BETWEEN the LIONS
June 17, 2026
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As we settle into the rhythms of summer, I hope the season is off to a wonderful start for your family. Summer provides a unique opportunity to slow down, enjoy time together, create lasting memories, and reflect on God's faithfulness throughout the past school year. Whether your days are filled with travel, camps, family gatherings, or simply enjoying the beauty of Western North Carolina, I pray this season brings refreshment and renewal.
While our students and families enjoy a well-deserved break, the work of preparing for another school year at Asheville Christian Academy is already well underway. Throughout the summer, our faculty, staff, and administration are engaged in planning, training, hiring, curriculum development, facility improvements, and strategic initiatives that will help us serve students and families even more effectively in the year ahead.
As part of our preparation for next year, a group of administrators has been reading and discussing a book entitled Jesus Above School by Noah Samuel Brink. In the opening chapter, Brink poses a compelling question: "What difference does the gospel make?" While he asks this question in the context of school culture, I find myself asking it more broadly.
What difference does the gospel make in your life?
What difference does it make in your relationships, your parenting, your marriage, your work, your friendships, your decisions, your ambitions, and the countless ordinary moments that make up each day?
As Christians, we believe the gospel is not merely the doorway into faith, it is the foundation upon which all of life is built. The good news of Jesus Christ is not intended to occupy a compartment of our lives reserved for Sunday mornings. Rather, it reshapes how we think, how we love, how we forgive, how we lead, how we serve, and how we engage the world around us.
For ACA, the pursuit of asking how the gospel affects what we do is often messy. It requires humility. It requires constant reflection. It requires us to examine our assumptions and ask difficult questions about whether Christ truly remains at the center of our decisions, programs, priorities, and relationships.
Yet it is precisely this pursuit that reminds me how distinctive a Christian school should be.
Our goal is not simply to provide excellent academics, competitive athletics, outstanding fine arts programs, or enriching extracurricular opportunities. Although we are committed to all of those things, our deeper calling is to continually ask how the gospel transforms every aspect of the educational experience. We want students to encounter a community where Christ is not merely acknowledged but truly preeminent. We want them to see adults who are imperfect yet committed to living under the lordship of Jesus. We want them to understand that faith is not an addition to life but the lens through which all of life is understood.
As we continue our work through Vision 2030 and prepare for the year ahead, I am increasingly convinced that our greatest distinctiveness will never be found in our programs, facilities, or accomplishments. It will be found in our unwavering commitment to place Jesus above everything else.
My prayer for all of us this summer is that we would continue to wrestle with that simple but profound question: What difference does the gospel make?
May the answer shape our hearts, our homes, and our community as we prepare for another year of pursuing Christ together.
Dr. Jason Putnam
Head of School
Recovery Updates
We're grateful to share some exciting campus restoration updates. After a lengthy permitting process, the Track and Field restoration project is finally wrapping up with construction crews expected to remobilize soon. In addition, summer work crews have begun the initial phase of restoring our river trail by clearing underbrush and preparing the area for future work. While these are just the first steps, they represent significant progress toward the complete restoration of our outdoor spaces. We are grateful for the continued support, patience, and prayers of our school community as we move closer to seeing our campus fully restored.
Featured Events
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Spots Still Available for ACA Summer Camps!
There's still time to join the fun at ACA Summer Camps! Whether your child loves sports, science, art, music, theater, or the outdoors, there's a camp designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create lasting friendships.
These camps still have room for more campers—we'd love to fill them!
🌍 Geography Club (Rising 2nd–4th)
🌲 Outdoor Learning (Rising 2nd–6th)
⚽ Soccer (Co-ed, Rising 3rd–5th)
⚽ Soccer (Co-ed, Rising 6th–8th)
🎲 Bored? No! Board Games! (Rising 3rd–6th)
Many of our camps are filling quickly, so don't wait! Click the button below to view the Summer Camp Brochure and register today. We can't wait to make this a summer your child will never forget!
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ACA Corporation
At Asheville Christian Academy, we are more than a school. We are a community shaped by shared purpose and partnership. One meaningful way families engage in that partnership is through membership in the ACA Corporation.
Each year, parents and employees are invited to join the Corporation and play a vital role in supporting the school’s mission and future. Corporation members help affirm leadership through the election of the Board of Directors, who safeguard ACA’s mission and direction while the Head of School leads its daily work. Together, this structure provides clarity, accountability, and long-term strength.
Becoming part of the Corporation is more than a formality. It is an opportunity to participate in stewardship, invest in the life of the school, and help ensure ACA remains rooted in its Christ centered mission for the 2026 to 2027 school year.
Thank you for being an essential part of our community.
Deadline for Corporation Membership is June 30th.
