FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Explore our comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. If you still have any inquiries or require further assistance,
please use the link at the bottom of this page to contact us. We are committed to providing you with all the information you need.
ADMISSIONS
All students entering grades K-12 are required to take an academic evaluation. This evaluation will help determine your child’s specific learning strengths and weaknesses. A student who had diagnostic testing completed within the last 24 months (about 2 years) may qualify for an exemption from admission testing. The diagnostic testing must include an achievement test in math, reading, and writing, an assessment of verbal and nonverbal intelligence, and be provided to CCA’s Registrar for review and approval.
Because we seek to partner with our families both spiritually and academically, it is important to establish a common set of Biblical beliefs. The family interview is a means for parents to share regarding their family’s relationship with Christ. We also discuss specific academic needs, learn of the interests of the student(s), and answer any questions applying families may have regarding the program. Information is also given regarding expectations on homeschooling/off-campus days. Overall, the family interview is the time for us to get to know one another and establish our partnership.
Any questions regarding admissions or enrollment/registration should be directed to the Admissions Office, at dregier@ccawarriors.com. If you have questions about your F.A.C.T.S. account or payment arrangements, please send an email to the Business Manager’s office, at adavis@ccawarriors.com.
Tuition and Fees are processed through FACTS Management System. Options for payment are annually, semi-annually, monthly, or bi-monthly. There is no difference in cost whether families pay in full or pay monthly.
The continuous contract secures enrollment at CCA until graduation. The student(s) will return each year unless the registrar is notified in writing within the designated period that the student(s) are opting out. If families do not wish to opt out of the continuous contract, the tuition and fees will be billed through FACTS Management System, and the contract will be in force. no difference in cost whether families pay in full or pay monthly.
ACADEMICS
Every spring, all students take the TerraNova Achievement Test; we do not take the STAAR test. Students must take achievement testing for all core courses they are enrolled in. Any student not enrolled in a particular core class may still take the Terra Nova, however, their test will not be scored with the rest of the school, and they may incur additional fees. Students will also be required to take the Inview Test, which measures the student’s aptitude. These tests are largely given to monitor the effectiveness of our instructional programs and do not carry the pressure or emphasis of standardized testing seen in many schools.
For our 9th-11th graders, the PSAT will be given in the fall. All 9th through 11th grade students enrolled for three or more credits in the fall are required to take the PSAT, and all others are strongly encouraged to participate.
No, our approach is more progressive in nature. What that means is we recognize God creates all students differently. They each have unique strengths and limitations; therefore, differentiation in our methodology and our ability to teach to various levels of understanding are the two major themes of our educational approach. We utilize many techniques to actively engage all types of learners. Meeting students where they are individually allows each child to maximize their potential.
Our standards were created in-house to fulfill our school’s unique philosophy. While based on the Common Core State Standards, their emphasis is on Biblical Worldview training and critical thinking. The CCA Standards are vertically aligned in all grade levels and subject areas. We encourage you to read our standards; they are available to the public on this website.
Most of our curriculum is secular because through our own extensive research, we have determined that it fits best with our educational philosophy. In other words, the resources we use greatly enhance our ability to differentiate and teach our students to think critically. Our students are still gaining a strong Biblical Worldview in light of the secular curriculum we use, given that all of our CCA Standards include these objectives.
Our graduates have enrolled in a wide variety of prestigious universities, including Baylor, Rice, Duke, University of Texas-Austin, Texas A&M, Pepperdine, and a number of other great institutions. In addition, we have had many students graduate here who have gone on to pursue fruitful paths in the military or trade schools.
The Learning Lab provides academic support to students with varying strengths, weaknesses, and learning needs. The goal of the CCA Learning Lab is to assist parents as they help their children reach their God-given potential. The program allows for smaller class sizes in English and/or Math, beginning in 5th grade. While the goal of the CCA Learning Lab is to assist students with mild learning differences, the program may not be sufficient for all students. The Learning Lab does not provide therapeutic instruction and may not provide as much support as some students require. Admission into the Learning Lab program is determined after reviewing diagnostic testing and academic progress records. The final decision for admission will be determined by CCA administration.
Dyslexia Therapy at CCA provides remediation with a certified therapist. It is specifically intended for students who have been identified with Dyslexia or a similar reading/writing learning difference. Students generally receive therapy three days a week, for 55 minutes per session.
EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS
Technically speaking, CCA does not use the Common Core. We say technically because our standards deviate from the CCSS more than the allotted amount, so we are not allowed to call them “Common Core.” However, the CCA Standards that we have utilized since the 2011-2012 school year are based on the CCSS. Working from this base, CCA modified several of the standards where it was appropriate. Then we added our own set of Christian Worldview Standards to ensure our students had solid training in Biblical teaching and intellectual empathy. We encourage you to read our standards; they are available to the public on this website.
CCA moved away from the TEKS for several reasons:
Although the TEKS theoretically covers all the levels of standard expectations of critical thinking (Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning Domains), it is still deficient in the high rigors or critical thinking required at Cornerstone. We feel like the CCSS is more conducive to teaching critical thinking and sets that thinking in a strong literacy context.
Since the Common Core does not prescribe any pedagogical method in particular or conceptual content mandates in general, it is less vulnerable to the insertion of liberal or non-Christian worldview perspectives.
