Whitesburg Christian Academy

Posted: June 19, 2023

My sister, brother and I attended this school from elementary through high school. The school kicked my brother out SENIOR YEAR for “failure to thrive” because he was struggling with the demanding school work. Everyone loved my brother and he was never a trouble maker. The school said he was bringing down their test average so they forced him to leave. My sister who struggled socially and mentally at this school was also asked to leave because they “couldn’t have those kinds of problems at the school.” Her struggles were issues such as not fitting in, feeling like an outcast, not enjoying school, being bullied etc. The school counselor (who was the headmaster’s daughter) did not keep the information my sister shared about her struggles confidential, but instead told her father, the headmaster, about their conversations which led to her dismissal from the school. My sister felt extremely embarrassed and deceived after finally getting the courage to talk to the counselor in hopes to seek support. After attending the school for 5 years and being very involved in activities through the school, we were absolutely shocked to all of a sudden be stabbed in the back. You would think the school would advocate better for their students.

Posted: June 19, 2023

Posted: June 19, 2023

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Posted: May 6, 2021

Absolutely amazing school. The support the teachers and staff have provided have been amazing in a quite stressful year. The standards that have been set are at the level of what is expected at home, as well. My child has matured, grown, and learned so much more than I would have ever thought. They are truly invested in the growth of the students. To top it all off, the Christian principles and foundations have been amazing . We love WCA!

Posted: May 6, 2021

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Posted: July 28, 2020

Assign lots of pointless homework and busywork and lots of tests every week in the grammar school. It is not a school for well rounded kids with extra curricular activities.

Posted: July 28, 2020

Teachers are not open to adapting to their teaching methods or the outdated curriculum they have been using for years.

Posted: July 28, 2020

Posted: July 28, 2020

Outdated curriculum, puppet board appointed by a headmaster who has no background in education. Teachers and administrators are in positions based on favor of headmaster instead of qualification (For example the person in charge of the curriculum for the school does not have the educational background or experience to support her position - she is in that position because she is related to the headmaster).

Posted: July 28, 2020

They will not accept or accommodate any students with any learning disability unless that student is a teacher’s child.

Posted: July 28, 2020

Posted: July 28, 2020

Not good. Terrible instruction in math and science....their standardized test scores in these areas show it. They are strong in their English department. They are a terrible example of Christianity in that there is no grace or flexibility unless your child is related to the headmaster or a child of a teacher.

Posted: April 19, 2020

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Posted: April 19, 2020

Posted: April 19, 2020

Great school- educationally sound and teachers truly care!

Posted: August 14, 2018

Posted: August 14, 2018

Posted: August 14, 2018

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Posted: August 14, 2018

Posted: August 14, 2018

Posted: August 14, 2018

Very warm environment in the gradeschool, gets colder and more controlling as the grade level goes up. I think they have forgotten their mission. Overwhelming amounts of busy work, homework, sometimes adversarial with parents and punitive to students. Some teachers are stellar. Do not sent your kid here unless they are naturally compliant, good students. Otherwise not a good fit.

Posted: November 9, 2017

Posted: November 9, 2017

Posted: November 9, 2017

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Posted: November 9, 2017

Posted: November 9, 2017

I couldn't be happier with our experience at this precious little school. My daughter genuinely loves coming to school every morning. And when I pick her up in the afternoon she's always in great spirits. We have tried public schools and there is no comparison. The teachers here care and the administration appears to support the teachers. It feels like family. The kids are not left to their own devices with an assigned ipad and they are not constantly taking tests. The teachers use their time to engage the students and encourage a love of learning by making things fun. When we decided to have kids we did not plan on paying tuition before our kids hit college but the experience we have had at this school reminds us that the monthly payment may be a sacrifice but it's an investment in our kids' future where we see the return on that investment daily.

Posted: October 6, 2017

This school lacks diversity and the technology is outdated.

Posted: August 3, 2017

Posted: August 3, 2017

Posted: August 3, 2017

Posted: August 3, 2017

Posted: August 3, 2017

Posted: August 3, 2017

Posted: August 3, 2017

Our worst experience was in the third grade year, and we have not been the only parents with that view. From parents who had kids already through that grade, and then younger ones coming through, the going mentality is to just "survive" and move on. For the goal and focus of the school that is a pretty bad way to approach any grade. Choosing a private school we expect our child to be pushed, but the third grade teachers expect way too much from a child that has nothing to do with learning. They have to organize their folder a certain way, provide their papers another way, track logs another way, etc. It seems there is no understanding that kids (especially boys/girls) learn and organize differently. So if your child doesn't think or organize the way the teachers want they (and you) are in for a year of frustration. I really wish the school administration would resolve the issues with that grade then it would be wonderful. We've since moved on well beyond that grade and everything before and since has been great, but parent orientation to the new grade this year reminded me of that situation and it seemed appropriate to share.

