Our History
In 2009, two Little Rock families met together to discuss the best way to educate their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. David and Mary Peery had been home-schooling their children using the classical Christian method and were considering formal schooling as their son moved into the upper elementary grades. Marcus and Katie Moody were also considering their options as their oldest daughter was quickly approaching kindergarten. Both the Moodys and the Peerys were excited about the advantages of a formal, classical Christian education, though this opportunity did not exist in the Little Rock area.
After much discussion and prayer, the two families decided to visit Westminster Academy, a classical Christian school in Memphis, TN. During that visit, the two families met with teachers and faculty, walked the halls, and observed the average student at Westminster. They began to sense that God had something larger in mind than simply finding a school for their children. After that visit to Westminster, inspired by what a classical Christian education might mean for both their children and others in the area, the Moodys and the Peerys determined to found a school in Little Rock. On August 5th, 2009, Pinnacle Classical Academy was founded. For Little Rock locals, “pinnacle” typically references Pinnacle Mountain. To PCA, “pinnacle” also testifies to the satisfaction and perfection found in Jesus Christ, the salvation He offers, and the work ethic and perspective we have as Christians (Colossians 3:1-2, 23).
The board hired a full-time employee to help lay the foundation for Little Rock’s first classical Christian school. In September of 2009, Holley Peters began work as PCA’s Director of Development. A product of classical Christian education herself, Peters brought an enthusiasm and love for the classical Christian education model as well as her credentials in teaching, having served at a private Christian school previously. Peters’ hard work and dedication to her tasks are still bearing fruit at the school today.
In the spring of 2010, PCA released its applications for employment and its first application packets for students. The Board also added another couple to the team, Joseph and Stephanie Bailey. Joseph would later become Pinnacle’s first Headmaster.
Renting space from Rose Hill Nazarene Church, PCA first opened its doors for classes on August 18th, 2010. Holley Peters transitioned from her role as Director of Development into the classroom where she served as the Lower Elementary teacher. The coming years would see continued steady growth as additional students, teachers and administrators were added. PCA’s growth was also greatly facilitated by joining efforts with Covenant Presbyterian Church which began hosting the school in 2013.
Now spanning grades Pre-K–12, Pinnacle Classical Academy continues as Little Rock’s only classical Christian school and has seen the beginning of both the school’s Logic and Rhetoric programs in the upper grades. With gratitude for all that God has done in establishing the school, we remain excited for what the future holds for PCA in the coming years.
Our Crest
Acorn Cluster
The cluster of three acorns in the top left corner signifies the triune nature of God, and the joining of the stem represents the unity of the Trinity. The acorn itself symbolizes potential and strength, for from the tiny acorn grows the mighty oak tree. PCA believes that each child is created in the image of God, and by God’s grace has great potential. It is our prayer at PCA that through the saving power of Christ each student might grow to serve Him mightily as an instrument of His grace.
Honeycomb
In the bottom right quadrant is a honeycomb. Honey is an ancient symbol of eloquence. Not only does PCA hope to instill wisdom in each of its students, but we also desire to train each student to eloquently present such wisdom. Then they may confidently present the truths of Scripture as effective servants of Jesus Christ in the midst of a fallen and broken world.
Book
The book in the top right quadrant represents the Holy Bible, the inspired word of God, who is Himself Truth. There is only one book because the founders of PCA believe that there is only one source of Truth. Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but through [Him].” God’s truth is the foundation of PCA, and it is the Board’s desire that every PCA activity will be filtered through this truth.
Laurels
Two laurel branches support the crest. In ancient Greece and Rome, a laurel wreath would have been awarded to the victorious competitor in a sporting event. Laurel branches have since come to represent the classical world. PCA’s approach to teaching and learning is rooted in the classical methodology developed by the Greeks and Romans, so it is fitting that the crest is encircled by these laurel branches.
Owl
Residing in the bottom left quadrant is the owl, which traditionally symbolizes wisdom. The founders of PCA believe, according to Scripture, that true wisdom comes from God and that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. PCA desires to cultivate true wisdom in the hearts of its students so that they might come to love the Lord God completely with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Cross
Superintending the entire image is the cross, the Christian symbol of Jesus and His completed work. He died for our sins and imputes to each and every one who believes His perfect righteousness. Behind everything at PCA lies this essential hope and trust, that our eternal salvation has been secured by a God who loves us enough to die for us and adopt us as His own. To abandon this belief is to abandon everything for which PCA was founded.