Families across Western North Carolina are asking bigger questions about education. They want more than a diploma for their children. They want a school that reinforces their values, strengthens their faith, and prepares young people for a meaningful life. For many families in the Franklin, NC area, the answer to those questions is Haywood Christian Academy (HCA), a dual accredited private Christian school located in Waynesville, NC and serving students from eight neighboring towns across the region.
If you are searching for a Franklin NC Christian school option or exploring faith-based schools in the Franklin area, HCA may be exactly the community your family has been looking for.
A School Built on Biblical Truth
Haywood Christian Academy was established in 2007 by parents and community leaders with a shared vision: a Christ-centered, community-minded school that is independent of any specific church affiliation and driven to provide an excellent academic program. Since then, HCA has grown into a thriving community of approximately 140 students representing families from across Western North Carolina, drawing from 42 churches and 8 denominations.
The school earned its initial K-12 accreditation in 2013 and has successfully completed two five-year review cycles since, most recently in 2023. That commitment to rigorous standards is part of what makes HCA a compelling form of private education for families who want both academic excellence and spiritual formation under one roof.
What Guides Every Decision at HCA
HCA's approach to education is shaped by a framework called the Portrait of a Graduate, rooted in Luke 2:52: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Every program, classroom, and activity at HCA is designed to develop the whole child in three interconnected ways:
- Spiritual Formation - Serving with a heart for God
- Academic Excellence - Learning with a mind for truth
- Worldview Orientation - Leading with a passion for the world
This is not a school that simply adds a Bible class to a standard curriculum. An education built on biblical truth is the foundation upon which every subject and relationship is built.
Programs That Serve Every Stage of Learning
HCA offers a full continuum of education from early childhood through high school graduation. Each level is designed to build on the one before it, creating a coherent journey that prepares students for college, career, and Christian service.
Kinder Prep
HCA's Kinder Prep Program offers a nurturing, challenging learning environment for 4 and 5-year-olds. The program is staffed by credentialed teachers with a genuine love of children and a philosophy of education grounded in a Christ-centered worldview. It is not your average preschool program. It is an intentional first step in a student's lifelong educational journey.
Elementary School
Students in kindergarten through 5th grade benefit from a well-credentialed faculty combining years of experience with a deep commitment to each child's growth. Patience, creativity, and a secure, healthy learning environment characterize the elementary experience at HCA.
Middle and High School
Middle school students at HCA access blended learning opportunities in core subjects, multi-sensory math instruction, fine arts, technology, and study skills. A full range of competitive sports is available within the middle school conference.
The high school program is designed to develop mature skills in reasoning, expression, research, and problem solving. Students are challenged academically, spiritually, and socially at every turn. To graduate, students must earn the required number of credits and complete 40 hours of community and cultural service across their four high school years.
College Preparation That Goes Beyond Academics
For families seeking Franklin NC college preparation options grounded in both faith and rigor, HCA's college prep services stand out. The school's Student Services program begins guiding students through self-evaluation and skills testing as early as 8th grade, helping them identify their passions and natural giftedness before they ever set foot on a college campus.
HCA's college readiness services include:
- Resume writing, building, and preparation
- Skills assessments and self-inventory evaluations
- 4-year planning and career readiness portfolio building
- Family mentoring
- FAFSA assistance
- Common App guidance and admissions support through to acceptance
- College campus visits and college fairs
- Financial aid counseling
- College entrance exam preparation
- Scholarship research and college credit transfer assistance
- Participation in College Application Week for NC, including access for homeschool families
HCA also offers HCAplus, a program for 9th through 12th grade students that expands elective opportunities through an affiliation with Liberty University Online Academy. A dual enrollment partnership with Haywood Community College allows qualifying juniors and seniors to simultaneously earn high school and college credits, building a head start on their post-secondary journey.
HCA graduates have gone on to attend institutions including Pepperdine University, NC State University, Western Carolina University, Asbury University, Liberty University, East Carolina University, and many others. Learn more about how HCA sets students up for success through college prep services.
Athletics, Fine Arts, and Life Beyond the Classroom
A well-rounded education at HCA extends well beyond core academics. The school's athletic program is built on the conviction that sports should instill positive, Christ-like character through competition. HCA fields teams in volleyball, soccer, basketball, and cheerleading, with programs at the middle school, junior varsity, and varsity levels.
Homeschooled students in the surrounding community are welcome to participate in HCA's athletics program, making it an accessible option even for families whose students are educated primarily at home.
The fine arts program offers opportunities in visual arts, music, and drama across grade levels. Recent high school productions have included The Sound of Music, Into the Woods Jr., and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, among others. Students pursuing higher education in the arts have received strong college admissions results and scholarship awards.
Financial Access and Scholarship Opportunities
Cost is a real consideration for families exploring private education alternatives in the Franklin area. HCA is committed to making Christ-centered education as accessible as possible through the Kingdom Partner Scholarship Opportunity (KPSO). This scholarship is funded by local churches, organizations, and individuals to provide tuition support for eligible students who desire a Christian education at HCA.
HCA is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations to the scholarship fund are tax deductible. Families interested in learning more about tuition and financial assistance are encouraged to visit the HCA tuition page for detailed information.
What HCA Families Say
Rogers Family: "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."
Therese Murdock: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haywood Christian Academy accessible to families from the Franklin area?
Yes. HCA is located in Waynesville, NC and serves students from eight neighboring towns across Western North Carolina. Families from the surrounding region, including those exploring a Christian academy near Franklin, are welcome to apply and schedule a tour.
What grade levels does HCA serve?
HCA offers education from its Kinder Prep program for 4 and 5-year-olds through 12th grade. The full K-12 program is dually accredited, with the most recent five-year review completed in 2023.
Does HCA accept homeschooled students?
Yes. Homeschooled students are welcome to participate in HCA's athletics program. Additionally, the HCAplus dual enrollment program extends college preparedness opportunities to qualifying homeschool students in the community.
What is the Kingdom Partner Scholarship?
The Kingdom Partner Scholarship Opportunity is a tuition assistance program funded by local churches, organizations, and individuals. It is designed to make faith-based private education accessible to families who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Visit the tuition page to learn more.
How does HCA approach college preparation?
HCA's Student Services program begins guiding students toward college and career readiness as early as 8th grade. High schoolers have access to dual enrollment, FAFSA assistance, college fairs, campus visits, scholarship research, and more. The school also participates in College Application Week for NC.
Is there a faith requirement to enroll?
HCA is independent of any specific church affiliation and welcomes families from a diverse range of Christian backgrounds. The school community represents 42 churches and 8 denominations. HCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
Take the Next Step Toward a Faith-Based Education
If you are a family in Western North Carolina considering your options for a Franklin NC school alternative or simply exploring what a faith-based education could look like for your child, Haywood Christian Academy invites you to learn more. Tour the campus, meet the faculty, and experience the community that has been shaping Christian leaders since 2007.
Contact our team today to schedule a visit or request enrollment information. We would love to welcome your family into the HCA community.