Southern Maryland Christian Academy

Posted: February 5, 2026

Posted: February 5, 2026

Posted: February 5, 2026

Posted: February 5, 2026

Posted: February 5, 2026

Posted: February 5, 2026

Posted: February 5, 2026

Posted: February 5, 2026

SMCA it a total-institution. No freedom. No regard for privacy. Sexism. Racism. Grim atmosphere. Rampant bullying complete with faculty who VICTIM-BLAME. Brainwashing, control. If you do not conform to their cookie-cutter molds, then they will outcast and demonize you. My biggest concern is the fact that this school prohibits free thinking, the most important aspect to individuality. In fact, SMCA discourages individuality. If you want to see this place in action, look up the Another Brick in the Wall music video.
Bullying testimony:
A male classmate harassed me. He spread rumors about me and defamed my character. When brought to the attention of the "dean of students", she insinuated that I was the problem, not the boy cursing me out and diminishing my reputation. She sent me to talk to the counselor which accomplished nothing, instead of taking action herself. The counselor went on to minimize my situation by denying that the boy was "all that bad". And despite the undertones of my story CLEARLY pointing to assault, she failed to treat my case with the seriousness it deserved. I am still in therapy. Oh yeah, aren't you supposed to be mandatory reporters?
For the sake of future victims of this (total) institution, end the brick-making and provide justice for bullying and assault.

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: February 14, 2023

I would not recommend this school for your child’s early childhood/primary school education. After 3 years of tuition this school has failed to educate my child and Then I found out the teachers are not MD State or Nationally certified. Not all private schools are created equally. Think twice and do you research before sending your child to SMCA

Posted: May 5, 2021

Posted: May 5, 2021

Posted: May 5, 2021

Posted: May 5, 2021

SMCA has prepared me past high school life. As an alumn of this school, I feel I was fully prepared for college. The teachers pour their heart and soul into teaching and care for the students past the classroom. They made a difference in my life — they are fabulous teachers and solid people! The education was personal and intimate which helped me understand the material better. Having a small learning environment enabled me to ask the teacher any question and have a discussion about it; this is what the difference is from other schools! I would highly recommend this school to anyone, great learning and growing environment and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything! Thank you SMCA

Posted: May 5, 2021

Posted: May 5, 2021

Posted: May 5, 2021

Posted: May 5, 2021

Posted: October 24, 2020

Posted: October 24, 2020

This school does an extremely poor job in teaching very young students. They are quick to put out 4 year olds when the research and state of Maryland have proven that this is not effective and only serves to damage the child emotionally. The director refuses to return email and phone calls, the elementary principal is disrespectful and condescending and one of the the pk teachers is mean to the children. When asked if my child could be moved to a more caring teacher I was denied but was not given a reason. If looking for a caring, as well as well researched school that implements Best Practices, STAY AWAY FROM SMCA!

Posted: October 24, 2020

Posted: October 24, 2020

This school does an extremely poor job in teaching very young students. They are quick to put out 4 year olds when the research and state of Maryland have proven that this is not effective and only serves to damage the child emotionally. The director refuses to return email and phone calls, the elementary principal is disrespectful and condescending and one of the the pk teachers is mean to the children. When asked if my child could be moved to a more caring teacher I was denied but was not given a reason. If looking for a caring, as well as well researched school that implements Best Practices, STAY AWAY FROM SMCA!

Posted: October 24, 2020

This school does an extremely poor job in teaching very young students. They are quick to put out 4 year olds when the research and state of Maryland have proven that this is not effective and only serves to damage the child emotionally. The director refuses to return email and phone calls, the elementary principal is disrespectful and condescending and one of the the pk teachers is mean to the children. When asked if my child could be moved to a more caring teacher I was denied but was not given a reason. If looking for a caring, as well as well researched school that implements Best Practices, STAY AWAY FROM SMCA!

Posted: October 24, 2020

This school does an extremely poor job in teaching very young students. They are quick to put out 4 year olds when the research and state of Maryland have proven that this is not effective and only serves to damage the child emotionally. The director refuses to return email and phone calls, the elementary principal is disrespectful and condescending and one of the the pk teachers is mean to the children. When asked if my child could be moved to a more caring teacher I was denied but was not given a reason. If looking for a caring, as well as well researched school that implements Best Practices, STAY AWAY FROM SMCA!

