QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (Printer friendly version) Q: What grade levels does CCA offer? A: For the 2008-2009 school year, we will offer a Pre-K through 7th grade. We plan to add one grade level per year through 12th grade.
Q: What curriculum is used at Covenant Christian Academy? What subjects do you teach? A: CCA uses a variety of curriculum resources for its academic program. We strive for materials that are academically challenging and facilitate our goal of providing a distinctively classical, Christian education. Curriculum links are available on our website. We teach Bible, Reading, Spelling, Math, Grammar, History, Geography, Science, Health, and Latin.
Q: How long has your school been in operation? What is its history and background? A: Covenant Christian Academy has been in operation since 2005. A Steering Committee worked for half a year to put CCA together. CCA is based upon the model established by other schools in the ACCS (Association of Classical Christian Schools). CCA exists to offer a quality classical Christian education.
Q: Is your school associated with a denomination or area church? A: Covenant Christian Academy is not affiliated with an area church. CCA is an independent, Classical Christian school. We welcome families of all denominations. We teach Bible in accordance with our Mission Statement and relegate secondary doctrinal issues to parents and pastors.
Q: Is Covenant Christian Academy accredited by any agency or organization? A: Generally, accrediting agencies do not accredit schools until they have been operational for three to five years. Covenant Christian Academy will pursue accreditation as soon as it is eligible. Accreditation manuals have been obtained from the Association of Classical Christian Schools and the Georgia Association of Christian Schools in order to prepare for our upcoming accreditation process.
Q: What about academic standards? How rigorous is your program? A: We believe in setting standards that will challenge students to reach their fullest potential both spiritually and academically. At CCA, we strive to set the bar high in a way that is both accessible to the average student, and challenging to the academically gifted student. CCA does not advance students from grade to grade simply based on age. Students must perform at a satisfactory level, at the discernment of the teaching and administrative staff, in order to go on to the next level.
Q: What about new students transferring into your program from other types of schools? A: This is a legitimate concern of many parents who are considering enrollment of their children. Our experience tells us that some students will adjust readily to the new approach and some may encounter challenges. The teaching staff and the school take a very reasonable approach to new students, allowing them ample opportunity to adjust and catch up.
Q: What is CCA’s philosophy regarding homework? Will you give excessive amounts? A: We will strive to keep homework at a reasonable level. Our approach is to work hard on academics during the seven hours students are in class each day so that excessive homework is not necessary. We require that students consistently study for tests or quizzes nightly even if written work is not assigned. For example, we recommend that students study Latin 15 minutes each night. Our maximum recommended homework times per grade level are listed under Homework in our Parent/Student handbook located on our website. Our most successful students have parents who help with homework.
Q: Do your students participate in standardized testing programs? A: Yes, our students are tested using ITBS in the spring of each year. Our students consistently score higher than their local and national counterparts.
Q: Do students at Covenant Christian Academy receive instruction in Art, Music, Physical Education and Computers? A: Yes, students have quality instruction in all of these subjects.
Q: What are your school hours? A: School hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students should be dropped off between 7:45 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. After 7:55 a.m., students are considered tardy.
Q: What is the student-teacher ratio? A: CCA's student-teacher ratio is currently 8 students or less per teacher.
Q: Do you have extra-curricular activities and a sports program? A: Students in grades 3 and up regularly participate in extra-curricular activities such as 4-H and flute choir. Sports programs are encouraged by CCA, and are provided and coordinated by interested parents. These activities may vary from year to year.
Q: What is the discipline policy at CCA? A: The standards for student behavior are explicit. We have no tolerance for disrespect, dishonesty, rebellion, fighting, and obscene language. The goal of all discipline at CCA is Christ-likeness and is exercised in the spirit of grace and compassion. Parental responsibility and cooperation in discipline matters is expected. The staff at CCA does not administer corporal punishment. Other consequences are utilized in response to negative behavior.
Q: How does the school view parental involvement? A: Our core philosophy is that we operate as an extension of the parents as they are the primary educators of their children. We seek to partner with parents so that Christian values are reinforced in the home and at school. Therefore, we strongly encourage parental involvement in our school. We desire our parents to be active in the classrooms, volunteer for school programs, and attend school functions. Parents are also regularly expected to work with their children at home to make sure homework is completed accurately.
Q: What is the school's policy regarding dress codes and uniforms? A: Covenant Christian Academy requires its students to wear prescribed uniforms. We have found that uniforms are conducive to positive behavior and reduce distractions related to popular dress fads, name brands, etc. Students are expected to wear our uniform exactly as it is stated in our Parent/Student handbook. Parents will be called if students are out of uniform.
Q: Why wear uniforms? A: Students like to belong, and what they wear helps them belong to one group or another. In the absence of a strict dress code, students establish uniforms of different kinds based on popular trends in fashion. At Covenant Christian Academy, our dress code helps all students belong to the same group. Our uniforms are simple, attractive, and modest. CCA students are able to focus on their studies instead of their clothing.
Q: Are the teachers at CCA certified to teach in the state of Georgia? A: Many of our teachers are state certified. More importantly, all of our teachers are academically and spiritually qualified to teach in their positions. All teachers are required to hold a college degree and have training and experience in their grade level. Teacher performance is formally reviewed twice annually.
Q: What kind of lunch program do you offer? A: Students bring their own lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hot lunches are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Q: Do you offer tuition assistance or financial aid? A: On a case-by-case basis, CCA strives to offer needs-based tuition assistance if funding is available. Interested parents should contact our school office for a needs-based interview.
Q: How is your school calendar related to other schools in your area? A: For the 2008-2009 school year, CCA's academic calendar will generally follow the same calendar as Chatham County public schools.
Q: What is the admissions process at CCA? A: (1) The first step is to become familiar with our school and its distinctiveness by previewing our website @ www.ccaeffingham.com and reading our Parent/Student handbook. (2) Call the school (754-1511) for an information packet and an appointment for a tour of the school. (3) Return Application for Admission (in information packet) along with the $100 application fee. (4) A family interview will be scheduled. We require that the student attend part of this interview. (5) An entrance evaluation will be scheduled for the student. (6) Upon acceptance, a tuition payment plan is signed. (7) Final enrollment documents are submitted to the school (i.e. School transcripts, immunization records, etc.)