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Profile

Christian Central Academy is an independent, inter-denominational, college preparatory Christian school for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. CCA is chartered by and registered with the New York State Board of Regents with full authority to award Regents diplomas. A member of the Association of Christian Schools International, CCA provides a strong academic program within an evangelical Christian perspective.

Governance:
As a not-for-profit organization, the school operates under the oversight of an independent, interdenominational Board of Directors according to its Constitution and By-laws.

Administrative Staff:
Head of School: Mrs. Nurline Lawrence
Executive Asst. to the Head and Office Manager: Mrs. Lori Williams
Director of Admissions and Public Relations: Mrs. Deborah L. White

Director of Business and Operations: Mrs. Lynn Husvar
School Counselor, Dean of Discipline (Gr 9-12): Mrs. Suzanne Murphy
College Advisor: Dr. Alan Graffam

Elementary (K-2) Division Coordinator: Mrs. Cheryl Smyth

Intermediate (3-6) Division Coordinator: Mrs. Lisa Wright

Middle School Coordinator, Faculty Mentor and Dean of Discipline (Grades 6-8): Mrs. Kathy Burr

Program:
The purpose of this educational community is to serve college-bound students. Although CCA welcomes capable students who come to us with or without our religious convictions, we sincerely and actively cultivate an environment that will direct all in the community toward a vital and personal relationship with God.

Non-Discriminatory Policy:

Christian Central Academy admits students without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, and is non-discriminatory in the administration of all its programs and policies.

The school is divided into distinct academic divisions:
Primary (K-2)
Intermediate (3-6)        (Grade 6 intentionally overlaps the intermediate
Middle School (6-8)     and middle school divisions. See "Academics"
High School (9-12)       for fuller explanation.)

Curriculum is governed principally by the requirements for college preparation covering all the traditional "core" academic subjects including Bible as a graded course from kindergarten through grade 12. Advanced Placement courses and electives are offered in high school. Music, art, physical education, foreign language, and computer are offered in all grades.

Music: Students' talents find wonderful expression and nurture through CCA's elementary and secondary music program. Two musicals are produced each year and presented at the Christmas and Spring concerts. Each week scores of students receive private or group lessons on a variety of instruments. Students may participate in instrumental and vocal ensembles, performing regularly in the Christmas program and Spring Fine Arts Festival, in county and regional competitions, and at other venues.

Art: God's creativity is explored in CCA's art program. Students come to understand art history, aesthetics, criticism, and production. Students display their year's work throughout the school during the Spring Fine Arts Festival in May. Art faculty select exceptional pieces to be sent for adjudication in the Western New York Academic Day in May at Houghton College.

The Journalism class produces the annual yearbook, a student newspaper, and a literary anthology. Yearbook production is enhanced by the ability to submit all material to the publisher on disk.

Computer Resources:
CCA strives to provide our students with the technological experiences and training needed to function effectively in our world. We maintain a large computer lab for students and faculty. Equipped with 36 computers, the lab will simultaneously accommodate classes and individuals working on projects. Computer instruction begins at the kindergarten level, and progresses through the eighth grade as a regular part of the curriculum. High school students may take computer as an elective as schedules allow.

Internet-connected via a filter and teacher monitored, the lab allows students to learn word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing for in-house school publications, and Internet research applications.

During the summer of 2007, work commenced to outfit the school for "wireless" computer functionality at the administrative level.

Counseling and College Advising:
Students receive guidance counseling beginning as eighth graders in planning their high school course of study, in preparing for the PSATs and SATs, and in decisions concerning college admission or career choices.

The formal process of college advising, in conjunction with parents, begins in the student's junior year. Students and parents are encouraged to visit prospective colleges and universities during the summer months. Throughout each school year, college representatives visit CCA to speak with interested juniors and seniors. The office maintains a library of college materials. In October, CCA hosts the area-wide Christian College Fair welcoming over 30 Christian colleges from across the country for a one-evening event for parents and students.

