top of page
Our History

In 1989, Dr. Larry F. Kendrick was the administrator of Smyrna Christian academy (SCA), a school of about 300 students in grades K through 12. When the church that owned SCA announced plans in April to close the school in May, Dr. Kendrick met with staff and parents to seek God's direction concerning the possibility of forming an independent Christian school. After much prayer and discussion, Cumberland Christian Academy was established in the fall of 1989. With no books, no school furniture, no place to meet, and no money, it was a giant step of faith. Larry encouraged the small group of founding parents and staff to trust the Lord and to pray for His provision, and God provided! Over the next several years, CCA rented space from local churches in order to accommodate its growing student population. Over the years, the school purchased the two campuses we currently own.

After over 20 years as service as CCA's headmaster, Larry and his wife, Rhonwyn, retired and moved to Albany where their three sons live and work as Christian filmmakers. The Kendrick Brothers created the films Overcomer, War Room, Courageous, Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Flywheel. Their youngest son, Stephen is a Cumberland graduate. 

 

Dr. Kendrick was succeeded by Dr. Lee Campbell as headmaster in 2010. Dr. Campbell took the school to the next level in accreditation and made many advancements in CCA's academic, arts, and student life programs as well as helping move us toward a unified campus. His wife, Sherry, who is a licensed professional school counselor, served as school counselor and lower school principal. Their three children are Cumberland graduates.

 

In 2017 the leadership of the school was expanded to include Dr. Byron Greene as Executive Director. Dr. Greene was responsible for casting vision for CCA, developing and implementing a strategic plan for the school, and moving forward in our efforts to unify our campuses. He was instrumental in advancing our academic vision, teacher training, and educational strategies.

 

In 2020, Cumberland welcomed Eddie Fincher as our new head of school. Eddie Fincher is passionate about education and has demonstrated that passion through his leadership over a 40 year period. Eddie has served as teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and Executive Director of High School-Middle School Operations with the Cobb County and Paulding County School Districts. More recently he was headmaster at a local private Christian school. In addition to working as Cumberland’s Head of School, Mr. Fincher is also currently a Principal Performance Coach for local school districts. Mr. Fincher shares Dr. Kendrick's vision with the goal of helping educate every student, every day, in every way.

This video was created in 2012 to honor Dr. Kendrick when he retired as headmaster of Cumberland Christian Academy. 

bottom of page