Distinctives
Christian
We study every subject through the lens of the lordship of Christ. We believe the chief end of education is not merely acquiring knowledge or preparing for a specific career, but maturing, forming virtue, and developing the ability to articulate and defend the Christian faith.
Classical
Our approach to the Classical model emphasizes rhetoric, developing historical research skills, reading great books, and writing. Our educational philosophy is centered upon the ancient concepts of:
Ad fontes (to the source) We study Humanities using primary sources as our starting point for every lesson. We read great literature from the time period we are studying. We don't use 21st century textbook authors or 17th century Shakespeare plays to understand Ancient Rome: we read Cicero, Caesar, and Plutarch. Architecture, coins, monuments, landscapes, and frescoes show us what things were like, how people lived, and how they grappled with humanity's biggest recurring questions.
Multum non multa (much, not many) Our students know how to work hard habitually and be successful in an academically rigorous environment. However, we don't spend much time between classes on an hourly bell schedule or give busywork to maintain an academic image. Our students are expected to be able to spend meaningful time with their families, observe the Lord's day, and pursue independent interests.
University Schedule
We meet in person 3 days/week and students complete assignments at home the other 2. This has the advantages of preparing students (college-bound or otherwise) for the increased independence and planning required in their next stage of life. It also allows students to glean the benefits of the classroom while honing independent study habits and engaging in deeper work at home.
Discipleship from Expert Faculty
As a discipleship model school, all students sign a statement of faith. We seek teachers who possess not only subject area expertise and knowledge of pedagogy, but who are committed to setting an example of Christ-likeness. Small class sizes enable students to be discipled by faculty and family-teacher relationships are encouraged through regular social events throughout the year. Our Bible class is always taught by an ordained minister.
Interdisciplinary
We aim to teach the essential truths of math and science by discussing epistemology and showing the historical circumstances of new ideas and discoveries. Our Humanities course combines the (only recently separated) subjects of History and Literature. As we seek to comprehend the societies we are studying, we take to heart the words of C.S. Lewis that each culture's literature "has its own personality; implies an outlook, reveals a mental activity, and has a resonance, not quite the same as those of any other."
Academic Excellence through Senior Year
Our students graduate with competitive transcripts and a senior project wherein they've pursued study in an area of interest. Concurrent college credits in History are available through Northwest University to CCHS Juniors and Seniors. Read more in our Portrait of a Graduate.