CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TO LEAD AND SERVE
3354 Charger Drive l Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409 l ccsk12.com l 423.265.6411
ABOUT US
1270+
students from PreK to 12th grade
9 to 1 student to teacher ratio
OUR MISSION
85+
clubs, teams, and afterschool activities
55+
acres anchoring the Chattanooga Southside
is to prepare students to lead and serve
with distinction while representing Christ and seeking his Kingdom in all areas of the home, church, society, and culture.
Why Choose a Christian Education at youtube.com/chattanoogachristian
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Chad Dirkse, President
87%
scoring 3 or higher on AP Exams
We believe each child should thrive within their school experience. We are committed to providing outstanding faculty and coaches, rigorous academic programs, extensive cocurricular activities, and extraordinary facilities that support the unique growth of each child within a flourishing community. Our intent is that each CCS student will experience the grace of God through the timeless Truths of Scripture as they grow to understand their place and calling in His story. Our hope is that each CCS parent will experience us standing with them as we provide a safe place for students to wrestle with the challenges of a complicated world and its busyness and stress. Our goal is that your child will reach their potential within the communities they are called to lead and serve!
35+
District, Region, and State Championships in last 10 years
25
average ACT composite in last 5 years
30+
National Merit Finalists & Commended in last 10 years
ACADEMICS OUR CURRICULUM The Lower School is a comprehensive elementary school program consisting of PreK through 5th grade. The Lower School curriculum is standards-based, utilizing the best national and state standards, and built on the foundation of biblically-integrated essential questions and enduring understandings. Lower School classrooms are engaging, fostering a love of learning across subject areas. Teachers have a high level of training on how to individualize instruction to meet each student’s needs. Dynamic instruction which incorporates integrated units, projectbased learning, and a variety of ways to access information create a climate for students to understand and apply the information they have learned. This framework allows teachers to move students from their point-of-need to their peak-of-potential. Through our curriculum, teachers challenge students to apply their knowledge, think critically about what they have learned, and further inquire in various ways and across subject areas. We align our curriculum with our integrated Bible instruction and a Christian worldview so that our students are able to understand how everything in creation points back to Christ.
LOWER
SCHOOL
STUDENT-CENTERED CLASSROOMS Movement Matters at youtube.com/chattanoogachristian
MOVEMENT MATTERS
We believe that movement promotes learning. To keep students focused and engaged, Lower School students have PE every day. In addition, classrooms are outfitted with a variety of flexible seating. Students are able to work in the most engaging learning environments, with seating options that fit the needs of all students and keep them moving throughout the day.
60
minutes of physical activity per day for every student
Each classroom strives to build positive relationships between teachers and students to enhance learning. Our missional goal is to create a nurturing relationship between the school, home, and church in order to help each student grow and develop to their fullest potential. Teachers differentiate instruction based on student learning styles and interests. With a comprehensive curriculum in each subject area, students complete their time in the Lower School well-equipped for 6th grade.
OUR TEAM Our Lower School team considers it an incredible privilege to be able to share their faith while teaching children. Our teachers work together to meet every student where they are – not just academically, but also personally, socially, spiritually, and physically. All children are celebrated in their different strengths and challenges.
Challenging Students, Supporting Families at youtube.com/chattanoogachristian
14.8
average years of teaching experience for Lower School teachers
MIDDLE
ACADEMICS LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN Middle School is an adventure. Our teachers are dedicated to educating, serving, and understanding the minds and hearts of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Our hope is that CCS parents will be encouraged by our partnership as we provide a safe place for students to wrestle with the challenges of a complicated world.
CCS CURRICULUM Chattanooga Christian School offers a comprehensive curricular program with honors and general college prep core courses. Students in 6th through 8th grade also have an opportunity to choose from an array of electives including studio art, band, choir, theatre, computer coding, world language, and physical education.
CENTRAL CONCEPTS & THEMES In the Middle School, we build each year around central concepts or themes that can create purpose and coherence in the ways our students approach their courses, student life, and co-curricular activities. The themes for Middle School are Connect & Care (6th), Notice & Wonder (7th), and Lead & Serve (8th). As Middle School students make connections across subject areas, explore the world around them, and increase ownership of the learning process, they lay the groundwork for a conceptual, inquiry-driven approach to studies in the High School.
