ACADEMICS

FACULTY

All of our teachers are born again and active within a local church. All full-time teaching staff will be required to have a degree from a 4-year college, or working toward a higher degree in the field they are teaching. All of our full-time teachers will be required to attain certification through Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

FACULTY CONTACT

Go to school website (www.ccacougars.net), click on "Faculty", click on the teacher you wish to contact, click on "contact" on that teacher's page, and it will automatically bring you to an email screen.

CURRICULUM

The course of study has been established to provide a well-rounded diversity of subjects designed to develop the ability to think and reason in a manner pleasing to God. The primary objective is to teach the student to view all of life and living in its true God-related perspective.

Children are responsible for their textbooks and should damage or loss occur, they or their parents are accountable. Textbooks should be written in for class purposes only.

1. Hardcover textbooks remain the property of the school. If these textbooks are damaged, a fee equal to the replacement cost of the text may be required.

2. Readers (Grades 1-6) are reused each year.

3. Paperback textbooks are purchased new for students each year. They may be kept by the student at the end of the year. If a book is lost, a new book will be issued and billed to the student's account.

SCOPE OF INSTRUCTION

With the Bible as the foundation and core of our course of study, we strive to integrate God's truth in all of the following areas. An integral part of the Bible curriculum is the weekly chapel service.

Kindergarten: Phonics, Reading, Penmanship, Bible, Math, Science, Art, Music, Social Studies, PE/Recess

Grades 1-5: English Language Arts, Bible, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, P.E, Spanish (Grades 1-5), Computers (3-5)

Grades 6-8: English, Language Arts, Bible, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Computers, P.E., Spanish

Grades 9-12: Language Arts, Bible, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, Fine Arts, P.E. with a Health component

HONORS CLASSES

Honors classes will be offered in the following grades and subjects:

9th Grade English, Earth Science

10th Grade English, World History, Biology, Geometry

11th Grade English, U.S. History, Chemistry, Algebra II

12th Grade English, Pre-Calculus

Academic Criteria:

- Cumulative 3.0 GPA

- Maintain a minimum of a 90 average in each Honors Class

- Below 90 average in an Honors Class will result in probation or one grading period

- If still below 90 average in an Honors Class at beginning of next grading period, will be withdrawn from that Honors Class and cannot reapply until next school year

- Below 90 average at end of school year will result in probation first 9 weeks of new school year

- Work assigned must be submitted on time

- Student will not be allowed to accumulate undone assignments Honors Class Weighted Grading:

• A = 5.0
• B = 4.0
• C = 3.0
• D = 2.0

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

A Summer Reading Program is in effect. Information is provided to each parent at the end of the school year or in the applicant package for new students.

FIELD TRIPS

The educational program of Community Christian Academy includes excursions and trips by pupils under the supervision and instruction of teachers to museums; art galleries; places of historical, industrial, and civic interest; field and woods for nature study; and institutions or places of similar character which, in the opinion of the Administrator may promote the education of such pupils as he may authorize to take such a trip. The place to be visited and the method of transportation shall be approved by the Administrator. A blanket permission slip will be available for parent signature at Orientation authorizing the school to include the student on a field trip. However, it will not take the place of the teacher's responsibility to inform all parents in advance of each field trip date, destination, and purpose. Any student without a blanket permission slip (contained on Family School Covenant) on file must have a signed permission slip for each individual field trip. The teacher and the school office will maintain a listing of any students without a blanket permission slip on file.

ALL volunteers must be fingerprinted prior to volunteering on campus or on a field trip with the responsibility of supervising children. Please contact the School Office for further information on this procedure.

PROCESS OF EVALUATION

Evaluation is the process of determining how well we have achieved our goals. The responsibility of the Christian educator (parent or teacher) is to be faithful in his example and proclamation of the truth and to evaluate and encourage student deportment in achieving his goals.

The assessment of a student's academic performance can be accomplished through the evaluation of classroom participation, homework, exams, and standardized tests. We must realize, however, that there are some goals which cannot be measured by written forms. This is largely true of goals for spiritual growth, behavior, and attitudes. If learning is to result in change, then change observed in the life of a student is also an indication of effective communication from the parent or teacher to the child.

