Admissions FAQ

 

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about CHA.  Feel free to contact us via phone (847-446-5252) or email the Admissions Director for more information – or to ask questions which are not answered here!

 

Why should I enroll my child at CHA?
CHA students will get “an exemplary education based on biblical values.” (see Biblical Reasons for Sending Children to a Christian School, by Wayne Grudem.) Also, CHA students will have opportunities to discover and develop their spiritual gifts and apply what they have learned in the classrooms. They will understand that it’s not just what they know in life that’s important; it’s what they do with what they know. That’s wisdom.

Your mission statement says that CHA is a school “for the children of Christian families.”  What do you mean by a Christian family?
We require that at least one parent be a professing Christian who regularly attends a local church.  For applicants to 9th-12th grades, we also require that the student be a Christian or diligently seeking the Savior.  For more clarity, please do not hesitate to contact Admissions.


Is CHA accredited?
Yes.  Grades PreK-8th are fully accredited by both the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCACASI), as well as recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education since we added a high school in 2009, we are working with the respective Accreditation Commissions of these bodies on a rolling accreditation basis for 9th-12th grades.  We expect all grades to be fully accredited by the time the Class of 2013 graduates.

What kind of sports do you offer?
Beginning in 6th grade, we offer a variety of team sports including basketball, volleyball, and track & field.  The Upper School (9th-12th grades) will be a part of Illinois High School Association (IHSA).  


How does CHA’s tuition compare to area private school tuition per student?
Of private schools which are not supported by a church or parish, CHA is the most affordable private school in the area.


Does CHA award financial aid based on need?
Yes, CHA awards financial aid based on need.  For the 2009-2010 school year, CHA offered $400,000 in financial aid.


Are there merit scholarships?
Yes, the Upper School has four $5,000 merit scholarships.


At the Northfield campus, what is the overall goal for the size of the student body?
In 2009-2010, we had over 450 students.  As we add grades in the Upper School, our maximum enrollment will be approximately 750 students.


At the Chicago campus, what is the overall goal for the size of the student body?
The 2010-2011 year will be our first, with a preschool only.  We will add a grade each year until we reach 5th grade.  The student body will depend on demand as well as space considerations at our building.


What is a “Living Curriculum Teacher”?
A Living Curriculum Teacher (LCT) loves students and is highly qualified in his/her grade or discipline.  An LCT has the spiritual and professional credentials to be a CHA teacher. He or she is passionate about their discipline of study.


How is CHA’s curriculum different than that of other local schools?
In many ways the core curriculum is the same – students will take typical courses like math, Language Arts, science, and foreign language.  However, the CHA curriculum is taught from a Christian worldview.  CHA has a strong emphasis on critical thinking, research, effective writing, and speaking skills.


Can I take Advanced Placement courses?
Yes. AP courses will be available beginning in high school.


Is there a dress code?
Yes – clean, modest and not distracting. For more specifics, please ask for a copy of the Student Handbook.