At Haywood Christian Academy, we believe that true education nurtures not just the mind, but also the heart and spirit. As Western North Carolina's premier Christ-centered educational institution, we provide students from Kindergarten through 12th grade with an academically rigorous curriculum firmly rooted in biblical truth.
For families seeking the best private school experience in Waynesville, NC, Haywood Christian Academy offers a unique combination of academic excellence, spiritual formation, and character development that prepares students for success in college, career, and life.
Unlike public education, HCA integrates faith into every aspect of the learning experience. Our students don't just learn academic subjects—they discover how all knowledge connects to God's truth. Every classroom becomes a place where students can explore their faith alongside academic concepts, guided by teachers who model Christian values and a biblical worldview.
HCA graduates are well-prepared for higher education and have been accepted to prestigious institutions including Pepperdine University, NC State University, Western Carolina University, UNC-Charlotte, Liberty University, Covenant College, and many others. Our comprehensive college preparatory curriculum challenges students to develop critical thinking skills, effective communication abilities, and a love for lifelong learning.
With approximately 140 students across all grade levels, HCA offers the personalized attention that helps each student thrive. Our small class sizes allow teachers to truly know each student—their strengths, challenges, and learning styles—creating an environment where no child gets lost in the crowd. This intimate setting provides students with more opportunities to participate in leadership roles, athletics, fine arts, and other enrichment activities.
Following Luke 2:52—"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man"—we focus on developing the whole child: intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. Our "Portrait of a Graduate" framework cultivates:
Our Kinder Prep Program offers a nurturing, yet challenging learning environment for students ages 4-5. Our well-qualified faculty implement a hands-on, multi-sensory approach to learning that prepares children for kindergarten success while beginning their journey as lifetime learners.
HCA's Elementary School provides a stimulating and encouraging learning environment where faculty focus on training the whole child. Small class sizes enable students to receive individualized attention while building close relationships with teachers and peers. Beyond rigorous academics, students participate in daily Bible lessons and weekly chapel services that reinforce Christian values.
Middle School students engage in blended learning opportunities that incorporate technology for research and presentation skills. Our math instruction combines multi-sensory activities with interactive journaling and problem-solving techniques. Students also benefit from enrichment classes in fine arts, technology, and study skills, with opportunities to participate in competitive sports within our middle school conference.
Our High School program develops mature skills in reasoning, expression, research, and problem-solving—preparing students for collegiate success. Through partnerships with Haywood Community College, juniors and seniors can dual-enroll to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. Local business internships provide real-world experience for participating seniors, while our competitive sports programs and fine arts productions round out the HCA experience.
Introduced in 2020, HCAplus enhances our high school offerings by expanding elective options through our affiliation with Liberty University Online Academy and dual enrollment opportunities with Haywood Community College. This program enables us to incorporate 21st-century learning techniques while extending best college preparedness practices to our students, including qualifying homeschool students within our community.
This unique program offers specialized support for students with language-based learning differences. Using the proven Orton-Gillingham approach, The Bridge provides customized multi-sensory instruction to students with challenges like dyslexia, helping them overcome learning obstacles and achieve their full potential. The program has expanded to offer academic tutoring and support in most subject areas.
Located on a beautiful 7-acre campus in Waynesville, HCA provides a safe, inspiring environment for learning and growth. Our facility includes:
Our new gymnasium serves not only our athletic programs but also functions as a multi-purpose facility for school and community events, exemplifying our commitment to community engagement and service.
We believe that athletics and extracurricular activities play a vital role in developing well-rounded students. HCA offers a variety of competitive sports programs including volleyball, soccer, basketball, and cheerleading. Our athletic program instills positive, Christ-like character expressed through competition, emphasizing that participation in sports is a privilege earned through academic achievement, athletic skill, work ethic, and a respectful attitude.
Beyond athletics, students can explore their talents through our visual arts program, music education, drama productions, and yearbook staff. These activities help students discover and develop their God-given gifts while building teamwork, leadership, and creative skills.
HCA students don't wait until graduation to make a difference—they start now through regular community service projects. From collecting food items for local food banks to volunteering at Special Olympics, our students learn to live out their faith through practical service to others.
Recent outreach projects have included:
We believe that Christian education should be accessible to families from all economic backgrounds. Through our Kingdom Partner Scholarship Opportunity (KPSO), local churches, organizations, and individuals can sponsor partial or full scholarships for eligible students. Additionally, HCA accepts the NC Opportunity Scholarship, making high quality Christian education more affordable for North Carolina families.
"Haywood Christian Academy has been such a blessing to our family. After years of homeschooling, we searched and prayed on the right school for our children. HCA came into our lives at just the right time. Not only are my children excelling socially, academically, and athletically, but I have seen them each grow closer to the Lord." - Rogers Family
"I am an advocate for teachers; I am an advocate for the incredible jobs they do and the responsibility they have. I am an advocate for finding the best place a child can thrive. I believe it takes a family and community to raise a child. I believe HCA is more than a school; HCA is a community of committed teachers, educators and families that are taking up the mission to give children not only a good education, but to build compassionate Christian leaders." - Therese Murdock
Founded in 2007 by parents and community leaders, HCA was established as a Christ-centered, community-minded school independent of any specific church affiliation. Over the past 17 years, we've grown from a two-campus school to our current unified campus with newly constructed athletic facilities.
Today, HCA employs 33 staff members, including 18 faculty members—100% of whom hold bachelor's degrees, with 22% holding master's degrees. Our students represent 8 neighboring towns in Western North Carolina and come from diverse Christian backgrounds representing 42 churches and 8 denominations.
Our commitment to excellence led us to pursue and achieve national accreditation in 2013, with successful review cycles completed in 2018 and 2023. This accreditation affirms our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in Christian education.
We invite you to see firsthand what makes Haywood Christian Academy the best private school choice in Waynesville, NC. Schedule a campus tour, attend an open house event, or speak with our admissions team to learn more about how HCA can help your child develop academically, spiritually, and personally.
Elementary, Middle & High School
77 Sutton Loop
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-0229
Kinder Prep Program
106 Hampshire Drive
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-0229
Haywood Christian 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, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Discover why families throughout Western North Carolina choose Haywood Christian Academy—where excellence in education meets biblical truth to develop tomorrow's Christian leaders.