CLEVELAND, Ga. — For years, Chattahoochee Christian School has operated out of borrowed space, teaching students inside facilities owned by Concord Baptist Church while leaders dreamed about what a permanent campus might look like.
Now, that dream has 51 acres of room to grow.
Families, students, church leaders and supporters recently gathered on a sprawling tract of land along Highway 115 West in Cleveland to celebrate the gift of property that school leaders believe will shape the future of Christian education in Northeast Georgia for generations.
The evening mixed worship, prayer and gratitude, but it also marked a turning point for a school that has spent more than two decades building its identity without a campus of its own.
“Tonight is not just a celebration,” school leaders told those gathered. “It is not simply an announcement. And it is certainly not just about land. Tonight is about the faithfulness of God.”
A promise becomes a reality
Founded in 2004, Chattahoochee Christian School traces its roots to a much longer history of Christian education in the Clermont area, including Concord Academy in the late 1800s and the founding of Chattahoochee High School by the Chattahoochee Baptist Association in 1901.
What began with two teachers has grown into a school serving 107 students with a faculty and staff of 25. Yet despite that growth, finding a permanent home remained one of the school’s biggest challenges.
Earlier this year, school leaders thought they were moving closer to solving that problem.
According to administrators, members of the school’s board were preparing to submit an offer on another property when an unexpected conversation changed everything.
Board member Kabe Cain was approached by a man who wanted to learn more about the school, its mission and how faith is integrated into daily instruction. After hearing about the school’s approach to education, the man made an offer few expected.
“I think I have property that I’d like to give your school,” he said.
Months later, that offer has become reality.
The land was donated through the generosity of Bret Clark, Keith Breedlove and Duane Sudderth, who were recognized during the dedication ceremony.
School leaders thanked the donors for what they described as an act of faith and stewardship.
“Thank you for your willingness to participate in what God is doing in our school and in this community by listening to His call and then obeying,” they said. “We promise to steward this gift to the glory of God and with the vision of creating a space where children and youth can be rooted in Christ and then sent out to impact their world for Him.”
Foundation for future growth
The celebration comes during a season of growth for the school. In addition to acquiring the property, Chattahoochee Christian School recently earned accreditation through the Association of Christian Schools International, a milestone administrators say reflects the school’s commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the community and local leaders as we steward this property for the advancement of Christ-centered education and the glory of God,” said Holly Lynch Alewine, the school’s director of development.
As the sun set over the newly donated property, worship music carried across the open field where supporters gathered. For many in attendance, the significance of the moment extended beyond the acreage itself.
After years of operating without a permanent campus, the land represents something more tangible than a future building project. It represents stability, opportunity, and a place where future generations of students may one day learn, grow, and build community.
The property is located at 1905 Highway 115 West in Cleveland. School leaders have not yet announced a timeline for development, but say the land will serve as the foundation for the next chapter in Chattahoochee Christian School’s history.
WRWH Radio contributed to this report
Don’t miss what everyone in town is talking about.
Join 4,000+ locals and choose our free newsletter covering news, events and the stories shaping our region.
