Providence Academy to join AAA

Providence Classical Christian Academy will join the Arkansas Activities Association as a sanctioned full member school July 1, 2024, pending certification by the AAA board in January, the school announced Friday.

Currently a 2A member of the Heartland Christian Athletic Association (HCAA), Providence participates in baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, golf, pom/dance, softball, swimming, tennis, track and volleyball. The school won eight JV and varsity state championship titles in 2023.

“We’re thankful for our time in the HCAA and also believe it is time to take this next step toward further developing our students and programs,” Providence Academy President Jason Ross said. “Being full members of the Arkansas Activities Association will provide greater competition for Providence student-athletes and student-participants, and provide more awareness in our region of the quality students we are blessed to have enrolled at Providence Academy.”

The school previously held affiliate membership status, competing with AAA member schools in nonconference games and events.

Athletic Director Julie Kelly said AAA full membership means games, matches and meets will be closer in proximity for students and fans, who previously traveled to Oklahoma City for state titles. The Patriots will compete in the 3A-West conference for the 2024 volleyball season with fellow schools that include Booneville, Charleston, Elkins, Lavaca, Lincoln, Mansfield, Paris, West Fork and Thaden Academy.

“Activity schedules will be more reliable and better aligned with the seasons and schedules of our neighboring schools,” Kelly said. “I’m excited for our athletes to have the chance to compete at a higher level.”

AAA membership also will make co-curricular competition and events such as debate, Quiz Bowl, National Honor Society, choir and band competitions available to Providence students for the first time.

“We look forward to being contributing members of our state’s activities association and believe it will benefit our students and families,” Kelly said.