About Acaciawood Academy
A Christ-centered school built with purpose, conviction, and care
Our Story
Acaciawood Academy was created with a clear purpose: to provide a Christ-centered learning environment where students are known, guided, and taught with intention.
After years in education, we saw a growing gap between what students needed and what they were receiving. Many students were either pushed forward before they were ready or left behind without the support they needed to grow.
We believed there should be a better way.
Why We Started This
We started Acaciawood Academy because we saw firsthand that even strong, well-intentioned classrooms often did not have the capacity to meet each student where they were.
Students were expected to move at the same pace, learn the same way, and keep up with the group—even when they needed something different.
We also saw that behavior was often corrected quickly, without taking the time to understand the cause or teach students how to respond differently.
Acaciawood Academy was created to be different.
Students are not pushed ahead or held back—they are taught at their level, guided with clarity, and supported as they grow.
Our Role as Educators
Our role is not simply to manage a classroom or move students through a curriculum.
Our role is to teach, guide, and know each student.
We are directly involved in the daily life of every student—providing instruction, support, correction, and encouragement.
We believe students learn best when they are:
Clearly taught
Actively guided
Held to consistent expectations
Known as individuals
We take seriously the responsibility of helping each child grow in both understanding and character.
We are Brandan and Tina McGrath, a husband and wife team with over 20 years of combined experience in education and a shared calling to disciple the next generation.
Tina holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, and Brandan holds degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education. Together, we have taught students from preschool through middle school across general education, special education, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
Throughout our years in education, we have worked with a wide range of students—those who needed additional support, those who needed to be challenged, and those who were struggling to keep up in a traditional classroom setting.
As parents of two young boys, we understand the importance of finding a place where children are not only cared for, but truly known and guided.
We are not removed from the classroom. We are the ones teaching, guiding, and working directly with students each day.
In our classrooms, you would see a calm, structured environment where students are engaged, supported, and growing. You would see teachers working with small groups, guiding conversations, and helping students learn how to think, respond, and interact with others.
We do not allow students to be overlooked or left to struggle on their own.
We believe every child is created by God with purpose and should be taught in a way that reflects that truth.
Christ is the foundation of everything we do. Students are not only taught academically, but are guided in how to live, speak, and respond in light of Scripture.
Our goal is that every student leaves Acaciawood Academy with strong academic foundations, growing confidence, Christ-centered character, and a desire to continue growing in their relationship with Him.
Meet the Founders
Growing Together
We believe education works best when families and teachers are aligned.
At Acaciawood Academy, we partner closely with families—communicating clearly, supporting students consistently, and working together toward growth.
Students benefit when expectations are consistent, support is intentional, and communication is clear.
We are committed to walking alongside families as their children grow in both learning and character.