Posted: September 13, 2015

Whitesburg Christian Academy is a wonderful school. Our child has learned so much in the years he has been there. The teachers and administrators work very hard at preparing the children academically but also make a point to get to know the kids personally. The sports program is growing each year with new opportunities. The kids won state championships in cross country and tennis last year. We couldn't be happier and plan to be at Whitesburg until graduation.

Posted: September 13, 2015

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Posted: September 13, 2015

Posted: March 25, 2015

WCA has been a positive experience for our child. The family-like environment and small class size are huge assets. The leadership opportunities are outstanding. The curriculum definitely prepares one for college. Our child earned a ACT score high enough for a full tuition scholarship to any public school in the state during 10th grade. I would definitely recommend this school to those looking for a solid curriculum with a Christian emphasis.

Posted: October 30, 2014

Whitesburg Christian Academy offers a high academic college prep program which is founded on a biblical worldview. The low teacher student ratio allows for excellent teacher-student relationships. Servant-leadership is a focal point for all activities. Even though it is a small school, a wide variety of activities, classes, athletics, experiences, and opportunities are made available to all grade levels. I highly recommend the Academy to families who want their students to excel academically, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Posted: October 27, 2014

We just started our kids at Whitesburg Christian this year. We have three kids... In 2, 5, & 6th grades. We have been thrilled with the staff and curriculum. The children are receiving a great education, and all from a biblical world view. We are very thankful to have our kids in such a wonderful environment!

Posted: October 8, 2014

Our kids have attended Whitesburg Christian Academy for the last 5 years. They have received an excellent Christian education at Whitesburg. They have excelled in test scores and reading. The teachers and staff at Whitesburg are very helpful and they love our kids. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants a very good academic program with the Christian emphasis. We love this school!

Posted: September 4, 2014

Our daughter has been at Whitesburg Christian Academy for 6 years, our son for 4. We have been very pleased and thankful for a school such as WCA. Every subject is taught from a Biblical world view. The expectation for behavior is set high, and most students do well. The teachers are exceptional and the staff are there because they share our beliefs and vision for our children. Every school has bumps, and that's normal. It's how the administration handles the bumps and moves the faculty and students forward that matters. I believe that WCA has a bright future ahead. Keep up the great Kingdom work, Warriors!!!

Posted: September 3, 2014

Very disappointed with this school. A bad taste left in my mouth. I hope this helps

Posted: July 10, 2014

After having my child in Whitesburg Weekday (preschool) for two years, we enrolled my little girl in WCA. WCA tested her for readiness for kindergarten 5 months before she began kindergarten (and said she was ready). We began paying tuition two months before school began. After 3 1/2 days in kindergarten, my husband and I were called in for a conference. The teacher was the only WCA person at the conference, and told us our child was not ready for kindergarten. She could stay for the rest of the school day....and tomorrow, if we really needed it. As we scrambled to find a new school that day, my child's belongings were packed, she was sent home and told by the teacher she would not be returning-before my husband or I even had a chance to talk with her. The school "let us out of our contract", but "could not refund our money ($1,500)" for almost two weeks - after having deducted a $300 "curriculum fee". The monetary damage was nothing compared to the psychological damage caused. Heartbreaking.

Posted: August 7, 2013

Even though others may think that the public schools in Huntsville are great, the fact is that they are going down hill. I grew up in Huntsville, attended Grissom High School at its pinnacle, and know the high expectation of professional parents. We decided to make the move to Whitesburg Christian Academy for our son after the debacle of computers in Huntsville City Schools last year. I know not every grade or every school had problems, but ours were overwhelming. This year has just started and my son is enjoying his classes (which include Latin, not available unit high school in public schools). The small classes are very helpful and his teacher is kind and knowledgable. The Headmaster spoke before the new parents and I felt that he was very clear that each of us had sacrificed to send our children to WCA. I have been nothing but pleased with the experience so far and recommend this school highly. I would check out the final scores of the seniors if you want to know the rigors of this school. This is a Christian school and they make no apologies for that. And neither do I.

Posted: July 8, 2013

There are some great people at WCA. I just don't see the huge advantage academically there though. I grew up in LA (Lower Alabama, ha) in an area that is rural and low-income. In these areas of our state, you pretty much need to put your children in a private school if you want them to get a good education. Here's the thing: Huntsville is not in Wilcox County- Huntsville has incredible public schools, save for a few areas. Grissom and Huntsville are tremendous schools- in fact, my two children were actually BEHIND when we moved them from WCA! Once again, WCA is not a bad school, it's just that public schools in Huntsville are of such high quality that your children don't have to go to a private school to get a great education. Huntsville is a GREAT place, totally different from where I'm from in Alabama.

