Photo provided by Jana Grose
In the Georgia-Cumberland Conference, we rejoice in the sacred calling entrusted to us through 31 elementary schools, three junior academies, three academies, and one university — where Christ is not simply acknowledged, but reigns. Nearly half of our elementary schools incorporate outdoor learning and agricultural programs, nurturing young hearts and minds through God’s “first book”: nature. In these spaces, students encounter the Creator, not only in Scripture but also in the beauty, order, and wonder of His creation.
Since adopting MAP assessments in the 2020-2021 school year, our students have consistently scored above the national average — even during the pandemic, when public school achievement dropped. A recent review of our longitudinal MAP data shows strong, sustained growth across every grade. K-8 students improve from fall to winter to spring, with peak scores in the spring, and the longer students remain in Georgia-Cumberland schools, the higher their academic achievement climbs. In math, our seventh-graders are scoring above the eighth-grade national average — essentially a year ahead. In reading, our sixth- and seventh-graders are likewise a year ahead of national peers. Eighth- graders may be achieving at the same accelerated pace, though no ninth-grade comparison is available on this assessment.
Our schools continue to shine as lights in their communities. Georgia-Cumberland Academy, Atlanta Adventist Academy, and several elementary schools have recently completed or been affirmed in the accreditation process, reflecting a commitment to excellence in both education and ministry. Through the North American Division’s rigorous accreditation cycle, we are continually called higher — not for recognition, but for faithfulness in the mission God has given us.
The Office of Education remains committed to fostering environments where physical and spiritual safety allow students to encounter Jesus deeply and personally. Each day, nearly 2,800 students are part of an ongoing evangelistic journey — 180 days of intentional discipleship. Our teachers are not only educators; they are ministers, faithfully reflecting Christ in their classrooms. Our prayer is that every student will “see” Jesus in their teachers, their pastors, their classmates, and in every act of kindness within our school communities.
God often speaks to the heart through beauty — through art, music, and the quiet witness of creation. The image “Dance of Grace” by Mark Keathley captures each Georgia-Cumberland educator’s desire for students to experience the love and delight of Jesus in their classrooms, and to share it with their families.
A phrase shared during a hiring interview several years ago still resonates: our mission is to “make Heaven crowded.” With every lesson taught, every prayer lifted, and every seed of truth planted, we are, by God’s grace, helping to grow the neighborhoods in Heaven.
Ephesians 5:1-2 in The Message Bible captures this calling: “Watch what God does, and then you do it …. Mostly what God does is love you …. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant …. Love like that.”
May that extravagant love continue to guide, shape, and define every aspect of our work in Georgia-Cumberland Conference schools.
Georgia-Cumberland | June 2026
Comments are closed.