SCHOOL LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCES We know that experience enhances learning, so we give special attention to experiential education in the Middle School. For instance, the 8th grade US History course — which includes a social justice focus — incorporates field trips around Chattanooga as poignant opportunities to consider powerful and tragic stories in the very spots where they may have taken place. As a story is visualized in its historic context, students are stimulated to analyze the story empathically. This important life skill is further developed through reflective writing activities and ongoing class discussions that help students synthesize information and broaden their capacity to grow in wisdom and understanding.
Chronicles: Making History Come Alive at youtube.com/chattanoogachristian
6th
Aquarium exhibits and IMAX Theater
7th
Festival of Nations at Dollywood
8th
Heritage Trip to Washington, D.C.
ACADEMICS
THE BALANCED EDUCATION
HIGH S
The educational experience at CCS is shaped by a belief in the integrated nature of reality, emphasizing a rich and balanced approach to all subject disciplines, including Biblical studies, literature, languages, social sciences, mathematics, natural sciences, philosophy, and the arts. Teachers equip students to pursue mastery of skills and a deep understanding of concepts and systems while developing intellectual and spiritual curiosity.
SCHO OL
HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS
ADVANCED SCIENCE FACILITIES
7
state-of-theart Science and STEM Labs
Learning spaces are designed as part of a prepared environment that ensures the overall quality of an actively engaged learning culture. Seven state-of-the-art science labs facilitate an authentic and rigorous inquiry in the sciences. Our fully-equipped labs allow students to apply the scientific method to a variety of learning experiences across the physical and biological sciences. In makerspaces and industrial arts spaces, students construct models, build and program robots, and design and engineer various structures.
Our faculty demonstrate mastery of content and passion for lifelong learning. Teachers collaborate to create coherent units of study that bring High School students to a holistic understanding of the world. Of our Upper School (6-12) faculty and administration, 64% have earned advanced degrees from universities including Vanderbilt, Columbia, Northwestern, and Wake Forest.
EXCEEDING PREDICTIONS Each year, CCS 10th graders take the PreACT Aspire test that provides a predicted ACT score within a 4 point range for each student. For example, “Student should score between 24 and 27.� When the actual ACT scores for the class of 2019 were compiled, 90% of students either scored in the top half of the predicted range (43%) or exceeded the range entirely (47%). This shows the value of CCS academic programs and support services as students are surpassing their achievement predictions.
IN YOUR
STUDENT SUPPORT TEACHING THE WHOLE CHILD
Extraordinary education requires that we know and love the whole child. Our focus is on the intellectual, social-emotional, spiritual, and physical flourishing of our students. Fruitful teaching requires highly qualified teachers who view children as unique bearers of God’s image. The more deeply we know our students, the better we are able to teach and disciple them. Our community includes students who demonstrate a wide range of abilities, and we are prepared to meet each one where they are and set an appropriately high bar for their growth. By God’s grace and surrounded by a safe, diverse, nurturing community, students courageously approach challenges with the freedom to try and fail on their adventure toward achievement and success.
EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION STAFF The Exceptional Education staff work with the Hamilton County Department of Education (HCDE) to ensure that our students are afforded an appropriate assessment as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) under the Child Find mandates. Many students at CCS receive therapy services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and language therapy through the provisions of IDEA for parentallyplaced private school students.
Stephanie Hayes, Upper School Intervention Teacher
Greg
Jessica Stokes, Upper School Exceptional Education Coordinator
Travis Hutchinson, Upper School Chaplain, High School Bible Teacher
R CORNER
Darrell Bridges, Upper School Exceptional Education Assistant, MS History Teacher
g Davick, High School Academic and College Counselor
Shonda Caines, Head of Lower School, Director of Exceptional Education Programs
Laura Daugherty, Middle School Academic Counselor
The Office of Spiritual Care & Worship offers crisis counseling and referral as well as spiritual, emotional, and social support for CCS students. Our qualified staff are ready and willing to talk with students about faith and life, and to help students navigate the often difficult situations of Middle and High School years. Our primary goal is that students would know Christ as Savior and Lord and grow in grace and understanding of his holiness and love.
