"...shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..." Philippians 2:14

C.R.A. at a Glance

Established in 1953, Crowley's Ridge Academy is located on 22 beautiful and spacious acres in Paragould, AR.  It accommodates children from the preschool age to high school seniors and is accredited by the Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the National Christian School Association.  

CRA is administered by members of the churches of Christ, but we have children from many denominations.  Among these are Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecost, Catholic, Methodist, Christian, Church of God, Seventh Day Adventist, Apostolic Full Gospel, & Trinity.  These children come from several towns including Paragould, Jonesboro, Hoxie, Walnut Ridge, Minturn, and Leachville in Arkansas - as well as some towns in southeastern Missouri.  

Learning begins at a very early age at CRA through our Planned Activities Learning School (P.A.L.S.) program, which is located on our campus.  Children begin in this preschool program as early as three years of age.  

In addition to the preschool program, CRA offers all the basic subject requirements and a large number of advanced courses to help prepare young people for successful college futures.  Students can attain up to 18 hours of college credit on our campus prior to their graduation from high school.  Amazingly, 99% of CRA seniors continue their education at the college or university  level after receiving their education at CRA.

One of the greatest strengths of CRA is its dedicated faculty and staff.  They have been very successful at providing a quality Christian education in a nurturing environment.  It's this nurturing environment that has made such a difference in the lives of the students at CRA.

Throughout the history of CRA the Bible has been its backbone.  Biblical principles are incorporated into all subject areas.  Daily participation in chapel, combined with a positive learning  environment, gives CRA graduates a strong academic and Christian foundation upon which to build.

The 2008-2009 School Year!!!

The 2007-2008 school year was a great year at Crowley's Ridge Academy.  Successes were commonplace in the classroom, on the field of athletics, and most importantly, in the hearts and minds of young people as we saw an incredible Christ like spirit among the student body.

As we look ahead to the 2008-2009 school year, we know that all the ingredients are in place for another great recipe for success.  The Class of 2009, as was the case with the Class of 2008, is sure to be a great group of student leaders.  As they set a great tone for the rest of the student body, we look forward to the exciting times that are ahead.  Success is sure to be experienced as the hearts and minds of young people are directed toward eternity.

Quality that Shows

• Accredited by both the Arkansas Non-public School Accrediting Association and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvements.

• First private school in Arkansas to have both the elementary and high schools accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvements.

• One of only three private schools in Arkansas to have both elementary and high school accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvements.

• Over fifty percent of teachers have Master's degrees.

• Ninety-nine percent of CRA graduates continue their education at the college or university level.

• During their most recent evaluation, the North Central Association said, "One thing that separates CRA from other schools is their level of parental involvement - it is phenomenal!"

• The  graduates of 2008 earned $615,766 in scholarships to the colleges that they chose to attend.  More Than An Education A variety of clubs and organizations are an enjoyable part of student activities at CRA.  These include Chorus, FBLA, Science Club, Student Council, Wordsmen, Journalism, Art, FAD (Falcons Against Drugs), and Builder's Club.  We also have an improvisational drama group called KIDS and a group which sings contemporary music called Horizon, both of which consist of several senior high students.  We are blessed to be able to offer a number of other musical activities as well, beginning at the earliest grade levels. CRA students are also given the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of sporting activities.  These activities include volleyball, track, basketball, cross country, golf, softball, baseball, tennis & soccer.  We have been highly competitive in all of these sports, and dominant at times in some.  We are the only school in the history of Arkansas high school volleyball to win four consecutive state championships from 1997 to 2000. If this isn't enough, students have the opportunity to enjoy Homecoming, fall and spring plays, Valentine's Auctions, Fall Festivals, and other banquets and activities.  CRA provides a fun, friendly environment where students are certain to make friendships and memories which will last a lifetime.  Also, feel free to read our latest Profile Newsletter.  In order to view this, you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you have any questions or comments about CRA, or if you have alumni news that you would like to update, please feel free to e-mail us at cra@grnco.net.