Families searching for a private school in Dothan, AL often need specific information before they apply: What grades are available? How much is tuition? What curriculum is used? Is the school accredited? What is required to enroll?
Ridgecrest Christian Academy provides private Christian education in Dothan for students from K5 through seventh grade, with an Early Learning Center serving younger children from infancy through preschool. Ridgecrest Christian Academy is accredited by ACSI and Cognia and integrates biblical truth and perspective into academic instruction.
For the 2026–2027 school year, Ridgecrest Christian Academy tuition is $6,200, including security and book fees. New students pay a $100 application fee and, after approval and an invitation to enroll, a $100 enrollment fee.
Ridgecrest Christian Academy Programs for 2026–2027
Ridgecrest Christian Academy’s programs are organized around early learning, elementary education, and middle school education.
| Program | Ages/Grades | Key Information |
| Early Learning Center Daycare | 6 weeks–3 years | 12-month program using Wee Learn and A Beka curriculum |
| Early Learning Center Preschool | 3–5 years | Age-appropriate kindergarten program using BJU Press curriculum |
| K5 | Kindergarten | Private Christian elementary education |
| Elementary School | Grades 1–5 | BJU Press curriculum, small classes, academic progress monitoring |
| Middle School | Grades 6–7 | Christian middle school education |
The main Academy accepts students eligible for K5 through seventh grade. Children from birth through K4 are served through the Early Learning Center.
K5 Kindergarten Program
Ridgecrest Christian Academy’s K5 program provides the starting point for the Academy’s elementary education.
The program uses the BJU Press curriculum and incorporates biblical truth and perspective into academic instruction. Ridgecrest also maintains small classes of approximately 10–15 students per class.
The academic approach incorporates:
- Biblical worldview integration
- Hands-on learning
- Creative problem-solving
- Research-based instructional strategies
- Age-appropriate academic development
The K5 program is part of the Academy’s K5–7th grade enrollment pathway. Families applying for K5 through seventh grade follow the Academy’s admissions process, including an application and student assessment.
Kindergarten at the Early Learning Center
Ridgecrest also provides a separate 10-month kindergarten program through the Early Learning Center for children ages 3, 4, and 5.
The ELC preschool program uses BJU Press, and children ages 3–5 are required to participate in their age-appropriate kindergarten program as well as daycare.
This ELC kindergarten program should not be confused with the Academy’s K5 program. The Academy’s admissions page identifies K5 through seventh grade as its main school enrollment range.
Elementary School Program: Grades 1–5
Ridgecrest Christian Academy’s elementary school serves Grades 1 through 5.
The elementary program uses the BJU Press curriculum and incorporates biblical truth throughout academic instruction. The school combines academic instruction with hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and research-based instructional strategies.
Elementary students have access to core academic instruction and elective opportunities through Ridgecrest’s teaching staff, including:
- Bible
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Physical education
- Music
- Band
- STEM and art
- Spanish
Ridgecrest maintains class sizes of approximately 10–15 students, and student progress is monitored through Thrive Academics Performance Series.
For families enrolling a child in Grades 1–5, the admissions process includes an online application, required documentation, student assessment, review, and an invitation to complete enrollment.
Middle School Program: Grades 6–7
Ridgecrest Christian Academy’s middle school currently serves Grades 6 and 7.
The middle school continues Ridgecrest’s Christ-centered academic approach and biblical worldview integration while providing instruction for students in the next stage of their education. The current faculty includes dedicated sixth- and seventh-grade teachers.
Middle school students continue to benefit from:
- BJU Press curriculum
- Biblical worldview integration
- Small class sizes
- Academic progress monitoring
- Bible instruction
- Prayer
- Weekly chapel
- Elective opportunities
Ridgecrest’s middle school expansion was approved by the school board and church leadership in 2024, following the Academy’s initial elementary expansion.
Ridgecrest Christian Academy Curriculum
Ridgecrest Christian Academy uses the BJU Press curriculum as part of its academic program and teaches academic subjects through a biblical worldview.
The school’s academic approach includes:
- Hands-on learning
- Creative problem-solving
- Research-based instructional strategies
- Biblical truth and perspective across academic instruction
- Student progress monitoring
Bible instruction, prayer, and weekly chapel are also part of the school’s Christian educational environment.
Private School Tuition in Dothan, AL for 2026–2027
Ridgecrest Christian Academy 2026–27 tuition is $6,200.
The listed tuition includes:
- Security fees
- Book fees
A 12-month payment plan is available, with payments beginning June 1.
