Christian Academy of Knoxville 
The information on this page was last updated 3/26/2026. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Knoxville's premier pre-K to 12th grade private Christian college-preparatory school.
Technology for Tomorrow, Hands-on Learning and Digital Citizenship.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Christian Academy of Knoxville
529 Academy Way
Knoxville, TN 37923
Website: www.cakwarriors.com
Phone: (865) 690-4721
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 621006269
CEO/President: Rich Fulford
Chairman: Brian Brown
Board size: 13
Founder:
Ruling year: 1978
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 06/30
Member of ECFA: No
Member of ECFA since:
Purpose
To honor and serve God by providing a Christ-centered educational environment that is an extension of the Christian home, that is accessible to a broad cross-section of the Christian community, that meets the needs of students with varying scholastic aptitudes through a balanced emphasis on academic excellence and continuous spiritual growth and service, and in doing so is widely recognized and respected.
Mission statement
To assist parents by providing their children with a Christian education (pre-K through 12)
Statement of faith
We, the Board of Trustees, administration, and staff of CAK are mindful of God's will that children should be taught the content and practical applications of His Word in every aspect of learning and in every activity of life (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). We firmly believe that a Christian school is essential to the successful completion of these child-training responsibilities. It is the purpose of CAK to establish an educational institution where students may obtain a sound Christian education that allows students to know that God is the central source of all knowledge, attitudes, and skills.
CAK adheres to the following Statement of Beliefs in guiding the actions of the school:
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God and the standard by which all knowledge is judged and taught (II Timothy 3:16-17).
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (I Peter 1:1b-2; Luke 3:21-22).
We believe in the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory (I Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 1-3).
We believe that the salvation and redemption of lost and sinful man is possible only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 3:21-26).
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life (Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 8:4-9).
We believe that God has given a variety of spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:4) to all believers according to His sovereign will (I Corinthians 12:11) for the building up of the body of Christ (I Corinthians 14:12). Believers are to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3) that there should be no division in the body (I Corinthians 12:25). All believers are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13) and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit from the moment of salvation (Romans 8:9).
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:29; Acts 24:15; Matthew. 25:46).
We believe that all believers of our Lord Jesus Christ are united in the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:12-13) and are eternally secure in this relationship (John 10:28; Romans 8:35-39).
We believe that children and adolescents should be disciplined in Christian love (Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19).
We believe that teaching and learning should be accomplished through the cooperative effort of teachers and parents, for the Bible places primary responsibility for this total education.
We believe that the support of the local church is vital to growth of our students and families (Acts 2:42-47).
We believe that we live with the sex and gender that God chose for us because we believe that God wonderfully and immutably created us as male or female and that these two different, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Genesis 1:26-27). Rejection of one's biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe that the term "marriage" has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Genesis 2:18-25).
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a biological man and a biological woman who are married to each other (1 Corinthians 6:18;7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that the Scripture dictates standards of sexual behavior. The unique roles of the male and female are clearly defined in Scripture. Any promiscuity, homosexuality, gender identity issues or other deviations from Biblical principles is a sin that is offensive to God (Matthews 5:18-19; I Corinthians 6: 9-10, 19-20; Ephesian 5:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of CAK as a local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the Knoxville community, it is imperative that all persons employed by CAK in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22).
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Romans 10:9- 10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture or the doctrines of CAK.
Donor confidence score
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Transparency grade
D
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Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: K-12 Schools/Academies
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 635 of 1435 | 80 of 191 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 1229 of 1435 | 176 of 191 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 332 of 1435 | 42 of 191 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 460 of 1436 | 54 of 191 |
To understand our financial efficiency ratings, click here.
