BETWEEN the LIONS
April 16, 2026
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There is something uniquely powerful about watching a student step into a gift that God has placed within them. Whether it is a voice lifted in song, a hand bringing life to canvas, or a performance that draws an audience into a story, these moments remind us that our students are not only learners, but image bearers, created with intentionality and purpose.
As we move into this spring season, one of the most visible and celebrated expressions of that truth is our Upper School Spring Musical. It is more than a production. It is the culmination of months of discipline, collaboration, creativity, and courage. Our students give themselves fully to the process, learning not only technique, but perseverance, humility, and the joy of creating something excellent together. It is a beautiful picture of what can happen when gifts are nurtured in a Christ-centered community.
Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 4:10 that “as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” That phrase, “varied grace,” is especially meaningful. God does not gift each of us in the same way. Instead, He distributes His creativity across His people in diverse and intentional ways. In our fine arts program, we see that truth on full display every day.
What makes this even more meaningful is the faithful investment of our fine arts faculty. These men and women give far more than instruction. They give time, energy, encouragement, and care. They see potential in students before students see it in themselves. They call them to excellence, not for applause, but for the glory of God. Behind every performance, every piece of art, and every moment on stage is a teacher who has quietly and consistently poured into a student’s life.
I encourage you to attend one of four showings of our Spring Musical, Hello Dolly, beginning April 23rd through April 25th. Come and see what God is doing in and through our students. You will see talent, certainly. But more importantly, you will see growth, confidence, courage, and worship expressed through creativity.
This is the beauty of fine arts at Asheville Christian Academy. It is not just about what is performed. It is about what is being formed.
Together in Christ, Jesus.
Dr. Jason Putnam
Head of School
Recovery Updates
We recently celebrated the first games played on our newly restored fields and court since Hurricane Helene and dedicated them to God’s purpose for Asheville Christian Academy. Through it all, God has strengthened ACA’s foundation for generations of future student-athletes.
May it serve as a lasting reminder that while storms may come, God has sustained us, and we move forward with faith, community, and courage.
New ACA Hires
We are thrilled to welcome three new team members to Asheville Christian! Each brings unique gifts and talents to critical roles that support our mission and help our school thrive.
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![Sarah Rogers, Enrollment Manager and Registrar]()
Sarah Rogers, Enrollment Manager and Registrar
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Colby Wells, Grounds & Athletic Fields Supervisor
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Jack Bell, Operations Coordinator
This month, our Character Education focus is on Goodness, with an emphasis on Good Judgment. Jesus taught about judgment both in terms of His ultimate authority to judge and how we are to treat one another. He emphasized righteous judgment, which involves discerning truth and acting justly, while cautioning against judging others based on appearances or with a condemning spirit.
Jesus reminded us that we will be judged by the same standard we use for others, calling us to approach situations with fairness, humility, and wisdom. Good judgment is both a natural ability and a learned skill, one that can be developed over time through guidance, experience, and a commitment to truth.
It is important for students to understand that good judgment helps them make wise decisions, treat others with respect, and respond thoughtfully in all situations. When students learn to seek truth and act justly, they reflect Christ’s goodness in their daily lives. Scripture reinforces this in John 7:24, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
As we focus on goodness and good judgment this month, may we encourage students to think carefully, act fairly, and reflect Christ’s love and truth in all they do.
Character Education
Featured Events
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Reminder
Monday, April 20 is an in-service day. There will be no school for students.
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Hello, Dolly! – Upper School Spring Musical
Don’t miss our Upper School production of Hello, Dolly!! This classic, high-energy musical follows the charming and clever Dolly Levi as she sets out to matchmake for others—while finding a little romance for herself along the way. Filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable songs, it’s a delightful story about love, second chances, and embracing life to the fullest. Our show is family-friendly and runs approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect outing for all ages. Tickets are available now—come support our talented students and enjoy a wonderful night of theatre.