Posted: October 24, 2020

Posted: September 8, 2018

Posted: September 8, 2018

Posted: September 8, 2018

Posted: September 8, 2018

Posted: September 8, 2018

Posted: September 8, 2018

Posted: September 8, 2018

I am truly loving my experience thus far at SMCA. The staff is truly loving and caring towards the students. My son talks about his new school very often. Thank you SMCA!

Posted: November 15, 2017

Posted: November 15, 2017

Posted: November 15, 2017

Posted: November 15, 2017

Our son is 4 years old and began attending the summer camp in June to get him acclomated to the school climate. Since August, he has very much enjoyed attending SMCA. Every morning he is very excited to go to school. He absolutely loves his teacher, Mrs. Norton, and is learning quite a lot. The curriculum is strong on phonics and reading with comprehension, which is great! He did have to adjust to wearing a uniform vs jeans, but he looks forward to Fridays when he is allowed to wear his jeans for Spirit Day. The class sizes are small enough that he gets quality attention, but large enough for him to develop strong interpersonal and relationship skills. We are able to communicate with his teacher through a variety of means, i.e. email, text, letters, phone calls, Class Dojo, and face to face conferences. She always responds right away to address any questions or concerns we may have. So far we are very pleased with SMCA and can see our son continuing through 12 grade.

Posted: November 15, 2017

Posted: November 15, 2017

Posted: November 15, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

I love that this school does not allow students to have ongoing behavior problems that affect the class. Many graces have been given to poorly behaved students and their parents are given multiple opportunities to team up with the school to help improve their child. At the end of the day, if one child is bullying or disrupting the education of the class, the administrators ask the child to leave. I feel that my children are safe, loved and supported at this school! They are always implementing best practices for their education too! SMCA is a total, great school package!

Posted: January 18, 2017

I am beyond pleased with SMCA's stance on bullying! Their class sizes are small to medium and the teachers develop relationships with the students. I feel the administrators were right on to remove a current bully from their school and I support them!

Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

SMCA's administrators are fair, supportive and absolutely effective. They have supported me as a parent and I know that my children are supported and challenged by the school's leaders!

Posted: January 18, 2017

Character is what SMCA strives to develop the most in students. This is why I felt compelled to write this review. A student was removed from my child's class for consistently causing problems, picking fights and lying to the teachers and administrators. The child's parents were asked to withdraw the child for such actions. Molding and developing positive, Christian character in our children and helping them to grow into adults who will do well in their future is what we need. SMCA excels in this area!

Posted: January 18, 2017

I love the teachers that my children have in elementary and high school! I love that they love my children and care for them during the school day too!

Posted: January 18, 2017

I feel that my children receive homework that is challenging, yet realistic in every subject.

Posted: May 28, 2015

My preschool teacher and principal were very ineffective, belittling, and hurtful to my family. I have learned so much from this experience. If I don't speak up for my child, then who will.

Posted: May 28, 2015

The preschool teacher never sent home any extra work she just wrote "keep trying" and put a smiley face. I would have to photocopy the paper and repeat the work at home, no extra support was provided. They failed my child so he could be labeled as "academically lacking" (The quotes are direct comments from the staff)

Posted: May 28, 2015

My son was only given 3 awards when all of the other 80 plus preschool students received 5 or more. The principal said my son was "academically lacking" that is why he only received 3. The teacher said it was a computer problem, but how ironic my child was the only one, ha-ha. SMCA plays favorites and just spitted in my son's face today, thanks for nothing. The worst decision I made was to come to this school.

Posted: May 28, 2015

My son was only given 3 awards when all of the other 80 plus preschool students received 5 or more. The principal said my son was "academically lacking" that is why he only received 3. The teacher said it was a computer problem, but how ironic my child was the only one, ha-ha. SMCA plays favorites and just spitted in my son's face today, thanks for nothing. The worst decision I made was to come to this school.