The TEKS is overly oriented to content. One common criticism of the TEKS is that they cover such a breadth of topics that their depth is questionable. Moreover, even if an instructor spent only 15 minutes on any given objective, a lofty goal to say the least, it would take 23 years to teach these standards. The CCSS, while it focuses on content, it emphasizes depth of understanding and its application to thinking skills.
One of the strongest reasons for parting from the TEKS is that they mandate the teaching of material that is inconsistent with a Christian Worldview, and in some cases, especially in the areas of history and science, contradict a Christian Worldview.
Most of our curriculum is secular because through our own extensive research, we have determined that it fits best with our educational philosophy. In other words, the resources we use greatly enhance our ability to differentiate and teach our students to think critically. Our students are still gaining a strong Biblical Worldview in light of the secular curriculum we use, given that all of our CCA Standards include these objectives.
Teaching is a gift from God. Teachers are called and equipped by God, and subsequently by CCA, to minister to student in academic discipleship. Teachers are empowered by CCA administrators to do what is best for students in the classroom. The CCA Standards (as based on CCSS) establish what students need to learn, but do not dictate how teachers should teach. While some textbooks based on the CCSS have prescribed certain ways students are asked to conceptualize content, that is separate from the standards themselves. Teachers use textbooks as a tool to nurture students; they are not slaves to a textbook or its preferred method for building concepts.
Yes, all teachers must hold a state teaching certificate or ACSI teaching certificate.
Students have their own individual accounts to access digital curriculum. This can include online learning platforms, educational software, and tools that cater to various subjects and learning styles.
Communication between students and teachers may be streamlined through digital channels such as email, messaging platforms, or dedicated communication portals. This allows for efficient and timely interaction, enabling students to seek help, ask questions, and submit assignments electronically. Cloud-based storage solutions enable students to access their files from any device and share work with peers and teachers seamlessly.
To support our Tuesday and Thursday satellite days, students are required to have their own devices as well as their own printer at home. These devices could include laptops, tablets, or other personal computing devices. Having a personal device ensures that students can access online resources, participate in virtual classes, and complete assignments from any location with an internet connection. Printers are essential as several assignments are required to be handed in the following day.
ATHLETICS
Sometimes. CCA offers Athletics opportunities to students of all experience levels. Every student who joins a team has an opportunity to learn and improve. Some teams are subject to a tryout or evaluation to gauge skill level and to be placed on an appropriate level. Some sports do have “cuts” if the coaches and evaluators determine necessary.
CCA teams are a part of competitive leagues and regularly qualify for post-season playoffs. Therefore, playing time is based on putting our teams in the best position to win the contest. Playing time is earned by ability, proficiency, effort, and attitude. Player safety and well-being are also considered when determining playing time. While we strive to get everyone in a game, we cannot guarantee playing time in games for every player.
This depends on the sport and whether it is Jr. High or High School. For the most part, all practices are during “after school” hours during the week (usually 3:45 – 6:00 p.m.). We typically end all practices early on Wednesdays so the students can get ready for church or youth group activities. Games are usually in the evenings, but the night of the week can vary. Most sports do not have weekend games, but there is the possibility that some Saturday games may be necessary due to scheduling and facility challenges.
If a student is a member of another team(s) in addition to CCA (whether recreational or competitive/club), their participation at CCA team practices and games MUST take precedence over all other athletic schedules. Those who cannot commit to the CCA practice and game schedule are asked to please not register.
SPIRITUAL
CCA has Bible curriculum and classes throughout the K-12 system. We also have student chapels at all grade levels. CCA staff often hold Bible studies for high school students during their lunch periods. Students in Prayer is a student led ministry that meets one Wednesday morning once a month. Beyond these ministries the middle and high school classes are all tied to Biblical World Standards which the teachers integrate into their classes along with the secular curriculum. This provides opportunities for deep and rich discussion regarding the Christian faith. Middle and high school students also attend a weeklong camp each year (CLAW) where break out classes are taught specific to Critical Thinking, Logic, Apologetics, and World View. Most important, CCA has teachers who are trained and committed to discipling students and feel it is their calling to equip the next generation to stand in the faith.
CLAW is an acronym which stands for Critical Thinking, Logic, Apologetics, and Worldview. These are valuable virtues we strive to teach and share with students while they are in class and at school. In addition, certain grades attend an annual CLAW Retreat, in which they attend classes with CCA teachers, focusing on the virtues of CLAW and bonding with their classmates through times of recreation and worship.
All staff at CCA commit to pouring into our students not only academically but spiritually. Our academic programs and classroom instruction strive to incorporate the scriptures and Biblical worldview at every opportunity. In addition, faculty and administration operate with a discipleship mind and heart, rather than a disciplinarian view, when it comes to addressing student behaviors.
Students also attend chapel services regularly, which focus on a time of worship and Biblical teaching. The school also has regular Bible studies led by CCA staff and a student-led organization called Students in Prayer, which allows for students to connect through a time of prayer and worship.
CCA is not just a school; we are a family. We desire to create a strong sense of community that will help to develop a strong sense of connection between our students, parents, and staff. Parents are encouraged to get involved by volunteering as room moms, parent volunteers, parents in prayer gatherings, car line helpers, sheepdog security team, booster club, and many other ways.
