Grace Baptist Academy Chattanooga

🏗️ Construction Update!

Things are moving fast at Grace Academy! Flooring is now being installed in the first building, bringing us one step closer to welcoming our high school students back to campus this August.

At the same time, Phase 2 continues to take shape as more structural walls go up each week. It's exciting to see the vision becoming reality, and we can't wait to share even more progress with you soon!

🏆 WE NEED YOUR VOTE! 🏆

Grace Academy has been nominated for Chattanooga's Best of the Best in the Best Private School category, and voting is officially open! 🎉

We are incredibly grateful for the students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters who make Grace Academy such a special place. Every day, we have the privilege of partnering with families to provide an excellent Christ-centered education that helps students grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

If Grace Academy has made a difference in your life or your family's journey, we would be honored to have your vote! ❤️

Vote here:
https://www.timesfreepress.com/bob/ #/gallery/538597148

* You will see the Vote Button under our logo at the top, and then other voting options for our other nominations: "Education Employer" and "Camp Grace for Best Summer Camp". So be sure to vote for those as well!

Thank you for your continued support of Grace Academy and for helping us spread the word. Please like, share, and encourage others to vote as well! 🦅💛

Coach Wallace Foster has been a cornerstone of Grace Baptist Academy athletics, serving as the Head High School Boys Basketball Coach and helping shape the culture of the Golden Eagles program through his leadership, character, and commitment to excellence. With more than seven years of coaching experience, Coach Foster has invested countless hours into developing student-athletes both on and off the court.

1. Who were/are your biggest influences as a coach?

It is difficult to say who has the biggest influence on me as a coach due to so many individuals who have poured their time and wisdom into my life. With that said, I think it is extremely important to seek out mentors in every facet of life. My Dad taught me invaluable lessons about hard work and always pushed me to be a basketball coach, even though baseball was my “main” sport.

2. What are your favorite aspects of being a coach?

My favorite aspect of coaching is 100% the lifelong relationships you can build. There is nothing like getting a phone call or text from a former player to go workout, prayer request or a wedding invite.

3. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of coaching?

Outside of coaching my favorite things to do are hangout with my family. My wife and I now have two kids that we enjoy. In addition, we are both blessed to have our families in Chattanooga who we spend quality time with.

4. Favorite memory coaching at grace?

My favorite memory as a coach here at Grace is all the former players who come back to practice with th current team or even help coach in their free time. That is true love for the culture of the program.

🏗️ Construction Update 🏗️

What began as devastation in the wake of the 2020 tornado has become a story of faith, perseverance, and God's provision.

For years, our campus existed as ideas on paper, architectural renderings, planning meetings, prayers, and countless conversations about what the future of Grace Academy could be. Today, those plans are rising from the ground before our eyes.

With every steel beam, wall, and foundation that takes shape, we are reminded just how far God has brought us. The campus that was once damaged by a storm is becoming a place where future generations of students will learn, grow, compete, worship, and build lifelong friendships.

We are thrilled by the continued progress on our Shallowford Road campus and cannot wait to welcome our 9th -12th High School students home this August. While there is still much work ahead, each day brings us one step closer to the vision God has placed before us.

Thank you to every family, donor, supporter, and prayer partner who has been part of this journey. We are excited for what is ahead and grateful to watch this story continue unfold.

Thank you Kevin Wnuk for the drone footage and continued dedication to show our progress along the way.

Thank you Tyson & Associates Construction Company, Inc.!

🌎 While we hope all of our students are enjoying a wonderful summer break, we can’t help but look back on some of the special moments from this past school year!

One memory came in Spanish II when Jake Ortiz’s mom visited class and shared authentic homemade Colombian arepas with our students. Not only did everyone get to enjoy a delicious treat, but they also learned about the ingredients, preparation process, and the cultural significance of this traditional Colombian dish.

Experiences like these bring language learning to life and help students connect classroom lessons to real people, cultures, and traditions around the world.

We have a feeling some of our Spanish II students are missing those authentic food days right about now! 😄

Thank you to the Ortiz family for helping make learning memorable and delicious. We can’t wait for more hands-on experiences like this when school starts back up in August!

😎Camp Grace is in full swing!☀️

Throwback to Sixth Grade Heritage Studies! 🎮📼📞

As we enjoy summer break, we’re looking back at some of the fun and memorable learning experiences from this past school year!

In Heritage Studies, our sixth graders took a trip back in time to explore the *ancient civilization* of the 80s and 90s. Students got hands-on with technology and artifacts from a different era, playing RollerCoaster Tycoon, trying out Game Boys, listening to cassette tapes, and examining items like Blockbuster membership cards, flip phones, and photo negatives.

They even watched clips from classic 90s Nickelodeon shows and discovered what life was like before smartphones, streaming services, and social media.

It’s safe to say that many of our students left class with a newfound appreciation for just how much the world has changed in a few short decades!

What was your favorite thing from the 80s or 90s? Let us know in the comments! 👇😄