Now in its third year, Creekside’s International Student Program is thriving under the dedicated leadership of Rebecca Clark, the International Student Program Director. With over 20 years of experience working with international students, Clark brings both expertise and passion to the program, ensuring its continued success.

From its inception, the International Student Program at Creekside has been guided by a clear mission: to create a globally enriched environment while maintaining the core values and culture of the academy. The Great Commission serves as the guiding principle behind Creekside Christian Academy’s International Student Program. Rooted in Matthew 28:19, the program provides academic excellence while also equipping students with a strong biblical foundation.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, ESV).

As students come to Creekside, they are immersed in an environment that fosters spiritual growth, allowing them to deepen their faith and understanding of God’s love. While some international students arrive with a firm Christian background, others may have only a foundational knowledge of Christianity. Creekside takes this opportunity to introduce them to the transformative power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By instilling these values, the academy empowers students to carry the message of God’s grace back to their home countries, becoming beacons of faith and discipleship in their own communities. Through intentional mentorship, discipleship, and exposure to Christian teachings, Creekside is shaping the next generation of global leaders who will share the Gospel and impact lives beyond the classroom.

The growth of the program has been steady and intentional. Currently, nearly 20 international students are enrolled, and Creekside has welcomed students from nine different countries over the past three years. Prior to the establishment of the program at Creekside, Clark worked with students from 21 countries, demonstrating the breadth of her experience in global student engagement. What sets Creekside apart is its deliberate approach to fostering a diverse international community. Rather than concentrating students from a single country, the program ensures a balanced mix of nationalities, creating a dynamic learning environment that benefits everyone involved.

Equally important is Creekside’s commitment to maintaining a balanced school culture. The academy is intentional about keeping international student enrollment at no more than 10% of the total student body. This approach ensures Creekside students gain valuable global exposure while the fundamental identity of the school remains intact. The goal is to enhance the educational experience by providing a global perspective to both local and international students.

Beyond the classroom, Creekside provides international students with enriching educational experiences that immerse them in American culture and history. Our international middle school students have the incredible opportunity to participate in the History Road Trip over spring break. This journey takes them to Washington, D.C., where they visit landmarks such as the Museum of the Bible, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, the Holocaust Museum, several of the Smithsonian Institutes, Ford’s Theatre, Mount Vernon, and many of the national monuments. Along the way, they explore Civil War and Revolutionary War battlegrounds and visit Monticello. Experiencing these historic sites firsthand deepens their understanding of the lessons they learn in the classroom and offers them a real-life experience of our nation’s history.

In addition to academic trips, Creekside ensures international students have opportunities for fun and recreation. In the fall, students embark on a trip to Disney World, allowing them to create lasting memories while enjoying thrilling rides and immersive attractions. Furthermore, many of our international students have taken part in local excursions, including attending an Atlanta Braves game, visiting the Georgia Aquarium, and hiking up Stone Mountain. These experiences help students build friendships and enrich their time in the United States.

Among our international students, several have distinguished themselves in their respective areas of interest. Dominic, a senior from Slovakia, has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills. As a result, he is collaborating with faculty members to engage in STEM and business-related initiatives to further his ambitions. This semester, Dominic, along with other Creekside students, will travel to Grand Canyon University to participate in an international STEM and business competition. Another student, Minchan, a junior in his second year at Creekside, has pursued his passion for music as a percussionist in the school band. His dedication to drumming has led him to participate in various band competitions and concerts. Additionally, Minchan has embraced athletics, joining both the soccer and football teams, which has greatly facilitated his integration into the Creekside community. Several of our international students also showcase remarkable artistic talent, excelling in drawing and other creative endeavors under the guidance of our art program.

A vital component of the International Student Program is the network of host families who welcome students into their homes and provide a nurturing, faith-based environment. These dedicated families, both from within the school community and the surrounding area, commit to hosting students for durations ranging from one year to multiple years, sometimes until graduation. While the idea of opening one’s home to a student from another country may initially seem daunting, the experience has proven to be deeply rewarding. Over 90% of families who complete their initial hosting commitment choose to host again.

Hosting an international student is more than providing a place to stay; it is an opportunity to build lasting relationships, share cultural experiences, and extend the love of Christ. Host families integrate students into their daily lives, including them in family traditions, school events, and church activities. Many students maintain close bonds with their host families long after graduation, often returning for visits, and in some cases, host families have traveled abroad to visit their former students and their families.

To support host families throughout this journey, Creekside has developed a thorough onboarding process led by Clark, ensuring that families are well-prepared for the experience. Additionally, Clark provides continuous support to host families and students, ensuring a smooth transition and a positive experience for all involved. 

International students at Creekside do more than excel in academics – they actively participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs. Many students take part in STEM programs, band, art classes and competitions, chess club, robotics, and school musicals.

Athletics also play a significant role in the international student experience at Creekside. Students who meet the requirements to join a team are encouraged to participate in sports. Some of the sports our students have been involved with this year are football, basketball, soccer, track and field, and golf. These opportunities not only foster teamwork and discipline but also provide a platform for cultural exchange and camaraderie among students.

As Creekside Christian Academy’s International Student Program continues to flourish, it remains a testament to the power of education, faith, and community. By offering students from around the world a Christian-based education in a welcoming and supportive environment, Creekside is not only preparing them for academic success but also equipping them with a strong foundation of faith and cross-cultural understanding. The program exemplifies how a school can embrace global diversity while staying true to its mission, ultimately making a lasting impact on the lives of all students – both international and domestic.