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Summer Strength & Conditioning Program – Spots Still Available!
There's still time to join ACA's Summer Strength & Conditioning Program for rising 8th–12th grade students!
Whether you're preparing for fall sports or simply want to improve your overall fitness, this program is designed to help athletes build strength, speed, power, endurance, and confidence. Workouts are based on proven training methods and are appropriate for all ability levels—no previous weightlifting or training experience is required.
Program Details:
Dates: Now – July 31
Cost: $100
Who: Rising 8th–12th grade students
If you're interested in participating, please email Coach Nick Ficker: Nick.Ficker@ashevillechristian.org
Don't miss this opportunity to get stronger and be ready for the upcoming school year!
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The Roar Spring Wrap-Up 2026
The latest edition of The Roar looks back on an incredible spring season of ACA athletics—from team and individual accomplishments to the meaningful moments that shaped our student-athletes both on and off the field. Read about the Gathering of the Pride, senior reflections, and the lasting impact of Christ-centered athletics. Click below to read the full edition.
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ACA Fall Production Auditions
ACA’s Theatre & Fine Arts will be soon be gearing up for the fall production of 12 Angry Jurors.
Auditions will take place before school begins on August 12–13.
Students interested in auditioning can sign up to receive audition information over the summer outside the Upper School office or by emailing erin.lindberg@ashevillechristian.org.
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Why We Teach Here: Trent Lunberry, ACA Middle School Teacher
In this episode, of Stories Rooted in Faith, Deborah Stuart sits down with ACA’s own Trent Lunberry, a 6th grade teacher whose classroom is anything but ordinary. Trent shares how God called him into Christian education and why he sees his work as a full-time ministry, not just a job.
From his favorite God moments to the everyday ways he points students toward Christ, Trent offers a powerful look at what it means to teach with purpose. His passion for teaching shines through in every story, every interaction, and every moment captured in this episode.
Featuring special behind-the-scenes classroom footage, you’ll get to witness Trent in his element—leading, encouraging, and pouring his heart into the next generation. He’s a true treasure at ACA, beloved by students and families alike.
This is the story of a teacher who embodies calling over career and ministry over routine. Don’t miss this inspiring episode.Watch or Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
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Save the Date: Back-to-School Bash!
Monday, August 17
Mark your calendars! Our Back-to-School Bash is the perfect way to kick off an exciting new school year.
Come meet your teachers, reconnect with friends, explore your classrooms, and take care of any last-minute back-to-school business before the first day of classes. It's a fun, relaxed opportunity for the entire ACA community to gather, celebrate, and start the year off together.
More details, including times and activities, will be shared soon. We can't wait to welcome everyone back to campus!
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Become a Family Mentor - Make a Difference!
Are you passionate about our school community? Have you been part of the ACA family for at least two years? We need your experience and enthusiasm!
Our Family Mentor program pairs seasoned ACA families with those new to our school. As a mentor, you’ll be a friendly face, a helpful guide, and a go-to resource for a family just starting their ACA journey.
Share your wisdom, answer questions, and help new families feel at home faster. Your support can make a world of difference during a time of transition.
Ready to make an impact? Sign up today to become an ACA Family Mentor! Email ptf@ashevillechristian.org for more details or to volunteer.
Thank you for considering this meaningful way to serve and strengthen our wonderful school community. We appreciate you!
Tandem Calendar
Calendar navigation: Click or tap on a date to view event details. Use arrows to view next month.
All School News
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Save 20% on School Uniforms
School may be out for the summer, but it's the perfect time to get ready for the 2026–27 school year!
ACA families can save 20% on Lands' End school uniforms June 20– July 3.
Use promo code:SCHOOLWEAR20
Take advantage of this limited-time sale to stock up on polos, pants, skirts, outerwear, and other uniform essentials before the back-to-school rush.
Don't miss out—the sale ends July 3!
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School Supply Kit Sales Now Open!
ACA Pre-K - 8th grade families can now order optional school supply kits for the 2026–2027 school year. This convenient fundraiser helps support our school while making back-to-school shopping simple and stress-free.
Orders placed by June 19 will be shipped directly to the school, and your child’s supply kit will be waiting in their classroom at the Back to School Bash in August.
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Spirit Store Summer Hours & Uniform Exchange
The ACA Spirit Store summer hours are as follows:
• Closed during June
• Mondays, July 13–August 10: 1–3 p.m.
• Monday, August 17: 8:30 a.m.–Noon
• Wednesday, August 19: 7:45–8:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Families may also donate gently used ACA CampusWear items or receive store credit to use toward other gently used uniforms in the Spirit Store. To participate, simply bring clean uniform items to the second floor of the Upper School outside the elevator, complete the Clothing for Credit form provided, and leave the items on the hangers available.
