
(334) 877-1581
1512 Old Orrville Rd. Selma, AL 36701
Cognia Accredited Private School

GRADES SERVED
K-12
FOUNDED
2010
STUDENTS SERVED
1,000+
About
Ellwood Christian Academy
Ellwood Christian Academy ("ECA") - is a private Christian school located in Selma, Alabama, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. ECA delivers a premier private education experience with low tuition costs, making quality education affordable for families. With a mission to prepare spiritually grounded, academically equipped, career-ready, and service-oriented leaders, Ellwood combines a rigorous education with faith-based values that empower students to live with purpose and lead with integrity. Our school crest—featuring the cross and eagle—symbolizes our deep-rooted commitment to Christian principles and the limitless potential of every child.
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, this Christian academy will expand its high school offerings by implementing the Build UP model—an innovative early-college and workforce development program. Through this initiative, students at Ellwood Christian Academy will gain access to dual enrollment, paid internships, and leadership development opportunities, while building financial literacy and real-world skills that prepare them for college, career, and homeownership. This program further strengthens Ellwood’s identity as a leading private Christian academy in Dallas County, uniquely equipping students with the educational, economic, and civic tools to uplift their families and revitalize their communities.

Gary Crum
Executive Director

Pastor Gary Lamar Crum, Sr., a native of Selma, earned his Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Education from Alabama State University, and he founded Ellwood Community Church in 1993. In 2010, he founded Ellwood Christian Academy, now West Central Alabama’s largest predominantly African-American private school. Pastor Crum has excelled as a community leader, teacher, assistant principal and principal.
In recent years, Ellwood Christian Academy has integrated the Build Up model across its school program, enriching students’ academic experience with career-connected learning, early-college coursework, and hands-on apprenticeships. Under Pastor Crum’s leadership, Ellwood continues to set a powerful example of how faith, education, and economic opportunity can transform lives and communities.



