A Superior Education Experience…Close to Home
The mission of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy is to glorify God by assisting parents in involving their
children in a growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through Kingdom Education.
ELCA is situated on an 86-acre campus in McDonough, GA and is the largest Christian school south of
I-20.
Mr. Chuck Gilliam is Head of School at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. Principals are Mr. Richard
Allen (HS), Mr. Eric Johnson (MS), and Mr. Edd Tucker (Elementary).
ELCA offers 17 Honors Courses and 14 Advanced Placement Courses in our High School Program. AP
offerings begin in ninth grade. Even more AP courses are available through ELCA Connect.
ELCA offers 7 Honors Courses in our Middle School Program.
EXCEL gifted program is offered to students in grades 2 through 5 and flexible grouping strategies are
employed in upper elementary grades.
The Early Learning Academy has many advantages such as a 1/8 student/teacher ratio and small class
sizes. Students enjoy special classes such as computer, music, Spanish, library and chapel each week.
There are SmartBoards in every K4 classroom and there is a portable iPad lab for K3 and K4 students.
After-school enrichments such as ballet, martial arts and piano lessons are also offered.
ELCA SAT scores are consistently and significantly higher than the national average with an average
score of 1567. Junior Danny Kim scored a perfect 2400 in the summer of 2014.
ELCA Top 10% - 1975
ELCA Top 25% - 1820
ELCA Average – 1567
National Average – 1497
Georgia Average – 1445
There is an average class size of 15 at ELCA…less in AP courses.
The ninety-eight members of the ELCA Class of 2014 were offered over $7,377,126.00 in grants,
academic scholarships and athletic scholarships. Our students have attended many prestigious
universities such as Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Dartmouth, Georgetown,
University of Notre Dame, Emory University, Morehouse College, Agnes Scott College, Gardner Webb
University, University of Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Auburn University,
University of Alabama, Mississippi State University, University of North Carolina, Charleston Southern
University , The College of William & Mary, University of California, Berkley , Florida State University,
University of Miami , United States Air Force Academy, West Point Military Academy and many more.
FACULTY and STAFF
ELCA has 82 teachers, 33 with advanced degrees. Thirteen teachers are trained to teach Advanced
Placement courses and 1 teacher is currently pursuing her doctorate degree.
Of our elementary EXCEL teachers, one has received her Gifted Endorsement and the other is currently
pursuing that endorsement.
HIGH SCHOOL
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Three students have advanced to the final round of the Governors Honors Program process.
The high school praise band often leads worship in chapel.
ELCA has 175 students taking AP courses
42% of high school students currently take AP courses
In 2014, 53.2 % had passing AP scores of 3 or higher as compared to GA average of 50.5%.
There are 476 seats in honors courses
How do AP courses help me save money? A typical course (3 semester hours) at UGA is currently
$850.00 in tuition alone. An AP exam costs $91.00 --- if the student scores a 3, 4, or 5, most colleges
(depending upon the school) will award 3 semester hours of credit. Therefore, the parent saves $759.00
per course, not to mention books and fees.
In addition, the AP credits enable students to enter college as a second semester freshman or as a first
semester sophomore which saves a lot of money. It also enables students to actually graduate from
college in four years, do multiple degrees in four years, or enables them to have credits available for
study abroad programs.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
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Dhruti Trivedi (7th grade) placed 5th overall in the County Spell Off, which qualified her for the
Regional Spelling Bee which was held on March 22 in Atlanta, Ga. She placed 5th which qualified
her for the National Spelling Bee in May in Texas.
BYOT – Bring Your Own Technology is encouraged starting in 7th grade.
Spanish – 90% of class is conducted in Spanish using songs, pictures, video and stories with
students reading chapter books in Spanish.
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The Junior Beta Club has 60 middle school members.
Accelerate Reader is currently used in 6th and 7th grades.
Advisory Groups meet twice per week. This is a time for students to come together in an
interactive smaller group setting and benefit from mentorship from an adult leader as well as
intentional closeness with other students.
Math students are able to be more individually assisted through ability grouping.
Extension of learning through Chess, Science, and Math Clubs
Science Performance Series - Increased performance series test scores 2013 – 2014 in science
from a NPR of 58% to 72% - 8th grade sciences
Common-core aligned performance series testing is given two times per year providing real-time
data for baseline and follow-up.
Eighth grade students undergo a learning style assessment at the beginning of the year driving
style-guided teaching instruction.
ACSI Competitions include Geography, Spelling, Math, Leadership, Art and Chorus.
100% of middle school students participate in fine arts.
Middle school students have the opportunity to participate in two trips: The Wilds and the 8th
grade trip to Washington, DC.
