Buenos Aires International Christian Academy

Buenos Aires International Christian Academy, abbreviated "BAICA", is a pre-K through 12 International school in the North Zone of Gran Buenos Aires, Argentina. BAICA is a member of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

There are more than 15 nationalities represented within the student body, families are mostly from the diplomatic, missionary, corporate and local areas. It is a school that provides an excellent Christian education and offers small class sizes to provide opportunities for individualized learning. It is open to children of any faith.

The curriculum is based on an international system of education. In addition to the core subjects of Math, English, Social Studies and Science, they offer regular classes in Spanish, Bible, Fine Arts, Computer Studies and Physical Education.

The children graduate with dual degrees: U.S. and Argentine. Most of the classes are taught in English by qualified U.S. teachers. BAICA offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and graduates are fully prepared to enter U.S. Universities and Colleges.

The daily schedule is from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and the school year is divided in two semesters: August to December and February to June. Students also take part in Extra-Curricular Activities such as violin, guitar, singing, drama, musicals, journalism, outreach teams and service clubs.

BAICA's History

In the spring of 1997, the initial concept of developing an international Christian school in Buenos Aires grew out of the vision of a group of local expatriate parents who were deeply concerned about the content and environment in which their children were being educated. The group of parents began to pursue starting an international Christian school through NICS, which also shared the vision of opening a school in Buenos Aires. In February 1998, Buenos Aires International Christian Academy, opened its doors at International Bible Church, an international church in Martínez, with 17 students.

BAICA primarily ministers to Third Culture Kids, children who have spent a significant period of time in cultures other than their passport country. These children are missionary kids, embassy kids, military kids or business kids. Because of their huge potential to become future leaders, BAICA aims to help these students take the light of Christ to the world.

BAICA grew with the support of many international families as well as various international mission organizations. The Office of Overseas Schools at the U.S. State Department approved the school for U.S. Embassy families.

As the number of students grew, BAICA’s prominence in the community expanded. Argentine parents desired the quality education and chose BAICA. The Argentine government mandated that BAICA become officially accredited. The Board of Directors decided to continue BAICA, as an official Argentine school, while clinging to its primary mission. BAICA continues to minister to the international English speaking community and those Argentines who may wish to study in the States or abroad. Besides allowing BAICA to continue, the Argentine accreditation permits BAICA to open its doors to more embassies and international businesses, thus broadening the potential impact.

The Lord’s work at BAICA is evident. Through the years, BAICA survived Argentina’s economic crisis, became a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools (SBACS), and grew to its current enrollment.

Through BAICA’s ministry, well over two hundred students and family members have confessed Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. These new believers came from and in most cases returned to 47 different countries! BAICA has served the educational needs of 16 foreign embassies and helped educate children of families with ties to international corporations.

BAICA has left a Christian influence on these families who might not be reached otherwise.

External links

* [http://www.baica.com Official website]
* [http://www.nics.org NICS website]
* [http://www.acsi.org ACSI website]
* [http://missionteach.com/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=userProfile&user=908 A description of BAICA at missionteach.com]
* [http://www.isvillage.com/schools/south-america/argentina/buenos-aires-(provincia)/buenos-aires-international-christian-academy/details/ A short description of BAICA from isvillage.com]

Biography

*"Schools Abroad of Interest to Americans" by PorterSargent books