In 1969, the existence of a quality Christian school for the children of the Tattnall-Evans-Bryan counties was only a dream shared by a group of concerned parents and citizens who wanted their children to receive a traditional education in an unapologetically Christian environment. Against tremendous odds, this dream became a reality as Pinewood Christian Academy opened its doors for the first time in September of 1970. The fruition of this dream was made possible through the determination, hard work, and largesse of many benefactors. A group of generous businessmen and landowners donated a parcel of land in Bellville, Georgia, for the construction of the new school. Also, each of Pinewood's original patron families demonstrated its faith in the viability of the proposed academy by contributing five hundred dollars to a building fund.

Originally, the school offered instruction to students in grades one through eight and also provided a music program and a rudimentary athletic program. A parent-teacher organization, the Pinewood Christian League, was developed to foster a strong relationship between school personnel and parents. In addition, the League assumed the responsibility of implementing fund-raisers and special activities to benefit the Academy. Most importantly, the school adopted a philosophy which set it apart from other area schools, both private and public. The school's founding headmaster. O. H. (Tab) Smith, Jr., introduced a motto which concisely explained the values which were to be stressed at Pinewood - "Fides, Veritas, Hereditas" which means "Faith, Truth, Heritage".

Under Mr. Smith's administration, the school rapidly expanded its academic and athletic programs. In 1971, a second building containing a lunchroom, a gymnasium, and a library was erected, and grades nine through eleven were added. Mr. Ralph Walton joined the school's staff as its first curriculum director; Mr. L. W. Bush was named the school's first athletic director and a Booster's Club was formed. Subsequently, a twelfth grade, a four and five year old kindergarten program, and a resource program were developed. The athletic program grew to include region and state champion teams competing in football, basketball, baseball, softball, track, tennis and golf.

In addition to athletic competition, literary competition soon became an important part of Pinewood's extracurricular program. Pinewood students won awards at region and state levels in events such as oral interpretation, one-act play, extemporaneous speech, essay, quartet, and trio competition. Moreover, Pinewood students began to produce an award-winning school newspaper, literary magazine, annual, and radio program. Also, Mr. Joe Eason, an original member of Pinewood's high school faculty, developed a school chorus.

The school held its first "Miss PCA" pageant in 1971 under the direction of Mr. Wayne Buffington. In 1972, Mrs. Henri Etta Rogers, an original faculty member, began directing the pageant and continued to do so for many years. Mr. Buffington also composed and introduced the school's alma mater which is entitled, "Pinewood Patriot Green".

The Pinewood Christian League continued to support the school by sponsoring barbecues, food booths, buffet dinners, fall festivals, auctions and music concerts. Presently, the League sponsors Christian concerts, a grocery coupon redemption program, a fall festival, an auction, Homecoming BBQ dinner and a super raffle. The proceeds from these fund-raisers are donated to the school and are also used to award the "Tab Smith Scholarship" to a deserving recipient each year.

After Mr. Smith resigned in 1981, Mr. L. W. Bush assumed the headmaster's position, a post which he held until 1983. He was followed by Mr. Ron Marshall (1983-1984), Mr. J. H. Wells (1984-1992), Mr. Joseph Murray (1992-1994) and Mr. Charles Spann (1994-1996). Presently Mr. Dewey Hulsey is Pinewood's headmaster, and he is assisted by Lower School Academic Coordinator, Linda Akins ; and Athletic Director, Mr. Buck Cravey.

As Pinewood ends its third decade of service to area students, its patrons have much in which to take pride. Pinewood graduates have been accepted by many Georgia colleges such as Mercer University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Emory University and Georgia Southern University, and by out of state schools such as Auburn University, Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Pinewood has produced a Presidential Scholar, Miss Christie Oh, and has enabled its graduates to become successful in many career fields. One original faculty member, Mrs. Paula Bush, remains on the school's staff.

Pinewood's great successes can be attributed to the indomitable spirit of its staff and patrons and to the school's emphasis as expressed in the motto which continues to inspire and define Pinewood Christian Academy's existence - "Faith, Truth, Heritage".