Runs April 23-25: Thursday & Friday night at 7:00pm and Saturday at 1:00pm & 6:00pm.
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Episode 2 is Live!
In this episode, we sit down with Sara Nix, a devoted mother of five and ACA's current PTF President, to hear the story behind her family’s remarkable commitment to the school. Driving over an hour each way, Sara shares what makes ACA worth the daily sacrifice—and why her family continues to choose this community year after year.
She reflects on the impact ACA has had on each of her children across lower, middle, and upper school, and how faith, academics, and relationships have shaped their growth.
Along the way, she speaks to the deeper “why” behind their decision—the values, experiences, and Christ-centered environment that make ACA not just a school, but a place where her children are truly known and nurtured.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
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Lou Bishop Retirement Celebration
Join us on Thursday, May 14 for a special evening celebrating Lou Bishop’s legacy of teaching and her many years of faithful impact at Asheville Christian Academy as she enters retirement. Drop in anytime between 5:00–7:00 PM, with a recognition beginning at 6:00 PM.
The event will be held at Gaither Fellowship Hall (310 Gaither Circle, Montreat). We hope you’ll come honor and celebrate Lou with us!
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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!
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The ACA Fund
We are grateful to share that, thanks to your generosity, we have raised $402,000 to date through gifts, pledges, and the matching fund contribution. This brings us $4,000 away from completion.
If you are able, please consider making a gift or pledge to help us cross the finish line. All gifts must be received by June 30, 2026.
Thank you for your faithful support and continued commitment to ACA.
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Summer Camp Session is now open!
We are delighted to announce that registration for the 2026 Summer Camp session is now open. Please click the button below to view the camp brochure and access the registration link.
Our team is looking forward to a summer filled with fun, learning, and memorable experiences. We hope to see your child at camp this summer.
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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.
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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The Coffee Connection
The first Friday of every month there will be a Coffee Truck in front of the school. All parents are invited to park, buy coffee and socialize with other parents.
What: Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Truck: Meet other parents and get caffeinated and connected
When: Friday, May 8 from 8-9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Coffee Truck (if it is raining, bring your coffee to student union)
Who: All parents are invited
*Lower school parents may walk their children to class at the allowed time and then join us at the Coffee Truck.
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Dominion Safety Corner
Our security partner Dominion Company Police shares important insights on protecting children in today’s digital world, from online gaming risks to social media safety. This month’s Safety Corner highlights what every parent should know to help keep students safe both on and offline. Be sure to read the full article linked below.
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Track Access
We’re excited to share that our team has begun practicing on the new track! While this is an exciting milestone, the track is not yet open for ACA family use. Construction is still ongoing in the surrounding areas, and access remains limited for safety reasons. We look forward to sharing an official opening announcement once the project is fully complete.
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Dismissal Reminder
Parents, please remember that any changes to your child’s dismissal plan should be updated in SchoolPass. This helps us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal for all students.
Thank you for your cooperation!
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Save the Date: Sports Physicals
Mark your calendars! Sports physicals for rising 6th–12th graders will be held May 13 after school.
The cost is $20 (cash or check only).
More details coming soon!
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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.
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2026–2027 Parent Calendar Now Available
The 2026–2027 Parent Calendar is now ready! 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).
Parent Teacher Fellowship
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Get Involved. Stay Connected. Build Community.
We believe that PTF is a great way to get involved, stay connected and build community. We invite every parent (or even grandparent) to join PTF with all of the activities we help with throughout the year.
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Moms in Prayer
Please join us every Monday morning after drop-off from 8:15-9:30 a.m. for Moms in Prayer. We meet in W213 (the conference room next to the 5th grade classrooms).
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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
After more than two decades of faithful service, longtime Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Andy Ray announced his resignation.
Coach Ray leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at Asheville Christian Academy, highlighted by 398 career wins, multiple conference championships, and two state titles. Even more impactful is the way he shaped the lives of countless young men, guiding them in character, faith, and growth both on and off the court.