There are 17 MS Praise Band students who meet 3 days a week at 7:00 AM and lead worship for
8 chapels throughout the 2013-14 year.
ELEMENTARY
Mental Math
 Grades 3rd, 4th, 5th – mental math is practiced in classroom weekly
 All students compete in their classroom each month to determine a classroom winner
 Classroom winners compete every month to determine a grade level winner
 Monthly grade level winners compete to determine a semester winner for each grade
 63 students from 3rd, 4th, 5th grades participated last year
 Andrew Appleby (4th grade) and Bria Slater (5th grade) won Mental Math overall both semesters
last year
Lego Robotics
 Introduction to robotics – using Legos to explore science, technology, engineering, math (16
students participated)
Salvations
• Teachers reported 40 elementary students that trusted Christ as their Savior.
• At least one parent prayed to receive Christ as Savior at Rock Eagle- 3rd grade overnight field
trip.
EXCEL - Extended Curriculum for Exceptional Learners. Elementary Gifted Program
 We are in our 4th year of our gifted program- 40 students in class this year grades 2 – 5.
 Each grade meets twice a week for ½ day.
 Strict qualification criteria
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The curriculum consists of interdisciplinary thematic units that are based in Bible, science, social
studies, mathematics, and language arts and also includes fine arts and technical skills.
They have studied many different areas such as archeology, inventions, chemistry & science.
Language & writing.
Basically this program offers students the opportunity to pursue excellence in education
through differentiated instructional experiences including creativity, problem solving, and higher
level thinking.
Math Ability Grouping – 4th & 5th grade
• Started this school year
• Students are instructed in mathematics based upon identified strengths or weaknesses using
various assessments.
• Students were grouped using five criteria: Performance Series Test National Percentile Rank,
Performance Series Test Scaled Score, 2013/2014 Math Grade Point Average, Math Diagnostic
Test, and Teacher Recommendation.
• Grouping students allows us to differentiate instruction in order to challenge them and/or
provide them with remediation.
Performance Series Test Spring 2014
 An online computer-adaptive assessment
 provides an accurate measure of students’ reading, language arts, math, and science abilities
 71% of Students in grades 2nd through 5th scored high average to above average in Language Arts
 57% of students in grades 1st through 5th scored high average to above average in math
 64% of students in 2nd through 5th grades scored high average to above average in Reading
 59% of students in 4th and 5th grades scored high average to above average in Science
ACSI Student Activities (Summary for Just Elementary -stats)
• Math Olympics, Spelling Bee, Creative Writing, Young Charger Chorale participated in Music
Festival, Art Festival
• 41 students participated
• 5 – 1st place, 2 – 2nd place, 2 – 3rd place, 5 – 4th place, 1 – 5th place, 6-Excellent, 1- Good
ACSI Student Activities by event
• Three ACSI events were hosted at ELCA – Math Olympics, Art Festival, and Music Festival
• ELCA students participate in 8 different ACSI Student Activities.
1. Math Olympics (3rd – 8th grades)
(Awards ELCA received-out of 12 categories)
6 first place – 4 of these also received a medal for scoring above 85%
5 second place
1 third place
7 fourth place
2 fifth place
ELCA students (grades 3-8) received a total of 21 awards!
2. ACSI Music Festival (3rd – 12th grade)
Solo – Madisen Barham – Excellent
Solo-Beau Beasley- Superior
Mens’ Quartet – Superior
High School Chorus – Superior
Middle School Chorus – Superior
Young Charger Chorale – Superior
3. ACSI Creative Writing Festival (Grades 4,5,7,9)
Awards – 9 – Excellent, 2 Good
4. ACSI Art Festival – Elementary- 20 students
Superior 15
Excellent 4
Good 1
Best in Show 2
5. ACSI Spelling Bee – Grades 2nd – 8th
4 – 1st place winners
1 – 3rd place winner
1 – 4th place winner
6. ACSI Geography Bee – Grades 6th – 8th
1 – 2nd place winner
1 – 3rd place winner
7. ACSI Math League
Students with at least one perfect test score (these students received a purple ribbon:
Algebra-1: Radhesh Amin
Geometry: Kylah Brabson
Pre-Calculus: Casey Wang – 2 purple ribbons
Students with the highest individual scores per subject; students received a blue ribbon:
Pre-Algebra: Jacob Strader, Dhruti Trivedi
Algebra-1: Radhesh Amin
Geometry: Kylah Brabson
Algebra-2: Brittany Dorsey
Pre-Calculus: Casey Wang
8. ACSI Piano Festival – Grades 3 and up
100% of the 30 students participating in the ACSI Piano Festival Adjudication won blue ribbons
EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY
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Small class sizes- K3 classes have 8 students, K4 classes have 16 students
Low teacher/student ratios- 1 teacher and 1 paraprofessional in each class for K4 and 1 teacher
and a rotating paraprofessional in K3 classes.
