Providence Christian Academy (or “Providence USA”) has been serving thousands of families in Gwinnett and surrounding counties for nearly 30 years. Now, the school's influence will extend overseas to a new Christian school opening in Seoul, South Korea.
Providence USA has been accepting international students into its student body for more than a decade, including many from South Korea. During these years, the school has built a strong reputation among international parents seeking an American school experience for their children.
This reputation of an almost three-decade history of preparing students academically and spiritually to impact the world for Christ inspired a group of dedicated Korean Christian educators to approach Providence. They had an idea to model a new school in Seoul after Providence USA.
"Seeing the Providence mission and vision expand across the world was quite an opportunity that was the subject of much prayer for over a year," said Head of School Dr. Sean Chapman. "It is an honor to work alongside our Korean friends who have stepped out in faith to work to change the trajectory of the next generation in Korea. These bright and capable leaders love the Lord and want to see young people in their country transformed through education and discipleship.
"Many Christian families in South Korea are looking for the kind of education and a school culture that we enjoy here," he continued. "Providence Korea will fulfill this need. Most importantly, this new school will be equipping students to serve Christ in their country and around the world."
Known as "Providence Korea," the school opened in August 2020 as an English-speaking, American education model school for 5th through 9th grade. In January 2021, the school added 1st through 4th grade. Tenth through 12th grades will be added in the years following. The high school will mirror the course sequence of Providence USA to accommodate any potential transfer students between the schools.
Providence Korea is a separate legal and financial entity. It is fully funded independently of Providence USA and has its own board of directors.
In January 2020, a team of administrators and teachers from Providence Korea visited Providence's locations in Lilburn and Johns Creek to get an up-close look at the school's operations and learn best practices to help aid in the launch of their new school this fall.
This partnership between Providence USA and the new school in Korea will provide several opportunities for both campuses. These may include exchanging students, visiting faculty experiences, and overseas employment opportunities in schools for alumni.