Posted: October 20, 2012

My child has been at WCA for the last 3.5 years. I am not sure what all the fuss was with the administration. I guess I chose not to get involved in that. As for people saying it is not academically challenging enough, I am not sure what they are talking about there. My child was bored in public school. She was not offered the advanced work that she needed to stay interested. When we moved to the Academy, I immediately fell in love with her teacher. I don't see why someone would complain that they want their child to have the experience of a teacher not liking their child. I have not loved every teacher my child had but that you will find every where. I think the teachers all care about teaching and the students and want to present their teaching in fun and creative ways. My child gets to do projects that her public school friends envy. I think she has been challenged but has not had a overwhelming amount of work to do. I like that our school has smaller numbers. Tuition is expensive but comparable. Kids get the option of band in the 5th grade. The office staff is so nice! The Headmaster is nice. I would like more fundraising for field trip options.

Posted: August 16, 2012

We put our child at Whitesburg Academy and really had a bad experience from day one. The $6000 tuition is just a minimum. Your are expected to fill out a financial commitment card. If you don't, they will pressure you to do so. If you do, your level of commitment will be evaluated against your income. If it is considered too low, you will be pressured for a higher level of support. Then, you are asked too get grandparents involved so the school can solicit money from them. For the money Whitesburg expects per child, you are better off with Randolph if private school is desired. Academically they do throw allot of material at the children. If you want your child to learn latin, french, or spanish in elementary school then they have that. If you want your child to have a more real world education, the Academy is not for you.With the Huntsville city schools, kids in 1st grade are each issued IPad computers and a well rounded education. The academy is very limited with technology with only one out-dated computer per 1st grade class.Whitesburg Academy states they are training kids to be leaders but what they are doing is creating kids to not be able to relate to the real world.

Posted: February 18, 2012

My daughter graduated from WCA last year and attended WCA for 11 years. My son has been at WCA since first grade and will graduate this year. Originally, we had no intention of our children attending private school for all their grade schooling, but WCA was such an excellent experience for them that they did not want to leave. Through all grades they were getting excellent test scores, always ranking in the top 2% as compared with the national scores. Both ended up with ACT scores that provided scholarships and the average ACT for the entire school is 27. The teachers care! The sports program will grow as the school grows, but it provides an opportunity for some to play sports that would not have a chance to play in a larger school. Plans are underway for a new facility that will provide the school with a more independent feel from the church. The Christian education environment and curriculum is very valuable as compared with the immoral stuff going on at many public high schools. They train them for a world view with a Christian perspective. The new headmaster and principles have the school on the right track. Overall, an EXCELLENT school.

Posted: July 30, 2011

This is not necessarily a "bad" school, it is just made for a very specific group of students. Families that are ultra-religious may find this school accommodating, but most families looking for a well-rounded, academically-strong institution with a plethora of extracurricular activities for students will be disappointed. Furthermore, the lack of extracurriculars may lead some to believe that the curriculum is rigorous. This is simply not true. My student had vastly more homework for AP (Advanced Placement) classes in a public school than he had in any WCA classes. This school has great intentions of preparing the next generation of Christians to be productive, Godly citizens. However, the school is just not a real-life experience. My son is going to college after high school. He needs to know how to deal with classes larger than 15 students, or a teacher that does not like him (not all of them will, it's just life!), or a teacher that does not believe exactly what he believes. It is the lack of these experiences along with the academic deficiencies of WCA that drove us away after the first year. Unless you are a family of ministers, look elsewhere for a school.

Posted: November 29, 2010

WCA has come a long way in the last year and the staff and new Headmaster are doing a tremendous job. We've had kids at the school over the last three years and we didn't have major issues with the former Headmaster (or chose not to get involved), but had friends with very valid concerns. The atmosphere is completely different this year and the Academy seems poised for growth. WCA had their first homecoming this year and our kids had a great time. The basketball team is vastly improved and the overall sports program seems headed in the right direction. With a new headmaster, a new elementary school principle and a very competent interim upper school principal (hopefully she'll go permanent), things appear to be headed in a very good direction.

Posted: May 24, 2010

Our school has been through a lot of changes over the past 2 years. While our school is not perfect we have loving teachers, great children, and wonderful parents. We need to work on issues in our adminstration. With God's grace we are getting there.....We will be there until our child graduates high school!

Posted: May 5, 2010

Saw most of the reviews were fairly old! WE are looking for a new headmaster, and the Lord is definitely leading our school in a new direction. I have had kids there for 6 years now, and hope to see more improvements next year (in all areas).