BETWEEN the LIONS
September 16, 2026
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A Refuge in Times of Trouble:
There are seasons in life when the weight of our circumstances feels especially heavy. We face disappointment, uncertainty, loss, fear, and circumstances we simply cannot understand. Scripture never promises that following Christ will shelter us from these moments. Instead, it promises us something far greater: we will never face them alone.
Psalm 34 has been on my heart recently. David writes, “Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8). Later, he reminds us, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:17–18).
What a remarkable promise. Our hope is not found in the absence of trouble. Our hope is found in the presence of God in the midst of our trouble.
When we hurt, He is near. When we cry out, He hears. When our hearts are broken, He draws close. When we cannot see what tomorrow holds, we can take refuge in the One who does.
Taking refuge in God does not mean that every circumstance immediately changes or every question receives an answer. It means we choose to place the full weight of our trust upon the character and promises of God. We remember that He is faithful even when life is difficult, that He is sovereign even when circumstances seem uncertain, and that His love for us has been demonstrated completely through Jesus Christ.
That is the hope we want our students to know at Asheville Christian. It is the hope we want to model for one another as parents, teachers, colleagues, and friends. Life will bring moments when our children experience disappointment and heartache. They will encounter circumstances we cannot fix for them. In those moments, perhaps one of the greatest things we can teach them is where to run.
Run to Christ. Take refuge in Him.
Our circumstances may change. Our plans may change. Life around us may sometimes feel uncertain. But Jesus Christ remains the same, and because of Him, we are never without hope.
Whatever you may be carrying this week, my prayer is that the words of Psalm 34 will encourage you: the Lord hears your cry. He is near to the brokenhearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit. Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.
May we be a community that continually points one another toward that refuge and reminds one another that, even in times of trouble, our hope has a name—and His name is Jesus.
Dr. Jason Putnam
Head of School
Campus Updates
Construction crews have resumed work on our track and field. Temporary fencing has been placed around the area. The track and field is closed to the public at this time.
Of our 19 Hurricane Helene recovery projects, 12 are now in the closeout process. Current recovery efforts are focused on the baseball facilities and the underground stormwater systems damaged by the storm.
We remain deeply grateful for the Lord’s continued provision throughout the recovery process.
Introducing The ACA Fund
This month, we're inviting ACA families to join one of the most meaningful ways our community lives out its belief that exalting Jesus is worth being part of something bigger than ourselves: our annual giving campaign, The ACA Fund.
Tuition alone doesn't cover the full cost of an ACA education. The ACA Fund helps us go further - providing vital professional development for our faculty, financial aid for more families, updated technology and learning resources, campus improvements, and additional programs that help our students learn, grow, and thrive.
No gift is too small, and every gift sends a powerful message that you believe in our students, our faculty, and the mission of ACA. This year's goal is $310,000. Watch your mailbox for a gift/pledge card, which makes giving easy.
Thank you for standing with us in this work!
Meet Our Operations Assistants
We're delighted to introduce two familiar faces to families who may not know them yet - our wonderful Operations Assistants!
Bill Perkin is a cheerful presence around campus, helping with morning carline, assisting in lower school classrooms, and delivering packages throughout the building. Bill is non-verbal and communicates using an app on his phone, so if you see him, don't hesitate to say hello! This is Bill's seventh year serving our school community.
Shelby Gilbert has been a wonderful helper in the lower school art room for the past three years, bringing creativity and care to our youngest artists.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Bill and Shelby, and we hope you'll join us in welcoming them if you haven't already!
CHARACTER FOCUS: COMPASSION
This year, as part of our character education, students across all levels will be learning about different ways Jesus demonstrated His love. Our theme is rooted in John 13:34-35, where Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. By following His example and loving others well, we show the world that we are His disciples.
Our first focus is on Jesus' compassion. When Jesus encountered crowds of people, He did not remain focused solely on the task before Him. Instead, Scripture tells us that He was moved with compassion for them: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)
During the month of September, we are encouraging students to strengthen their "compassion muscles" by seeing others through the eyes of Jesus. Compassion begins with slowing down, paying attention, and noticing those around us. Jesus' example invites us to ask: Do I truly see the people around me? How might my relationships change if I responded with the compassion that Jesus showed?
Students can practice compassion in simple but meaningful ways, such as inviting someone to join them during recess or at the lunch table, helping a classmate who feels lost or confused, or sitting with someone who is alone and starting a conversation.
Parent Partnership Opportunity: We are excited to partner with families as we learn about the many ways Jesus loves us. If you would like to extend the conversation with your child at home this month, here are a few ways your family can participate together:
· During family devotions or prayer time, ask your child how they noticed and showed compassion to others that day.
