GRA at a Glance

Core Documents

Mission Statement

Grande Ronde Academy exists to provide Biblically-based education that challenges students to seek academic excellence and to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

Educational Philosophy

With the principles of God’s Word central to the curriculum, Grande Ronde Academy strives to prepare each student spiritually, academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.  Students are challenged to achieve their fullest, God-given potential, using a variety of instructional methods and materials.  The school uses an accelerated curriculum aimed at academic excellence and training in Christ-like character.

Grande Ronde Academy is an independent, interdenominational school located in La Grande, Oregon.  In Matthew 28:19 and 20 Christ commissions the church to make disciples or learners who will observe the ways of the Lord.  Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is God’s commission to parents to teach their children to love and serve Him with their whole heart. 

It is, therefore, the purpose of Grande Ronde Academy to assist parents in fulfilling their responsibility under God to train their children to please God, to attain high values and morals, and to take responsibility for their lives and conduct.

Statement of Faith

We believe...     

1. In the Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God. (II Timothy 3:15-17)
2. In one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19 and  Mark 12:29)
3. In the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35), His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9), His resurrection (John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:4), His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19), and His personal return in power and glory. (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:1)
4. In Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. (1 John 5:10 and Romans 10:13-15)
5. In the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit who enables a believer to live a holy life acceptable to God. (Hebrews 12:12-14 and 1 Peter 1:15-16)
6. In the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28)
7. In world evangelization and missionary work in accordance with the Great Commission.  (Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15)

Core Values

1. The Holy Bible, the Word of God, is the only standard from which we derive our values and is taught as truth. 
2. All employees, board members and support organization leaders must be born again Christians who accept and support the Grande Ronde Academy doctrinal and philosophy statements.
3. All employees, board members and support organization leaders must seek to role model in attitude, speech, and actions a consistent daily walk with Jesus Christ.
4. Every student will be given the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as Savior, and will be encouraged to devote their lives to Him.
5. We attempt to instill Biblical morals and a Biblical world view in each student and equip them to better serve their local church and community.
6. We will strive to use Biblically based curriculum in every class when possible; others may be used when not in conflict with core values.
7. We will teach the young earth creation model outlined in Genesis chapters 1 through 11.
8. We will maintain an academic program that promotes scholastic excellence.
9. Through a consistent discipline program we strive to maintain a safe learning environment where the value and respect of the individual is upheld.

Our History

Grande Ronde Academy was started in May of 2001 by a board as an independent, interdenominational school. After a very busy summer working to get things in order to begin the school, we opened our doors the first part of September 2001. We met in the basement of Zion Lutheran church for our first year with 20 students. During the summer of 2002 we were able to move to a larger facility at First Christian Church and started our second year with 21 students and three teachers. While enjoying our stay at First Christian we were quickly outgrowing the rooms by the end of our third year with 34 students. After much prayer and seeking God’s will for GRA, our current location became available and we moved in the summer of 2004. There were 45 students and we expanded to include kindergarten in the 2004-2005 school year.  We were able to build a playground the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year for our 58 students to enjoy. We also added student council and P.E. on a regular basis.  The 2006-2007 school year has 70 students in attendance, a 4 year-old class was added, and a weekly health class began.  Pray with us as we look for God’s direction in the years to come.  

School Government

Grande Ronde Academy is an independent, board operated school.  The board of directors meets monthly to serve as the oversight of the school.  They establish policies for operation, oversee facility needs, establish and review the annual budget, plan for growth, participate in staff hiring and act as the final authority on areas in need of resolution.  The administrator/principal reports to the board. 

Affiliations

ACSI stands for the Association of Christian Schools International of which GRA is a member.  ACSI strives to equip Christian educators and schools worldwide to effectively educate children and young people with the mind of Christ. They seek to equip schools for greater effectiveness through the programs and services they offer member schools. GRA participates in the annual convention of ACSI schools in Portland, Oregon each fall. They offer a wide variety of board, administration, teaching and support staff seminars that are of great value to our school and staff. We are also registered with the Oregon Department of Education. If you would like more information about ACSI please follow the link below.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Grande Ronde Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarships and athletic or any other school administered programs.