CCCS FAQs March 18, 2024

 

The Calvary Chapel Christian School uses the Charlotte Mason teaching method, which emphasizes a holistic approach to education. It focuses on the child as a whole person and pays attention to their character, habits, and the living ideas they encounter.

 

These FAQs list two categories: offering a Christ-centered education program and delivering scholastic services.

 

Spiritual and Faith-based Scholastic Services

Statement of Faith Academic Excellence

Bible Curriculum Teachers and Staff

Chapel Services and Worship Facilities and Resources

Character Education Safety and Discipline

Prayer and Spiritual Guidance Extracurricular Activities

Christian Community Parental Involvement

Service and Outreach School Culture and Values

Integration of Faith and Learning Community Reputation

Parental Involvement and Spiritual Growth Transportation

Christian Worldview Cost and Financial Consideration

Discipline and Values Enforcement Communication Channels

Denominational Affiliation Transition Support

 

Spiritual and Faith-based:

 

1. What is the CCCS' statement of faith, and what fundamental Christian beliefs does it uphold?

CCCS’s statement of faith is that of Calvary Chapel Columbia: We believe in the triune godhead, the inerrancy of scripture, The Holy Spirit's conception, virgin birth, atoning death, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, the convicting, regenerating, sealing, and baptism of The Holy Spirit, that all men are sinners and need a savior, that a person is saved by grace through faith, in a literal heaven and hell, in a pretribulation rapture, a visible and literal second coming of Jesus Christ.

We are not Calvinist nor Arminian, but we believe God draws all people to Himself (John 6:44), and whoever believes in The Lord Jesus should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

1. How is the Christian faith integrated into the daily life and teachings at CCCS?

 

We aim to educate the student's spirit, soul, and body. We believe this approach is in unification with 1 Thessalonians 5:23: "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Bible Curriculum:

 

1. What type of Bible curriculum does CCCS use?

 

CCCS teaches the Bible in its entirety.

 

1. How often are Bible classes held, and how are they incorporated into the education?

 

The Bible will be taught daily as an inspirational subject.

 

Chapel Services and Worship:

 

1. Does CCCS have regular chapel services or worship sessions?

 

Wednesday mornings include a chapel service from 8:30 until 9:00.

 

1. How are students encouraged to join in spiritual activities?

 

The spiritual activity of loving others as you love yourself is encouraged daily.

 

Character Education:

 

1. How does CCCS emphasize character development and values based on Christian principles?

 

Scripture will be an imperative part of the school culture. Not only will students read and discuss the Bible, but whenever possible, we will use textbooks written from a Biblical worldview. Many contemporary childhood development specialists agree with Charlotte Mason that children learn best through information provided and conveyed in a narrative form.

 

1. Are there specific programs or initiatives in place for nurturing spiritual growth?

 

Yes, beginning through the training of habits, such as the habit of preferring others before yourself, the habit of listening, the habit of kindness, the habit of thinking before speaking, and many others. As students mature, narration in written composition helps them search within their understanding to express what godly authors have expressed through the literature they have read.

 

Prayer and Spiritual Guidance:

 

1. How does CCCS incorporate prayer into daily routines?

 

CCCS meets daily as a student body to sing a worship song and start the day with a formal blessing.  Students will be encouraged to say grace over their lunches.

 

1. Is there a chaplain or spiritual counselor available to provide guidance and support?

 

The headmaster is available for spiritual guidance.

 

Christian Community:

 

1. How does CCCS foster a Christian community among students, parents, and staff?

 

Every human is created with a soul that will live forever. CCCS will engage in the education of the whole person, which will have eternal benefits.  It is not the role of CCCS to save souls; only God can do that.  However, the leadership, teachers, and staff are committed to being used by God to work in each student's life and point their hearts, minds, and souls toward God in heaven and all His design, beauty, and wonder.

 

Service and Outreach:

 

1. Does CCCS encourage students to take part in community service or outreach projects?

 

This option is being considered.

 

Integration of Faith and Learning:

 

1. How are Christian values integrated into subjects beyond the Bible curriculum?

 

The curriculum uses faith-based texts.