CCA's College Advisor also works closely with each senior to help him or her procure college financial aid and scholarships. CCA students enjoy 100% college placement rate in competitive local and nationally noted private and public colleges and universities, several in Honors Programs.

Chapel and Special Services:
As a corporate expression of our community faith commitments, CCA schedules a chapel assembly for grades 6-12 every Tuesday morning and grade K-5 every Tuesday afternoon. Chapels may consist of music, praise, prayer, and special speakers. Once a year we dedicate four mornings during one week as "Spiritual Emphasis Week" with daily chapel speakers focusing on specific themes to deepen our spiritual lives.

Dress Code:

In our continuing effort to provide an environment that will work toward fulfilling our mission as a Christian school, CCA has adopted a dress code that seeks to combine and reflect in our student body all the attributes of a well-groomed, modest, and wholesome presentation. To that end, we have selected specific items from Land's End Company (www.landsend.com/school) as the standard for all CCA student attire.

While details of expectations for chapel day dress (Tuesdays), concert attire and grade-appropriate modifications are clearly outlined in the CCA dress code (together with standards relating to jewelry, accessories, hair length, etc.), most often all CCA young men will be wearing khaki or navy belted slacks or walking shorts with a solid color oxford-style shirt or traditional-style polo shirt. Young ladies will most often be wearing khaki or navy skirts, skorts, or belted slacks or walking shorts, or navy jumper, with a solid color oxford-style shirt/blouse or traditional-style polo shirt. All students grades 6-12 may wear concert attire anytime.

The full CCA dress code is given to all families once registration is complete and is printed annually in the parent-student handbook.

Enrollment:
CCA enrollment has almost doubled since 1998. Every effort is made to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio throughout all grades. The 2007-2008 school year began with K-12 enrollment of just over 400 students.

Faculty:
CCA recognizes the influence of the teacher in shaping the student's attitudes and beliefs. Teachers are the "living textbook" who promote scriptural standards of right and wrong, teach the student to honor and love God and set an example in prayer. Our teachers, together with the rest of the staff, are committed to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and reflect that commitment in their interactions with colleagues, students, and parents, and in the integration of Christian principles in their respective areas.

Sixty-two teachers and staff (51 full-time, 11 part-time) represent a variety of academic experiences and denominational backgrounds, with the majority having earned their masters or doctoral degrees.

Marking Periods:
Report cards go out four times per year. Students earning the High Honor, Honor and Merit Rolls are recognized each quarter.

National Honor Society:
Students meeting eligibility requirements as set forth by the National Honor Society are inducted into the Alpha & Omega Chapter at CCA at the end of each school year.

Individual Learning Program:
Qualified seniors and underclassmen have the opportunity to study on an individual basis both traditional and non-traditional subjects not available in the regular curriculum, such as apprenticeships, science research, fine arts projects, and tutorials. Specific guidelines are followed.

International Students:

CCA recognizes the value of the presence of international students in the school community. At this present time, however, we have chosen not to register with the US Department of Homeland Security, and, therefore, are unable to accommodate international students. We will continue to evaluate and develop policies relative to admission of international students and invite visitors to our website to return for updates on this matter.

Standardized Testing:
Testing is an integral part of the educational experience, giving everyone an idea of how effectively the school is accomplishing at least one of its goals - academic excellence. While there is infinitely more to a CCA education than just testing, we do administer standardized tests throughout the grades, including, but not limited to the New York State Testing Program for English Language Arts and for Mathematics for fourth and eighth graders.

Middle School students take the National Latin Exam and the SSATs. High school students sit for the NYS Regents exams, PSATs , SATs, and Advanced Placement exams. Results annually demonstrate CCA students exceeding local and national averages. Since 1999, at least one member of each graduating class has been named an "AP Scholar."