ACADEMIC & COLLEGE COUNSELING Joan Vos, Director of Academic and College Counseling
Ginny Moore, Lower School Exceptional Education Teacher
Academic and College Counselors help students become more aware of their gifts and interests as they make academic and vocational plans beyond High School. This process includes parents as they, too, prepare for a new phase of life and a new role in their child’s education. The college application process can be daunting, and yet CCS counselors make it manageable by helping students meet various deadlines, prioritize tasks, and gain facility with college applications. Ongoing relationships allow our counselors to better understand the students’ needs, while helping each student feel supported across the entire school experience—not just when college looms on the horizon.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL GUIDANCE
COMMUNITY
LIFE TOGETHER
Student Life at CCS is designed to provide opportunities for students to be known, to connect, and to belong. They develop and employ gifts of leadership, creativity, and service in the context of healthy relationships. The intentional flow of activities from PreK through High School enables students to foster an enthusiastic love for their school community that establishes a secure sense of place for each and every student. Various events throughout the year include the entire CCS community, creating a unique and strong sense of family.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
SPA DAY
INVENTION DAY
WAX MUSEUM
FALL FESTIVAL
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
LOWER SCHOOL FIELD DAY
OAR ACTIVITIES
CLASS TRIPS
SPIRIT WEEK
CAPTURE THE CHICKEN
DANCES & SOCIALS
INTERIM
SENIOR RUN
GRADUATION
UNITY
RESPECT
DISCIPLINE
ENERGY
CHEER
BASKETBALL
BASEBALL
ATHLETICS
RESILIENCE
Each member of the Charger Coaching staff is a committed follower of Christ who mentors the student athletes they serve toward finding their identity in Christ rather than athletic performance. Athletes with college-level ability can expect coaches to create an environment that facilitates athletic development toward their post high school athletic aspirations.
Preparing Student Athletes for the Next Level of Play at youtube.com/chattanoogachristian
THE BOLTUP FACTOR
BOLTUP culture defines success as more than digits on a scoreboard. Success for the individual means growth of Christ-like character, athletic skill and performance, grit, and willingness to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of the team. Success for the team means growth in its witness, in perseverance, in competition, and in the ability to execute a game plan. Success for the school means our athletic program is recognized for its development of student athletes, sportsmanship, and commitment to each other. We believe there is long-term value in the life skills learned through the successes and failures that come with participation in co-curricular athletics. #boltup
WRESTLING
VOLLEYBALL
TRACK
TENNIS
FOOTBALL
SOFTBALL
GOLF
CROSS COUNTRY
SOCCER
OUR COACHES
FACILITIES ACADEMIC • New Lower School STEM Lab • Middle School Math Lab • Upper School Science Labs • Renovated Industrial Arts • Updated PreK Building • The Learning Commons
ATHLETIC
Lower School STEM Lab
Upper School Science Lab
Industrial Arts Building
The Power House
The Varsity Gymnasium
David Stanton Field
Lower School Art Room
Open-Air Pavilion
Dark Room
• Three Full-Size Gymnasiums • Three Full-Size Practice Fields • Turf Football & Soccer Field • Six Tennis Courts • Baseball and Softball Fields • Batting Cages • Strength & Conditioning Center • Renovated Eight-Lane Track
ART & STUDENT LIFE • Renovated Fine Arts Center • Three Art Studios • Pottery Studio • Renovated Dark Room • New Playground • New Open-Air Pavilion • Lower School Music Lab • Multiple Outdoor Courtyards
11,000 square foot strength & conditioning facility
500
seat Fine Arts Center with updated technology
3,500
seat stadium with adjacent Open-Air Pavilion
4
enclosed courtyards– one for each school
ARTS PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS We believe that the pursuit of the arts is crucial to a healthy community. Students gain knowledge of music, dance, and theatre; refine their skills; and attain excellence in performing. As a result, students are equipped to express their faith and to influence culture and society for Christ. Performing Arts include: Ballroom, Band, Choir, Guitar, Jazz Band, and Theatre. Combining a passion for their craft, technical expertise, and mentorship, our Visual Arts faculty seek to inspire, equip, and send out students as artists and creatives who will reveal glimpses of a new creation through cultivated talents and creativity. We believe the arts are a God-given gift for all people and a vehicle through which we can deeply influence our communities as we reflect the Creator. Visual Arts include: Design, Drawing, Industrial Arts, Painting, Photography, Pottery, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Woodworking.