We attend a special each day- Library, Computer, Music, Spanish, and Chapel.
We have smartboards in every K4 classroom
We have a portable I-Pad lab that each K3 and K4 classroom utilizes.
Each K3 and K4 class is paired up with an older grade class for Reading Buddies.
We offer Ballet, Karate, and Piano Lesson after school. The Ballet and Piano each hold a recital
on campus at the end of the year.
K3 & K4 students have a Christmas Program and End of the Year program.
ELCA CONNECT
The ELCA Connect online learning program offers multiple educational options including courses
unavailable in the traditional classroom, staying on track during illness or while traveling extensively,
adding extra courses to the traditional schedule, or home-based learning. The basis of ELCA Connect is
strong academic curricula with a biblical worldview while providing access to ELCA’s renowned
extracurricular program.
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New online partnership with Sevenstar (July 2014)
Online courses built to teach a Christian worldview and develop critical thinking as followers of
Jesus Christ.
Christian teachers facilitate the online courses
Over 90 Biblically integrated core courses and electives for grades 6-12 including:
• Regular courses
• Honors track
• AP Courses – fully approved by the College Board
Also offering over 100 Dual Credit courses from leading college and universities
Technology courses include Mobile App programming and Game Design.
Courses are NCAA approved
New courses coming in the Fall 2015 include additional AP courses and Technology courses
including computer programming.
Credit Rescue
Enrollment Offered:
• Full time
• Part time
• Traditional Augmentation
• Credit Rescue
K-12 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
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Upgraded Elementary Computer Lab
Middle School Instructional Technology
• Web Page Design
• Computer Programming
• 21st Century Technology Tools
Teacher Technology Professional Development
• Differentiated Instruction with Technology
• 21st Century Technology Tools for the Classroom
MEDIA CENTER
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9,376 books have circulated since August 2014
We have 19,431 titles in our libraries
Accelerated Reader is used in 1st through 7th grades (484 students)
5,642 AR quizzes have been taken this school year
409 Preschool & Elementary students, 22 MS Students and 60 HS students participate in
Reading Buddies
Here’s the best-kept secret about reading buddy programs: The teens who saunter into a room
wary of reading to some restless youngster, typically end up gaining as much as their ‘little reading
buddy.’ Teens gain…self-confidence, academic growth, reading skills and a new desire to read!
What are Reading Buddies?
• A partnership between and upper grade and lower grade student paired together to read.
• Consistently once a week
• The same pair of students reading together each week
• Celebrating special events with each other
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Student Support Services address diagnosed learning differences and assist and equip students with
challenges to succeed in the classroom.
The renowned Arrowsmith Program identifies, intervenes and strengthens the weak cognitive capacities
that affect learning. Students are able to capitalize on their increased learning capacities after our
program without special education assistance or program accommodations.
Our program has proven effective for students experiencing difficulty with reading, writing and
mathematics, comprehension, logical reasoning, problem solving, visual and auditory memory, nonverbal learning, attention, processing speed and dyslexia.
FACS (Fluency and Reading Comprehension Class) is an intense, small reading class for students who
struggle in reading comprehension. The use of auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and tactile learning skills are
used to help build an understanding of reading. FACS is offered to grades 3 through 5.
STARS (Strategies Targeted at Reading Success)an Orton-Gillingham, multi-sensory reading program to
assist students struggling with the reading process, targeting areas such as phonemic awareness,
phonics ,and decoding skills. STARS is offered to grades kindergarten through 2.
SAGE DINING
Facts from Chef Joe Darrin…
 We cook from scratch, reducing the use of processed foods
 We use fresh vegetables and fruits
 We offer fresh salads and house-made dressings
 We offer a variety of whole grain breads, bagels, and rolls
 We house roast our turkey deli meat
 We cook with trans-fat free oils and MSG-free seasonings
 We serve antibiotic and hormone free milk
 We use cage-free, Certified Humane shell eggs
 We use local (and soon to be campus) grown ingredients
 We offer substantial vegetarian and vegan options
 We offer a gluten free station (bread, tortilla, rice cakes) for persons with gluten challenges
 I was an executive chef for the past 5 years before coming to ELCA. I have 3 certified chefs
that work underneath my leadership. (2 graduates from Le Cordon Bleu and 1 from AIU).
