American Christian Academy
American Christian Academy was founded in 1979 by Kurt Porter with a vision for Christ-centered education in West Alabama. The school began in a facility on Greensboro Avenue, graciously provided by Rosedale Baptist Church. In 1989, ACA relocated to Northport under the leadership of Dr. Dan Carden, where enrollment grew to 110 students, and soon thereafter the school earned accreditation.
In 2002, ACA moved to its present campus, the former Eastwood Middle School. Although the city school system had determined the facility was no longer suited to its needs, it proved to be exactly what ACA needed. Additional classrooms and space transformed the school's atmosphere and opened the door to remarkable growth, a clear evidence of God's provision.
Dr. Carden and his wife, Janie, faithfully served ACA for more than 30 years. As head of school, Dr. Carden believed that learning was not confined to the campus, but that the world is our classroom. For many years, he led student trips beginning in elementary school, culminating in the highly anticipated international senior trip.
In 2024, Stephen Hooks stepped into the role of Head of School, bringing a vision of excellence and a genuine passion for the ACA family. Stephen and his family were part of ACA in the early 2000s, when he served as a faculty member and head football coach. Today, he leads the school with a commitment to Christ-centered excellence and educating every student, building on the foundation laid by those who came before him.
Since the move to our current campus, ACA has added baseball, softball, and football fields and facilities, along with a nine-classroom science building. As of Fall 2026, the school has reached record enrollment, serving more than 1,100 students and 800 families across the West Alabama community. Many of these families include ACA alumni who are now investing in the next generation of Patriots, a testament to the lasting impact of a Christian education.
American Christian Academy is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is a member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).