stablished in 2003, Christ Classical Academy endeavors to assist parents in the discipline and education of their children to the Glory of God. Our first graduating class of 2010 is now at their freshman level. These students are being trained to be ethical leaders and biblical thinkers who will shape, rather than to be shaped, by our current culture. The biblically-integrated curriculum engages students in discussion over historical, political, theological and literary issues. Students delve into scientific theories and experimentation; enjoy theatre, music and fine art; all to the end of preparing them for a God-given purpose.
What is a Classical model?
Simply put, a Classical methodology has one end: to teach students to learn for themselves. This aim is actualized through distinct and progressive teaching models: Grammar (fundamental principles), Dialectic (question-based learning) and Rhetoric (critical analysis and advocacy). The Rhetoric Level (9th-12th) culminates in apologetics-caliber proficiency. Classically trained graduates universally express how easy their adjustment is to college as they engage in a level of reasoning to which they have already become well accustom. The American Classical Standards Board has articles that help explain the methodology. A parent should not be worried about starting in the middle of the educational process as we have strategies to blend in students at all levels.
How does CCA’s High School meet Florida state standards?
CCA curriculum meets or exceeds not only state standards but also those for acceptance into most colleges.
Leading universities such as Florida State University, University of Chicago, and Furman University incorporate interactive discussion-based instruction in their Liberal Arts programs, a methodology which is a distinctive of the Rhetoric level. As one Classical school illustrates this approach,
Students learn that the first-century spread of Christianity relates to the lore of Beowulf; amoebas relate to Socrates; and Picasso relates to e=mc2.All courses are taught at what is widely considered Honors level.
How difficult is it to enter midway into a 12-year Classical curriculum?
While the traditional entry points are K, 1st, 6th or 9th grade, transferring High School students can succeed through acclimating to the Rhetoric-level instructional model. Student testimonials assert that this transition is well facilitated by a low student-teacher ratio and instructors’ contagious enthusiasm and mastery of their respective fields. Seven of our eight current High School faculty members have a Masters of Science, Arts or Divinity, and several either have a PHD or are doctoral candidates.
Why Christ Classical Academy?
Better to ask, why not CCA? A recent Barna study reveals that 6 out of 10 of our Christian youth do not sustain an active faith into adulthood. We must ask if our own children are ready for a pervasive and systematic secular world view infused into a school curriculum. Has their armor of faith been duly fitted and tried? Rather, why not immerse them into a proving ground of committed, learned and envisioned Christian instructors who will strengthen their anchor of hope, a faith that will hold securely within the veil? Again, why not Christ Classical Academy?
What are your Objectives at CCA?
At Christ Classical Academy, our objectives are to:
Ensure that the parental authority over the education of their children is respected and reinforced;
Train and equip each student to be a servant-leader who has an impact on those God puts within reach;
Manifest the basic presupposition that the inerrant Scriptures truthfully reveal God as the Creator of all things;
(Genesis 1:2, Colossians 1:15)Teach all subjects as a part of an integrated whole with the Scriptures at the center;
(II Timothy 3:16-17)Encourage every student to examine and develop his relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son;
(Matthew 28:18-20)Provide a clear model of the biblical Christian life through the actions of our staff and board;
(Matthew 22:37-40)Help each student develop a biblical worldview to be consistently applied to every area of life;
To cultivate in each student a lifelong love of learning and pursuit of academic and moral excellence, for the purpose of bringing glory to God alone.
What about computers in High School and Middle School?
At Christ Classical Academy, we realize that children have computers at home for homework, research, and writing papers. We ask that research is used only after sources have been investigated because you ultimately should read the seminal work that is often quickly alluded to in the Internet article. CCA believes going to the library is STILL going to be necessary whether virtual or physically. CCA has a monitored and protected computer lab that can be used in class work. During 2007-2008 our High School art classes are studying the use of media in the arts. CCA has a great faculty with a goal to explore the classic works. We are asking the children to enter into the great discussion. We ask them to debate and dig into the timeless truths that are displayed in the classical works. The computer is helpful but must be relegated to last place compared to the art of writing, grammar, rhetoric, debate, and logic. These efforts match our educational philosophy and result in the acquisition of wisdom.