A History of Crossroads Christian Academy
Crossroads Christian Academy (CCA) was founded as a ministry of Crossroads Bible Church (CBC) in 1997 by a small group of missionaries, pastors, and other parents primarily from the United States. The school began with 29 students enrolled in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.
When the sovereignty of the Panama Canal was returned to the Panamanian Government in 1999 there was also a mass exodus of many Americans. The leadership of CBC was faced with a major question – “should we continue with a school?”
The CBC leadership decided that the school needed to continue and would increase opportunities for outreach to the community and also provide a quality, Christian education option to families. Since that very important decision, the school has grown from the original 29 to over 270 students in grades K4 to 12th grade. The average senior class is 16 students. 95% of graduates enter post-secondary institutions in Panama, US, Canada as well as many other places. The average class size is 23 and the faculty is primarily from the United States with the exception of specialty areas and foreign language classes.
International and Unique
CCA serves the international and Panamanian communities. The student body at CCA currently consists of 265 students, representing over 24 nationalities. Approximately 49% of our students have Panamanian citizenship. About 32% of the student body would be considered non-Panamanian although Panama is considered home. The final 25% would be families who are temporarily in Panama from a variety of countries for diplomacy, banking, humanitarian work, import/export and tourism. The student body is composed of citizens from countries such as Bolivia, India, Jamaica, China, Japan, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, Russia, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, United States, Haiti and Venezuela.
Due to the fact that CCA is not a bilingual school, students entering First grade through 11th grade must demonstrate a proficiency and fluency in writing, speaking and reading English. CCA does not admit new students into the 12th grade. Students in K4 and K5 may be admitted with a certain level of limitation in English usage. The Spanish language is taught to students in all grade levels.
CCA admits students with various religious preferences although students and parents must be willing to participate in all aspects of the Christian school program. Parents and students do sign an agreement that they will adhere to and follow the Code of Conduct and understand that Crossroads Christian Academy functions under a Biblical Worldview.
Faculty, Program, Facilities
The CCA faculty is composed of 49 full-time teachers and administrators and 3 part-time members. Approximately 65% are US citizens and the rest are Panamanian or from other countries. All full-time faculty members hold a BA or BS degree (or are currently finishing) and 15 hold advanced degrees. Each elementary grade has one teacher (with teacher aides in K3 — 5th grade). The secondary faculty consists of trained teachers in English/Literature, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language, and Bible. Other trained teachers provide instruction in Physical Education, Art, Music, and Technology. Our teacher supervision structure consists of an Elementary Principal and Secondary Principal. We have other coordinators as well, including Admissions/Registrar Coordinator, Technology Coordinator, Spanish Coordinator, College Counselor, Nurse, and Librarian.
CCA is fully accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as well as fully authorized by the Ministry of Education in Panama (MEDUCA).
CCA shares facilities with Crossroads Bible Church. Although the property is relatively small the school is still able to provide a 25-station computer lab, an art room, music room, guidance office, an outdoor cafeteria, playground, covered gym area, a science lab and a small elementary library. All the classrooms are well-equipped and air-conditioned.
The school is registered with the appropriate governmental agencies and has tax-exempt status in Panama. The school is governed by a seven to nine board members that is self- perpetuating. The board’s role is to assure that the vision of CBC, for the school, is maintained. The Board also develops the strategic plan and defines operational policies. The selection of the Chairman of the school board is done by the Elder Board of CBC. The school board is structured according to the policy governance model and is responsible for one employee, the Head of School.
Inquire Today!
If CCA might be an option for your family please do not hesitate to contact us. We understand how important the right educational environment is for your child. If a smaller, US type educational structure with a Biblical worldview is something you are looking for we are here to answer your questions. Additional information regarding the enrollment process can be found under Admissions. We look forward to hearing from you!