Students:
The CCA student body represents over 90 different churches and 30 school districts in Erie, Niagara and Genesee Counties with over 20% ethnic diversity.

Students are admitted on the basis of entrance tests, previous school record, classroom teacher recommendations, interviews, and the student's and parents' expressed support for CCA's mission and purpose as a Christian school.

Student Life:
The CCA student family enjoys a wide variety of activities outside of class. High Schoolers launch the year with a special retreat at Camp Li-Lo-Li in Western New York's Southern Tier. Annual Homecoming festivities take place the last Saturday of every September. The entire school enjoys Winterfest in February. Interscholastic and intramural sports, opportunities for Christian Service to the Community, class fundraisers, dinners and parties are some of the activities that create lasting friendships and memories.

Interscholastic Sports:
CCA middle and high school Crusader athletes compete in the Independent Athletic Conference for men's and women's soccer, basketball and cross country, and also in the Niagara Frontier Christian Athletic Association for women's basketball, regularly winning season championships, cheered on by Crusader cheerleaders. CCA has recently added baseball 5th-6th grade and 7th-8th grade boys. Outstanding athletes are recognized at the close of each season at a special sports banquet. Graduates have gone on to successful college sports careers, often with scholarships.

Intramural Sports:
Energetic fourth and fifth graders may participate in "early- bird" soccer and basketball. Older students enjoying leisurely competition may participate in intramural sports offered as interest level indicates.

Calendar:
The school year typically runs from the Wednesday following Labor Day in September through Commencement on the last Saturday of June.

PTO:
The Parent-Teacher Organization is a vital part of the school community giving every CCA parent an avenue of service and support for the school. Every parent or guardian of a child enrolled at CCA is a member of the school's PTO. The group meets monthly and functions under a set of by-laws with officers elected annually to provide oversight for service and support activities, such as:

			Open Letter \| Our Heritage \| Profile \| Location & Facilities \| Christian Education at CCA Profile Christian Central Academy is an independent, inter-denominational, college preparatory Christian school for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. CCA is chartered by and registered with the New York State Board of Regents with full authority to award Regents diplomas. A member of the Association of Christian Schools International, CCA provides a strong academic program within an evangelical Christian perspective. Governance: As a not-for-profit organization, the school operates under the oversight of an independent, interdenominational Board of Directors according to its Constitution and By-laws. Administrative Staff: Head of School: Mrs. Nurline Lawrence Executive Asst. to the Head and Office Manager: Mrs. Lori Williams Director of Admissions and Public Relations: Mrs. Deborah L. White Director of Business and Operations: Mrs. Lynn Husvar School Counselor, Dean of Discipline (Gr 9-12): Mrs. Suzanne Murphy College Advisor: Dr. Alan Graffam Elementary (K-2) Division Coordinator: Mrs. Cheryl Smyth Intermediate (3-6) Division Coordinator: Mrs. Lisa Wright Middle School Coordinator, Faculty Mentor and Dean of Discipline (Grades 6-8): Mrs. Kathy Burr Program: The purpose of this educational community is to serve college-bound students. Although CCA welcomes capable students who come to us with or without our religious convictions, we sincerely and actively cultivate an environment that will direct all in the community toward a vital and personal relationship with God. Non-Discriminatory Policy: Christian Central Academy admits students without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, and is non-discriminatory in the administration of all its programs and policies. The school is divided into distinct academic divisions: Primary (K-2) Intermediate (3-6) (Grade 6 intentionally overlaps the intermediate Middle School (6-8) and middle school divisions. See "Academics" High School (9-12) for fuller explanation.) Curriculum is governed principally by the requirements for college preparation covering all the traditional "core" academic subjects including Bible as a graded course from kindergarten through grade 12. Advanced Placement courses and electives are offered in high school. Music, art, physical education, foreign language, and computer are offered in all grades. Music: Students' talents find wonderful expression and nurture through CCA's elementary and secondary music program. Two musicals are produced each year and presented at the Christmas and Spring concerts. Each week scores of students receive private or group lessons on a variety of instruments. Students may participate in instrumental and vocal ensembles, performing regularly in the Christmas program and Spring Fine Arts Festival, in county and regional competitions, and at other venues. Art: God's creativity is explored in CCA's art program. Students come to understand art history, aesthetics, criticism, and production. Students display their year's work throughout the school during the Spring Fine Arts Festival in May. Art faculty select exceptional pieces to be sent for adjudication in the Western New York Academic Day in May at Houghton College. The Journalism class produces the annual yearbook, a student newspaper, and a literary anthology. Yearbook production is enhanced by the ability to submit all material to the publisher on disk. Computer Resources: CCA strives to provide our students with the technological experiences and training needed to function effectively in our world. We maintain a large computer lab for students and faculty. Equipped with 36 computers, the lab will simultaneously accommodate classes and individuals working on projects. Computer instruction begins at the kindergarten level, and progresses through the eighth grade as a regular part of the curriculum. High school students may take computer as an elective as schedules allow. Internet-connected via a filter and teacher monitored, the lab allows students to learn word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing for in-house school publications, and Internet research applications. During the summer of 2007, work commenced to outfit the school for "wireless" computer functionality at the administrative level. Counseling and College Advising: Students receive guidance counseling beginning as eighth graders in planning their high school course of study, in preparing for the PSATs and SATs, and in decisions concerning college admission or career choices. The formal process of college advising, in conjunction with parents, begins in the student's junior year. Students and parents are encouraged to visit prospective colleges and universities during the summer months. Throughout each school year, college representatives visit CCA to speak with interested juniors and seniors. The office maintains a library of college materials. In October, CCA hosts the area-wide Christian College Fair welcoming over 30 Christian colleges from across the country for a one-evening event for parents and students. CCA's College Advisor also works closely with each senior to help him or her procure college financial aid and scholarships. CCA students enjoy 100% college placement rate in competitive local and nationally noted private and public colleges and universities, several in Honors Programs. Chapel and Special Services: As a corporate expression of our community faith commitments, CCA schedules a chapel assembly for grades 6-12 every Tuesday morning and grade K-5 every Tuesday afternoon. Chapels may consist of music, praise, prayer, and special speakers. Once a year we dedicate four mornings during one week as "Spiritual Emphasis Week" with daily chapel speakers focusing on specific themes to deepen our spiritual lives. Dress Code: In our continuing effort to provide an environment that will work toward fulfilling our mission as a Christian school, CCA has adopted a dress code that seeks to combine and reflect in our student body all the attributes of a well-groomed, modest, and wholesome presentation. To that end, we have selected specific items from Land's End Company (www.landsend.com/school) as the standard for all CCA student attire. While details of expectations for chapel day dress (Tuesdays), concert