Posted: May 28, 2015

This school has caused my family nothing, but heartache. The saddest part is that this school is suppose to be Christian. Today was my son's preschool awards ceremony. There were 82 graduating preschoolers children they all received 5 or more awards, but my four year old received 3 awards. When I approached Ms.Cox she gave me the explanation that he only received 3 because his "academics" were not good enough. The problem that I have with this explanation, is that most of the awards were not based upon "academics", but the child's personality. When I did speak with his teacher she said the computer made an error and he received more than 3 awards. How interesting that the computer only made a mistake with my son, ha-ha. This school plays favorites and likes to exclude children who do not meet there expectations. PLEASE BE CAREFUL if you choose to send your child to this school. I wish I had selected Grace Christian Academy.

Posted: May 28, 2015

Posted: May 28, 2015

Posted: May 28, 2015

Read my review, it will detail why I do not agree they develop integrity, honesty or fairness

Posted: January 29, 2015

Southern Maryland Christian Academy (SMCA) is a top rated private Christian School. They have high values and demonstrate a genuine interest in your child s overall development. Our child has always been in a private school. We had to start looking for another private school because it was time for her to graduate from kindergarten. My husband and I was very concern about her transitioning from the early childhood development school that she attended for 3 years to another private school. The director at the school that she was attending recommended SMCA. The curriculum is great and they challenge the children. Our child started 1st grade at SMCA and she will continue at SMCA until she graduates.

Posted: November 20, 2014

After experiencing SMCA from the inside, I felt compelled to inform others who may be considering it as an option what to expect. I do not know what the elementary school is like, but the secondary school needs a major overhaul. The administration is inconsistent at best, which leads to a very unstructured, chaotic environment. Many students are disrespectful, not just to the staff, but also to each other. Both bullying and cheating are regular occurrences. Although there may be some good teachers on staff, they are not supported and do not have the resources to do an effective job. Also, a significant number of students lack critical thinking and basic writing skills. If you are looking for a school that values strong academics, I suggest you look elsewhere.

Posted: November 11, 2014

SMCA was rated Best Private School for the Southern Maryland area! This is from the 2015 Niche Report and they look at all sorts of data including standardized test scores, graduate success and student happiness! My son is in SMCA's high school and finds the academics challenging in his advanced classes with teachers that are understanding, encouraging and knowledgeable! I am so thankful for the 9 years that my children have been in this school!

Posted: May 24, 2013

As a student, SMCA is a great place to be for school. I have been there for quite a few years and SMCA has become a great school over the years. SMCA just got ACSI and MSA accredited. (A few ACSI workers came to our school how SMCA runs things. They commented on the teachers and how nice they are. Prayer is a big thing each class does before every class.) We are one of a few in the county and I think, also in the state who are dual-accredited. Our growth in students is adding up really quickly. The students and teachers are very nice and trained in what they teach. Personally, SMCA is a great school!

Posted: May 13, 2013

There is always something for my children to do at this school. There was a dance last friday night for my high school boy. Last night, the baseball team played in the championship game at home. Even my 1st grader has an afterschool club that keeps her busy. She loves the science, problem-solving and games clubs. There was a family picnic that our school friends enjoyed earlier this month too. Our family believes this school is a treasure and we are thankful to be there!

Posted: November 11, 2012

Accredited too?!? SMCA is a total package! My children have attended the school for 12 years and have achieved so much! I am thankful for the small classroom sizes, the individualized attention and high academic standard at SMCA! I love being confident that their teachers are attending conferences, taking CEU courses and are not complacent about their own education and careers. SMCA administrators raise the educational bar for their students and teachers and it is met!

Posted: September 9, 2012

Firstly, as a student of this school, I wanted to say that I absolutely enjoy it. Not only spiritually but academically as well. The schools grading standards are quite strict so you will always have that sense of rigorous academic achievement when your enrolled. Another great fact is that the teachers and staff not only teach you well but they will also help your child understand all the text material as the faculty work their hardest in bringing your child an excellent education. I also wanted to add that since I was enrolled here, the school is gradually growing. In fact a gym is being built this year so physical activities can be focused on more than in previous years. On the spiritual side of things, considering we are a Christian school, your child will never feel isolated as they will be welcomed whole-heartedly by a Christ-loving student body. There is nearly no judgement ( I say this because nothing is perfect) or hate. With these in mind, my only real complaint is a lack of extracurricular activity. Other than that this is a great school that is worth your time and money!

Posted: July 17, 2012

My children have attended SMCA for 5 years. They love the school and the teachers. The teachers are wonderful and I cannot speak more highly of them. They are dedicated and care about the children that attend there. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a quality education with teachers that care.

