New Braunfels Christian Academy

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NEW BRAUNFELS ACADEMY
"Educating Today's Youth
For Tomorrow's World"
Location
New Braunfels, Texas Flag of Texas, United States Flag of the United States
Information
Head of School Richard Ramirez
Enrollment

725 day

Faculty 106
Average class size 13 students
Student:teacher ratio 5:1
Average SAT scores (2005) 697 verbal
691 math
Type Independent, Private, Non-sectarian
Campus Suburban, 40 acres (0 km²)
Athletics 17 sports
Mascot Whiskers the Wildcat
Color(s) Navy Blue, Windsor Green and White
Established 1981
Homepage

New Braunfels Christian Academy is a fully accredited pre K - 12th grade school located in New Braunfels, Texas in the United States. New Braunfels Christian Academy (NBCA, the Academy at New Braunfels, or New Braunfels Academy) is a large, independent, private school that serves the area as Comal county's largest private educational institution. The Academy was founded in 1981 and, today, is regarded as one of the leading schools in the State of Texas. It's mission is one of academic excellence, together with a strong code of morality and personal integrity in a caring Christian environment. School buildings and campus landscaping were designed with the goal of creating an inspirational atmosphere that would foster learning and culture. In keeping with this holistic view of the student learning environment, various "after-school" programs promote student development, including athletic programs, choir and religious studies, and monitored study time. Students are given opportunities to develop leadership skills through clubs and student organizations. The Academy receives day students from preschool to grade 12. The school is located in New Braunfels, Texas, south of Austin, and north of San Antonio. The Academy has moved it's junior high and High School campuses from the T-Bar-M Resort to their own, new Upper School campus on the outskirts of New Braunfels.

Students studying in Academy casual uniform.
Students studying in Academy casual uniform.

The Academy is a member of the Texas Association of Private Schools, and the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools. It is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Texas Education Agency. A fifteen-member board of trustees continues to govern the Academy.

Contents

[edit] School Mascot and Colors

The official Academy mascot is "Whiskers the Wildcat". The boys sports teams are referred to as the “Wildcats” and the girls teams as “Lady Cats”. The lower school colors are Crimson, White and Navy Blue, while the upper school colors are Windsor Green, Navy Blue and White.

[edit] Fine Arts

Concert choir performing at Academy Christmas concert.
Concert choir performing at Academy Christmas concert.

The Academy Fine Arts Department has traditionally been ranked first in the State of Texas for its division. The high school choir in 2004-2005 was ranked first in the state among TAPPS schools. The middle school band competes at the local and district levels in concert, solo, and ensemble TAPPS competitions. The student musical groups also perform at parades, local events and charity functions. The Lower School offers Band: concert, solo, and ensemble.

"Fightin Wildcat Band" Middle School practice.
"Fightin Wildcat Band" Middle School practice.

The Lower School also participates in Choir, Drama, Graphic art Classes. The Upper School participates in concert band, solo band, performance band the "Fighting Wildcat Band", ensemble Choir, Show Choir and Drama. The Upper School also produces a large scale musical once a year which in the past has included Little Women, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, Hello Dolly, Lil Abner, Cinderella, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers among others.

The Academy also offers Graphic art classes and students compete against other Texas prep schools in art competitions.

[edit] Athletics

Academy football game.
Academy football game.

The Athletics at New Braunfels Academy is supported by the Athletics Department, which offers courses in health education, physical education, wellness, strength and conditioning, soccer, and athletic training. The sports program fields teams in 17 Upper School sports over three seasons during the school year. Consistently, more than 80% of the students participate in at least one sport. As a competitive member of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, the Academy has regularly won championships.

[edit] Activities

The Lower School has a newsletter, the "Wildcat Wrap-Up", which is published once a month by a group of students. There is also a weekly chapel service every Wednesday, which usually involves a guest, a member of the staff, or sometimes a student speaking in front of their section of the school (Lower School, Upper School, etc.) There is also praise and worship music for each of the chapel services. The Lower School has their own, and the Upper School service is opened by the praise and worship Praise Team, a compiliation of group of students at the school. The Upper School also has a Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mu Alpha Theta, Business Professionals of America, Health Professionals of America, National Honor Society, Academy Honor Society, Student Government, and a Sacred Ensemble. The school offers many outlets for literary involvement, including a school newspaper, a literary magazine and the Academy yearbook.

[edit] Tuition

Tuition to New Braunfels Academy for the 2006 - 2007 school year is $4,144 for upper school students and $3,400 for lower school day students, not including optional and mandatory fees. The Academy offers need-based financial aid.

[edit] Notable Facts

The Academy is one of only four schools, the other three being New Braunfels High School, Canyon High School and Smithson Valley High School that are officially recognized to participate in the Comal County Fair parade.

The Academy is the oldest and largest private school in Comal County.