BETWEEN the LIONS
September 2, 2026
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Dear ACA Family,
As we step into September, the pace of school life is certainly beginning to pick up. The weeks ahead will be busy, but they will also be filled with wonderful opportunities to come together as a school community, strengthen relationships, serve others, and most importantly, exalt our Heavenly Father.
One of the great blessings of Asheville Christian is that our community is about much more than what happens in the classroom. We intentionally create opportunities for students, families, faculty, and staff to worship together, pray together, celebrate the gifts God has given us, and simply enjoy being in community with one another.
There is much to look forward to this fall:
Worship Wednesday – September 9: An opportunity for our school community to gather and turn our attention together toward Christ through worship.
Mother-Son LEGO Event: A fun evening designed to create memories and strengthen the important relationship between mothers and sons.
September 11 Memorial: A meaningful time to remember, honor, and reflect upon the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the importance of service to others.
See You at the Pole: Our students will join students across the nation in this student-led time of prayer, gathering together to pray for their school, their community, and our world.
Taste of the Arts: A wonderful celebration of the creativity and talents God has given our students and an opportunity to experience the strength of our arts community.
Christian College Fair: An opportunity for our students and families to explore colleges and universities where faith and learning are intentionally integrated.
Upper School Retreat: Dedicated time away for our Upper School students to deepen relationships, strengthen community, and grow together in their walk with Christ.
I invite you to participate in these events as you are able. Come worship with us. Pray alongside our students. Attend a performance. Encourage our young people. Spend time with other ACA families. These moments matter because strong Christian community does not happen accidentally. Our community is built through our willingness to show up, participate, serve, and invest in one another.
Our goal remains simple and consistent: to create space and opportunity to grow in our Lord, serve our community, and love others as Jesus loves us.
Jesus reminds us in John 13:34–35, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” As the pace of fall increases and our calendars become fuller, may we remember that these gatherings are more than events on a calendar. They are opportunities to live out who we are called to be. A community centered on Christ, committed to one another, and seeking to glorify God in all that we do.
I look forward to sharing these special moments with you in the weeks ahead.
Dr. Jason Putnam
Head of School
Campus Updates
We are pleased to announce that a contractor has been selected to complete the remainder of the Track & Field project, with work resuming on campus next week.
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.
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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The Coffee Connection/Fun Start Friday, Sept. 4
Join us this Friday for The Coffee Connection!
On the first Friday of every month (except November and January), the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Truck will be parked in front of the school. Grab a cup, connect with other parents, and enjoy a relaxed morning together - and if you'd like to help deliver coffee to teachers and staff, that's a fun way to serve, too!
What: Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Truck -meet other parents and get caffeinated and connected
When: This Friday, September 4, 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Coffee Truck (if it's raining, bring your coffee to the library)
Who: All parents are invitedLower School parents may walk their children to class at the allowed time and then join us at the Coffee Truck.
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Lands' End Labor Day Sale
Labor Day savings are here! Starting today - Sept. 8, enjoy 20% off select school uniform styles at Lands' End. It’s a great time to stock up before the season gets busy.
Use code: LABORDAY20
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Monday, Sept. 7 - Labor Day
Happy Labor Day!
ACA will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7.
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School Picture Day — Tuesday, September 8
Smile! Tuesday, September 8 is School Picture Day at ACA. Please make sure your student is dressed and ready to capture the moment!
Dress Code: Student Choice or ACA CampusWear
Upper & Middle School: Students may wear school-approved jeans with a nice top, or their uniform. Please, no spaghetti straps, low-cut shirts, half shirts, or backless shirts.
Lower School: Students may dress up in "Sunday Dress" or wear jeans with a nice top. Please, no spaghetti straps or pants with rips or holes.
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Worship Wednesdays - Sept. 9
Join us for Worship Wednesdays - a quarterly opportunity for parents to gather with our faculty and staff in corporate worship.
Beginning Wednesday, September 9, from 7:30–7:45 a.m., we'll pause amid our busy schedules once each school quarter to lift our voices in praise and center our hearts on Christ together as one school family.
While we treasure our time to connect and socialize, this gathering is set apart for worship, with our focus on Christ alone. Students are welcome to attend but must sit with their parents; afterward, parents may walk their children to class. Please exit through the Lower School doors once worship concludes.
Upcoming Worship Wednesday Dates:
November 4
February 10
April 7
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Playground Play Dates - Wednesday, Sept. 9
Looking for a fun, easy way to connect with other ACA families after the school day?
Starting September 9, on Mondays & Wednesdays, 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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Remembering September 11: A 25th Anniversary Assembly
On Friday, September 11, our school (grades 3rd - 12th) will pause to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks with a special assembly of remembrance.
For our students, September 11th is history rather than memory. To help bring that history to life, our assembly will feature the personal reflections of ACA faculty and staff: where they were, what they were doing, and how that day shaped them. These stories will be compiled into a memorial wall, featured alongside photographs licensed from the 9/11 Museum in NYC - continuing a tradition our school also honored on the 10th and 20th anniversaries.
Our hope is that this day of remembrance helps our students understand the weight of that tragic day, honors the victims and their families, and holds true to a promise our nation made 25 years ago: to never forget.
More details on the day's schedule will be shared as we get closer.
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Save the Date: 🧱 Mother/Son LEGO Event!
Calling all 2nd–5th grade boys and their moms!
Join us on Saturday, September 12, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at ACA for an afternoon of creativity, building, and fun at our Mother/Son LEGO Event.
Please RSVP by September 9th. $10/person; siblings $5
We need volunteers! If you’d like to volunteer for this event, sign up below:
Registration link for the event is below!
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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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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.