From building a strong youth program to investing deeply in his players and community, his influence reaches far beyond basketball. His leadership, grounded in faith, has left a lasting mark on our school.
We are deeply grateful for his dedication and the legacy he leaves behind. Thank you, Coach Ray.
Upcoming Home Games
We have an exciting lineup of upcoming home games. Come out and support our teams!
April 17 – Varsity Soccer vs. Winston-Salem Christian | 5:30 PM (Senior Night)
April 20 – Middle School Soccer vs. Smoky Mountain Middle | 4:30 PM
April 21 – Varsity Tennis vs. Mountain Heritage High | 4:00 PM
April 22 – Middle School Baseball vs. Asheville Catholic | 4:30 PM
April 23 – Middle School Soccer vs. Polk County | 4:30 PM
April 23 – Varsity Tennis vs. Spartanburg Christian | 4:00 PM
April 24 – JV Baseball vs. Asheville Trailblazers | 4:30 PM
April 25 – Middle School Baseball vs. Greenville Hurricane | 11:00 AM (DH)
April 27 – Middle School Soccer vs. ICI | 4:30 PM
April 27 – Varsity Tennis vs. Asheville School | 4:00 PM
Save the Date: 16th Annual Gathering of the Pride
Mark your calendars for the 16th Annual Gathering of the Pride, our end-of-year athletic banquet celebrating Asheville Christian Academy’s varsity athletes.
Join us on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:00 PM in the ACA Gymnasium for dinner and a special program as we honor the 2025–2026 Varsity Letter Recipients and teams.
Please note that this is an invitation-only event for Lettermen award recipients and their parents
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.
In Case You Missed It
Parenting Together with Sean McDowell
If you missed last Friday’s Parenting Together event featuring Dr. Sean McDowell, you can watch it at the link here.
Dr. McDowell, a gifted communicator, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for equipping young people, shared practical and encouraging insights for parents seeking to help their children confidently live out their faith. Known for his humor, engaging stories, and thoughtful, evidence-based approach, he drew from his work on books like So the Next Generation Will Know, Chasing Love, and Evidence That Demands a Verdict.
This conversation is a valuable resource for families navigating how to think biblically and engage today’s culture with truth and grace, and it is also well suited for middle and high school students to watch.
Host an International Student
Did you know that ACA has an International Student Program? 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 to be part of our school family.
Would you consider hosting an international student next school year?
As a host family, you’ll receive a $1,000 monthly stipend to help offset costs. Even more importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to provide a warm, loving, and nurturing home for a student far from their own family. Hosting is more than just cultural exchange—it’s a chance to build lifelong connections and friendships while reflecting Christ’s love and compassion.
What’s it like to host? Hear firsthand from three ACA host families here!
For more information about the International Student Program, please contact Deborah Stuart.
Thank you for prayerfully considering this meaningful opportunity!
Guidance News
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College Rep Visits
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College Counseling Updates
Fill out the Guidance bulletin board with your plans after ACA!
Pay attention to any emails you receive from your Guidance Office or the colleges where you are applying.
Update your application outcomes in Scoir.
Come and see us if you want to discuss your decisions.
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Upper School Advising & Course Planning Updates
Grades 8–11
Upper School course request forms are due by THIS FRIDAY, April 17 with all relevant signatures completed. If we don’t receive your requests, we’ll put you in appropriate courses. Advising meetings are available through April 17. Juniors are required to attend with a parent.Students A–J will meet with Mrs. Bullock
Students K–Z will meet with Mrs. Boer
Calendar links will be sent via email.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!
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Testing & Advising Updates
Advising: Juniors and a parent are prioritized through mandatory advising meetings. A-J meet with Mrs. Bullock, K-Z meet with Mrs. Boer. Advising runs Feb. 9 – April 17. Calendar links will be sent via email.
Save the Date: Rising Seniors College Planning Webinar, Monday, April 27, 7pm,
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23968886468104?p=6FZfsf57sLhyDeI5Ax
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!