· Create cards for those who are sick or hurting.
· Write a note of encouragement to brighten someone’s day.
· Assemble items for a local shelter, nursing home, or food pantry.
Kate Williamson
Director of Student Services
Mark Your Calendar
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Playground Play Dates - Wednesday, Sept. 16
Looking for a fun, easy way to connect with other ACA families after the school day?
Every Monday & Wednesday, parents are welcome to bring their children to the playground for supervised play after school from 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Simply pick up your child at the end of carline, park, and enter the playground through the side gate.
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See You at the Pole - September 23
Students are invited to gather at our flagpole before the school day begins to pray for our friends, school, leaders, and country.
See You at the Pole is an international movement of prayer that began in 1990 in Texas with a small group of teenagers — and has since grown to an estimated 1 million students praying together across 64 countries.
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Tickets on Sale Wed., Sept. 23
Upper School Fall Production: 12 Angry Jurors
Mark your calendars! ACA's Upper School is bringing the courtroom to the stage this fall with 12 Angry Jurors.
When a teenager's fate hangs in the balance, twelve jurors must decide whether justice has truly been served. As tensions rise and assumptions are challenged, one courageous voice reminds the group that every life deserves careful consideration.
Performance Dates & Times:
Thursday, October 15 — 7:00 pm
Friday, October 16 — 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 17 — 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Come support our talented students in this gripping and thought-provoking production. We hope to see you there!
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Christian College Fair @ ACA
🎓 Christian College Fair at ACA! 🎓
Wednesday, September 23 | 10 a.m.–NoonACA is hosting a Christian College Fair right here on campus, and all Upper School students will be attending.
Parents, you're invited too! And don't keep this one to yourselves - students from other high schools are welcome to join in the fun. Grab a stack of postcards from the front office and help us spread the word!
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Taste of the Arts - September 25
Kick off the fall season with an evening of music featuring our Middle and Upper School choirs and bands!
The evening begins with a light dessert reception at 6:00 p.m.
Taste of the Arts marks the launch of our annual giving campaign, The ACA Fund.
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📚 Save the Date: ACA I:55 Book Fair - Sept. 28 - Oct. 2
In today's culture, it can be challenging to find literature that is both engaging and age appropriate. I:55 offers books that nourish both hearts and minds.
ACA will host its annual I:55 Book Fair — Reading Round Up — from Monday, September 28 through Friday, October 2, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM in our school library.
Mark your calendars and get ready to round up some great new reads for your students!
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🎉 SPIRIT WEEK & HOMECOMING ARE COMING! 🎉 September 28 – October 3
Get ready, Lions! 🦁💙 It's about to be the most spirited week of the year!
All week long, students will rock themed dress-down/dress-up days, building hype for an epic finish — Homecoming Weekend, October 2–3!
We're bringing our whole school community together for two days full of fun, fellowship, and school spirit:
🏈 Sporting Events
🍔 Tailgating & Food Trucks
🎪 Carnival Activities
...and much more!👉 Click the link below for the full Spirit Week Dress-Up schedule and all the Homecoming Weekend details.🦁
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Save the Date: Friday, Oct. 2
ACA Sporting Clays Tournament
Save the date for Friday, October 2, 2026, during Homecoming Week and Grandparents Day!
This special event is open to all ACA parents, grandparents, friends, and supporters.
Now accepting event sponsorship.
We look forward to gathering together at the Biltmore Sporting Clays Club for a memorable day of community and celebration.
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Grandparents/Grand Friends Day - October 2
One of our most cherished Lower School traditions is back!
Grandparents/Friends Day is October 2nd! 🦁💙
We can't wait to welcome our special guests for a morning full of memorable moments - starting with a special chapel, followed by time in the classroom, and a stop by the Book Fair for some fun finds to take home.
This is always such a sweet day for our Lower School families, and we know this year will be no different!
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Save the Date: Parenting Together with John Stonestreet Oct. 8
Throughout the school year, we bring in excellent local and national speakers to explore a variety of parenting topics.
On Oct. 8, from 6 - 7 pm, we are welcoming back, John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center. His talk, "Helping Your Student Know Who They Are in an Age of AI and Acronyms," is one you won't want to miss.
This event is free and open to the public.
To make it easier to attend, we're offering free childcare* and a family meal for current ACA families, so you can simply show up, be present, and fill your cup as a parent.
Volunteer opportunities are also available at the event, and you won't miss a moment of the programming if you choose to serve.
*Space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance.
