Lower School at Asheville Christian
Explore our private Christian school where students build strong academic and spiritual foundations
Kindergarten to Grade 5
Whether your child just finished kindergarten and is heading to first grade, or they’ll soon be that ever-independent fifth grader, you know these years are quite magical. Your child is as curious as ever, but they now learn to form their own opinions about different things — whether it’s about the color of socks they’ll wear for the day or what cereal they’ll have for breakfast.
This is why, as a parent, you’re looking for a school that will set those strong foundations for your child — one that will point them to the teachings of Jesus Christ and will guide them to use their talents and gifts for His glory.
At Asheville Christian Academy, this is how we prepare students. As a private Christian school in Asheville, NC, our mission is to provide a Gospel-centered education to shepherd and inspire Christ-oriented lives within a community of grace and truth. We invite you to learn more about ACA’s lower school program.
Learning Environment
A place where students thrive and grow in God’s love
When you’re considering schools for your child, you’re probably concerned about the values being taught by teachers. You could also be worried whether your child will receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them for their next steps.
At Asheville Christian Academy, you don’t have to worry about these things. We strive to provide students with an atmosphere where they feel safe, cared for, and engaged in learning.
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Biblical Integration
Beyond Bible classes, we integrate God’s Word into every part of our lower school curriculum. Our educational approach includes liberal arts subjects integrated with a biblical worldview. This means when students learn about plants in a science project, they also recognize God’s intricate design found in creation.
All subjects are taught in ways where students are consistently understanding the connection between God and His world.
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Character Growth
There are plenty of opportunities for children to practice kindness and compassion toward others, even in lower school. Each class has its own service project, such as toy drives, food drives in the fall, or missions month awareness in winter and spring. Students are encouraged to do chores, sell items, or raise money to share proceeds and donate to an international Christian school and a local missions organization.
Character education is taught organically and in our Bible curriculum. From kindergarten to fifth grade, teachers set an example for students in conduct, speech, love, faith, and purity.
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Safe Spaces to Grow
Emotional safety is prioritized in all of our learning spaces. Inside and outside the classroom, teachers encourage a culture of respect and empathy where every child is seen and heard.
In addition, a life counselor is available for students to talk to as needed. It’s a safe space to process major life events or thoughts and feelings that concern them.
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Open Communication
At ACA, your family will experience helpful conversations with teachers and staff. We’re eager to hear how your child is doing at home, which can help us provide a more individualized experience in the classroom.
For us, educating children is a partnership between parents and teachers.
“The teachers we have experienced in the lower school have been excellent. They genuinely care about our children. Not only do they teach subject matter, but they also help our children grow emotionally and spiritually. Many times, our children have come home sharing with us conversations they had with teachers or the class as a whole involving deep matters, such as dealing with anger. We have received notes from our teachers in the mail, telling us they are praying for our family!”
— Karin and Marco V., ACA Lower School Parents
Program Details
See a sample schedule and valuable information about our lower school program
Lower School Schedule
8:10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (fifth grade starts at 7:55 a.m.)
Sample Schedule:
Morning
Devotion & Calendar Time
Pledge of Allegiance
Instructional Time
Snacks
Recess
Lunch Break
Afternoon
Instructional Time
Recess
Special Class
Extended Care
All lower school families can sign up for our extended care options. We have a complimentary before care that starts at 7:25 a.m. and a paid after care until 5:30 p.m.
Other Important Information
As part of our Statement of Faith, at least one parent should be a regular church attendee before enrolling in our school.
Lower school students are required to wear a school uniform.
See ACA For Yourself
As you consider private Christian lower school programs in Asheville, NC, scheduling a tour is one of the best ways to learn more about ACA.
Get to know our teachers, discover our academic philosophy, and see the many opportunities where your child can grow in our school. Please reach out if you would like to schedule a visit.
Brenton Benware
Director of Admissions
brenton.benware@ashevillechristian.org
(828) 581-2208
Distinctives
Explore an educational approach that fosters a love of learning
At ACA, your child will be academically equipped with a multisensory approach — utilizing sight, hearing, touch, and movement activities to encourage a deep understanding of subjects.
Foundational Core Subjects
All of our teachers are trained in the Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Approach, and they implement a Christ-centered worldview in our core subjects, including:
Bible
Language arts
Math
Science
History
Geography
You’d be surprised that with this approach, our students start to read novels in second grade for language arts. STEM activities are also incorporated through a variety of hands-on projects.
Enriching Specials
Beyond core subjects, your child can enjoy a wide range of specialty classes to expand and refine their talents and interests, such as:
Music
Library
P.E.
Computer (starts in second grade)
Art
Also, by fifth grade, music classes include an introduction to choir and band. Students cover the basics of these specialty classes as they prepare for full participation in middle school.
Connected Community
There are many opportunities for your child to stay connected in our school community, such as spiritual life, events, and clubs. Students participate in weekly chapel, and there’s an all-school chapel two to three times a year.
Your child can enjoy quarterly club offerings, including arts and crafts, building blocks, robotics, chess, foreign languages (French & Spanish), athletics, and more. The ACA community also has events specifically for the younger grades, such as our school carnival and our buddy program, where lower school students get to interact and be mentored by upper school students.
Intentional Technology Use
As a parent, we know that you’re mindful about your child’s use of technology — and we echo the same sentiments.
ACA also implements purposeful utilization of technology in the classroom. We don’t give devices or internet access without teacher supervision, and daily time limits are set.
Our lower school classrooms have interactive whiteboards, so students engage in educational activities as they preview different media. Grade 2 students begin to take Computer as an elective.
Meet A Teacher
Get to know our kind, nurturing teachers
Lou Bishop
Degree: BA in Elem. Ed/Art Ed/P.E.; MAEd in Elem. Ed
Teaching Experience: 32 years (28 at ACA)
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
“Every day is new and full of child wonder and love. I love my students so much. Becoming a grandmother (of 6) has given me additional perspective and a renewed strength to be used by the Lord in this work. I have changed and grown through the years. I am still learning and finding my way every single day. I think that most of all, I have become more focused on the hearts of my students.”
Trent Lunberry
Degree: BS in Elementary Ed with English Emphasis
Teaching Experience: 17 years
What is your favorite children’s book, and why?
“The Chronicles of Narnia is a doorway fantasy series where Aslan, the beloved lion, tells the sojourning Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve, “This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there [in our world].” C.S. Lewis repeatedly and brilliantly reaches the highest echelons of children’s literature in these seven novels, unabashedly telling how the best personal narrative is one that is in grateful service to the author of the grandest narrative, Aslan [Jesus Christ in our world].”
Do you have any questions about ACA?
We’re happy to answer them! Please contact Brenton Benware, our Director of Admissions, at (828) 581-2208 or brenton.benware@ashevillechristian.org.