Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy was birthed as an independent Christian academy through the vision, prayer, and tireless efforts of a dedicated group of men and women.  The original vision and mission were to develop the heart, soul, mind, and strength of each student for the glory of God.

SMLCA was unaffiliated until 2014 when they realized the need for connecting to the larger SML community,  and in early 2015 EastLake Community Church assumed leadership of SMLCA. Together with ELCC’s vision, leadership, and resources and Renewanation’s Christian school revitalization program and tax credit offerings, SMLCA embarked on an exciting and fruitful course. With the appointment of Lincoln Bryan as School Administrator, and the implementation of a more intentioned Biblical Worldview curriculum focus and staffing, SMLCA’s enrollment flourished.

God continued to bless SMLCA with increased enrollment and the completion of an accreditation process.  While fervently seeking God’s direction for “spacing solutions” of a rapidly growing school, Pastor Troy Keaton was contacted in December 2018 by the owners of Sunset Cay’s commercial properties.  As a result of a tremendous amount of prayer and a very special meeting on a snowy January day, God moved mightily and a miraculous agreement was born out of a moved heart that sought to supply facilities that would reach even more children for the Kingdom. 

Through the generous contributions and talented giftings of a multitude of individuals, SMLCA opened its brand new facility on January 8, 2020.  To the delight of over 300 K-12th grade students and their families, SMLCA is providing state-of-the-art facilities, accredited and excellent academic learning opportunities, and continually expanding Athletic and Performing Arts programs, all of which are steeped in the Mission and Vision to train the next generation of Faith Defenders and Proclaimers for the glory and honor of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  

With new families consistently inquiring and signing up, SMLCA, as a ministry of EastLake Community Church, looks expectedly forward to what God has in store next for His school!

Soli Deo Gloria!