No Slowing for the Holidays

Palmetto Christian Academy's Principal and Steering Committee have been busy over the the last two weeks of December preparing for the 2008-2009 school year. Listed are a few of the tasks that have been completed or are very close to being completed:

1. Establishing the school budget.
2. Setting tuition costs - check the website soon.
3. Accepting applications for new teachers.
4. Touring facilities and working towards an announcement about our new location.
5. Establishing the school's various committees which are listed on the website.
6. Meeting with community leaders to discuss the vision and goals of the school.
7. Curriculum research and receiving sample materials.

January will be very busy as the school begins to accept applications from students and begin registration for Fall 2008.

Palmetto Christian Academy is thankful for the encouragement and support from the local community. We trust and pray that you had a very meaningful Christmas and will have a wonderful New Year.

Quality over quantity

At our last steering committee meeting, we wrestled with the budgetary and financial implications one of the pieces of advice we have been given: “Do not be overzealous about building a large student enrollment your first year. Be more concerned about bringing together a quality group of parents, students, and teachers who will help your school establish a positive, Christ-honoring reputation in your community….It is better to enjoy a modest success than to experience a colossal failure.”

To this end, we’re building a budget based on a first years’ enrollment of 60, but we’re praying for 100 students for the first year – which would make a tight budget much easier to manage!

Continue to pray and communicate with us about the possibility of your children being a part of this school.

A Word from the Steering Committee Chairperson

As the steering committee for Palmetto Christian Academy of Greenwood, we are committed to best practices as an organization. We want to develop an organizational culture of achieving high standards. We want to develop institutional integrity, transparency and accountability. That is why we have charged our principal, Joan Gore, with developing all academic programs according to the accreditation standards of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

We hold ourselves as a steering committee to similar standards. To this point, we have brought in three different consultants to help us as a fledgling board evaluate our plans and efforts as we develop this school – two were experienced educators, another a local expert on nonprofit boards. We have another consultant scheduled to talk to us about board governance structures in February.

As we walk down this road, we also use a manual published by ACSI, appropriately named How to Start a Christian School Manual. In the first chapter, it lists 8 steps to take to start a new school:
1. Seek prayerful direction.
2. Develop a study committee.
3. Take all necessary legal steps.
4. Develop a clear statement of the school’s philosophy of education, a statement of faith, and a mission statement.
5. Select an administrator and staff.
6. Analyze options for school facilities.
7. Begin promoting your school.
8. Follow sound financial policies.

We’ve worked hard and put in many hours to get to this point, and I’m glad to report that we’ve done all 8 steps in anticipation of enrollment beginning 1/15/08 (except for hiring additional staff). Outside of the steering committee, many others have been helpful in serving on school committees and encouraging us with prayers and enthusiasm.

We’re encouraged and moving forward!

Randy Cain MD
Chair - Palmetto Christian Academy Steering Committee

Location, location, location

It has been a busy week for the Palmetto Christian Academy Facilities Committee. We toured three area churches which are in discussion with us about use of their facilities for the school. The response of these churches as well as the others we have visited has been very encouraging. The willingness of local congregations to open their doors for Palmetto Christian Academy is a testimony to their faithfulness to use the gifts God has given them in service to others. It is also a reaffirmation of the steering committee's vision to establish a non-denominational, parent led Christian school in the Greenwood area. Please continue to pray for wisdom as we work out the details and finalize plans for the 2008-2009 school year.

An Update from the Steering Committee

The Palmetto Christian Academy Steering Committee is busy with preparations for the 2008-2009 academic year. Current projects include:

• Finalizing the school budget, tuition and teacher salaries. Teacher salaries should be competitive and will offer a benefits package. We realize that competent teachers with a passion for education will be the backbone of the school. An appropriate salary package should help us attract and retain quality teachers.


• The Facilities Committee is working on several potential sites for the school and hope to make an announcement soon. Initially we will have a temporary site with plans to purchase a facility or property at a later date.


• The Fundraising/Public Relations Committee is involved with fundraising plans and formulating an advertising budget. It is important for us to share the vision of Palmetto Christian Academy with the community.


• The Curriculum Committee is forming to look at various curricula. We want a challenging elementary and college prep curriculum that emphasizes Christian values and thought.


• Athletics is an important part of the school experience, so preparations are under way to begin an athletics program and booster club. Stay tuned for more information on the Lions' athletic programs.

We hope this gives you a quick snapshot of what is going on behind the scenes at Palmetto Christian Academy. School applications are now available online! Please Email or call the school for questions or if you are interested in a volunteer or teaching position.

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