Our History

Fulfilling a vision for excellent academics and Christian character development since 1998.

Founded Prayerfully

Grace Valley Christian Academy opened in 1998 on the campus of Grace Valley Christian Center, a Bible-centered church in the Reformed tradition in Davis, California. Out of concern for the continuing moral decline in public schools, and in view of the need for top-tier Christian education, our founding pastor, Rev. P.G. Mathew, began praying for a way to fill this need. With a new education building, a band of volunteers, and a lot of faith, Grace Valley Christian Academy opened in 1998 for kindergarten through ninth grade. The venture was new, but the vision was clear: to provide high academic standards and Christian character development, all for the glory of God.

A Legacy of Success

God abundantly blessed GVCA, which quickly earned a reputation for a superior education in Davis and the surrounding communities. Mrs. Sharon Broderick joined as principal in 2011, bringing an even clearer spiritual focus to the school, along with all-school chapels and the addition of Bible courses. Under her leadership, Grace Valley High School opened in 2015: a dual-enrollment program allowing students to fulfill college credits while in high school and graduate a year early with nearly two years of college credit. GVCA is consistently recognized as “Best Private School” in the Davis Enterprise Readers’ Choice awards.

Grace Valley’s beautiful 25-acre campus continues to expand with the additions of a state-of-the-art science lab, an outdoor track, and its own protected access connected directly to the Russell Boulevard bike path.

Grace Valley Christian Academy continues to provide an excellent Christian education through a growing community of outstanding teachers and supportive parents. Our vision remains unchanged and our future is secure in God’s sovereign hands.

Our Founder: Rev. P.G. Mathew

Grace Valley Christian Academy is a ministry of Grace Valley Christian Center, founded by Rev. P.G. Mathew. Originally a scientist from South India, Pastor Mathew earned three graduate degrees in theology from Central and Westminster theological seminaries, and worked as a professor of Greek and systematic theology. He traveled widely for Christian missionary work and authored seventeen books on theology and Christian life. Pastor Mathew married his wife Gladys in 1967, and they have two children and five grandchildren.

Pastor Mathew ministered at Grace Valley for 50 years and then was called home to glory in December 2023. The congregation at Grace Valley Christian Center and the staff and students at the Academy were blessed to live under the loving pastoral care of this visionary and man of God. His passion for excellence and his love for Jesus Christ live on in the hallowed halls of the school he loved so much.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Romans 1:16