Frequently Asked Questions
How does the application process work?
There are 6 steps to the admission process, which are outlined here. As a first step, please make an inquiry to learn more and schedule a campus visit.
Are you a drop off program?
While we do not expect parents to be on campus all day (though many are), we are a co-op of families working together, and we do have a place for everyone to help in some way! This is part of what makes us a collaborative community with rich relationships. There are many different roles where parents can be involved, with some requiring less time commitments than others. Roles involving heavier work loads are eligible for credits toward tuition. Please contact us to discuss options!
What is a typical day like?
We gather on Wednesdays from 8:15-3:00 for classes. We also enjoy chapel, lunch time, and recess. Students come to class where they have lessons covering the work they will do at home in the coming week. We have many opportunities for Socratic discussion and hands-on learning such as science experiments, art projects, skits, presentations, and even food and cooking to go along with our lessons! Our creative projects align with what students are learning in history and literature. Each week, students hand in their homework, and it is graded and given back to them.
We also have many ways for students to get involved in leadership roles, such as student council and worship team. This is excellent for both college applications and as preparation for life beyond high school.
May we choose which classes the student will take?
Elementary students take a full day of classes. However, parents of elementary students may modify curriculum and assignments to adapt to the needs of their child. You know your child best!
Middle grade-level students take the three core classes of history, humanities, and literature. Middle school students may also choose two classes out of: Latin, logic (7th and 8th
grade only), and science. Our science class also follows a four-year rotation of science studies.
We do not offer math at CCHSA for any grades. All students need to complete a math curriculum of your choice at home each year.
High school core classes are history and literature, following a four-year rotation..
We offer additional classes on a rotating basis, including:
Spanish I and II
High school Logic and Debate
Rhetoric
Worldview I and II
Economics and Government
Old Testament Survey
Rhetoric II (Senior thesis)
We do not offer high school-level math and science courses at this time. Most students take these from other providers in the Austin area or through home study.
How can we find out if there are staff positions available?
We truly believe each parent, staff member, and child has something to offer! God has given all of us unique talents and abilities. We value our staff members who use their gifts to educate our children to God’s glory. Each staff position is filled after much prayer. You might be surprised at the ways your background, interests, and education can equip you for a teaching role! If you feel God is leading you to minister at CCHSA, please let our campus director or academic director know. We may schedule an interview depending on the available positions and your unique qualifications.
Do you only admit Christian homeschool families?
Yes, the purpose of CCHSA is to collaborate with parents to provide a godly, classical education to Christian homeschooled students.
What standard for behavior do you have for the classroom?
Students are accountable for their behavior and held to a godly, Bible-based standard in their interactions with peers, siblings, parents, teachers, and staff. Our behavior policy is designed to help students thrive academically and, more importantly, to help them develop self-control and mature in character. Specifics to our behavior policy are found in the CCHSA Manual.
How have graduates done in college?
We are so proud of our graduates! Since graduating the first of our seniors in 2004, many of our CCHSA students have been able to attend their first-choice college or university. In fact, over 95% of our students attend college, with a few taking a gap year to focus on missions and a couple of students entering the military or attending a junior college. We are confident that students who complete all assignments diligently and timely can successfully transition to the college environment.
What is the workload like?
The time it takes students to complete weekly work may vary from child to child. While we do offer a rigorous program, we want to support you in helping your child succeed! Parents may choose to modify assignments as needed and are encouraged to discuss ways to do this with administration or teachers,
Time management is a learned skill. For this reason, we advise parents of younger students to schedule their days for them and slowly allow students in 7th grade and above to gain responsibility in using a planner or calendar to learn how to manage their time.
What school social opportunities are there?
We love having fun with our great community! School-wide events we have done in the past include: Back to School Picnic, Art Fair, End of Year Celebration, field trips, Science Fair, and Talent Show. In the past, our high school students have participated in a Spring Formal, including dance lessons, through Christian Homeschool Formal of Austin. We encourage parents to plan social activities throughout the year!
Do students have time to participate in extracurricular activities?
Most CCHSA students do participate in extracurricular activities. For many, the combination of extracurricular activities and CCHSA leaves little “downtime.” To help families find balance, our school calendar includes about one week “off” approximately every four weeks. No homework is assigned during off weeks, leaving time for other activities, family time, and a more relaxed schedule.
My student is very advanced. Can he or she be in the next level?
Our curriculum and homework are advanced enough to warrant keeping the majority of students with others their same age. Our classes are designed to match particular grade levels and allow parents to decide whether to leave a child in a level for an extra year or move up that child.
We do allow exceptions when we feel a child will do well with the older students socially as well as academically. This decision will be made individually if space is available.
What is the transition like for new students?
All new students experience a “learning curve” as they adjust to new requirements and systems, but this is to be expected, and we want to help and extend grace during the transition. We require typed assignments, homework folders, deadlines for homework, school uniforms, and class changes, all of which are new.
Most students adjust quickly and do exceptionally well! Our program is not easy, but with diligent work, we know our students can excel!
What is the involvement of the parent at home?
As it is not possible to teach our students all they need to know about a subject in only one hour a week, parents will still need to be very involved in their children’s schooling through middle school. The goal is to slowly give students more autonomy as they are able to manage their workloads themselves.
Students with actively involved parents do better work and adjust more quickly. We hope that parents will read to with or alongside their children, support them in research and editing papers, and be available to help during study time.
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