GRADING SCALE

A = 90 – 100 C = 70 – 79 F = 0 - 59

B = 80 - 89 D = 60 - 69

"A" HONOR ROLL (ELEMENTARY)

K-5 – 2nd Grades

1) All "A's" in major subjects (Bible, Language, Math, Penmanship, Reading, Spelling)

2) No "N" in enrichment classes (History, Science, PE, Music, Art)

3rd – 5th Grades

1) All "A's" in major subjects (Bible, Language, Math, History, Science, Penmanship, Reading, Spelling,)

2) No "N" in enrichment classes (PE, Music, Art)

"A/B" HONOR ROLL (ELEMENTARY)

K-5 – 2nd Grades

1) All "A/B's" in major subjects (Bible, Language, Math, Penmanship, Reading, Spelling)

2) No "N" in enrichment classes (History, Science, PE, Music, Art)

3rd – 5th Grades

1) All "A/B's" in major subjects (Bible, Language, Math, History, Science, Penmanship, Reading, Spelling,)

2) No "N" in enrichment classes (PE, Music, Art)

"A" HONOR ROLL (JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH)

6th – 12th Grade

1) All "A's" in major subjects (Bible, Language, Math, History, Science)

"A/B" HONOR ROLL (JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH)

6th – 12th

1) All "A/B's" in major subjects (Bible, Language, Math, History, Science)

YEARLY TESTING

Each spring, standardized achievement tests are given to all students in Grades K thru 11. The Otis Lennon School Ability Test is also administered to pre-determined grade levels in conjunction with the achievement test. In the fall of the year, 10th graders take the PLAN test, and 11th graders take the PSAT on the CCA campus. All juniors/seniors are encouraged to take the SAT and/or ACT at least once during 11th and 12th grade years. In many cases students will take these tests multiple times. For more information about test dates and strategies please contact the school office. The ASVAB test is also administered to juniors.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Community Christian Academy recognizes the educational value and importance of homework for students. We believe that meaningful home study is a necessary part of each pupil's educational program and that it should be related to the educational philosophy and goals of the school. Homework should be a purposeful extension of the school day which provides the student with additional opportunities for the development and reinforcement of the school's instructional objectives.  

 

Homework is a method for both teacher and parents to evaluate the student's understanding of the material being taught. Parents should expect that their child will be required to do homework on any given evening. Good effort on homework by the student insures that he is prepared to do his best in class the next day. It is the policy of Community Christian Academy to give no homework on Wednesday evenings in an effort to promote attendance at mid-week evening church services. If homework is assigned on a Wednesday, students will be provided time in class to complete all or most of the assignment.

 

It is the responsibility of the student to complete assigned homework, and to seek additional assistance from the teacher when the need is realized. The assignment of homework helps students understand that learning is not just a classroom activity. Parents should make themselves aware of assignments and the expectations of the school and the teacher. They should feel free to consult with teachers regarding questions relating to homework assignments.

 

If a student misses 3 homework assignments in the same class in one quarter, the student will be issued an Office Referral (Upper-School only). The student will be subject to appropriate discipline (see the “Guidelines for Discipline Problems” section). If an elementary student misses 3 homework assignments, his or her teacher will contact the parents to discuss the situation.

 

1. Teachers will assist students in making up work. However, it is the student's responsibility to determine when work has been missed and see that it is made up.

 

2. When five days or fewer are missed, the student will have the same number of days he missed to make up the work. For example, if three days were missed, the student would have three school days to complete all make-up work. This work is the responsibility of the student, not the teacher. The make-up work will receive full credit unless it is turned in past the deadline stated above.

 

3. When more than five days are missed, the teacher, student and parent(s) will work out a schedule that will give the necessary time needed to make up the work.

 

4. When a student has obviously put off work, the teacher is no longer obligated to assist in making up the work and a grade of zero will be given. 

 

5. Students are generally not permitted to miss regularly scheduled classes in order to make up work.  

6. The approximate amount of homework for the middle school and senior high school students should be no more than 30 minutes for each of the four required subjects on a typical evening. Homework is required for each class on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

7. Homework should not be assigned on Wednesday evening in order to encourage our students to attend the midweek prayer service at their local church. If given, time should be provided in class to complete it or complete most of it.

8. Teachers should insist on neat legible handwriting on all papers. If a paper is submitted which does not meet this requirement, the student is expected to rewrite the work.

