Covenant Christian Academy was founded by Rev. Dr. Douglas B. Mills and his wife Jennifer in 1989, in order to create a safe learning environment which would provide equality academic education, promote traditional social skills and instruct students in their faith. Also, an important aspect of this goal was to offer such an education to all interested families, including those who would not typically be able to afford private education. From its conception, the goal of CCA has been to strive for excellence in three areas: Academics, Social Skills, and Spiritual Growth.

CCA began its first year with only 6 students, conducting classes in the basement of Christ Covenant Church in Gatlinburg, TN. Dr, and Mrs. Mills were the only staff and
drew no salaries.  Initial growth was somewhat slow in Gatlinburg and the Mills decided that relocating the school to Sevierville, TN would be conductive to the school’s growth. In 1993, Christ Covenant Church sold their Gatlinburg property and both the church and the school moved to Sevierville, TN.

Shortly after CCA moved to Sevierville, both pre-school and home school services were added, providing many benefits for the local area.

In 1994, with enrollment at capacity for the space it was leasing, a piece of property was purchased and new facilities were built.  Soon, maximum capacity was reached in the new building as well.

In 2003, CCA was blessed with the opportunity to conduct a school in Chestnut Hill, TN through a relationship with Bush Brothers and Company. The Bush Company now owned the former Chestnut Hill Elementary School and offered it as a new facility for the growing Covenant Christian Academy.

In 2003, CCA also officially separated from Christ Covenant Church. Dr. and Mrs. Mills formed Mandate Educational Ministries, Inc. as a non-profit educational corporation.  While CCA continued to lease floor space from the Sevierville church for a pre-school through Kindergarten program, higher grades are schooled at the Chestnut Hill campus.

A third location in Sevierville was opened in 2007 which schools pre-school through 2nd grade.

The culmination of operating three campuses staffed by dedicated teachers and staff is the realization of excellence in the original Covenant Christian Academy goals: Academics, Social Skills, and Spiritual Growth.