A Message from our
Head of School

Cadia Parks

As March unfolds, we are stepping into the final quarter of the academic year, a season that highlights perseverance, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. At GCA, this time reflects the culmination of months of intentional formation, where students are challenged not only academically, but also spiritually and morally.

In these closing months, we continue to encourage our students to press forward with diligence and purpose, embracing the joy of learning and the discipline of finishing well. Rooted in truth, goodness, and beauty, our approach to education equips students to think deeply, communicate clearly, and live faithfully.
This final stretch is a powerful reminder that growth often happens most profoundly when we remain steadfast. As Scripture encourages us, "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). It is this enduring vision that shapes our work and inspires our students each day.
We are grateful to be part of a broader community that values meaningful education and the formation of young lives for lasting impact.

Teacher

Spotlight

Mr. Estes

Middle School Bible & STEM

Q: If you could be any superhero, who would you be and what would your powers be?

A: A classically inspired answer! I've always loved the idea of the Greek phalanx and Roman Legion. Many people, working in concert with one purpose. If I could have any superpower, I'd be able to duplicate myself and bring the strength and mind of a hundred men to a task (or many tasks).

Q: If you could teach any subject for a class, what would it be?(can be any subject whatsoever)

A: I'm already teaching my dream subject (Middle School Bible), but I'd love to also teach a class on Computer Assisted Design and Additive Manufacturing. I've run a 3d print lab before, and it was a ton of fun!

Q: What is one thing your students have taught you this year or in previous years that still sticks with you today?

A: Definitely the necessity of humor in the classroom. While handling the Word of God is a sober task, it's critically important to chuckle when talking about the story of Balaam and his talking donkey while one student reads stoically from the KJV.

Q: What does living out your faith look like on a busy school day?

A: Patience, perseverance, and prayer between periods. Teaching Bible gives me tons of excuses to be in the Word, but the reality of teaching gives me plenty of opportunities to let God's love overflow into my relationships and reactions. That's much easier to say than to perfectly fulfill: the best trick I've found is just making time to reconnect and refocus on Him throughout the day.

Q: What worship song has been on repeat for you lately and why?

A:  Anything by CityAlight, but today I'll pick "He Will Be". Strong, theological lyrics and a powerful bridge that declares our reliance on Him.

Teacher

Spotlight

Ms. Acs

Art

Q: If you could time-travel to the past or the future, what year would you go to and why?

A: I would travel to the time of the book of Acts to be part of the early church, on fire for Jesus, and sharing the good news of His kingdom. I would love to witness the power of the Holy Spirit at work in His disciples and all the miracles that happened.

Q: If you had to live inside a book or movie, which one would you choose and why?

A: The Bible, of course! I would love to experience the Garden of Eden before sin entered. But since we already live in His Story and I'm not a movie buff, for fun, I would pick Back to the Future to time-travel in the DeLorean.

Q: What is your go-to snack after a busy week?

A: A sweet treat like dark chocolate or a stop at Royal Scoop for some ice cream.

Q: How do you see God at work in your classroom this year?

A: I love seeing the lightbulbs go off when students see the connections in an art lesson to God or the Bible. I also appreciate how concerned our students are over artists' salvation when we learn about a new artist. It makes my day when they come to class excited to share something from outside of school that references our lesson, whether spiritually or artistically. On a more personal level, God has answered many of my prayers when I've struggled with how to teach something or how to handle a challenge in my classes. He is so faithful!

Q: What brings you the most joy in combining your faith and education?

A: I praise God every day for the opportunity to work in a setting where faith is part of education. Those moments when students take a concept and ask questions that lead to a wonderful conversation not only grow our faith as a group, but also overflow my heart with joy. I love reminding them of how wonderfully they have been created and how they can bring glory to God with their creativity. Their encouragement for each other also brings me joy, pointing out the positives in a classmate's artwork when he/she is struggling is so sweet to observe.

It's that Field Day time of the year at GCA. Students were divided up in 4 different teams by each grade and competed in a variety of times of games/challenges. We are super thankful for Coach Cipolla and all volunteers who made each Field Day a success! 

Spirit Week at GCA was such a blast! Students came to school decked out in various attire to follow along with that day's theme. The week consisted of Hobby Day, Decade Day, PJ Day, Matching Day, and Monochrome Day. This is a major favorite for all the students as teachers, as they enjoy a change of pace to the normal school routine. 

Reminder:

Our Annual Gala is on April 18th! Purchase tickets by the 11th.

Take a sneak peak below at some of the items that will be up for bid, and maybe join with friends to bid on some of the packages. 

- Purchase your tickets and check out our sponsorship opportunities HERE

- Black and White Dress Attire

Silent Auction Themes:

Coffee/Tea/Candle/Cozy

Health/Exercise/Fitness

Adult Date Night Out

Sports Fan

Beach/Pool Day

Wine/Cocktail/Charcuterie

In the Kitchen

Family Night Out

Party Basket 

Live Auction Themes:

Golf

Family Fun

Cruise, Relax, and Shine

Crave Culinaire

Blue Ridge Cabin

Home Services

We continue to be thankful for our current church ambassadors from: 

First Presbyterian Church, Summit Church Estero, Turning Point Church, and Center Point Community Church. 

They have been so helpful in promoting our events and most importantly our students. If your church would like to partner with us and serve our communities together, please reach out, and also check out our Ambassador pillars list on our website. Our next quarterly gathering will be on May 12th, 2026. 

Link: Ambassador Program

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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