Frequently Asked Questions

There is no quick answer to this question because classical, Christian education uses an entirely different education paradigm. Check “The Classical Approach” below for more information. 

Hundreds of parents have chosen Calvary Christian Academy (CCA) for a variety of reasons.  The most common reasons include: our loving and structured environment, academic excellence, and Christian worldview. 

No.  We are members by the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS), which is committed to independence, as we are.

Our class size is capped at twenty-four students.  Our grammar school classes (K-5th & 6th) typically have between 15 and 22 students. In our Schools of Logic and Rhetoric, class sizes range from 10 to 20 students per class.

Yes!  Our primary school philosophy dictates that we welcome parents and visitors in the classrooms.  Be warned—we may put you to work!

We admit students selectively based on their academic ability, family support, and faith.  See our Admissions Overview for additional information.

Classical education is a well-rounded education.  Thus, CCA offers programs in music, art, drama, sports, and more!  What makes our enrichment programs different is our purposeful study of music, art, drama, sports, etc.  For example, when 1st graders study art, they learn about great artists, like Monet and Matisse.  When students study music, they learn about the great works of classical music (as well as some other genres).  We believe that purposeful study within our enrichment programs helps students build an appreciation for beauty—a developed aesthetic—which is a lifetime gift.

We are a member of the ACCS, which does not encumber us with limitations that would disrupt our form of education.  Regional accreditation restricts school curriculum and hiring according to the modern paradigm of education, which we believe is detrimental to classical, Christian education.  For more information, see Measuring Success.

We provide an after-school program for students in K-8th grade (from 3:15-5:30 p.m.).  Our program includes a Homework Club for students in 3rd-8th grade.

People sometimes believe that an education like CCA’s must be expensive.  However, we work hard to keep our education affordable. (See Tuition & Fees for information about the current school year.)  We believe that classical, Christian education is important to the future of our community, so we want it to be accessible to families.  When you consider the impact of education on your child’s future and lives, we believe you will find CCA to be one of the best educational investments you can make. Our tuition is comparable to other private, Christian schools in the area. 

School typically begins two weeks before Labor Day and ends the Friday after Memorial Day.  Our holiday schedule is similar to the area public schools.  Our school day in the Grammar and Logic stages run from 8:20 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the School of Rhetoric runs from 8:20 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.  The Main School Office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the school year.

Uniforms are part of an overall system of education that encourages respect, order, unity, diligence, and joy.  Our uniforms are purchased through Land’s End, though we also have a used uniform rack at the school. Check our Parent-Student Handbook for more information on uniform requirements.

We teach Latin in grades 1st-8th.  We offer Spanish and Latin in the Rhetoric School.  Our goal with all language instruction is to help students understand language systems so well that they become masters of English, first, and proficient at learning other languages, second. 

Not nearly as difficult as the schools our founding fathers or even our grandparents went to—but more challenging than most California schools in the 21st century.  Our workload is in line with hundreds of other classical, Christian and preparatory schools across the country.  Our students work a little harder and advance a little more quickly.  We do this for two reasons.  First, we believe God requires each of us to put forth effort in His service.  Second, in a world where the future is far from certain, we believe children should be prepared to cope well with whatever life brings.  More rigor now will better prepare students to weather the future, regardless. Classical, Christian education has proven its worth for centuries!

Charter and magnet schools offer specialized educations, sometimes with a “back-to-basics” curriculum.  However, they are still restricted by the state and Common Core because they are public schools.  Their public status prevents them from integrating religious content.  This limitation presents a fundamental problem for those who believe that education provides a foundation with which we view the world.  Without the freedom to teach Christian doctrine, an accurate view of any subject is not possible.

Most Christian schools use methods similar to public schools—only with more Christian content.  The fundamentals of education are different at CCA.  Our subjects overlap many of these schools, but our methods are unique.  One notable difference is how we treat the Bible: we integrate scripture throughout our curriculum, and our students memorize and use scripture more than in other academic settings.  Our emphasis on history, Latin, logic, and rhetoric is also unique.  These subjects help produce thinking and articulate leaders, capable of success in any setting.  We whole-heartedly agree with Martin Luther, who said, “I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth.”

Most students adapt well to Calvary Christian Academy anytime during grades K-7th.  Many students have also been successful in entering CCA in the upper grades. Typically, these students are academically strong and already have disciplined study habits.  Our staff would be happy to help assess your child’s potential for success at our school.

The homework load varies from fifteen minutes per night (Kindergarten) to two hours per night (middle and upper school) for an average, yet diligent student.  Most new students are able to adjust to this load within two to three months of enrolling in CCA.  Our goal in assigning homework is to teach diligence and independent learning, while encouraging students to memorize or practice concepts they learn in school.  Homework will not encompass complex, new concepts or busy work.  Parents are encouraged to provide an environment with few distractions (such as a desk in their child’s room), allow the child to work alone, and to check work once it is completed.  This may take some coaching and discipline at first, but it should eventually lead to excellent study habits.

We recommend that parents apply in January or February of the year in which they wish to enroll their student.  We accept applications at any time, but we encourage you to apply during our Open Enrollment period. See our Admissions Overview for current deadlines and fees.

Please call the school office (408-269-2222) to arrange arrange a visit.  We will gladly provide a personalized tour, and you are welcome to observe a class if you wish.  Additional information and materials are available at the school upon request.  We encourage you to contact us even if you do not plan to enroll students in the near future.