FINE ARTS
The First Chapter Charter of the Tri M Music Honor Society was established at ELCA. Three band
students and one chorus student met the strict qualifications for membership in our first year. Five
students are currently members of Tri-M Music Honor Society. The purpose of this organization is to
inspire music participation, create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, and
promote leadership in the music students of secondary schools.
Preschool & elementary students in grades 1-4 receive weekly instruction in Art and General Music.
Fifth grade students receive instruction three times a week in Band or Chorus and all students
participate in grade level performances throughout the year. One hundred percent of middle school
students participate in fine arts.
Art
In 2014 ELCA established the first chapter of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and
The National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) ELCA is the only school in the area with NJAHS as we are
one of very few schools that have MS students enrolled in Art for the required two full grading periods,
which allows them to qualify according to national bylaws.
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Band
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Ministry outreach to residents of Benton Village Assisted Living
MS and HS students participated in ACSI Art Festival, sweeping all Best in Show Categories and
numerous other awards
Two students won cash awards for first and second place at Henry County Pet Art Expo
Elementary students created cards for mission trips
Comprehensive Art and AP Art classes experienced the High Museum of Art
Senior, Ross Almario has already been accepted into the Art Institute for next year.
All ELCA Bands received Superior ratings at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluations.
Ten MS & HS students participated in GMEA District Honor Band in 2013-14
Nine MS & HS students participated in GMEA District Honor Band in 2014-15 with 6 making the
All-State Cut
The ELCA Mighty Charger Marching Band received all Superior ratings at the Georgia Invitational
and the Old South Marching Band Festivals in 2014 and has consistently received Superior
ratings since inception. They earned 1st Place in Class A in two of three competitions. There are
60 students in the Marching Band this year.
Drum Major, Brian Tirado received Superior ratings and 1st Place in Class A at all marching
competitions.
Percussion received Superior ratings at all marching competitions.
Color Guard received Superior ratings in two marching competitions and Excellent in a third
competition
Callan Russell is representing ELCA as GHP nominee this year in musical performance
(trombone).
All State Students – Clay Smith, Callan Russell, Brandon Fairley ($250,000 scholarship to
Columbus State).
Concert Band
 High School Wind Ensemble received straight Superior Ratings
 Middle School Symphonic Band received straight Superior Ratings with a PERFECT score. (All A’s
in every category)
 Sixth Grade Concert Band received straight Superior Ratings - District VI GMEA Large Group
Performance Evaluation
 GMEA All State Symphonic Band – One ELCA Band Members Participated (Brandon Fairley 1st
Chair)
 GMEA All State Concert Band – Two ELCA Band Members Participated (Callan Russel 4th Chair,
Clay Smith 2nd Chair)
 GMEA District VI Solo & Ensemble – All participating ELCA Band Members Received Superior
Ratings
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UGA JanFest Honor Band – Seven ELCA Band Members Participated (3 Students in the Honor
Wind Ensemble)
Over 130 Band, Chorus and Guitar students participated in Disney Band and Choral workshops in
Orlando, April 2014
Chorus
 174 students are involved in choir this year from 3rd through 12th grades.
 Young Charger Chorale received Excellent and Superior ratings at GMEA Large Group
Performance Evaluations
 All ELCA Choirs received Superior ratings at the ACSI Choral Festival
 17 MS & HS students participated in GMEA District Honor Choir in 2013-14.
 Five 6th Grade students to participate in GMEA Statewide Sixth Grade Choir, Feb. 2015
 Young Charger Chorale was invited to perform at the Eagle’s Landing Parkway Chick-fil-A in
conjunction with a 104.7 The Fish event.
Drama
 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – Highly successful Spring 2014 production
 Letters from a Birmingham Jail Received 2nd place GHSA Regional One-Act Championship and
Best Costumes in Georgia Theatre Conference
 Stephen Blackburn – Awarded Best Actor in State of GA across all divisions at the Georgia
Theater Conference in Columbus, GA.
 GHSA Regional One-Act Championship - All Star Cast: Stephen Blackburn and Noah Richard
 Georgia Theatre Conference All Star Singer: Dalis delaMothe
 Georgia Theatre Conference All Star Cast: Malia Randolph, Dalis dela Mothe
 Addition of Middle School Drama 2014-2015 school year – Mulan winter production, Jan. 2015
 Eleven new students inducted into the International Thespian Society for a total of 31 members
 SETC ONE-ACT FESTIVAL: The Insanity of Mary Girard All Star Cast: Gigi Pennell
 Theatre for Youth Festival- 25 Students received their Youth Festival Certificates.
