Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Does CCA offer Advancement Placement (AP) courses or testing?

While CCA does not offer AP courses designed and audited by the College Board, students are still free to take AP exams for college credit. And because of the rigorous nature of the Hillsdale Curriculum covering many AP subjects, students often are better prepared for AP exams.

What about sports?

CCA plans to establish a robust athletics department with the resources and facilities to offer many interscholastic sports in the coming years, as well as various club opportunities—some of which are already underway. As we build out our offerings, students who attend CCA remain free to participate in a sport (or other extracurricular activity) for their home public school district, as long as CCA does not offer it. See O.R.C. 3313.5311.

Is there transportation or aftercare available?

Transportation to and from CCA is the responsibility of the parents, as CCA does not accept any state funding, including for busing services. We do offer aftercare each day until 6pm at a reasonable cost, with opportunities for homework, recreation, and other activities.

Does the school provide lunch?

CCA does not offer a food service. Students pack their lunch and bring it to school each day.

Is CCA’s diploma good/valid?

Yes. A CCA diploma has the same legal standing as any other diploma issued in the State of Ohio. See O.R.C. 3313.6110.

What standardized testing is administered to ensure students are learning?

Each year, CCA administers the Classic Learning Test (grades 3-12), a nationally normed aptitude and achievement test that is aligned with CCA’s classical educational mission. Learn more at https://www.cltexam.com/.

How does CCA partner with parents?

CCA believes parents are the first educators of their children. We partner with them via:

Transparency – With the curriculum and with regular communication about all that is happening at CCA and with their child.

Hospitality – CCA parents are always welcome to visit, to attend opening assembly or to schedule a time to observe their child’s class.

Community – The CCA Parent Fellowship works directly with CCA administration to build community and culture, and to support the growth and development of the school.

With CCA’s low tech approach, will kids know how to operate in a tech driven world?

Yes. While CCA uses no 1-to-1 technology in the classroom, High School students will have opportunities to utilize technology for academic purposes, including for research papers, etc. More importantly, however, a classical education better prepares students to wisely master whatever new technology is on the horizon than does a tech-driven education that lacks substance and rigor, and that will quickly become obsolete.

Why is CCA independent from the state?

Accepting money from the state binds a school to many rules and regulations that are inconsistent with CCA’s mission and the classical philosophy of education, including state mandates regarding: teacher licensure; professional development standards; testing; curriculum content; and graduation requirements, just to name a few.

Why choose CCA over the Dublin charter school?

We believe that a public, classical schooling option is good and necessary. However, CCA believes that it offers the best, possible option for a family desiring an authentic classical education in its most unalloyed form. We are distinguished by: Our total independence from the state (see previous question); the caliber of our faculty; our admission of only mission-aligned families; and our explicitly biblical foundation, none of which are possible in a public, charter school.

What sets CCA faculty apart?

First, CCA faculty are people of character and virtue. Many made sacrifices to be at CCA in order to teach at a genuine, classical school. They are also gifted teachers who love to share their knowledge and are always learning as well. They also possess impressive credentials, including numerous graduate degrees in their teaching specialties or areas of interest, multiple published works to their names, experience in the classroom, and/or prior professional roles.

Are the faculty unionized?

No.

What is the value of having an Honor Code?

The Honor Code serves as a reminder and a mirror for CCA students to reflect on whether they are exhibiting the characteristics to which they are aspiring, and to hold themselves and their peers accountable during their time at CCA. Violations of the Honor Code also serve as the basis for disciplinary actions without the need for lengthy rulebook, because it summarizes the expectations of how our scholars will conduct themselves.

What is the advantage of Singapore Math?

Singapore Math teaches students not merely to master mathematical functions, but to think and understand mathematically, which over the course of study produces strong number sense and a capacity for higher level, abstract thought. You can learn more at https://www.singaporemath.com/pages/what-is-singapore-math.

What is the curriculum?

CCA is a Hillsdale College Curriculum School. We teach the full Hillsdale curriculum in grades K-12, as it was designed, because it is a coherent and integrated whole and thus best serves our families when implemented faithfully. The full curriculum map and grade-by-grade details can be accessed at https://k12.hillsdale.edu/Curriculum/Overview/.

How are teachers held responsible for teaching only the curriculum?

CCA’s Principal observes, reviews, and coaches our faculty to ensure that they are faithfully implementing the Hillsdale Curriculum. Unauthorized deviations are addressed if they occur, and a faculty member who does not adhere to the Hillsdale curriculum as prescribed will not continue to teach at CCA. In addition, the CCA Board has a policy that prohibits institutional deviations from the Hillsdale curriculum by the administration.