ABOUT PARKWAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Welcome to Parkway Christian Academy! I’m Steve Smith, and I’m excited to invite you to discover a school where faith and learning go hand in hand. At Parkway, our mission is to invite students into a Christ-centered environment, instruct them with academic excellence rooted in biblical truth, and inspire them to live boldly for Christ. We prepare students not just for success in the real world, but to shine as Christ-followers, sharing His light wherever they go. We would love to partner with your family on this transformative journey!

  • B.S. Nyack College

    M.A. University of Phoenix

    ACSI Lifetime Certification for Secondary Teacher

    ACSI Lifetime Certification All Level Principals

  • steve.smith@pcalakeland.org

UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

  • B.S. General Studies, Mathematics: Bob Jones University

    M.S. Educational Leadership: Bob Jones University (in progress)

  • randy.padgett@pcalakeland.org

LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

  • B.A. Elementary Education: Landmark Baptist College

    M.S. Educational Leadership: Bob Jones University

  • amy.lewis@pcalakeland.org

  • Nationally Accredited

    Fully Accredited Through The National Council Of Private School Accreditation.

  • State Accredited

    Fully Accredited Through Florida Association of Christian Colleges & Schools.

  • Academic Excellence

    Fully Accredited Through COGNIA, SACS CASI, NCA CASI, & NWAC.

  • Security

    Full-Time School Resource Officer On Campus During All School Hours.

  • Location

    Located In The Beautiful South Lakeland, Highlands.

OUR MISSION

We invite students to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ as they receive instruction with a Biblical worldview and inspiration to become who God is calling them to be.

OUR VISION

At Parkway Christian Academy, our vision is to be a leading institution that fosters a community of dedicated disciples and lifelong learners. We strive to create an educational environment that empowers students to achieve academic excellence while instilling in them a strong sense of conviction and responsibility. Our foundation rests firmly on the teachings of the Bible, and our focus is unwaveringly centered on Jesus Christ. As we nurture young minds, we envision producing compassionate and influential individuals who will positively impact the world with their faith, knowledge, and character.

OUR HISTORY

For over 50 years, Parkway Christian Academy has faithfully served families in Lakeland, training thousands of students with a Christ-centered education. Founded in 1974 as Temple Christian School, the academy has continued its mission through seasons of growth and leadership—becoming Parkway Christian Academy in 2018 under Pastor Peter Grant. Today, we serve students from K4 through 12th grade, equipping them with strong academics and a biblical foundation for life.

“How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” – Proverbs 16:16

We believe in the power of unity and joyful service, guided by Psalm 133:1 and Ephesians 6:5–6. Our staff seeks to serve wholeheartedly as unto Christ, and our leadership strives to lead with humility and accountability before God (Ephesians 6:9).

FOSTERING SPIRITUAL GROWTH

  • Weekly age-appropriate chapel services for all students

  • Middle school & high school praise bands

  • High school mission trips

  • Spiritual emphasis week

  • Bible classes

  • Annual theme

  • School Discipleship Director

  • School Counselor

PRAYER IS ESSENTIAL

At Parkway Christian Academy, prayer is at the foundation of everything we do. Our students are daily surrounded by teachers and leaders who lift them up in prayer—inviting God’s presence into their learning, growth, and future. We believe true education shapes both the mind and the heart, and there’s no substitute for an environment where faith is nurtured through prayer.

PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Parkway Christian Academy is a ministry of Parkway Baptist Church, rooted in the shared mission to Love God, Love People, and Live Sent. As a school and church community, we partner with every generation to become a gospel-centered movement that impacts lives both inside and outside “the 4210” for now and eternity. Our commitment to Christ shapes everything we do—academically, spiritually, and relationally. Click the video to hear a message from Pastor Peter Grant, our Lead Pastor and President of Parkway Christian Academy.

OUR BELIEFS

  • We believe in the plenary, verbal inspiration of the Old and New Testament Scriptures in the original autographs. These writings are inerrant and are the supreme and final authority in all matters of doctrine and life.
    (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Mark 12:26, 36; Acts 1:16)

  • We believe in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5–7), eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). We affirm the full deity and full humanity of Jesus Christ—His conception by the Holy Spirit, virgin birth, bodily resurrection, and personal, visible return with power and great glory.
    (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:35; John 1:1–2, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:19–21; Galatians 4:4–5; Philippians 2:5–8; Matthew 1:20)

  • We believe that man was created directly by God as a righteous, free, moral being. Through sin, he incurred both physical and spiritual death—not only for himself but for the entire human race—resulting in a sinful nature for all.
    (Genesis 1:26–27; Romans 3:22–23; 5:12; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–3; 4:17–19)

  • We believe that salvation is made possible through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross for all who receive Him as their only Savior. Those regenerated by the Holy Spirit are eternally secure, and salvation is found in no one else but Christ.
    (Ephesians 2:8–9; John 14:6; 1 Peter 1:18–19; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Luke 13:3; Hebrews 9:28; John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 8:30)

  • We believe that the universal, invisible Church is composed of all true believers (Ephesians 4:4). The local, visible church is a congregation of baptized believers who gather for worship, fellowship, service, and the observance of ordinances. Each local church is autonomous, governed solely by Christ and His Word.
    (1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Hebrews 10:24–25; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 8:36; 1 Corinthians 11:23–28)

  • We believe that God commands sexual intimacy to occur only within the bounds of marriage between one man and one woman. Any form of homosexuality, bisexuality, incest, adultery, pornography, or gender alteration is a sinful distortion of God’s design. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman, as instituted by God.
    (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Leviticus 18:1–30; Romans 1:26–27)