History

North Cobb Christian School was originally Grace Christian School, a ministry of Grace Brethren Church of Marietta, with 36 students in kindergarten through third grade. In 1983, the church decided to discontinue its educational ministry, but four families, desiring an alternative to public education, re-chartered the school as North Cobb Christian School. In 1984, NCCS received approval by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit corporation, elected its first Board of Directors from among the school families, and became a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Grace Brethren Church allowed NCCS to rent the church's classroom building until permanent facilities could be obtained. After a two-year search, NCCS purchased 10.2 acres of land on the edge of Acworth and Kennesaw. Dale Phillips was hired as the school's first administrator. As the 1987-88 school year began, classes were held in modular classrooms while construction was underway on an 11,200 square foot classroom building on the new property. By February, the building, which seemed to have endless space for future growth, was finished and families celebrated as the modular classrooms were hauled away.

In the spring of 1989, the school graduated its first eighth grade class and the Board of Directors faced the decision of adding high school. After much prayer, it was decided to stop at eighth grade temporarily. In 1990, Jack Beckman was hired as the school's second administrator as Dale Phillips left to take a position with ACSI.  At the end of Jack Beckman's two years as administrator, NCCS had weathered some tough financial times with a new building, but the budget was stable and enrollment was climbing. Tony Wade was hired as the new administrator in the summer of 1992. Enrollment grew steadily over the next couple of years until it exploded in the spring of 1995. The 1995-96 school year began with 300 students and lack of space, again, became a major concern.

October of 1996 saw the kickoff of a capital campaign drive to finance a 68,000 square foot addition that would add 30 classrooms, a gymnasium, science lab, media center, two cafeterias and additional office space. Because of the Lord's rich blessings, construction began in June of 1997. At this same time, the decision was made to open high school, one grade at a time, with applications accepted for the ninth grade.

For the 1997/1998 school year a Vice-Principal was added to the administrative team as the number of students enrolled grew to 480 in grades 1-10.  Classes meet in the original small building and 18 portable classrooms. Construction was completed a year later in August 1998, just two weeks before the beginning of the school year. Again, enrollment had exploded and NCCS experienced a banner year with 710 students in K4 - 11th grade, thoroughly enjoying their new building. Dr. Byron Greene became NCCS' fourth administrator, with Elementary and Secondary Principals to assist him.

Even though NCCS now had over 100,000 square feet of space, it was not enough. At the start of the 1999/2000 school year, a new wing with 10 additional classrooms in the main building and a large modular housing a band room, four classrooms, and two science labs were added to accommodate the continued growth.  Additional acreage in front of the school was purchased for a third playground space, and a combination baseball/soccer field.  Enrollment continued to increase due to the favorable reputation that NCCS held in the growing communities around the school. NCCS celebrated their first senior class with six graduates out of a total enrollment of 910. The faculty had grown to 44 with a total staff of 93.

In the 2000/2001 school year NCCS joined the Georgia Independent School Association. In its inaugural year with the association, NCCS was named overall champion in the 4AA region for competition in athletics and fine arts. In 2002/03 with a high school enrollment of 204, NCCS moved up to AAA competition. NCCS was ranked the 8th largest private school in the metro Atlanta area.

In 2003 the North Atlanta School of the Arts (NASOTA) was added as a school-within-the-school.  NASOTA provided intensive study in a student's chosen field every afternoon while the student completed a college prep program at NCCS in the mornings. Students studied Dance, Theatre, Vocal, Instrumental, and Visual Arts.

Dr. Gary Coker became the interim Head of School in July of 2005 with the task of keeping NCCS on track while identifying and hiring a more permanent Head of School. In preparation for future growth, the school was sub-divided into three schools (Lower School, Middle School and Upper School) with a Principal overseeing each and the Lower School also having an Assistant Principal.

Todd Clingman joined NCCS as Associate Head of School in 2007.  As planned, Mr. Clingman transitioned into the role of Head of School at the end of the 07-08 school year.  As part of an overall plan to enhance academics, arts and athletics, Mr. Clingman instituted a review of the school's philosophy, programs, people (students/families) and places (facilities).  The result has been a renewed focus on the mission (philosophy) of North Cobb Christian School, enhanced school programs, a more clearly defined family demographic target and the development of the school's Master Site Plan.

Key program changes occurred in 2008 with the announcement of three additional schools-within-the-school.  NASOTA, NCCS' first Academy program, became The Academy of the Arts while The Academy of Business and The Academy of Counseling, Ministry and Education both launched during the 08-09 school year.  The school's fourth Academy, The Academy of Math, Science and Technology, will launch August 2009.  Each Academy is a rigorous curriculum designed to better prepare students for careers and collegiate study in their chosen field of interest.

As co-curricular programs grew to enhance student life, football became the newest addition to the school's roster of over 40 Middle School and Upper School competitive sports.  Property adjacent to the school was purchased and a portion was converted to a practice football field. The success of key athletic programs during the early and mid 2000s led to a jump to the Georgia High School Association in 2008: a move that is expected to give North Cobb Christian School greater exposure and credibility outside the 10 mile radius currently serviced by the school.