News Archive

Pinecrest Academy is pleased to announce that our students achieved a 100% pass rate on the following Advanced Placement® (AP®) exams: Psychology, European History, Spanish Literature, 2-D Art and Design

This is a testimony to the rigor of our school’s AP curriculum and to the dedication of the teachers who have a passion for what they teach and a sincere desire to help their students succeed.

In addition to the 100% pass rate on the four exams, Pinecrest students earned scores that were higher than both state and national averages on these AP exams:

2-D Art and Design, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, European History, Psychology, Spanish Literature, U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. History, World History

These achievements come several months after Pinecrest Academy was named to the 2024 Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll, earning Platinum distinction, the highest honor.

Pinecrest Academy has been named a “Best of Georgia” Regional winner for Private Schools in the Best of Georgia annual awards. The 2024 Best of Georgia Regional Winners include:

Compass Prep Academy
Exceptional Children Learning Center, LLC
King's Ridge Christian School
Pinecrest Academy
St Peter Claver Catholic School
St. Vincent's Academy
Woodward Academy

Best of Georgia is an annual roundup of the best products and services across the state of Georgia, according to the Georgia Business Journal. Throughout the year, readers of GBJ vote for everything they love in the “Best of Georgia” annual awards. Votes are tabulated and compiled, coupled with the editors' picks, to determine the best resources in the state in a variety of categories.

Students at Pinecrest Academy will talk with astronauts on the International Space Station via Amateur Radio in the fall of 2025. This activity is part of the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Program, which promotes learning opportunities as part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Education and Math) initiative.

This unique opportunity was awarded to Pinecrest Academy upon completion of a months-long application process spearheaded by Dr. Joseph Baxley, High School History/Social Studies Department Chair.

“We believe this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will inspire our students to imagine what is possible, and we wish for them to make a lasting difference in society through exploration, scientific inquiry, engineering, collaboration, problem solving and teamwork,” commented Jake Rodgers, Pinecrest Academy President and Head of School. “We also wish for them to have moments of genuine, childlike wonder through glimpsing the vastness and beauty of the universe.”

Only three schools/organizations in the United States were selected for Fall 2025, and Pinecrest Academy was the only school selected in the State of Georgia.

The ARISS program anticipates that NASA will provide scheduling opportunities for the three U.S. host organizations, including Pinecrest, during the July-December 2025 time period.

To be rolled out as a schoolwide activity, Pinecrest administrators and teachers are beginning to implement an education plan, leading up to and continuing after the astronaut contact event. STEAM-based educational activities will help prepare students for their astronaut contact and create an ongoing exploration and interest in aerospace and amateur radio topics.

"I am thrilled that we have this amazing opportunity,” commented Dr. Baxley. “ Our students will have the chance to talk directly with an astronaut on the International Space Station via a direct radio link. This means that, for a day, our school will become like a NASA ground station,” he continued. “This is such a unique opportunity for our students to experience STEM in real life outside of the classroom, and I am very grateful to all those members of our community who helped us make a winning proposal."

“Our school’s motto is Semper Altius, which translates from Latin as ‘Always Higher.’ This motto reminds us to pursue all things with excellence, always reaching higher – even to the outer reaches of space,” said Mr. Rodgers.

More details on this unique space station contact event will be forthcoming.

On February 18, Pinecrest 7th graders participated in "Walking with Nya: A Journey of Compassion and Prayer." The activity was Inspired by Nya’s story from A Long Walk to Water, which Mrs. Medeiros' classes recently read.

The Walking with Nya event was designed to:

• Foster empathy for people living in water-scarce regions.
• Encourage students to embody the Corporal Work of Mercy of "Giving Drink to the Thirsty."
• Unite in prayer through the rosary for those struggling to access basic needs.

The activity began with an introduction by Mrs. Medeiros and a reflection by Miss Gagnier. Students walked 1.5 miles around campus, beginning at the Chapel, walking past the high school and onto the Cross Country trail. Each walker was holding a water jug and was invited to reflect on Nya’s journey and to pray for those in need.

Students brought in water donations which are being donated to Catholic Charities.