Kindergarten as visual art students in a weekly class.
Our large
Promises Elementary School Chorus
, which rehearses before school, performs at events such as Grandparents Day, Christmas concerts, all school chapels, and community events.
The GAC
School of Ballet
has three dance studios where students as young as two can begin learning and performing the dance arts after school.
The 5th grade GAC
Silver Strings Orchestra
introduces students to the library of instruments in the string family and performs several times throughout the year.
Through
Discovery Activities
, students can participate in two drama productions a year.
We know that physical activity is important for children at this stage of their development, and we make it a priority! Here's a few ways we encourage our elementary students to engage in physical activity:
Physical Education class and recess is woven into every school day.
The
Aquatics Program
, and
Tennis Academy
make it possible for your children to take swimming and tennis lessons during and after school.
With our brand new
Lower School Athletics Program
, our students have the opportunity to begin their sports journey right on GAC's campus, surrounded by a Christ-centered community.
Lower School encourages students to be confident in who God created them to be. Teachers weave the Christian faith into each classrooms with regular Bible lessons and connections to biblical teachings in all subject areas. Students engage in service projects, participate in Chapel three times a week, and develop leadership skills by leading chapel on a rotational basis throughout the year with their peers. Service is introduced early at GAC, and several school-wide service endeavors take place each year, engaging and inspiring our youngest Spartans. As they get older, students have the opportunity to dig deeper in their faith by attending our our Annual Lower School Spiritual Retreat or by joining our Lower School Student Ministry Team.
Why drive all over Atlanta for private lessons, after-school activities, and fun? Through our
Discovery Activities
, Early Childhood Village and Elementary students can discover their inner artist, learn how to play a new sport, see what it's like to be on stage, conduct science experiments, learn a new language, and so much more.
Encore Kids
provides childcare before and after school for busy parents.
We keep joy in the journey. We have many traditions that our students look forward to with great delight. Many are sponsored by the
GAC Parent Association.
Here are just a few:
Mile Run Day
"Screen on the Green" nights
Father-Daughter Tea
Mother-Son Events
Annual Pool Party
GAC President reading of The Polar Express
Goldilocks trial at a Gwinnett County courthouse
5th grade overnight retreat to Rock Eagle
Homecoming dress up days
Football on the Village lawn with Varsity players
Trunk-or-Treat
In the
Nasmyth Environmental Learning Center
, Students engage in learning activities as they carry out real life operations of a working greenhouse, fish hatchery, and chicken coop. It's not a museum; It's a hands-on learning center for all ages. Students have the opportunity to explore topics like sustainability and limited resources while watching and helping tend to plants as they grow. As they explore the ELC, they recognize that education often extends beyond the classroom, unfolding among the wonders of God’s creation.
Parents at GAC work together to raise their children in a faithful and loving environment. Check out a few of the ways parents are involved in the GAC Elementary School:
GAC parents are invited to weekly Bible study
Learning opportunities and parent workshops on timely topics through the GAC
Parent Partnership Series
Volunteerism with the
GAC Parent Association (GPA)
to enrich student experiences and activities
There are many special events, both formal and informal, on campus throughout the year, too. It's a vibrant campus that is always alive with activity, and we welcome you to participate.
"As a parent, I am so grateful for the loving, nurturing environment at GAC. The teachers go above and beyond, not only fostering academic growth but also prioritizing the emotional and spiritual well-being of each student. Their genuine care and compassion create a safe space where my children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. GAC is a community where my children are truly seen and loved."
Ashley Skidmore, GAC Elementary School Parent
Enriching the early years.
Ensure your child’s elementary school years prepare them for the most opportunities in GAC Middle School and High School.
Learn More
Contact for Admissions
GAC Admissions
770-243-2273
School Administration
Rhonda Helms
Principal
770-243-2310
Jill Baker
Assistant Principal
770-243-2315
Aaron Jongko
Assistant Principal
Rebekah Gilliard
Counselor
770-243-2308
Michelle Williamson
Receptionist
770-243-2328
Christy Stansberry
Administrative Assistant
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Elementary School
Supporting Academic and Spiritual Growth Rooted in the Christian Faith from Kindergarten to 5th Grade
We believe that every child, no matter how young, is a thinker, change-maker, dreamer, and community member.
GAC's private elementary school, located in Metro Atlanta,
utilizes a intentional and strategic approach for students to work collaboratively with classmates and teachers, who engage them in discovery opportunities that keep students interested and engaged in learning. We offer STEM programs and digital learning opportunities that prepare students for the course work in higher grade levels. Our students visit our
Nasmyth Environmental Learning Center
, which has a working greenhouse, fish hatchery, chicken coop, as well as two floating classrooms on Lake Lanier. Our goal is to provide a strong faith-infused, academic foundation and rigorous learning experience during the elementary school years to prepare students for long-term educational success and a mindset rooted in the Christian faith.