 

Parental Involvement in Spiritual Growth:

 

1. How does CCCS involve parents in the spiritual development of their children?

 

CCCS’s mission is to partner with parents to train and educate their children regarding Proverbs 22:6.

 

Christian Worldview:

 

1. How does CCCS teach students to view the world through a Christian worldview?

 

CCCS uses textbooks written from a Biblical worldview whenever possible. Subject discussions include spiritual applications of the subject matter.

1. Are there discussions or programs that address contemporary issues from a Christian perspective?

 

The culture of CCCS is to exemplify and model Christian love, not only at school but also in the community and world. Ministry opportunities will arise for students to participate.

 

Discipline and Values Enforcement:

 

1. How does CCCS address discipline from a Christian perspective?

 

The root word of discipline is “disciple.” Instructors help guide or disciple students in understanding the difference between “I want” and “I will,” leading the student toward self-mastery. However, there are consequences for offensive actions.

 

Denominational Affiliation:

 

1. Is CCCS affiliated with a specific Christian denomination?

 

CCCS is a ministry of Calvary Chapel Columbia, a non-denominational church.

 

Scholastic Services:

 

Academic Excellence:

 

1. How does CCCS perform in terms of academic achievements?

 

Students are always encouraged to do their best in all ways. CCCS classrooms are small and in numbers. Students are assessed on spiritual, academic, and personal aptitudes daily, and instructors are always intimately aware of their students’ progress.

 

1. What curriculum does CCCS follow, and how is it structured?

 

The curriculum comes from the Charlotte Mason Institute.

 

1. Are there any special programs for students with different learning needs?

 

CCCS cannot serve special needs students. We will, however, consider every potential student who desires admittance.  

 

Teachers and Staff:

 

1. What are the qualifications of the teachers?

 

Our qualifications are a call by God, a love for God, the gift of teaching, a love of children, and the teacher themselves must be a lifelong learner. There also needs to be a willingness to adopt the Charlotte Mason teaching style.

 

1. How does CCCS support professional development for its staff?

 

The headmaster works with the staff for continued learning of the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Staff are encouraged to examine the philosophy through self-directed study. Each Staff member undergoes yearly continued education endeavors.

 

1. Is there a good student-to-teacher ratio?

 

Classrooms are limited to 14 students and one teacher.

 

Safety and Discipline:

 

1. What measures are in place to ensure the safety of students?

 

CCCS exists in a safe, secure environment with locked doors and cameras that record every aspect of the facility.

 

Parental Involvement:

 

1. How does CCCS encourage parental involvement?

 

Per the CCCS mission statement, we partner with parents regarding their children. CCCS is a life-changing education, not only for our students but also for the family. A CCCS education does not stop at the end of the school day. It continues when the child returns home, with the parents partnering with CCCS to reinforce the habits and education initiated while the child is at school. more

 

1. Are there regular parent-teacher conferences or other communication channels?

 

We schedule three parent/teacher conferences each school year. Instructors may communicate with parents via written correspondence, email, text, and telephone calls, or parents may request to meet in person.

 

School Culture and Values:

 

1. What values does CCCS promote?

 

CCCS promotes the values of Calvary Chapel Columbia, which can be found here.

 

Cost and Financial Considerations:

 

1. What are the tuition fees and other associated costs?

 

The tuition cost is $7,000 per year per child. Students are responsible for school supplies and uniform costs.

 

Transition Support:

 

1. How does CCCS support new students during the transition period?

 

CCCS’s culture and etiquette is to love others as Christ loved you. MOST NEW students assimilate easily into the small classroom size and participate in all classroom activities.

 

1. Are there orientation programs or buddy systems in place?

 

Potential families are welcome to visit the prospective classroom during regular school hours.

 

If your question was not answered here, please email Randy Lemaster, Headmaster of Calvary Chapel Christian School.

 

CCCS incorporates Charlotte Mason's teaching philosophy and methodology into its educational program. Click here to learn more.

 

 

 

There are two more words.  The first more I would like to be a link to a document I attached here titled Parent Expectations.  The second more should be a link to the cccstn.org more button to the CMI 11 video series.