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 11% | 41% | 56% | 62% | 16% | 15% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 2% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 13% | 9% | 8% | 7% | 23% | 28% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 2% | 4% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 87% | 91% | 92% | 93% | 77% | 72% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 83% | 88% | 87% | 89% | 87% | 86% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 93% | 89% | 91% | 91% | 82% | 81% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 76% | 79% | 79% | 81% | 71% | 70% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 7% | 11% | 9% | 9% | 18% | 19% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 6% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 23% | 30% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 14% | 8% | 8% | 6% | 9% | 9% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 0.54 | 0.70 | 0.73 | 0.77 | 0.82 | 0.96 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 2.99 | 3.81 | 4.12 | 2.60 | 2.61 | 3.69 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.80 | 2.66 | 3.01 | 1.99 | 2.14 | 3.53 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 2.80 | 2.71 | 2.33 | 4.20 | 4.54 | 3.33 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.35 | 0.37 | 0.43 | 0.24 | 0.22 | 0.30 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 3.98 | 2.85 | 2.28 | 4.59 | 4.38 | 2.38 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 29% | 20% | 22% | 23% | 21% | 25% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 10% | 5% | 7% | 8% | 10% | 13% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 117% | 115% | 107% | 100% | 97% | 79% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Cash | $4,829,303 | $5,076,502 | $6,740,983 | $4,245,500 | $1,802,579 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $644,556 | $1,151,137 | $2,261,728 | $3,555,560 | $2,367,536 |
| Short-term investments | $1,685,251 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $264,072 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $7,159,110 | $6,227,639 | $9,002,711 | $7,801,060 | $4,434,187 |
| Long-term investments | $0 | $1,059,277 | $909,974 | $26,855 | $29,480 |
| Fixed assets | $20,140,947 | $18,364,304 | $13,472,235 | $12,569,697 | $11,910,641 |
| Other long-term assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term assets | $20,140,947 | $19,423,581 | $14,382,209 | $12,596,552 | $11,940,121 |
| Total assets | $27,300,057 | $25,651,220 | $23,384,920 | $20,397,612 | $16,374,308 |
| Liabilities | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $1,881,925 | $2,001,240 | $1,271,038 | $955,703 | $806,257 |
| Other current liabilities | $762,969 | $669,910 | $870,055 | $761,726 | $524,234 |
| Total current liabilities | $2,644,894 | $2,671,150 | $2,141,093 | $1,717,429 | $1,330,491 |
| Debt | $1,486,934 | $1,706,792 | $1,878,917 | $2,053,747 | $2,188,285 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $1,260,780 | $1,309,282 | $1,420,706 | $540,372 | $542,087 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $2,747,714 | $3,016,074 | $3,299,623 | $2,594,119 | $2,730,372 |
| Total liabilities | $5,392,608 | $5,687,224 | $5,440,716 | $4,311,548 | $4,060,863 |
| Net assets | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Without donor restrictions | $18,775,479 | $17,208,765 | $10,777,987 | $9,093,201 | $8,547,445 |
| With donor restrictions | $3,131,970 | $2,755,231 | $7,166,217 | $6,992,863 | $3,766,000 |
| Net assets | $21,907,449 | $19,963,996 | $17,944,204 | $16,086,064 | $12,313,445 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Total contributions | $1,900,494 | $1,612,365 | $1,416,416 | $4,611,389 | $5,340,970 |
| Program service revenue | $19,168,058 | $18,692,557 | $18,201,900 | $15,805,877 | $14,079,768 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $46,443 | $278,437 | $25,670 | ($47,518) | ($59,864) |
| Other revenue | $153,455 | $73,350 | $126,358 | $70,659 | $50,823 |
| Total other revenue | $19,367,956 | $19,044,344 | $18,353,928 | $15,829,018 | $14,070,727 |
| Total revenue | $21,268,450 | $20,656,709 | $19,770,344 | $20,440,407 | $19,411,697 |
| Expenses | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Program services | $16,793,208 | $16,364,153 | $15,976,508 | $14,455,153 | $13,491,910 |
| Management and general | $1,459,515 | $1,464,368 | $1,099,020 | $1,458,439 | $1,352,862 |
| Fundraising | $781,229 | $907,576 | $876,564 | $754,196 | $818,631 |
| Total expenses | $19,033,952 | $18,736,097 | $17,952,092 | $16,667,788 | $15,663,403 |
| Change in net assets | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $2,234,498 | $1,920,612 | $1,818,252 | $3,772,619 | $3,748,294 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $2,234,498 | $1,920,612 | $1,818,252 | $3,772,619 | $3,748,294 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Rich Fulford | Head of School | $219,653 |
| Chad Speck | Athletic Director | $184,261 |
| Krista Webb | Chief Financial Officer | $158,172 |
| Craig Collier | Director of Advancement | $143,728 |
| Brian Lawhorn | Chief Administrative Officer | $135,064 |
| Michael Westover | Facilities Director | $124,514 |
Compensation data as of: 6/30/2025
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 3/26/2026. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
In 1977, people from different denominational backgrounds worked together to establish a nondenominational Christian School in West Knoxville, based on the Lord's tug at their hearts to follow the commands given in Deuteronomy 6. Their vision was for Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) to be an extension of the Christian home with excellence in academics to prepare students for college and careers. That vision lives on today.
https://www.cakwarriors.com/about/history