Rewriting is to be assigned for the following:

a.         improper heading

b.         sloppy writing

c.          careless formation of letters or numbers

d.         crowded work

e.         scratching over mistakes ( unless neatly erased)

f.          using improper paper, pen, or pencil

g.         more than two misspelled words

h.         general carelessness

Upper School

Suggested Test Days

Monday — Electives

Tuesday — English, History

Wednesday — NO HOMEWORK

Science, Math

Thursday — No Tests

Friday — English, Bible

EXAMS

An exam is an educational device with validity to the extent with which it educates both the student and the teacher. Tests should provide an aid for improving instruction; that is, they should reveal whether a student is merely going to class or learning, and they should be a guide for future classes.

Exams also provide an incentive for learning. They can motivate the student to do better. Education at its highest level involves individual discovery; therefore, it is good for both the student and the teacher to evaluate or at least review the results of the exam. All students will be required to take exams in grades 6 – 12. Semester exams and final exams are required for all students with the exceptions of seniors on their final exams (second semester) if they have an "A" average per subject during second semester.

PROCEDURE FOR TAKING MAKE-UP TESTS/QUIZ (6-12)

It is the student's responsibility to set up a time with the teacher.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from Community Christian Academy requires the completion of at least 26 credit hours of instruction with a 2.0 Grade Point Average in Grades 9-12 in the following areas:

English 4 credits Vocational Arts/Fine Arts 1 credit

Bible* 4 credits Physical Education 1 credit

Math 4 credits Electives 6 credits Science 3 credits

Social Studies 3 credits

*1 Credit per each year enrolled in CCA

In certain situations, transfer students may be allowed to graduate without meeting all of the requirements listed above. At this time Community Christian will not offer a diploma to students seeking to graduate with only 18 credits.

Students may be exempt from a Physical Education class with a written doctor's confirmation of the medical reason why the student's health status does not permit participation in a class requiring on-going physical activity. In lieu of this PE credit for a high school student, the student will be required to earn 1 credit in an alternative health/hygiene class over the four-year high school period. This will be so noted on his permanent school records and on his high school transcript.

If a student's medical status changes and written documentation is provided that this prohibitive medical condition no longer exists, the student will be expected to participate in the Physical Education classes offered.

Math courses consist of: Algebra I and II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus.

Science courses consist of: Physical Science, Biology, and Chemistry.

Social Studies consist of: World History, U. S. History, American Government, and Economics.

Electives may be selected from the following: Journalism, Spanish I, II, and III, Yearbook, Psychology, assorted Florida Virtual School Classes, Teacher/Office/Staff/Athletic Aide, Fine Arts courses in differing visual arts and music courses.

Foreign language credits are not required for graduation from Community Christian Academy; however, two credit hours of foreign language are usually recommended for entrance into most colleges and universities.

Course offerings are subject to change.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS BEGINNING WITH THE CLASS OF 2013

English

4 credits

Mathematics

4 credits, two of which must be Algebra I and Geometry (req for FLBF) Science

4 credits two of which must have a laboratory component

Social Studies

1 credit World History

1 credit American History

.5 credit American Government

.5 credit Economics

1 *World Geography (DLA-complete FLVS)

Foreign Language

2 credits

required for admission into state universities

Fine Arts or Performing Arts

1 credit

(Performing Arts, Speech and Debate, Visual Arts, Painting, etc)

Physical Education

1 credit in Physical Education to include the integration of Health (HOPE)

Electives

Bible

8 credits

(Dr Edu, Philo, Psych, Journalism, T/A, Etc)

1 credit for each year of HS enrollment

(may be counted for elective requirements)

*Students will complete during their HS enrollment in partial fulfillment of state requirements for graduation including the Digital Learning Act effective 2012

CRITERIA FOR VALEDICTORIAN

For purposes of determining this student, calculations will be made at the end of the third marking period of the senior year.

CRITERIA FOR SALUTATORIAN

For purposes of determining this student, calculations will be made at the end of the third marking period of the senior year.

OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AWARD

If a student has not attended CCA for their entire Junior and Senior year, however they would otherwise qualify for Valedictorian or Salutatorian, they may, at the Administrator's discretion, receive an award for Outstanding Academic Performance.

DUAL ENROLLMENT

Community Christian Academy juniors and seniors are eligible to participate in dual enrollment. Normally, the student will take courses not offered at CCA. An exception may be made when the CCA class schedule does not meet the need of the student. Each student may attend CCA part-time for his/her senior year and still participate in CCA functions like any other full-time CCA student (class functions, senior class trips, athletics, cheerleading, etc.). Students will be required to sign in and out at the high school office when leaving for and returning from classes.

