If you drive down Broad Street in Augusta, you can't really miss the brick facade of Curtis Baptist. It's been there since 1876. Think about that for a second. This institution has survived world wars, the Great Depression, and the total transformation of downtown Augusta.
But here is the thing.
Most people in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) think of Curtis Baptist Augusta GA as just another old-school church with a small private academy attached. They assume it's a bubble. They figure it’s just for "church people."
Honestly? They’re missing the bigger picture.
The Reality of the "Learning Place"
Usually, when you look at private Christian schools, you see a "one size fits all" academic model. You either keep up, or you’re out. Curtis Baptist School (CBS) actually does something different that doesn’t get enough press. They have this program called "The Learning Place."
It’s specifically designed for students with documented learning disabilities. We aren't talking about just an extra study hall. It’s a dedicated environment where the student-teacher ratio drops even lower than their already small 15-student average. They even participate in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) program. This means if a child has an IEP from a Georgia public school, they might actually get state funding to attend.
📖 Related: Hot Brew Fortuna CA: What You Actually Need to Know Before Heading to Main Street
Most private schools run the other way when they hear "IEP." Curtis built a department for it.
It's Not Just Sunday School
The church side of things—Curtis Baptist Augusta GA—is led by Senior Pastor Mark Sterling. He’s been there since 2008. If you've ever met him, you know he isn't exactly the "stiff collar" type. He’s into kayaking and hiking. He’s run the Marine Mud Challenge.
That energy trickles down.
The church isn't just a museum for 19th-century traditions. While they hold to a conservative Baptist Faith & Message, their focus is heavily on "impact." They don't just stay behind the brick walls. They’re involved with the Garden City Rescue Mission and Project Linus.
They basically treat the city as their parish.
The Cost of Private Education in 2026
Let’s talk money. Because that’s what everyone is actually googling.
Private school tuition in Augusta is getting ridiculous. Some places are north of $15,000 a year now. For the 2025-2026 school year, Curtis is sitting in a much more reachable bracket.
- K3-K4: Around $6,633
- Elementary (1st-5th): Roughly $7,740
- High School (9th-12th): Approximately $9,167
They have this "Loyalty Program" too. It’s kinda clever. If you start your kid there in 1st grade, your tuition rate "locks" into that tier. Even when they move to middle or high school, you stay at the lower tier rate (plus a standard 3% annual increase).
It’s a hedge against inflation that most parents don't realize exists until they’re already enrolled.
Sports and the "Crusader" Life
Ninety percent. That’s the number of students who play sports at Curtis.
🔗 Read more: Belavi Sun Shade Sail: What Aldi Fans Often Get Wrong
In a massive public school, if you aren't a D1-level athlete by 10th grade, you’re basically a spectator. At Curtis Baptist Augusta GA, the "Crusaders" are a big deal because everyone gets to play. They are part of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA).
They offer:
- Scholastic Shooting (very popular in Georgia)
- Cross Country
- Golf
- The standard staples: Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, and Volleyball
The Don E. Cheeks Gymnasium on Broad Street is where the energy is on Tuesday nights. It’s loud. It’s sweaty. It’s small-town vibes in the middle of a growing city.
Is it the right fit?
Look, Curtis isn't for everyone. It’s a "living curriculum" school. Everything—from biology to basketball—is filtered through a Biblical worldview. If you aren't looking for a Christ-centered education, you’re going to find the chapel requirements and the Bible credits (which are a graduation requirement) a bit much.
But for parents who are tired of the "anonymous" feeling of 2,000-student high schools, it’s a relief. You can't disappear at Curtis. The teachers know your name. They probably know your dog’s name too.
💡 You might also like: Statue of Liberty Drawing Easy: Why Simple Shapes Make the Best Art
Practical Next Steps for Families
If you are considering Curtis Baptist Augusta GA for your family, don't just rely on a website.
Schedule a Shadow Day.
This is the most underutilized tool in private education. Let your child actually sit in the classes for a day. They will know within three hours if they vibe with the culture.
Check the GSNS Eligibility.
If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, contact Heather Arnold (the program coordinator) immediately. The paperwork for the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship has tight deadlines, and it can save you thousands.
Attend a Sunday Service.
If you want to understand the school, you have to understand the church. They are inextricably linked. The 10:15 AM service on Sundays is the easiest way to see the community without any "admissions" pressure.
Prepare for the Interview.
Unlike public schools, Curtis requires an administrative interview for new students. It’s not an interrogation, but they do want to ensure the parents and the school are on the same page regarding discipline and spiritual growth.
The application process is rolling, so there isn't a hard "cutoff," but classes—especially in the Learning Place—fill up fast because they keep those caps small.