EXCELLENCE IN CRAFTSMANSHIP
• Acceptance to Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts for theatre, dance, and piano • Artwork showcased at local galleries, including AVA and Chattanooga Youth Gallery • Multiple musical theatre Spotlight Awards, including Outstanding Dramatic Actress and Actor (2019); Best Set Design, Best Ensemble, and Best Show (2018) • Tennessee All East High School Honors Chorus performances • Exceptional scores at Tennessee State Choral Festival
Behind the Scenes of West Side Story at youtube.com/chattanoogachristian
THE REAL BEAUTY OF THEATRE Mary Catherine Schimpf, Upper School Theatre Teacher and Director
The real beauty of theatre is that it is a collaboration of various art forms and the unique people God made us to be. In working toward a theatrical production, all of our abilities are actually enhanced by working together. It is always amazing to see God weave the students’ gifts together to create a final work of art — unique and beautiful.
• National touring choir superior ratings at regional and state festivals; All East and All State choral singers • Photography awards at state and national competitions
Our Lower School Design Thinking Team won Best Overall in the 2018 Bright Spark Design competition. This group of young creatives developed an idea to connect resources and services to families in need. Working together with teachers, students identified a problem, sought out a solution, and implemented a plan — even branding their idea with a clever name, HATCH, and an effective logo.
SERVE & WORSHIP UNIQUE WAYS WE SERVE Following the model of Jesus in Philippians 2:7, CCS students grow in understanding and application of faithful service through a variety of community service opportunities from PreK through High School. Students actively participate in a flow of service opportunities that culminate in the recurrent integration of community service within the curricular day during their senior year. Seniors leave campus for up to 5 hours per week to serve at partner organizations or in a student-directed opportunity they develop with Community Service leadership. Each student is tasked with one primary goal: to embody the love of Christ to those they serve. Graduates often reflect on the opportunities for community service as the most formative experiences at CCS.
WEEKLY CHAPEL & CORPORATE WORSHIP Homecoming Partner at youtube.com/chattanoogachristian
HOMECOMING WITH A PURPOSE
Much more than a time for students and alumni to show their school spirit, Homecoming Week at CCS is a rich time of celebration and community building that extends beyond the school into the Chattanooga community. In addition to the fun of dress-up days, class competitions, float building, pep rallies, and picnics, each year the CCS community unites in the financial support of a chosen Homecoming Partner — a local organization doing good work for the flourishing of our city — through t-shirt sales and donations. It is an honor to share the joy of Homecoming with our neighbors.
Worship is a vital part of life at CCS. All students participate in weekly, age-appropriate worship. The purpose of the Upper School Chapel Program is to provide an opportunity for community worship, minister to the needs of students, and proclaim the gospel. CCS staff members and frequent outside speakers deliver chapel messages. Our music is provided by the CCS student Praise Band as well as local musical guests. The Chapel Program is organized by a team of students and faculty working together with the Chaplain.
FIELD DAY There is nothing quite like the elation and freedom students experience when they leave classrooms and spend the day outside playing games with friends. Every year the entire High School student body serves over 4,000 elementary children from 7 Hamilton County schools by organizing and running Field Day on their campuses. This day offers our students unique opportunities to share the love of Christ and to apply what they are learning about service and leadership.
4,000+ area students participate in CCS Field Day, including 7 elementary schools
ADMISSIONS TEAM MEET THE ADMISSIONS TEAM
Mark Mariakis, Representative
The Admissions Team wants you to experience all CCS has to offer students from PreK to 12th grade. If you are interested in learning more about CCS, you can:
Charlene Wolfe, Upper School Representative (6-12)
• Schedule a visit at ccsk12.com/admissions • Register for a Preview Day at ccsk12.com/admissions • Give us a call at 423.265.6411 We look forward to getting to know your family as we walk with you through the admissions process. We are here to make the process easy. Please do not hesitate to call your representative!
CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 3354 Charger Drive Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409 ccsk12.com l 423.265.6411
Casey Cunningham, Lower School Representative (PreK-5) Meg Word, Director of Admissions
Angie Anand, Micro Schools Representative
CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TO LEAD AND SERVE
CCS is dually accredited by AdvancED and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).
3354 Charger Drive l Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409 l ccsk12.com l 423.265.6411