Schedule a tour or visit
Our Academic Approach
The Arts
Athletics
Faith
After School Engagement
Traditions
Nasmyth Environmental Learning Center
Parent Activities
GAC academic standards surpass state standards and challenge our students to grow in their knowledge through a well-rounded curriculum that includes a solid foundation in principal subjects, weekly activities in our
STEM
laboratories, world language skill development, and weekly visits to
SPARK
, the learning laboratory in the media center. From Kindergarten to Fifth Grade, learning is hands-on and students leave the elementary school prepared for the challenges of middle school, including having gained skill in technology literacy. Students as young as 4th grade prepare Keynote presentations to share their learning with their peers. The curriculum is adapted to technology so that students can advance their learning in the most innovative ways.
Instruction to the arts begins early at GAC. Here are a few of the creative opportunities for our Lower School students:
The
School of Music
provides private, one-on-one instruction for all students in all instruments, from the string and percussion instruments to vocal and piano, and can be taken during the school day.
The
Fifth Grade Band
is a class for students who wish to begin study of a wind or percussion instrument. They meet several times a week during the school day and perform throughout the year.
Students participate in the
Visual Arts
program beginning in Kindergarten as visual art students in a weekly class.
Our large
Promises Elementary School Chorus
, which rehearses before school, performs at events such as Grandparents Day, Christmas concerts, all school chapels, and community events.
The GAC
School of Ballet
has three dance studios where students as young as two can begin learning and performing the dance arts after school.
The 5th grade GAC
Silver Strings Orchestra
introduces students to the library of instruments in the string family and performs several times throughout the year.
Through
Discovery Activities
, students can participate in two drama productions a year.
We know that physical activity is important for children at this stage of their development, and we make it a priority! Here's a few ways we encourage our elementary students to engage in physical activity:
Physical Education class and recess is woven into every school day.
The
Aquatics Program
, and
Tennis Academy
make it possible for your children to take swimming and tennis lessons during and after school.
With our brand new
Lower School Athletics Program
, our students have the opportunity to begin their sports journey right on GAC's campus, surrounded by a Christ-centered community.
Lower School encourages students to be confident in who God created them to be. Teachers weave the Christian faith into each classrooms with regular Bible lessons and connections to biblical teachings in all subject areas. Students engage in service projects, participate in Chapel three times a week, and develop leadership skills by leading chapel on a rotational basis throughout the year with their peers. Service is introduced early at GAC, and several school-wide service endeavors take place each year, engaging and inspiring our youngest Spartans. As they get older, students have the opportunity to dig deeper in their faith by attending our our Annual Lower School Spiritual Retreat or by joining our Lower School Student Ministry Team.
Why drive all over Atlanta for private lessons, after-school activities, and fun? Through our
Discovery Activities
, Early Childhood Village and Elementary students can discover their inner artist, learn how to play a new sport, see what it's like to be on stage, conduct science experiments, learn a new language, and so much more.
Encore Kids
provides childcare before and after school for busy parents.
We keep joy in the journey. We have many traditions that our students look forward to with great delight. Many are sponsored by the
GAC Parent Association.
Here are just a few:
Mile Run Day
"Screen on the Green" nights
Father-Daughter Tea
Mother-Son Events
Annual Pool Party
GAC President reading of The Polar Express
Goldilocks trial at a Gwinnett County courthouse
5th grade overnight retreat to Rock Eagle
Homecoming dress up days
Football on the Village lawn with Varsity players
Trunk-or-Treat
In the
Nasmyth Environmental Learning Center
, Students engage in learning activities as they carry out real life operations of a working greenhouse, fish hatchery, and chicken coop. It's not a museum; It's a hands-on learning center for all ages. Students have the opportunity to explore topics like sustainability and limited resources while watching and helping tend to plants as they grow. As they explore the ELC, they recognize that education often extends beyond the classroom, unfolding among the wonders of God’s creation.
Parents at GAC work together to raise their children in a faithful and loving environment. Check out a few of the ways parents are involved in the GAC Elementary School:
GAC parents are invited to weekly Bible study
Learning opportunities and parent workshops on timely topics through the GAC
Parent Partnership Series
Volunteerism with the
GAC Parent Association (GPA)
to enrich student experiences and activities
There are many special events, both formal and informal, on campus throughout the year, too. It's a vibrant campus that is always alive with activity, and we welcome you to participate.
"As a parent, I am so grateful for the loving, nurturing environment at GAC. The teachers go above and beyond, not only fostering academic growth but also prioritizing the emotional and spiritual well-being of each student. Their genuine care and compassion create a safe space where my children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. GAC is a community where my children are truly seen and loved."
Ashley Skidmore, GAC Elementary School Parent
Enriching the early years.
Ensure your child’s elementary school years prepare them for the most opportunities in GAC Middle School and High School.
Learn More
Contact for Admissions
GAC Admissions
770-243-2273
School Administration
Rhonda Helms
Principal
770-243-2310
Jill Baker
Assistant Principal
770-243-2315
Aaron Jongko
Assistant Principal
Rebekah Gilliard
Counselor
770-243-2308
Michelle Williamson
Receptionist
770-243-2328
Christy Stansberry
Administrative Assistant
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