In 1969, the existence of a quality Christian school for the children of the Tattnall, Evans, and Bryan counties was only a dream shared by a group of concerned parents and citizens who wanted their children to receive a traditional education in an unapologetically Christian environment. Against tremendous odds, this dream became a reality as Pinewood Christian Academy opened its doors for the first time in September of 1970. The fruition of this dream was made possible through the determination, hard work, and largesse of many benefactors, including a group of generous businessmen and landowners who donated a parcel of land in Bellville, Georgia for the construction of the new school. In addition, each of Pinewood’s original patron families demonstrated its faith in the viability of the proposed academy by contributing $500 to a building fund.
Originally, the school offered instruction to students in grades one through eight and also provided a music program and a rudimentary athletic program. A parent-teacher organization, the Pinewood Christian League, was developed to foster a strong relationship between school personnel and parents. In addition, the League assumed the responsibility of implementing fund-raisers and special activities to benefit the Academy.
Under Mr. Smith’s administration, the school rapidly expanded its academic and athletic programs. In 1971, a second building containing a lunchroom, a gymnasium, and a library was erected, and grades nine through eleven were added. Mr. Ralph Walton joined the school’s staff as its first curriculum director; Mr. L. W. Bush was named the school’s first athletic director and a Booster Club formed. Subsequently, a twelfth grade, a four and five year old kindergarten program, and a resource program were developed.
The school held its first “Miss PCA Pageant” in 1971 under the direction of Mr. Wayne Buffington. In 1972 Mrs. Henrietta Rogers, an original faculty member, began directing the pageant until her retirement in 2009. Mr. Buffington also composed and introduced the school’s alma mater, entitled “Pinewood Patriot Green.”
The Pinewood Christian League continued to support the school by sponsoring barbecues, food booths, buffet dinners, fall festivals, auctions and music concerts. The League sponsors the school wide Spring Fling, Homecoming BBQ Dinner, a Super Raffle and Tuition Raffle. The proceeds from these fundraisers are donated to the school and are also used to fund the “Tab Smith Scholarship” and the “Albert Parker Scholarship,” which are awarded to a deserving senior each year.
After Mr. Smith resigned in 1981, Mr. L. W. Bush assumed the headmaster’s position, a post which he held until 1983. He was followed by Mr. Ron Marshall (1983-1984), Mr. J. H. Wells (1984-1992), Mr. Joseph Murray (1992-1994), Mr. Charles Spann (1994-1996), Mr. Dewey Hulsey (1996-2007), Mr. Jon Dorminey (2007-2010), Mr.Clint Welch (2010-2012), and Mr. Harold Roach (2012-2016). Mr. Clay Hill became the current headmaster in August 2016. He is assisted by Assistant Headmaster, Mrs. Lacy Shuman.
As Pinewood continues in its fourth decade of service to area students, its patrons have much in which to take pride. Pinewood graduates have been accepted by many Georgia colleges such as Mercer University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Emory University, and Georgia Southern University, and by out of state schools such as Auburn University, Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Pinewood has produced a Presidential Scholar, Miss Christie Oh, and has enabled its graduates to become successful in many career fields. One original faculty member, Mrs. Paula Bush, remained on the school’s staff until 2013. Pinewood’s great successes can be attributed to the indomitable spirit of its staff and patrons and to the school’s emphasis as expressed in the motto which continues to inspire and define Pinewood Christian Academy’s existence – “Faith, Truth, Heritage”.
In more recent years many new and exciting changes have taken place at Pinewood along with its growth. Additional classrooms, an administrative building, a new lunchroom, and most recently a Multi-Purpose Facility have been added. Pinewood has introduced Advanced Placement classes in Government, History, English, Math, and Science and also added an updated Computer Lab. A uniform dress code was adopted in 2010 and implemented with the 2011-2012 school year for all students. Each year Pinewood hosts Grandparents Day, The Alumni Basketball Game, Faculty & Staff/Student Basketball Game, and a school wide Spring Concert.
Students in the upper grades have the opportunity to participate in various clubs and organizations such as BETA, FCA, Interact, Honor Society, Praise Band, Drama, Literary and the Miss PCA Pageant. Upper school students may also attend the Homecoming Dance and Jr/Sr Prom.
The school library offers students various exciting programs to encourage reading: The 100 Book Club, Accelerated Reader Program and Summer Reading. The school library is open on Tuesdays from 12 noon until 7 p.m. throughout June and July. The Summer Library program is available to 3 year olds through 12th grade.
All students are involved in weekly chapel services designed for appropriate age groups.
Pinewood Christian Academy opened its doors in 1970 under the motto “Fides, Veritas, Hereditas” meaning “Faith, Truth, Heritage.”
