News

Pinecrest Named a “Best of Georgia” Regional Winner

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.

Pinecrest Students to Talk to Astronauts on International Space Station

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.

Register Your Kids for Summer Camps!

Be all set for the summer by registering your kids today for our Summer Camps! We’ve been hosting summer camps for almost 30 years now, and we can’t wait to welcome children from the community for some summer fun on campus. Our camps are open to all children, ages 5 and up. Camp counselors undergo background checks, and our camp directors are CPR certified. Besides having fun, our camps help build virtue, confidence, and friendships, while teaching new skills in a safe, Christian, loving environment.

Click here to register.

Seventh Graders Participate in Walking with Nya

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.

John Paul Schafer Named Semifinalist in 2025 National Merit® Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit® Scholarship Program. Pinecrest Academy senior, John Paul Schafer, is among those named as Semifinalists.

John Paul will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million, to be oﬀered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

Over 1.3 million juniors entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

More than 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists.

National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July.

More Than 300 Participate in International Rosary

Pinecrest Academy’s International Rosary is a new, favorite tradition. The idea of an International Rosary originated in 2021 as an apostolate organized by Family Life, and this year, it had the support of a committee dedicated to organizing the event: Gaetane Auger, Natalia Calderón, Luiza Gaspar, Katrina Barrett, Father Michael O’Connor, and Sarah Gagnier.

The vision of the International Rosary has always been to honor Mary by praying the rosary and to celebrate the different cultures that make up our Pinecrest community. New this year was the replication of processions held in many countries during which the Virgin Mary is carried on participants' shoulders.

The decades of the rosary were prayed in English, in Spanish, and in Portuguese.

After the rosary, more than 300 attended the accompanying International Food Festival. Twenty-five countries were represented, showcasing North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Country ambassadors represented their nationalities with delicious food and attire from their respective country.

Pinecrest Academy Named to 2024 AP® School Honor Roll

College Board announced that Pinecrest Academy, a private PreK3-12 Catholic School, has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Platinum distinction.

The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

Pinecrest had 89% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 82% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 58% who took five or more AP exams. Twenty-one AP courses were offered during the 2023-2024 school year, representing 30 sections taught by 12 high school teachers at the school.

Pinecrest Academy was also awarded the AP Access Award. Schools on the AP School Honor Roll may also earn the AP Access Award, recognizing schools that demonstrate a clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework.

"We are so honored to have received this AP Honor Roll Award, as we strive each year to provide every student with a college preparatory experience, which includes the successful completion of challenging AP courses," commented Amy Bowman, Pinecrest Academy High School Principal. "The Platinum designation from AP speaks to the excellence that our faculty strives for in delivering challenging content that prepares our students for college. Our Class of 2024 earned a 100% acceptance into the college/university of their choice. Since the school’s first graduating class of 2007, Pinecrest’s high school has maintained a 100% graduation rate every year.”

“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance – they represent the best of our AP program.”

About College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

About Pinecrest Academy
Pinecrest Academy is a private PreK3-12 Catholic school providing an atmosphere of academic excellence and critical thinking. Rooted in Catholic tradition and inspired by the goodness, beauty, and truth of the Christian worldview, our whole-person approach helps children discover and develop their God-given gifts. Pinecrest has been ranked the #2 Catholic High School in Georgia, the #12 Best Private High School in Georgia, and the #12 Best Private K-12 School in Georgia by Niche.com. Graduates gain acceptance into top colleges across the globe. The average class size is 15 students. Athletics and Fine Arts are part of a student’s experience. Students participate in service projects, supporting our mission to form Christian leaders who will transform society. Pinecrest serves Cumming, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Suwanee, and other North Atlanta areas.

Warren Tran Youngest Student to Pass Caltech A.I. Projects

Professors at the California Institute of Technology invited Pinecrest junior, Warren Tran, to visit their AI and Robotics Lab and their NASA Jet Lab in July. The professors interviewed Warren because he was the youngest student to pass all 10 A.I. and Machine Learning projects after studying the Cal-Tech programs for one year. Warren represented PA well, as he wore his Pinecrest uniform every day during his three-day visit to Caltech.

Launch of Robotics Club for 2024-2025 School Year

Competitions Planned with Teams from More Than 400 Schools Across the State

Pinecrest Academy, a private PreK3-12 Catholic School in Cumming, will debut a Robotics Club for the 2024-2025 school year. The club is already off to a promising start, as students participated in “spring training," eager for their first robotics competition season that begins in fall 2024.

During spring training, 19 students were introduced to key concepts related to computer programming, mechanical design, and teamwork. The club also assembled a team of coaches and parent volunteers, under the moderation of Mr. Carter Mayville, PreK3-8th Dean of Academics. Mrs. Mary Claire Klooster, a former computer science teacher at Pinecrest Academy, serves as coach.

"We've been floating around the idea of a competitive robotics team for a while now, but thanks to the help and support of some dedicated families and students, we're ready to provide our students with this new outlet for their innovative spirit and collaborative ingenuity,” explains Carter Mayville, PreK3-8th Grade Dean of Academics.

During the fall competition season, Pinecrest will field two teams. A 4th-6th grade team will participate in their first Lego League Challenge competition, and a 7th-9th grade team will participate in their first Tech Challenge competition.
Pinecrest students will interact with robotics teams from over 400 public and private schools across Georgia. They will also interact with industry professionals and experts on the field of oceanography, as they use STEM and collaboration skills to explore "life beneath the surface of the ocean,” which is the theme for this coming season's robot games and innovation projects.

“Robotics is not just about robots, gears and circuits, but rather about igniting curiosity, fostering new ideas, and growing through teamwork,” commented Dr. Blanca Snyder, PreK3-8th Grade Principal. “As we prepare to launch our inaugural competitive season, we are excited to see how faith inspires design thinking, further enriching and nurturing our Pinecrest students’ in all aspects of their integral formation!”

Pinecrest Senior Honored with Prestigious Award

An award given at Pinecrest Academy's High School Awards Ceremony was the Viktor Frankl Award for the Most Outstanding World Youth Alliance Member. The winner for North America was Ashley Kutter.

The World Youth Alliance was founded by young people to be a global voice for human dignity. Speaking out against violence and human rights abuses worldwide, WYA members recognize the inviolable dignity of each person, from conception through natural death, and work to develop free and just societies.

The Viktor Frankl Award for the Most Outstanding World Youth Alliance Member is presented to exemplary WYA members who have made significant and vital contributions in upholding WYA's mission to promote the dignity of the human person in their communities. This prestigious award is presented to only one student per continent.
Ashley took WYA's college-level summer training course as a rising sophomore in high school and found the contents so impactful that she was inspired to bring the course to Pinecrest as a means of preparing other seniors for authentic Catholic leadership through a deeper understanding of human dignity.

This award was presented to Ashley by Mrs. Beth Howard, a member of Pinecrest’s Board of Trustees. Mrs. Howard worked at Pinecrest for 10 years before founding the Fiat Program for young women, which studies social justice from an authentically Catholic perspective at the United Nations in New York.