A Message from our
Head of School

Cadia Parks

As we enter this beautiful season of Advent, our hearts turn again to the One who came to dwell with us—our Savior, Jesus Christ. At GCA, the rhythms of learning are always woven with remembrance, and December invites us to slow down, reflect, and rejoice in the good news that Jesus is truly the reason for the season.

This month, our school is full of anticipation as our students prepare two Christmas plays: The Nativity, put on by our Kindergarten class, a timeless retelling of Christ’s birth, and our Middle Schoolers will be performing in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a joyful reminder of how God’s grace meets us in unexpected places. 

Our 2nd grade class is looking forward to caroling at a local nursing home, sharing Christ's love through music and presence. Moments like these embody the heart of Advent: carrying hope into the world around us.

As we work, study, rehearse, and serve, may we all turn our eyes toward Christ—Immanuel, God with us. May this season form our students deeply, strengthen our community, and fill every home with the peace and wonder of Jesus’ coming.

Wishing you a blessed Advent and a joyful Christmas!

Teacher

Spotlight

Mrs. McIntosh

3rd Grade

Q: What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

My favorite Christmas tradition is on Christmas morning! When we open gifts, we open them one gift at a time so we can all see what each person receives. It sets a sweet and slow tone and helps avoid 'the gimme's'. 

Q: What is your go-to Christmas movie?

Christmas With the Kranks! It's a movie that I genuinely laugh out loud when watching.  

Q: What Christmas movie character are you most like and why?

In this season of my life, I would say Kate McCallister. I have a hard time waking up in the morning as well.  

Q: How has the Lord encouraged you in this holiday season?

He has encouraged me to slow down, enjoy each moment (even the hard ones) and take the day minute by minute. 

Q: What craft/project/activity do you enjoy doing with your class?

Right now, we are in the middle of a Gingerbread Unit, and seeing them create their houses has been so fun! Their creativity is amazing. A gingerbread house with a pickleball court? I mean, c'mon! I would love to live in some of their creations. 

Teacher

Spotlight

Mrs. Holloway

4th Grade

Q: What is the best gift you have ever received for Christmas?

This question was actually the hardest for me to answer. Many gifts have been memorable. However, as a Mom, the greatest gift I have been given has been watching all my girls celebrate Christmas with their families. Each of them has taken parts of the traditions they had while growing up and are using them to celebrate Jesus in their own special ways.  It is the gift that warms my heart the most.

Q: What Christmas song do you play on repeat during the holidays?

Andrea and Matteo Bocelli singing O Holy Night. Music has always played an important part of my life.  Although I was not blessed with a musical talent, I definitely have an appreciation for all types of music. Christmas music speaks to my soul.  This particular song makes me stop and listen every single time.  

Q: What Christmas snack do you always keep stocked in December?

Several years ago ( about 20 )  I was at a staff Christmas party and took my first bite of a mint Oreo truffle.  I circulated around the room until I found the creator and quickly got the recipe. I have been making them every year since then. My girls make them too!

Q: What part of the Christmas story is most meaningful to you?

I think what resonates the most with me is that the shepherds out in the fields doing their job, were the first to hear the Good News.  There is such a powerful significance to me that the angels rejoiced and sang with ordinary men first. The working class was given the honor to share the news with others. 

Q: How do you bring the Advent or Christmas season into your classroom routines?

I like to think that I keep the focus on the arrival of the Promised One while having fun.  We pause our regular Bible study to take the time to read and discuss the Christmas story for the entire month of December.  It is a blessing to see the connections to our study of the Old Testament and the birth of the Messiah being made by the students. Our classroom quickly turns into a Christmas craft extravaganza with connections to each subject area. Come take a look at our fraction poinsettias or our blinking light circuits.  

-Families gathered for a night at the park filled with games, fellowship, and Pelican's Snoballs.

-Students were able to be a part of the light of Christ by participating in the annual Operation Christmas Child box collection. We filled over 70 boxes!

-The Kindergarten class put on a play and told us about the greatest Christmas story ever. 

-The 2nd grade class took us back in history to the first Thanksgiving. 

Please save the date April 18, 2026, on your calendar and plan to join us at Worthington Country Club for this year's GCA Gala.  

On this special evening, we will Light The Night and raise our collective voices and paddles in support of GCA's mission raising funds for scholarships, operations and capital improvements.

In addition to purchasing tickets, we hope individuals and businesses might also consider becoming a sponsor. Sponsorships help to underwrite event expenses and provide complimentary admission for all of our teachers. If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

EARLY BIRD Ticket Sales open for the month of January ONLY as ALL tickets go live Jan 1, 2026. Pleas plan to join us as we Light the Night April 18!

Use Event Link here: EVENT LINK

If you are interested in joining our Gala Planning Committee or Auction Committee, please email [email protected] to be invited to our next planning meeting. We'd love to have your assistance in planning and promoting this very special evening.

The 2nd Grade Class was able to spread the good news of Christmas this year at Discovery Village Bonita Retirement Home. What a gift it was to see their faces light up as our student's led them in singing Christmas carols.  

Calling all students who have been a part of GCA through 8th grade. We would love to hear about your life after GCA, and how GCA made an impact as you went onto high school and beyond. Please email [email protected] to share.  

Please Consider Supporting GCA. GCA is a nonprofit organization. Generous contributions to provide tuition assistance, improve facilities, support teacher professional development, and enhance curriculum, are critical and appreciated. 

Our Contact Information

Grace Classical Academy

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239-247-2479 

wearegca.com

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