Please note that store credit cannot be issued for used t-shirts or PE uniforms. Families are asked not to donate ACA logoed clothing to local charities for school safety purposes.
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Looking Ahead: 2026–2027 Parent Calendar
The 2026–2027 Parent Calendar is up! Families can begin planning for key dates including the Back to School Bash (August 17), the first day of school (August 19 – noon dismissal), holidays, parent nights, Winterim, Spring Break, and end-of-year events like Baccalaureate (May 28) and Graduation (May 29).
Please note:Middle School Parent Night has been moved from September 3 to August 31 and will now be combined with Upper School Parent Night.
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Car Tag Reminder
Please do not throw away your car tags at the end of the school year. These tags can be reused for the following school year. If you will need additional car tags please email us at: transportation@ashevillechristian.org
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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.
We look forward to gathering together at the Biltmore Sporting Clays Club for a memorable day of community and celebration. More details will be shared soon.
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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Want to Get More Involved Next Year?
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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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! Some of our participating partners are Ingles, Lands’ End, Harris Teeter, and Box Tops.
Athletics & Fine Arts News
Fall Sports Start Dates & Important Information
Varsity Sports (Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Girls Golf, Girls Tennis):
Start Date: August 3
Times: TBA via Remind and Tandem
Middle School Sports (Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Soccer):
Start Date: August 10
Times: TBA via Remind and Tandem
All athletes and families are encouraged to join their team’s Remind group for the most up-to-date communication regarding schedules, practices, and important announcements:
Varsity & JV Volleyball – Torri Render | torri.render@ashevillechristian.org | Remind: @33gg28
MS Volleyball – Shannon Whitson | shannonmccotter1982@gmail.com | Remind: @acamsv
Varsity Soccer – Terry Hughes | terry.hughes@ashevillechristian.org | Remind: @7ccg4
MS Soccer – Brandon Hair | brandonlhair@icloud.com | Remind: @26mssoc
Varsity Football – George Johnson | george.johnson@ashevillechristian.org | Remind: @efe7h69
MS Football – George Johnson | george.johnson@ashevillechristian.org | Remind: @dgkage
Varsity Cheer - Brittany Meiners | bmeiners13@yahoo.com | Remind: @202526chee
Varsity Girls Golf (Gr. 7–12) – Michael Hicks | michael.hicks@ashevillechristian.org | Remind: TBA
Varsity Girls Tennis (Gr. 7–12) – Will Wright | wwillie23@gmail.com | Remind: @2026gten
JV Girls Tennis (Gr. 7–12) – TBA | Remind: @ek6bk3
Varsity Cross Country – Francine Hill | francine.hill@ashevillechristian.org | Remind: @g6s28yx
MS Cross Country – Lisa Gamble | lisagamble22@yahoo.com | Remind: @gheaf3a
Important Reminder:
All athletes must have a completed sports physical exam and parental consent form submitted prior to tryouts and practices.
To request a packet, please contact heidi.pieper@ashevillechristian.org.
ACA Athletic History
Interested in ACA athletic history? Help us continue building our athletics archive, now displayed on the touchscreen in the East Athletic Upper School hallway within the new trophy cases. We are seeking action photos of all athletes, past and present, as well as team and championship photos. Some of this content was lost in the flood, and your help is greatly appreciated.
Have questions or materials to share? Please contact Joe Johnson, Director of Athletics, at joe.johnson@ashevillechristian.org.
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!
Guidance News
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Congratulations Class of 2026!!
Important College Transition Reminders
As you prepare for the next step in your academic journey, please take note of the following important deadlines:
Mid-June:
Request official transcripts for any dual enrollment credits. These should be sent directly to your college.AB Tech (AP Statistics): https://abtech.edu/future-students/student-records/order-transcripts
Colorado Christian University: https://www.ccu.edu/academy/transcripts/
Early July:
Request AP exam scores to be sent to your college through www.collegeboard.org.Please also refer back to the email sent in May regarding additional college transition resources for helpful guidance during this process.
We continue to pray for you as you take these next steps in your educational journey.
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College Application & Essay Planning Reminders
As you continue preparing for college applications, please complete the following important next steps:
Complete the Brag Sheet for Recommenders in Scoir (instructions were sent via email).
Speak with two teachers about serving as your recommenders and formally request them in Scoir.
Sign up for College App Bootcamp (July 13–16) by emailing Mrs. Boer.
Taking care of these steps early will help ensure a smoother and less stressful application process this fall.
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Upper School Advising
Juniors & Sophomores: Sign up for Test Prep Bootcamp, July 27-29, https://tutorsacrossamerica.com/actcourse/, scroll to the camp at ACA and use code GOLIONS for ½ off!
