Through the Years:
The History of Highlands Christian Academy

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1975 – The first class graduated from HCA, and the church started construction of a new gymnasium, which would provide science rooms, a lab, a music room, and cafeteria facilities for the growing school ministry. The gymnasium project was completed in 1976.

1982 – An additional 5.2 acres were purchased, which became the site of our current sanctuary, the football field, and the maintenance area.

1985 – A new nursery building was completed that also serves the HCA Preschool.

1989 – The church broke ground for an 800-seat auditorium. The first service was held in the new building on September 16, 1990, and the name was changed to Grace Baptist Church.

1994 – 11 mobile homes were added at the back of the property to provide Grace and Highlands employees with affordable housing during their transition to life in South Florida.

1999 – The secondary building (Kennith R. Lopez Building) was built to accommodate the growing HCA enrollment, provide new offices, and provide a new cafeteria. The gymnasium was also renovated in that same year.

2000 – Lights were added to the athletic fields in the summer of 2000.

2005 – On October 24, 2005, Hurricane Wilma’s category 3 winds destroyed the interior of the church building, three roof systems, four classrooms, athletic fields, fencing, and other miscellaneous damage to the property. Church services were held in the gymnasium for 18 months while repairs were being made.

2006 – Renovations were made to the elementary building during summer 2006 for $70,000.

2019 – A modular building was added to accommodate a STEM program at HCA.

2021 – An EANS grant of $1 million was used to improve technology and security for our students. This included the use of Chromebooks, secure access points, security cameras, sight barriers, and more.

2023 – The Sanctuary (Bldg. A) was renovated from floor to ceiling, including paint, carpet, theater style seating, lighting, audio system, and the addition of an LED wall to assist in the church services and school plays.

2024 – New roofs were added to Bldg. J (Lower School) and Bldg. K (The EDGE), and the roof of the gymnasium was sealed to meet wind insurance requirements.

2025 – The Upper School office was renovated to enhance security and keep guests from accessing our student population. New roofs were added to Bldg. D (Kids Connect) and Bldg. F (Upper School).

ENROLLMENT RECORDS

Highlands Christian Academy celebrated its first graduating class in 1975, with a total of seven students.

Click HERE to view our enrollment records through the years.   

Today, we celebrate God’s abundant blessings and unwavering faithfulness to the people of Grace and all who serve through the ministry of Highlands Christian Academy. We give thanks for a rich spiritual and academic heritage, a beautiful campus, 1,719 graduates, and the promise of a bright and hopeful future!