PASSAGE Christian Academy opened its doors in 2010 as the fruit of a pastor’s heart. Dr. George B. Dix, Jr. had always had a desire to make a difference in the community by reaching the educationally underserved and underprivileged of Gainesville and Alachua County. Specifically, he envisioned a school that would provide excellence in education coupled with the saving knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Having seen too many failing students, failing schools, and failed remedies in the region to stand idly by and do nothing, he and First Lady Michele Dix founded PASSAGE Christian Academy as a private Christian academy with a solid mission: to provide students with a well-rounded academic education and moral foundation that would prepare them for leadership and success in both the Kingdom and secular arenas of life.

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This was no easy task. But with much prayer, dedication, and planning – and most of all by the grace and mercy of God, who brought dedicated teachers and administrators to provide help and support, the vision became a reality.

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The school grew from its small and humble beginnings to eventually add students, programs, and honors. Each year, with few exceptions, PCA has featured a Choir and Praise Team, a Dance Team, a Cheerleading squad, and a Step team. Other clubs and groups like Safety Patrol, Student Council, PCA Ambassadors, and Chess Club have been featured. Students have indeed thrived and excelled at PCA. Some of PCA’s student achievements and honors include: Rosa Parks Quiet Courage Essay Award winners, MLK Commission of Florida Youth Oratory winners, Alachua County Spelling Bee Finalist, Pleasant Street Historical Society Essay Award winners, Step Up For Students Meritorious Scholar Award winners, and the Northeast Florida Forensics Competition winner.

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The physical campus itself has seen renovations and additions. A library, a cafetorium, new playground equipment, and an outdoor basketball court have been added. The components of bible-centered curricula, daily chapel services, and the annual CrossWalk have become staples of the school’s spirit life.

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Over the years PCA has established a solid reputation in Gainesville for its students’ character, poise, visibility, and community service. As the academy enters its eleventh year, it is poised to take the next step by tackling the digital world and adding a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics) curriculum to its 21st century profile.

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To date, the academy has graduated eleven young men and women into the collegiate, vocational, and professional ranks and is continuing to prepare many more for leadership and success, in keeping with the heart of Pastor George B. Dix, Jr.’s vision.