For the McGinnis family, having several generations living on the same property in Henry County, with each generation having gone to the same school, is something special.

“It’s neat three generations have gone there,” says TJ McGinnis, son of the patriarch of the family, Hal McGinnis.

TJ followed in his dad’s footsteps by attending school at Creekside Christian Academy (CCA), and now he’s sending his children to CCA.

“Dad and I had the same teacher. Having gone there myself, I knew my kids would go there,” says TJ. 

Since 1973, Creekside Christian Academy has provided families the opportunity to give their children a Christian-based education.

“I can’t believe the school has been there for 50 years,” says Debbie Caldwell, who retired from teaching at Creekside after 30 years.

Caldwell got to know the McGinnis family quite well over the years. “This is so exciting. Not only did I enjoy having TJ, I got to teach his sons,” recalls Caldwell, sharing her thoughts about what it means to have the third generation of the McGinnis family back at Creekside. “As a teacher, it brings you great joy that they want to bring their children here.”

Caldwell’s sentiments about the McGinnis family and Creekside Christian Academy ring true also for Patti Keeton, another retired Creekside teacher of thirty years.

“The McGinnises … those children are wonderful. Precious family,” says Keeton.

As for what the school and its anniversary mean to her? “I’m very proud of the school. I’m happy we lasted for 50 years and have kept that Christian education.”

Having gone through many changes, from name and location changes to what grade levels are offered since its opening in 1973, Creekside has been a blessing to the McGinnis family.

“It’s a neat feeling to be part of a school that prepared me to go to a public high school,” recalls TJ, who attended CCA when high school grades were not offered. “Some of the closest friends I have went to school there.”

Today, Creekside Christian Academy offers students K3-12th grade a biblical worldview education, with high schoolers having the opportunity to earn college credits. “The school does offer dual enrollment. If you do it, you will get college credit just as long as you pass,” says TJ. 

Learn more about Creekside’s 50-year history by visiting creeksidechristian.academy/why-cca.

By J.M. Sylver