Tandem Calendar
Calendar navigation: Click or tap on a date to view event details. Use arrows to view next month.
School Essentials
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2026–2027 Parent Calendar
The 2026–2027 Parent Calendar is up! Families can begin planning for key dates including holidays, parent nights, Winterim, Spring Break, and end-of-year events like Baccalaureate and Graduation.
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Episode 5 is LIVE: A Graduate's Journey of Faith at ACA
In this episode of Stories Rooted in Faith: The ACA Podcast, we sit down with recent graduate Ansley Fuchs as she reflects on her five years at Asheville Christian Academy.
Ansley opens up about the unity that formed when Hurricane Helene brought 200+ classmates into a church lobby each morning, the teachers and coaches who shaped her faith and character, and how ACA's commitment to teaching a Christ-centered worldview across every subject awakened a deeper, more confident faith heading into adulthood. She shares candid advice for younger students, honest reflections on a class that weathered COVID, teacher transitions, and a hurricane, and a heartfelt case for why she believes ACA is worth the investment for families weighing their options.
It's a story about community, resilience, and what it means to be rooted in something bigger than yourself even when the road there is anything but smooth.
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Check Out Your Child's Artwork on Artsonia!
Parents! Connect to Asheville Christian Academy on Artsonia to receive updates on your child's art classroom activity.
Artsonia.com is our school's online art gallery, featuring artwork from every student in grades Kindergarten–5th!
Each piece is photographed and uploaded to the gallery, making it easy for parents to share their child's creativity with friends and family near and far.
📱 Scan the QR code with your camera, or visit the link below and enter your Parent Code: 5NP62ZNS
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Habitat Dress Down Days
Help us fund our next Habitat Student Build by subscribing to our Habitat Dress Down Days!
Every $35 donation goes entirely toward building a house for a deserving family. Your donation allows the "subscribing" student or faculty member to dress down in Friday dress on the last Tuesday of each month of the school year. Our next Dress Down Day is September 29th!
To subscribe, click the link below and select "Habitat for Humanity Student Build" from the drop-down menu, making a note of the names and grades of subscribing students. You may also leave a check (made out to ACA) or cash at the front desk, attention Seth Rowe - just be sure to include a note with the subscribing student's name(s).
Questions about the build or dress-down days? Contact Seth Rowe at seth.rowe@ashevillechristian.org.
Donate here:
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Car Line Reminders
Please look over car line arrival and dismissal procedures to keep our school community safe and to keep car line running smoothly.
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Aftercare Registration for the 2026-27 School Year
Need reliable, safe, and fun after-school care for your student? Register for ACA’s Aftercare program!
Designed to support our working families, Aftercare provides safe indoor and outdoor play, plus a daily snack.
Please note:
Drop-in Aftercare must be reserved through the SchoolPass app by 2:30pm the day it is needed and is subject to availability.
Between 3:30-5:50pm call 828-581-2200 ext. 1299 or direct dial 828-367-0844 to reach an Aftercare leader.
For more info about Aftercare, click below:
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SchoolPass Reminder
We want to ensure daily dismissals run as smoothly, safely, and efficiently as possible for all of our students and families!
All changes to your child's end-of-day plans - whether for carpool, after-school activities, or bus transportation, must be logged through SchoolPass.
If you need a quick refresher or are new to the platform, check out these short video tutorials to help you navigate the process:
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep our carpool line and bus departures safe and organized from day one!
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Spirit Store Hours & Uniform Exchange
ACA Spirit Store
Store Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
7:45 – 8:30 am & 2:45 – 3:30 pmDonate & Earn Store Credit
Have gently used ACA CampusWear your family has outgrown? Donate it to the Spirit Store and receive store credit toward other gently used uniform items! Simply bring clean uniform pieces to the second floor of the Upper School, outside the elevator, complete the Clothing for Credit form provided, and hang the items on the hangers available.Please note: store credit cannot be issued for used t-shirts or PE uniforms. Also, for school safety purposes, please do not donate ACA logoed clothing to local charities.
Athletics & Fine Arts News
Fall Sports Information
Swim Interest Meeting - Grades 7-12, Boys and Girls
📅 Oct. 7 | During lunch times | Team Room
Upcoming Home Games
Thurs., Sept. 17
Middle School Football (at Owen HS) vs. Spartanburg Day - 6:30 pm
Fri., Sept. 18
Varsity Football (at Asheville School) vs. Copper Basin HS (TN) - 7:00 pm
Tues., Sept. 22
MS/JV/Varsity Volleyball vs. Carolina Day School - 4:00 / 5:00 / 6:00 pm
Varsity Tennis vs. Carolina Day School - 4:00 pm
Varsity Soccer vs. Carolina Day School - 4:30 pm 🎉 Senior Day!
