# Eagle's Landing Christian Academy

Eagle's Landing Christian Academy (ELCA) is a private Christian school is located on an 86-acre campus twenty-five miles south of Atlanta in McDonough, Georgia, United States. It ranks 14th in the Atlanta Business Chronicle of Atlanta's 75 largest private schools. It is a ministry of Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church. Eagle's Landing Christian Academy is accredited by AdvancED and the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC). In addition, Eagle's Landing Christian Academy is a member of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), Region 5-AA, Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools, Association of Christian Schools International, Atlanta Christian Schools Association, The College Board, and the Georgia Independent School Association.

## History

Eagle's Landing Christian Academy was founded as McDonough Christian Academy in 1970. The school had its first graduating class in 1973, with nine students. It was renamed Meadow Creek Christian Academy before becoming Greater Atlanta Christian School – Meadow Creek Campus. In 1994, Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church assumed control of the school, naming it Eagle's Landing Christian Academy.

### Eagle's Landing Christian Academy

In 1994, the academy became a ministry of Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church. In 2000, the school and church moved to the current location. In 2006, the school and church went through a multimillion-dollar building project, adding a new gym, church offices, and cafeteria. As a part of the new cafeteria, the school began using the SAGE lunch program.

### Swine flu

On May 4, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that a 14-year-old student had H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu. This was the first reported case of H1N1 of a Georgia resident. The school was initially forced to close for 14 days according to federal guidelines. All school events – athletic, educational, and fine arts – were canceled until further notice. The CDC changed its policy on school closures on May 5, and ELCA began to prepare to reopen on May 7.
On May 6, the school had its second case of swine flu. In response, the school began a cleaning effort. School administrator Chuck Gilliam stated, "We are cleaning light switches, door handles, and other places students come in contact with..." On May 7, the school reopened. The students returned to class as normal, but new safety regulations were put in place to prevent transmission of swine flu by student-to-student contact. The school's reaction to the outbreak was viewed by parents and students as an example for future administrations.

## Academics
### High school

Eagle's Landing Christian Academy offers several honors and 19 Advanced Placement classes.

### Middle school

The middle school offers seven honors courses.

### Student council

Each high school grade selects class officers for each school year. The positions include president, vice president, secretary, and chaplain.

## Extra-curricular activities
### Athletics

Eagle's Landing Christian Academy's athletic program includes 12 varsity sports as well as opportunities to participate at the JV, MS, and Youth levels in a variety of sports. ELCA participates in the Georgia High School Association (Region 5 Class AA) and competes at a high level year after year. Athletics is an integral part of the educational process that impacts the lives of many students. Our goal is to pursue with excellence an athletic program that seeks to glorify God and to use athletics as a tool to teach, coach, and model Jesus Christ

#### Notable Achievements

ELCA has had 41 State Final Four appearances, 24 State Runner-Up appearances, 18 State Championships & 30 Individual State Champions.
In 2018, our Varsity softball team became the 1st team in GHSA history to win 7 State Championships.
In 2019, our Varsity football team, became the 1st team in GHSA history to win 5 State Championships in a row. The Chargers have won 6 State Championships since 2012.
* BASEBALL: 2005 (Final 4), 2007 (State Runner-Up), 2006, 2013 (State Champs)
* BASKETBALL: 2016 (Girls Final 4), 2018 (Boys Final 4), 2019 (State Runner-Up)
* FOOTBALL: 2011, 2013, 2021 (Final 4), 2014 (State Runner-Up), 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 (State Champs)
* GOLF: 2006, 2015 (Boys Final 4)
* SOFTBALL: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015 (State Champs), 2017 (Final 4), 2021 (Final 4)
* TRACK & FIELD: 2017 (Girls Final 4), 2009, 2016, 2018 (Boys Final 4), 2015, 2016 (Girls State Runner-Up), 2010 (Boys State Runner-Up), 2014 (Girls State Champs), 2017 (Boys State Champs)
* VOLLEYBALL: 2011 (State Champs), 2013, 2014 (Final 4), 2021 (Final 4)

### Fine Arts

Eagles Landing Christian Academy has a fine arts program including Art, Band (Marching, Praise, Symphonic), Chorus, Drama and Guitar.
Drama team won regions in 2012 with their show A Few Good Men.
Eagles Landing Christian Academy has performed shows including Pocahontas, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and the 2015 spring musical Oliver.
In conjunction with Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church, ELCA has performed Christmastime productions of MTI's (Music Theater International) musicals A Christmas Carol (2017 & 2018) and Annie (2019) with local actor and school Drama Instructor and Head of Fine Arts, Chuck Ekstedt, directing. Academy students, parents, and church members collaborated in all cast and crew roles.

## Notable alumni

* Daz Cameron, MLB professional baseball outfielder
* Isaac Rochell, NFL defensive lineman
* Keaton Mitchell, NFL running back
* Jacob Heyward, professional baseball outfielder and coach