For new students:
- Application fee: $100
- Enrollment fee: $100 after the application is approved and an invitation to enroll is issued
Ridgecrest also have the following tuition discounts:
- 10% for additional children after the first child
- 10% for active or retired military, law enforcement, fire, and EMS
- 10% for Ridgecrest members in good standing
- 25% for full-time ministers
The listed discounts cannot be combined.
2026–2027 Private School Cost
| Cost | 2026–27 Amount |
| Annual tuition | $6,200 |
| New student application fee | $100 |
| Enrollment fee after approval | $100 |
| 12-month payment plan | Available; payments begin June 1 |
These amounts apply to the private school tuition information published by Ridgecrest Christian Academy. The Early Learning Center has separate enrollment and registration requirements.
What Does Ridgecrest Christian Academy Teach?
Ridgecrest Christian Academy integrates biblical truth and perspective into academic instruction. The school uses the BJU Press curriculum and combines academic instruction with hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and research-based instructional strategies.
Student progress is monitored through Thrive Academics Performance Series three times each year.
The academic program includes core areas such as:
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Bible
Ridgecrest also provides enrichment through areas including PE, music, band, STEM and art, and Spanish.
Small Class Sizes at Ridgecrest Christian Academy
Ridgecrest Christian Academy maintains class sizes of approximately 10–15 students per class.
This allows the academic program to provide more individualized attention while teachers monitor student progress and address learning needs.
Accreditation and Christian Education
Ridgecrest Christian Academy is fully accredited by:
Ridgecrest became fully accredited with ACSI and Cognia in December 2025.
The school’s mission is centered on integrating Biblical truth and perspective into every area of academic instruction. Christian education is therefore incorporated throughout the learning environment rather than being limited to a single academic subject.
2026–2027 Enrollment at Ridgecrest Christian Academy
Applications for new families for the 2026–27 school year are open.
Ridgecrest Christian Academy’s admission process has four primary steps:
1. Schedule a Tour
Families can schedule an on-campus tour to learn more about the school and determine whether the program is a good fit for their student.
2. Complete the Application
The online application requires families to create an account, complete the application, upload relevant documents, and pay the $100 application fee. An assessment test is then scheduled.
3. Complete the Enrollment Process
After the application has been processed, the school tour has been completed, and the student has completed the assessment test, Ridgecrest’s staff reviews the information and determines whether to invite the family to complete enrollment.
4. Application and Assessment Review
Ridgecrest reviews the student’s application and assessment test before providing an admission decision.
Who Can Enroll at Ridgecrest Christian Academy?
Ridgecrest Christian Academy accepts students eligible for K5 through seventh grade.
Admission also depends on several factors, including:
- The student’s age meeting the school’s guidelines
- Completion of the enrollment/registration process
- Family agreement with Ridgecrest Christian Academy policies, procedures, and the Statement of Faith for Ridgecrest Baptist Church
- Family commitment to preparing the student for learning each day
- Available space within the class-size limit
- Whether Ridgecrest can provide the level of support the student needs
Early Learning, Daycare & Preschool in Dothan
Families looking for a private school that also provides early childhood programs can access Ridgecrest Christian Academy’s Early Learning Center.
Daycare
Ridgecrest’s daycare program serves children from 6 weeks to 3 years old, with eligibility based on the child’s age by September 1 of the current year.
The 12-month daycare program combines the Wee Learn and A Beka curricula.
Preschool
The preschool program serves children ages 3–5 by September 1 of the current year.
Ridgecrest uses the BJU Press curriculum for these classes. All 3–5-year-olds are required to participate in their age-appropriate kindergarten program as well as daycare.
After-School Care
Ridgecrest Christian Academy ELC also provides an after-school program where children can complete homework, have downtime, and spend time with other students under supervision.
The ELC has a separate enrollment process that includes an enrollment application, immunization certificate, emergency medical treatment form, affidavit, birth certificate, annual non-refundable $200 registration fee, two letters of recommendation, and an interview with the Center Director.
Schedule a Private School Tour in Dothan, AL
A campus tour is available for families considering Ridgecrest Christian Academy.
The tour request form asks for the parent and student information, entering grade level, date of birth, contact information, and the term or session of interest. Families can select an available tour time online.
Apply for the 2026–2027 School Year
Ridgecrest Christian Academy is currently accepting applications for new families for the 2026–27 school year.
Families interested in enrollment can begin by scheduling a campus tour or starting the online application. The admissions process includes the application, required documents, student assessment, review, and enrollment invitation.