Crossgate Christian Academy Brings 21st Century Learning to Hot Springs

In 1951, Second Baptist Christian School opened its Kindergarten doors to become one of only a handful of entities offering such innovative classes in Hot Springs, Arkansas. That same pioneering spirit has driven this school to evolve into Crossgate Christian Academy one of the premier learning centers in the region.

CCA maintains it 56-year dedication to excellence by being the only K-12 school in the region accredited with the Association of Christian Schools International, the largest Christian school association in the world, and with the Arkansas Non-public Schools Association.

Consistently, CCA's achievement scores are significantly higher than comparable local, state, and national averages. In 2005, CCA student Stanford Achievement Test averaged one year and four months above grade level. Our teachers are major factor in this advanced level because they act upon their belief that our students deserve the best education possible.

Superintendent Bill Vining credits those test scores to the schools having moved into 21st century learning, which is that of letting the students "out of the box". "We've taken education beyond the traditional classroom, inviting them to experience life and life application learning first hand. Going beyond the textbooks and gaining practical knowledge that can be used in their day to day lives."
After all, what value is knowledge if the student does not know how to apply what they have learned? Critical thinking skills, valuing physical fitness, responsible financial stewardship, and self-confidence are all results of application learning.

Last year, Crossgate launched it's School of Entrepreneurship. SoE teaches students business ethics and employment principals in a way no other school in Arkansas makes available. CCA High School students create and run their own businesses; profits from these various businesses fund scholarships and local community projects and events. And these projects aren't just selling candy bars.

One of these businesses, XEnergy, is also one of the most innovative environmental Science projects in the region. XEnergy participants are purchasing components and building their own solar panels to be installed at CCA. Their business plan over the next two years is to establish a solar center at Crossgate, which will invite the public to come in, learn how to build solar panels for the use in their own homes. Crossgate students, who have already built their own panels, will be teaching this concept to others!

CCA's facilities, just 18 months old, are state of the art. REAL Security, also a School of Entrepreneurship entity, has partnered with Stephens Security Systems to make Crossgate an Arkansas model school for child safety. This group of students designed and installed all the components for the new security system with cameras in every classroom, which can be viewed on the monitors in the Central Office. In the next few weeks, they will be adding key-card entries on every door.

The student population is around 200 at present time. Because their teachers act upon their belief that students deserve the best education possible, expectations are that CCA will continue to grow as they add new programs and incentives. Their teachers are what make Crossgate stand out.

Mrs. Donna Phillips, a secondary math teacher was nominated this year for the 2007 Presidential Award of Excellence for Mathematics teaching. She is also known among the students for her tutoring skills, helping students in almost every subject imaginable.

Mrs. Karen Bennett, coaches a Botbol team, that this year took 3rd place in the State Competition. These machines designed and programmed by CCA students are run entirely on computer programming. No remote controls are allowed here!

Mr. Harley Hudson, an English instructor, led a summer research project that resulted in the creation of XEnergy, thus proving a philosophy of 21st century learning: of crossing over the line to bridge the gap between the disciplines

Elementary students are learning Spanish, Latin and American Sign Language.

Crossgate's Show Choir and their Girls Ensemble have sung all over the central Arkansas area. In December, they were invited to sing on the Early Show for the local NBC affiliate. That performance was rebroadcast on Christmas Day!

Each class is involved in a service project for the community. Students have worked at a local homeless shelter, volunteered at Heifer International, and helped feed & clothe victims of Hurricane Katrina who ended up in the Hot Springs area.

Sports play a part in the physical well being of the child at CCA. Junior High and High School students have volleyball, baseball, football, softball and cheerleading. Men's and Women's track, cross-country track and basketball are available to all CCA students once they are in the third grade. The Lady Eagles Basketball team members are the reigning champions of the Arkansas Christian Conference. They are also last year's State Champions, and this year's state runners-up.

Tuition is comparable to other schools in the area, and scholarships are available to qualifying families. Multi-family member discounts are offered. Uniforms must be purchased by each student, but there is a used-uniform sale held each fall and spring, where students can buy and sell polo shirts, hoodies, shorts and pants.

Crossgate is located at 3102 East Grand Avenue in Hot Springs. For information on a tour, shadowing a student and admission requirements and applications, you may call Mrs. Brenda Woodard, at 501-262-4222.