GCA Orientation Recap

Dear GCA Parents,

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for Orientation! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet our new families. For those who could not be with us—or for anyone who would like a clear reference—here is a recap of the main topics and policy changes we discussed together.

📌 Main Updates for the 2025–2026 School Year

  • Start & End Times

    • Academic classes will now begin every day—including Monday—at 8:30 AM. This will allow for a consistent, focused start to our school day.

    • Morning drop-off begins at 8:00 AM, with the warning bell at 8:25 AM, and the tardy bell at 8:30 AM.

    • Dismissal times remain 3:30 PM for K–8 and 3:40 PM for High School.

    • Our Tuesday early dismissal tradition will continue, with school ending at 2:45 PM.

  • Faculty Updates

    • We are blessed with a dedicated, and incredibly talented team and are welcoming new members this year, including Sis. Olivia Williams (5th Grade) and Sis. Nicole Rodrigues (9th/10th Homeroom).

    • During Orientation, we introduced each teacher and staff member so parents know exactly who is leading, assisting, or supporting their child’s education.

  • Facilities & Classrooms

    • To accommodate our growing enrollment, some classrooms have been relocated. Here is the current room list:

      • Room 1 – Resource Center

      • Room 2 – 9th & 10th Grade Homeroom

      • Room 3 – 11th & 12th Grade Homeroom

      • Room 4 – 7th & 8th Grade Homeroom

      • Room 5 – 6th Grade Homeroom

      • Room 6 – 2nd Grade

      • Room 7 – 3rd Grade

      • Room 8 – 4th Grade

      • Room 9 – 5th Grade

      • Room 10 – 1st Grade

      • Room 11 – Kindergarten

    • We are prayerfully anticipating our new school building being ready next year, which will allow us to nearly double our capacity and create even better learning spaces.

  • Daily Schedule Changes

    • Mornings will now be dedicated to academics so we can maximize learning time while students are at their most alert.

    • Our daily prayer and devotions will continue but will be moved to the middle of the day, allowing us to pause and refocus spiritually before the afternoon classes. Morning Manna Noon KaBOOM will be an exciting and intense time of prayer and Bible teaching through a variety of methods.

  • Uniforms

    • Jumpers for girls are available through The Toggery. We recommend ordering early to avoid shipping delays.

    • Land’s End carries approved uniform items, including the required chapel tie for grades 6–12, approved outerwear, and expanded sock options for girls in all grades. Visit the Land’s End GCA Website

    • A dedicated dress uniform is coming soon and can be previewed on the Land’s End site, though it will not yet be required for chapel days this year.

  • Attendance Policy Update

    • Per Arizona law, students are allowed 18 total absences per year, whether excused or unexcused.

    • Automated notices will be sent at 6, 10, 14, and 17 absences.

    • At 10 and 17 absences, a meeting will be scheduled to discuss the student’s progress and determine next steps, including whether course credit can still be granted.

  • Church Attendance & Standard of Conduct

    • We reviewed our Church Attendance Agreement and Standard of Conduct, both of which are vital to maintaining the Christ-centered environment that makes GCA what it is.

    • These agreements help ensure that we are walking in unity with the Apostolic doctrine that our school is built upon.

    • Please pick up a copy of each agreement if you do not yet have one, and sign/return them as soon as possible.

  • Communication

    • Important updates will be sent via automated email from the office. These may include behavior notices, progress reports, grade updates, and reminders about tardies or absences.

    • It is essential that we have a current email address you check regularly. Some parents even choose to create a dedicated email just for school communications.

    • Classroom updates will be shared via the Remind app, which allows you to choose how you receive messages and even offers translation into your preferred language. Homeroom teachers will provide instructions for joining their class Remind group.

  • High School Afternoon Schedule

    • Core academic subjects will be completed before lunch, leaving the afternoon for electives such as Principles for Life, PE, Bible classes, Music/Worship Arts, Outreach, and Study Hall.

    • For students taking college courses: every 3 college credits earned will count as 1 high school credit. A 5-credit college course will also count as 1 high school credit.

We look forward to a wonderful school year together with your family. God is doing great things at GCA and we’re looking to him to continue moving the school forward.

In His Service,

Bro. Andrew Jones

Principal

Glendale Christian Academy