Blue Ridge Christian Academy was a private preparatory school in Landrum, South Carolina. The school had classes for students ranging from Pre-kindergarten to High School level.
The academy was founded by Jill and E.J. Bird in 2004, and governed by a board of directors. It was accredited by Association of Christian Schools International.
Controversies
Ridge Christian Academy - A Short video Highlighting our wonderful School.
The school offered a Christ centered education, where kids were intended to be "prepared to impact the world for Christ." In Spring 2013, it was reported that a 4th grade science quiz administered at the school promoted Young Earth creationism, a view that is not based on empirical data. The correct answers to the quiz stated that the Earth is not billions of years old, that dinosaurs did not live millions of years ago, that God created dinosaurs on the 6th day and included several Biblical questions that had no relevance to science. Diana Baker, BRCA Administrator, stated that she did not feel anything wrong was done and that the teacher will not be disciplined.
Ken Ham, President of Answers in Genesis, stated on his blog that the quiz was based on a DVD produced by his organization.
In December 2012, student Mason Joseph Bird, son of the school's founders, was arrested after an argument in class during which he allegedly threatened to come to the school with a gun and shoot his fellow students. No charges were filed.
Closure
Blue Ridge Christian Academy announced that it would not be open for the 2013-2014 school year due to lack of funding. The school had sought $200,000 to remain open, but had only received $15,000 in donations. On August 8, 2013, a public sale was scheduled by the school to sell its curricula, books, teacher resources, office supplies, school supplies, toys and bulletin board materials. The school's furniture and computers were not included in the sale. The proceeds of the sale were to go towards paying its debts, which included two months of teachers' salaries.
Gallery
References
External links
- Blue Ridge Christian Academy