 Governors Honors Program: Stephen Blackburn was selected to represent Eagles Landing
Christian Academy at the State Round of Selectee's for the 2014 Governors Honors Program.
Only two students from ELCA were selected to advance to the final round. We are much
honored that an ELCA Drama Student was selected to represent ELCA in the area of Theater.
Guitar
 In its 4th year
 80 HS students enrolled
 Addition of Intermediate Guitar 2014-2015 school year
 Beginning & Intermediate Guitar Class were invited to lead worship at ELFBC with Mark Hall and
praise team in spring 2014
Video Production
Very few private/Christian schools have a production team and the ones that do are not as active as
ours is. We have been blessed to have been able to purchase some nice equipment that allows us to
shoot events with 4 cameras. It’s an opportunity for students to use their talents in a unique way. The
students in video production support other students by capturing events such as sports and fine arts so
that those memories last forever.
• 14 students are in the video production class
• Filmed commercials for Brusters Ice Cream and for Mr. Harris’ Shaved Ice, and the students will
be helping to film a short film in January in conjunction with a local production company.
• Videotape chapels, special programs and many athletic events both on campus and at away
events
ATHLETICS
ELCA became a part of GHSA in 2004. Since then, our athletes have competed at the GHSA
championship level as follows:
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SOFTBALL- 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014 (State Champs)
BASEBALL- 2005 (Final 4), 2006 (State Champs), 2007 (State Runner-Up), 2013 (State Champs)
2014 (Final 4)
TRACK & FIELD- 2009 (Boys Final 4), 2010 (Boys State Runner-Up), 2014 (Girls State Champs)
VOLLEYBALL - 2011 (State Champs), 2013, 2014(Final 4)
FOOTBALL - 2011, 2012 (State Champs), 2013 (Final 4), 2014 (State Champ Runner-Up)
In 2014, the ELCA Chargers Varsity Football Team returned to the Dome after winning the GHSA Class A
Private State Championship in 2012. After a 0 and 6 start, this year’s football team became the first in
State High School History to make it to the State Semifinals. Of ELCA’s initial 6 losses, all 6 opponents
made their respective playoffs, with 4 of those schools making the State Semifinals in their respective
divisions.
This is the 4th consecutive year that the ELCA football program has advanced to the State Semifinals.
Junior, Chase Burdette was named Henry County Defensive Player of the Year.
ELCA currently has 49 graduates competing in college athletics, 23 of which compete in Division I
schools. Six of those were starters this year.
In 2014, ELCA graduates were on the football rosters of:
University of Notre Dame
Purdue University
College of William and Mary
Jacksonville State University
Berry College
Auburn University
University of California-Berkley
Air Force Academy
Valdosta State University
University of Mount Union
University of North Carolina
Charleston Southern
US Military Academy-West Point
Mercer University
Point University
The ELCA Girls’ Track and Field team won the 2014 State Championship. Sophomore T’aja Cameron
holds the current State Title in the Girls’ 100 Meter, Girls’ 200 Meter and Girls’ Triple Jump.
ELCA is the 2014-15 GHSA Class A Private State Champion in Varsity Softball for the second consecutive
year. Senior Casey Durham was named GACA State Player of the Year and Henry County Player of the
Year. The softball team also won the State Championship in four consecutive years (2006-2009).
ELCA was the 2013 GHSA Class A Private State Champion in Varsity Baseball. Dazmon Cameron was
named Player of the Year. This year, as a senior, he is ranked in the top 10 of 2015 MLB draft prospects.
ELCA students hold 13 Individual State Championship Titles.
ELCA sophomore Jeffrey Uzzell traveled to Nanjing, China in August 2014 to compete in the Youth
Olympic Games in track and field events. While traveling for competitions, he keeps abreast of his
studies through the ELCA Connect online program. Jeffrey clocked the fastest 100 meters in the nation
for a freshman last spring with a 10.50.
ELCA currently offers the following sports:
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Baseball – Varsity, JV and Middle School
Basketball – Varsity Boys, Varsity Girls, JV Boys, JV Girls, MS Boys, MS Girls
Cheerleading – Spirit Cheer (Varsity, JV and MS), Competition (Varsity) and Youth
Cross Country – Varsity and Middle School
Football – Varsity, JV, Middle School, Youth
Golf – Varsity
Lacrosse – 2015 will be the first year for Varsity Lacrosse
Soccer – Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls
Softball – Varsity and Middle School
Tennis – Varsity and JV Boys and Girls
Track & Field – Varsity and Middle School
Volleyball – Varsity, JV and Middle School
Wrestling – Varsity, Middle School and Youth