For families in the Balsam area seeking an educational alternative that combines academic rigor with biblical values, Haywood Christian Academy offers a compelling choice. Located in nearby Waynesville, our independent Christian school has been serving Western North Carolina families since 2007, providing students from Kinder Prep through 12th grade with an education that develops children academically, physically, spiritually, and socially.
As parents consider school alternatives for their children, many are discovering that faith-based education provides a unique environment where Christian values aren't merely discussed but lived out daily. At Haywood Christian Academy, we partner with families to raise up the next generation of Christian leaders who have a heart for God, a mind for truth, and a passion for the world.
Private school near Balsam options offer distinct advantages for families who prioritize Christian values alongside academic excellence. At Haywood Christian Academy, we understand that education extends far beyond test scores and college admissions. We're committed to developing students who can think critically, live with integrity, and apply biblical principles to every area of life.
Mission Statement: The mission of Haywood Christian Academy is to develop students into Christian leaders by providing an excellent educational experience on a foundation of Biblical truth.
Vision Statement: To impact the culture of WNC and the world by embracing children and releasing Christ-centered leaders.
Haywood Christian Academy is built upon eight core values that shape our community and inform our approach to education:
These values aren't abstract concepts—they're lived out daily in our classrooms, on our athletic fields, and throughout our community interactions.
Our Kinder Prep Program provides a unique learning experience for young children in a nurturing yet challenging environment. Faculty employ hands-on, multi-sensory teaching methods, and small class sizes allow for individualized attention and close relationships. The program prepares children for kindergarten success while beginning the journey of developing lifetime learners.
The goal is to enhance children's cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual development in a structured, Christ-centered, safe, loving, and supportive environment. Our staff members bring over 33 years of combined teaching experience and strive to model God's love, patience, wisdom, and character.
The Elementary program at Haywood Christian Academy provides a stimulating and encouraging learning environment where training the whole child remains the priority. Our elementary faculty uses well-tested instructional methods combined with innovative approaches to engage young learners.
Students benefit from:
Our Middle School program is designed to prepare students for high school success while developing their character and faith. Students experience:
Our High School program develops mature skills in reasoning, expression, research, and problem-solving that prepare students to succeed in collegiate environments. Key features include:
HCAplus Program: Introduced in 2020, HCAplus expands learning for 9th-12th grade students by offering expanded electives as an affiliate of Liberty University Online Academy and partnering with Haywood Community College for dual enrollment opportunities. This enables students to earn college credits while completing high school requirements.
Practical Experience: Partnerships with local businesses provide internship opportunities for participating seniors, giving them real-world experience in their areas of interest.
Community Service: Students complete 40 hours of community and cultural service throughout their high school years, developing servant hearts and applying their faith beyond the classroom.
Haywood Christian Academy offers competitive Athletics including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and cheerleading. Our athletic program welcomes homeschooled students, providing opportunities for community connection and character development.
Our new gymnasium, completed in 2021 during a pandemic when most organizations were pausing large projects, stands as a testimony to God's provision. This facility enables us to offer:
While varsity teams place greater emphasis on winning, our middle school program focuses on preparing athletes for varsity competition while teaching team commitment, developing individual skills, and cultivating a winning attitude.
Students can explore their creative gifts through various Fine Arts programs:
Visual Arts: Our K-12 visual arts program teaches design concepts while allowing creative exploration. Students develop skills in media manipulation and design application, and those pursuing higher education degrees in art have enjoyed success in college art program admissions and scholarship awards.
Music: All students in grades K-5 receive music education, exploring musical genres from different historical periods and diverse cultures. Praise Team is available for students in 8th-12th grade.
Drama: Recent productions have included The Sound of Music, Into the Woods Jr., The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Seussical Jr., and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Students also study Performing Literature and Speech.
Recognizing that all students are uniquely gifted by God, we founded The Bridge Learning Center in 2015. This program provides highly effective language therapy using the Orton-Gillingham approach for students with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia.
The Bridge has expanded to offer academic tutoring and support in most subject areas, serving both HCA students and those in the broader community. This demonstrates our commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
We believe financial constraints shouldn't prevent families from accessing quality Christian education. Several options help make private school more affordable:
Kingdom Partner Scholarship Opportunity (KPSO): This scholarship fund, supported by local churches, organizations, and individuals, provides tuition assistance for eligible students. Strong consideration is given to larger families and those with demonstrated financial need. 100% of donations go directly to families seeking Christian education at HCA.
NC Opportunity Scholarship: North Carolina families may qualify for state-funded scholarships applicable toward private school tuition. Our admissions team can provide information about eligibility and application processes.
FACTS Tuition Management: We partner with FACTS to offer flexible payment plans that help families manage tuition costs throughout the school year.
Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page to learn more about making Christian education affordable for your family.
Education at Haywood Christian Academy extends beyond academic achievement to developing servant hearts. Our students regularly participate in community outreach and service projects, including:
These experiences teach students to look beyond themselves and use their gifts to serve others, embodying Christ's command to love our neighbors.
Beyond integrating faith throughout our curriculum, we offer smaller class sizes, a unified community centered on shared Christian values, and an educational approach that sees parents as essential partners. We teach every subject from a biblical worldview, helping students understand how their faith applies to mathematics, science, literature, history, and all areas of life.
While we welcome students from various Christian backgrounds, families must understand and support our mission and statement of faith. All students participate in daily Bible instruction and weekly chapel services, as biblical principles shape our entire educational approach.
Our dual accreditation, rigorous curriculum, and college preparatory focus ensure students are academically prepared. The HCAplus program enables students to earn college credits through dual enrollment with Haywood Community College and expanded electives through Liberty University Online Academy. Our graduates have been accepted to competitive colleges and universities nationwide.
The Bridge Learning Center offers specialized support using the Orton-Gillingham approach for students with language-based learning differences. We develop 504 plans for qualifying students and provide appropriate classroom accommodations. Small class sizes enable more individualized attention than typically possible in larger schools.
Yes! We welcome homeschooled students into our athletics program, and our HCAplus program includes qualifying homeschool students within the community for expanded learning opportunities.
We invite you to schedule a campus tour to experience the HCA difference firsthand. Meet our dedicated faculty, tour our facilities including our new gymnasium, and discover how we partner with families to develop the next generation of Christian leaders.
Contact us today to see how Christian education can become a reality for your family.