Participation in this program is designed to provide the student with advance college credits in basic required classes as well as provide an exposure to college-level course requirements. Credits earned in college-level courses will be weighted.

Generally the registration and tuition fees will be charged in full to each CCA student participating in dual enrollment. The tuition and consolidated fees may be adjusted with prior approval of the administration.

In certain cases students may also dual enroll in vocational/tech courses not offered at CCA.

Administrative approval must be given for all dual enrollment programs.

In all dual enrollment programs the CCA schedule must take precedence over the dual enrollment schedule. Please understand that in some cases this will mean a student may not dual enroll in a preferred class.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Bright Futures scholarships are available to any high school student in the State of Florida, public or private, that academically qualifies (3.0GPA or higher) for financial assistance. For further information contact www.flstudentfinancialaid.org. Information about additional scholarships is available at www.collegeboard.com.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Definition and Purpose: This is a period of time set aside to monitor the academic progress of a student. The purpose is to determine whether or not the student requires remedial help and, if so, in what form. A student on academic probation may be asked to withdraw from the school if, in the opinion of the administration:

a) The school is unable to meet the unusual academic needs of the student, or

b) The student is not sufficiently self motivated to achieve even minimal academic standards.

Process: Any current student whose GPA/average is 2.0 or lower will be placed on academic probation for the following quarter. A new student would be placed on academic probation as a result of an administrative review of his/her academic record and entrance tests.

At the end of the probationary quarter, a student profile report will be made to the Administration by the student's teachers. If sufficient progress has been made, the student will be taken off of academic probation. If insufficient progress has been made, the student will be maintained on academic probation or withdrawn by the school.

DROP/ADD HIGH SCHOOL COURSES

A non-required subject may be dropped within five (5) days of the beginning of each semester without penalty. Courses will not be dropped after 5 days. Exceptions to these guidelines can be approved by administration. Dropping a course requires the approval of the parents and the administration.

PROMOTION POLICIES

Kindergarten through 5th Grade Students will be promoted upon completion of the prescribed course of study and subjective evaluation by the classroom teacher and principal.

6th , 7th, and 8th Grade Students must pass English, math, science and social studies. A student who fails more than one academic subject will not be promoted.

9th through 12th Grades A student will be considered a sophomore (10th grade) when 6 high school credits have been earned including English I.

A student will be considered a junior (11th grade) when 12 high school credits have been earned including English II.

A student will be considered a senior (12th grade) when 18 high school credits have been earned including English III.

ENROLLMENT/RE-ENROLLMENT CRITERIA

Students in grades 5K through 5th grade will be accepted for enrollment/re-enrollment if they meet the following criteria: 1) Teacher recommendation; 2) Maintaining grade level or above status in reading and math on the Stanford Achievement Testing; 3) Not having excessive absences or tardies; 4) Administrative approval.

6th through 12th criteria for enrollment/re-enrollment: 1) 2.0 grade point average or above and meets promotion policy; 2) Teacher recommendation; 3) Not on academic probation at the end of the school year; 4) Not on behavioral probation at the end of the school year; 5) May not have excessive absences or tardies; 6) Must pass Bible class the previous year (Re-enrollment only); 7) Acceptable references (new students only); 8) Administrative approval.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Elementary Summer school may be required for promotion or for strengthening in math and language skills.

6th through 8th Summer school may be required for students who fail English, math, science or social studies.

9th through 12th Summer school may be required for students who need to earn credits in courses that they failed. It may also be required of incoming students who need to strengthen their academic skills, or who need to complete missing credits.

TRANSFER OF SUMMER SCHOOL CREDIT

Currently enrolled students must secure written permission from the administration before enrolling in summer courses at another school. Summer courses should be taken to make up credits failed, to earn additional elective credits, or to improve a lower grade in a subject taken previously.

TUTORIAL HELP

Students will sometimes need additional help in a subject. The first place to turn for help is the teacher of the course. Teachers at the school are willing to give extra time to students who are conscientiously trying to improve. This time can be before school, after school, or during a planning period. Students may also be paired with peers who understand the material and can help. For students with severe problems, an outside tutor may be needed. The school faculty, resource office, and guidance office may be able to provide names of qualified tutors. Any outside tutor should confer with the teacher of the class in order to coordinate objectives and methods. It is imperative that the administration be aware of all students receiving outside tutorial help.