If you would like to volunteer to help with this event, please sign up at the link below.
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🎉 SPIRIT WEEK IS COMING! 🎉 September 28 – October 3
Get ready, Lions! It's the most spirited week of the year! 🦁💙 Students will rock themed dress-down/dress-up days all week long, building hype for an epic finish.
🌟 Friday kicks off with Grandparents/Friends Day and our Sporting Clays event, then rolls right into tailgating, food trucks, and Friday night football under the lights! 🏈🌭
🎪 Saturday brings even more fun for the whole family. Start the morning with a Fun Run & 5K, then dive into a carnival, varsity sports games, and wrap it all up with a good old-fashioned square dance! 🎡🕺
This is a week you won't want to miss - mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details coming soon!
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Save the Date: ACA Homecoming Weekend
Mark your calendars for October 2–3 and join us for an unforgettable Homecoming weekend! We’re bringing our school community together for two days filled with fun, fellowship, and school spirit.
What to look forward to:
🏈 Sporting Events
🍔 Tailgating & Food Trucks
🎪 Carnival Activities
…and much more!
More details and a complete schedule of events will be shared soon. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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Grandparents/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!
If you would like to volunteer for this event, please sign up at the link below.
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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.
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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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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Bus Service & Shuttle Sign-Ups
Sign up for ACA’s South Asheville Bus Service and the ACA Shuttle for the school year!
South Asheville Bus Service
Location: Biltmore Park (First National Bank ATM Parking Lot)
Schedule: Afternoon service is currently full; a waitlist is available.
ACA Shuttle (Fastest Pick-Up!)
Location: Swannanoa Ingles parking lot on US 70 (just around the corner from school)
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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.
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Rooted In Dependence: Danielle Teague, ACA Bible Teacher
In this episode, of Stories Rooted in Faith, Deborah Stuart sits down with ACA’s Danielle Teague, an upper school Bible teacher whose classroom is a space for deep transformation. Danielle shares her personal pursuit of dependence on Jesus and how she actively uses her love for God’s word to make disciples of the next generation.
From navigating profound seasons of personal loss to witnessing the way God redeems pain for His glory, Danielle offers a powerful look at what it means to point students toward His unwavering faithfulness. Her passion for scriptures and discipleship shines through in every story, every interaction, and every moment captured in this episode.
This is the story of a teacher who embodies beauty from ashes and dependence over self-sufficiency. Don’t miss this inspiring episode.
Watch or Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Athletics & Fine Arts News
Fall Sports Information
Upcoming Home Games
9/3 – Middle School Volleyball v. Smoky Mountain MS, 4:00 pm
9/3 – JV/Varsity Volleyball v. Enka High School, 5:00/6:00 pm
9/3 – Varsity Soccer v. Pisgah High School, 4:30 pm
9/10 – Middle School Soccer v. Smoky Mountain MS, 4:30 pm
9/11 – Varsity Soccer (at Owen High School) v. Owen, 5:00 pm
9/11 – Varsity Football (at Owen High School) v. Southside Christian, 7:30 pm - Theme: Wear USA colors in remembrance of 9/11
9/14 – Middle School Volleyball v. Asheville Trailblazers, 4:30 pm
9/14 – Middle School Soccer v. Madison MS, 4:30 pm
Full game schedules are on Tandem, the ACA school calendar. Most varsity sports schedules can also be found on MaxPreps.
Get your ACA letter jackets before it's cold! Contact Ryan Radford at wncgrad@gmail.com.
Athletic Business Sponsorships!
We still have options open for the promotion of your business on our athletic facilities. Thousands attend our athletic events over the course of a school year. Our business partnerships go a long way in making ACA Athletics happen! Contact Joe Johnson, Director of Athletics, at joe.johnson@ashevillechristian.org.
Admission to Home Football and Volleyball Games
Varsity Football: $10 Adult / $5 Student (ACA students free)
MS Football: $5 Adult and Student (ACA students free)
Varsity and JV Volleyball: $5 Adult and Student (ACA students free)
MS Volleyball: $5 Adult / $3 Student (ACA students free)
Season passes are available at the gate or in the athletic office.
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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Help with Picture Day
Picture Day is Tuesday, September 8th and we need volunteers to help check in students and make sure their hair and clothes are camera-ready!
What: ACA Picture Day Volunteers
When: Tuesday, September 8, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Front of ACA -
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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U.S. Military Service Academy Day at Christ School
If you have any interest in attending a military academy, don't miss this valuable opportunity! Representatives from the U.S. service academies will be on hand at Christ School to answer questions and share what it takes to pursue this path.
Wednesday, September 9 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
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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.
Covenant College - Friday, September 11
Centre College - Monday, September 14
Wofford College - Monday, September 14
High Point University - Tuesday, September 22
Hampden-Sydney University -Friday, September 25
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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 Tuesday, 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!
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!
Celebrating Our 2026 SENIOR PROJECTS
We are so proud to share the incredible senior projects completed by members of the Class of 2026, each one leaving a lasting mark on our campus and community.
The Class of 2026 came together to design a beautiful, sacred space surrounding the senior rock next to the future senior parking lot, creating a meaningful spot for reflection that future classes will enjoy for years to come.
Jackson Laufer brought his Eagle Scout Project to life with the creation of a peaceful prayer garden outside of Upper School, offering our students and staff a quiet space for prayer and reflection right on campus.
Lucas Bates, also completing his Eagle Scout Project, placed birdhouses throughout our campus, adding beauty and life to the outdoor spaces our community enjoys every day.
We are deeply grateful to Jackson, Lucas, and the entire Class of 2026 for their vision, hard work, and heart for our school. These projects are true gifts that will bless our campus for years to come!