Wed., Sept. 23
Middle School Soccer vs. Canton Middle School - 4:30 pm
JV/Varsity Volleyball vs. Brevard High School - 4:30 / 5:30 pm
Tues., Sept. 29
JV/Varsity Volleyball vs. Asheville School - 4:30 / 5:30 pm
Wed., Sept. 30
MS/Varsity Cross Country Invitational - 4:30 pm
JV Volleyball vs. AC Reynolds High School - 4:30 pm
Fri, Oct. 2
Varsity Football (at Owen HS) vs. King's Academy (TN) - 7:30 pm 🏈 Homecoming!
Sat, Oct. 3
Varsity Soccer vs. Asheville School - 3:00 pm Homecoming!
Varsity Tennis vs. Asheville School - 3:00 pm Homecoming!
Varsity Volleyball vs. AC Reynolds High School - 1:00 pm Homecoming!
Asheville Christian Letter Jackets! Get one ordered before the cold sets in!
📧 Contact Ryan Radford: wncgrad@gmail.com
Winter Sports Information
Basketball and Swimming seasons begin Nov. 2.
For more information, contact:
Swimming: Heather Butler: heather.butler@ashevillechristian.org
Boys Basketball: JR Cadot: jr.cadot@ashevillechristian.org
Girls Basketball: Jonathan Bennett: jonathan.bennett@ashevillechristian.org
Upcoming Theater Productions
🎭 Frozen Audition Details Coming September 18th
Auditions for our Upper School spring musical - Disney’s Frozen - are on the horizon, and full details on how to prepare and sign up will be released on September 18th. Whether your student dreams of taking the stage as Elsa or Anna, or lending their talents backstage, there's a role for everyone in this magical production. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!
Upper School Fall Production: 12 Angry Jurors
Mark your calendars! ACA's Upper School is bringing the courtroom to the stage this fall with 12 Angry Jurors.
When a teenager's fate hangs in the balance, twelve jurors must decide whether justice has truly been served. As tensions rise and assumptions are challenged, one courageous voice reminds the group that every life deserves careful consideration.
Performance Dates & Times:
Thursday, October 15 — 7:00 pm
Friday, October 16 — 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 17 — 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Tickets: Purchase here (Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 23)
Come support our talented students in this gripping and thought-provoking production. We hope to see you there!
Parent Teacher Fellowship
A Year Well Spent - Thank You!
What a year it has been! From big events to behind-the-scenes help, our ACA community showed up beautifully. Thank you to every volunteer who gave their time and talents in any capacity this year - it truly makes a difference. Take a moment to relive some of the highlights:
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Volunteers Needed - Christian College Fair
ACA is honored to host the Christian College Fair again this year on Wed., September 23. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to extend hospitality to the college representatives and to the students and families who visit.
Please sign up below to help welcome the representatives and greet students!
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Volunteers Needed - Taste of the Arts
The Taste of the Arts performance will be held Friday, September 25 from 6-7:30 p.m.
This year, we will hear performances from the Choirs (7th-12th), and Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. Student art also will be displayed.
We need help with decorating the auditorium, including setting up food, and cleaning up after the event. Please let us know if you are willing to help by signing up at the link below.
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Volunteers Needed - ACA Book Fair
ACA’s Book Fair runs throughout the school day (8 - 3:30 pm) from September 28th-October 2nd.
We need parent volunteers to help set up, tear down, cashier, restocking, decorating - there is something for everyone's gifting.
Everyone who volunteers a shift will get a free book!
Please sign up as a volunteer below.
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Volunteers Needed for Grandparents/Grand Friends Day, Oct. 2
Grandparents/Friends Day is just around the corner and we need your help!
Please click the link below to volunteer.
**This event is ONLY for grandparents and grand friends. Parents are not allowed to attend, unless you are there as a volunteer.
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We Need You for Coffee Connection: Friday, October 9th
Help Deliver Coffee to Teachers & Staff!
The Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Truck is coming to ACA to bless the teachers and staff on Friday, October 9 from 8-9:30 a.m.
We need PTF volunteers to help deliver coffee to the teachers and staff.
We will have their orders before Friday, so grab a friend and volunteer to deliver coffee to teachers and staff.
Come have some fun with us, and the teachers and staff will really appreciate it!
Also, if all the slots are filled to volunteer, you can still come just hang out and drink coffee!
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Get Involved. Stay Connected. Build Community.