Posted: July 15, 2012

I have 2 children that have been in SMCA for 5 years and have l loved this school from the beginning! My son is in middle school and my daughter is in elementary. It is very important to me that my kids get the best education so they can succeed in college. Their standardized test scores show that they are receiving well above the nation's standards! That is completely due to SMCA's dedicated teachers and principals! I pray that my kids will get amazing scholarships like the current graduating SMCA class. I am so glad I found this school!

Posted: May 17, 2012

My son has been at SMCA since K4 and is just now finishing up his 2nd grade year. We LOVE it! The teachers are awesome, caring, and challenge my son. On several occasions we have seen work my step-son (who attends public school in VA) is doing and it's work my son did last year. My step-son is a year older and grade ahead of my son. The work is a step above what others are doing, the vocabulary my son commands is fantastic, and the family-atmosphere among the children is great! Occasionally you do run into "entitled" parents who want something for nothing- meaning, the kids should do and have all these great things but don't look to them to volunteer or help out. That annoys me a bit but...I've found that to be true in the Organized sports world as well. SMCA is a FANTASTIC school that should not be over looked! They have compeleted the process for the ACSI Accrediting team and are just waiting for the results.

Posted: November 18, 2011

I attended SMCA for 13 years and have been beyond prepared for college. I am now getting ready to transfer from CSM to a four year college. When I began at CSM I was not required to take the placement tests because of my high SAT scores. I have received A's in all of my classes and have been taking more than a full time schedule of classes. I believe that without SMCA I would not have been able to place directly into college level classes, would not have found college classes so easy and would not have developed the sense of integrity I have today. I have also developed lasting relationships with my teachers and continue to email and visit them regularly. They are a great network of support and help for me even after I have graduated. Mrs. Thomson the Academic Dean/ English teacher is very caring and tries her hardest to ensure that students are happy and well educated.

Posted: August 10, 2011

I have recently left SMCA. Now don't get me wrong this is an okay school, but it needs more resources. The majority of the senoirs graduate an go to community college , an the 8th grade students leaving goin to high school are Not well equipped!!This school should just be an elemetary.I have been there since the 3rd grade an now i'm going to the ninth and i'm very dissapointed about were I am academically. Private schools are supposed to be better than public right? Well I have friends that have left and went to public an now are ahead of me!! Don't send your high schooler's to SMCA

Posted: July 10, 2011

I love the fact that when I drop my children off at SMCA in the morning and drive to my job in DC, I do not ever worry about them. The teachers are loving, caring Christians who go above and beyond their duties. My children have been attending for 6 years and have consistently scored high marks on their standardized tests. SMCA is a win-win situation for my children and our family - college degreed and qualified and experienced teachers, safety, AND a loving, family community. Congrats to the Class of 2011! Way to go for all your college scholarships!

Posted: April 26, 2011

SMCA is a wonderful school that i have attended for seven years now . It has a great student body that is filled with the Word and lifts you up when you are feeling down. The teachers are also very caring and do their best to equip us for the future. If you send your child to SMCA they will be a welcome addition to the Mustang family.

Posted: April 18, 2011

I am pleased with SMCA. Maybe a few of the teachers should communicate more by phone. There should be extra credit assigment send home to the parent to raise their grades if the grades are dropping. The school is excellent and I speak no negativity. I will continue to send my grandchild to SMCA.

Posted: August 17, 2010

This school has a long history and tradition with faithfulness to the Word. This school teaches a balance of growth in academics, spiritual, emotional and physical growth.

Posted: July 28, 2010

This place is a joke. Not accredited, teachers are substandard. Not worth $700.00 let alone the 5K I paid. I feel as if I have been robbed.

Posted: June 6, 2010

wow, thanks for making a difference in my kids life. it's nice to know standardized testing scores show he's above average in every area!

Posted: April 11, 2010

I thought this was a fantastic school when I sent my 3 daughters there and I still think it is great now that 4 of my grandchildren are attending.My oldest granddaughter started going to SMCA when she was 3 and attended the K3 program now she is in middle school and I believe she and her cousins and siblings are so far ahead of public schools because of the student /teacher ratio along with the care they show to each student.

Posted: September 19, 2009

Posted: May 19, 2008