Donelson Christian Academy

History

The school was established as segregatioDn academy in response to the court ordered racial integration of public schools. In 1980, headmaster James Lowe said that he founded the school because "public education has changed since bussing."

The school has been the victim of numerous natural disasters. Since its creation, the school has been flooded twice including the 2010 Tennessee floods and experienced significant damage during the March 2020 Tennessee tornado outbreak.

Donelson Christian Academy has undergone multiple construction and renovation projects to accommodate growing enrollment, meet modern standards, and recover from natural disasters In 1997, the first floor of the high school wing, now housing 7th and 8th grade science classrooms, high school weight and recovery rooms, locker rooms, and the Nate Bargatze Gymnasium (formerly the high school gym) was completed. In 2003, the second floor was added, featuring additional classrooms and dedicated spaces for band, choir, and theatre. Following flood damage in 2010, the campus received repairs and updates to classrooms and common areas. In 2020, the elementary school and cafeteria were rebuilt to enhance functionality. Most recently, in 2025, the middle school wing was updated with new flooring, modern light fixtures, minimalistic color schemes, and Promethean boards in both middle and high school classrooms.

Accreditation and Memberships

In 1980, Donelson prioritized hiring teachers based on their Christian beliefs, even if they lacked undergraduate degrees. The school's primitive campus, said to resemble a trailer park, precluded accreditation.

Donelson Christian Academy is accredited by the State of Tennessee and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a member of the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International.

Student Activities

Donelson Christian Academy has sports teams in softball, baseball, tennis, bowling, volleyball, wrestling, and football. In 2011, its tennis team qualified for the state championship. It sent a male doubles team and a female, both of which brought home medals. In 2012, the boy's basketball team won the state championship. In 2021, 2004, 1996, and 1988, the Division II-A HS football team won the state championship. In 2025, the girls' HS softball team won a state championship.

The school offers fine arts in the forms of band, theatre, visual arts, and choir. DCA also offers their competitive marching band, Wildcat Marching Band, and their show choir, Legacy. The school hosted its first competition, the Music City Show Choir Invitational, in 2020; the contest was held less than a week before the school was hit by a tornado.

Notable alumni

• Nate Bargatze – American stand-up comedian and host of the Nateland Podcast.
• Hillary Scott – Country music singer and songwriter. Co-lead singer of Lady A.
• Chloe Kohanski – American rock singer and songwriter. Winner of season 13 of The Voice

References

References

1. "Private School Universe Survey".
2. Ivey, Saundra. (August 3, 1980). "Parents Seek Something Special in Private School". The Tennessean.
3. Humbles, Andy. "Neither tornado nor flood detour Donelson Christian Academy as school, parents vow to come back stronger".
4. (August 11, 1980). "Private School's: Alway-superior theory false". The Tennessean.
5. "Cognia - Institution Summary".
6. "TSSAAsports.com :: Home of the TSSAA Championships".
7. "SCC: Viewing School - Donelson Christian Academy".
8. "SCC: Donelson Christian Academy Music City Show Choir Invitational 2020".