PTF is one of the best ways to stay connected, build friendships, and invest in the ACA community and we'd love to have you! Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle, there's a place for you.
Sign up below to let us know you're interested in helping with activities for the 2026-27 school year.
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Moms in Prayer
All moms are welcome to join us every Monday morning after drop-off for Moms in Prayer! We pray for the school, our teachers and staff, and our students. It's also a wonderful way to meet other parents too.
We meet at the Baker House (the home at the front of ACA). Please sign in at the front desk and walk over. On weeks when there's no school on Monday, we'll gather on Tuesday instead.
We'd love to have you! For more information or to submit prayer requests, email MomsinPrayerACA@gmail.com
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Footsteps and Fellowship
Whether you're new to ACA or you've been part of our community for years, we'd love for you to join us! Come walk with us every Thursday (in approved areas). It's a great way to get some fresh air, stay active, and get to know other parents in our community.
When: Thursdays 1:45–2:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
Who: All parents welcome. Come whenever you can!
Where: Meet in front of the school. Don't forget to sign in and grab your Trail Walker sticker!
We can't wait to see you there! -
Support ACA through Shop ’n’ Give programs!
Last year, your qualified purchases with our affiliated retailers through the Shop-n-Give Affinity Programs benefitted ACA last year in cash back and products valued at $11,300! We were able to purchase a middle school ball cart, tables, and PE equipment.
Some of our participating partners are Ingles, Lands’ End, Harris Teeter, Box Tops and Office Depot.
For more information on how to participate, please visit the PTF section of the ACA website or click the link below.
Guidance News
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SENIOR NEWS
Please read the email from Mrs. Boer about college applications. We need to know where, when, and how you are applying so we can send your school materials and write your recommendations. Check in with Mrs. Boer and Mrs. Bullock with your questions and concerns.
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College Reps at ACA
Take advantage of learning more about a variety of colleges when they come to us!
During lunch, upper school students can stop by and visit with college representatives to find out what makes their schools special.
High Point University - Tues, Sept. 22
Hampden-Sydney University -Fri, Sept. 25
Elon Univ – Wed, Sept. 30
School Year Abroad – Thurs, Oct. 1
St. Lawrence Univ – Mon, Oct. 5
Marist Univ – Tues, Oct. 6
Furman Univ – Thurs, Oct. 8
Roanoke College – Fri, Oct. 9
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Peach State Tour: Admission Information Sessions
Interested in learning more about Georgia's top universities?
Join the Peach State Tour's virtual admission information session on Wednesday, September 16, from 8:00–9:00 p.m.!
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Virtual Session with Harvard, Princeton, UVA, Wellesley & Yale
Interested in learning more about some of the nation's most selective universities?
ACA students are invited to register for a virtual information session featuring representatives from Harvard, Princeton, UVA, Wellesley, and Yale!
Choose the date that works best for you:
Friday, September 27
Friday, October 4
Don't miss this chance to hear directly from these top schools and get your questions answered!
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PSAT - Tuesday, October 20
ACA will administer the PSAT on Tuesday, October 20, to students in grades 9, 10, and 11.
The PSAT is a digital assessment, so students will need to bring their fully charged laptop and charger to school on testing day.
We will work with students ahead of time to make sure Bluebook, College Board’s testing application, is installed and their device is ready for testing.
Please mark October 20 on your calendar and make every effort for your student to be at school and on time that morning. More testing-day details will be shared as we get closer to the date.
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Calling All Student Leaders!
Does your child show the qualities of a future leader?
Lands' End has opened entries for its 2026–2027 School Starboard Scholarship, awarding five scholarships of $5,000 each to students in grades 8-12 who are ready to guide the next generation.
The scholarship can be applied toward school or college tuition - a meaningful boost for families planning ahead.
We encourage you to apply on your student's behalf today!
International Student Homestay Program
Would You Consider Hosting an International Student Next School Year?
At Asheville Christian Academy, we are committed to fostering a diverse community that values cultural exchange and understanding. Through our International Homestay Program, we welcome students from around the world.
As a host family, you will receive a $1,000 monthly stipend to help offset hosting costs. More importantly, you will have the opportunity to provide a warm, loving, and nurturing home for a student far from their own family. This experience is more than just a cultural exchange - it’s a chance to build lifelong connections and friendships while reflecting Christ’s love and compassion.
What Is It Like to Host an International Student?
Hear firsthand from three ACA host families by clicking here.
For more information about the International Student Program, please contact Deborah Stuart at Deborah.Stuart@ashevillechristian.org
Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity!