attire and grade-appropriate modifications are clearly outlined in the CCA dress code (together with standards relating to jewelry, accessories, hair length, etc.), most often all CCA young men will be wearing khaki or navy belted slacks or walking shorts with a solid color oxford-style shirt or traditional-style polo shirt. Young ladies will most often be wearing khaki or navy skirts, skorts, or belted slacks or walking shorts, or navy jumper, with a solid color oxford-style shirt/blouse or traditional-style polo shirt. All students grades 6-12 may wear concert attire anytime. The full CCA dress code is given to all families once registration is complete and is printed annually in the parent-student handbook. Enrollment: CCA enrollment has almost doubled since 1998. Every effort is made to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio throughout all grades. The 2007-2008 school year began with K-12 enrollment of just over 400 students. Faculty: CCA recognizes the influence of the teacher in shaping the student's attitudes and beliefs. Teachers are the "living textbook" who promote scriptural standards of right and wrong, teach the student to honor and love God and set an example in prayer. Our teachers, together with the rest of the staff, are committed to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and reflect that commitment in their interactions with colleagues, students, and parents, and in the integration of Christian principles in their respective areas. Sixty-two teachers and staff (51 full-time, 11 part-time) represent a variety of academic experiences and denominational backgrounds, with the majority having earned their masters or doctoral degrees. Marking Periods: Report cards go out four times per year. Students earning the High Honor, Honor and Merit Rolls are recognized each quarter. National Honor Society: Students meeting eligibility requirements as set forth by the National Honor Society are inducted into the Alpha & Omega Chapter at CCA at the end of each school year. Individual Learning Program: Qualified seniors and underclassmen have the opportunity to study on an individual basis both traditional and non-traditional subjects not available in the regular curriculum, such as apprenticeships, science research, fine arts projects, and tutorials. Specific guidelines are followed. International Students: CCA recognizes the value of the presence of international students in the school community. At this present time, however, we have chosen not to register with the US Department of Homeland Security, and, therefore, are unable to accommodate international students. We will continue to evaluate and develop policies relative to admission of international students and invite visitors to our website to return for updates on this matter. Standardized Testing: Testing is an integral part of the educational experience, giving everyone an idea of how effectively the school is accomplishing at least one of its goals - academic excellence. While there is infinitely more to a CCA education than just testing, we do administer standardized tests throughout the grades, including, but not limited to the New York State Testing Program for English Language Arts and for Mathematics for fourth and eighth graders. Middle School students take the National Latin Exam and the SSATs. High school students sit for the NYS Regents exams, PSATs , SATs, and Advanced Placement exams. Results annually demonstrate CCA students exceeding local and national averages. Since 1999, at least one member of each graduating class has been named an "AP Scholar." Students: The CCA student body represents over 90 different churches and 30 school districts in Erie, Niagara and Genesee Counties with over 20% ethnic diversity. Students are admitted on the basis of entrance tests, previous school record, classroom teacher recommendations, interviews, and the student's and parents' expressed support for CCA's mission and purpose as a Christian school. Student Life: The CCA student family enjoys a wide variety of activities outside of class. High Schoolers launch the year with a special retreat at Camp Li-Lo-Li in Western New York's Southern Tier. Annual Homecoming festivities take place the last Saturday of every September. The entire school enjoys Winterfest in February. Interscholastic and intramural sports, opportunities for Christian Service to the Community, class fundraisers, dinners and parties are some of the activities that create lasting friendships and memories. Interscholastic Sports: CCA middle and high school Crusader athletes compete in the Independent Athletic Conference for men's and women's soccer, basketball and cross country, and also in the Niagara Frontier Christian Athletic Association for women's basketball, regularly winning season championships, cheered on by Crusader cheerleaders. CCA has recently added baseball 5th-6th grade and 7th-8th grade boys. Outstanding athletes are recognized at the close of each season at a special sports banquet. Graduates have gone on to successful college sports careers, often with scholarships. Intramural Sports: Energetic fourth and fifth graders may participate in "early- bird" soccer and basketball. Older students enjoying leisurely competition may participate in intramural sports offered as interest level indicates. Calendar: The school year typically runs from the Wednesday following Labor Day in September through Commencement on the last Saturday of June. PTO: The Parent-Teacher Organization is a vital part of the school community giving every CCA parent an avenue of service and support for the school. Every parent or guardian of a child enrolled at CCA is a member of the school's PTO. The group meets monthly and functions under a set of by-laws with officers elected annually to provide oversight for service and support activities, such as: several fundraisers, including a fall food booth at an annual local "Pumpkin Festival" fall and spring "Spruce Up Days" Sports Booster Club refreshments at Open Houses and special concerts "appreciation breakfasts/ luncheons for teachers and staff Moms-In-Touch weekly prayer group collection of redeemable items for cash and school equipment parental communication network to relay school information and many, many more ways Health Services: CCA's health office is staffed by an RN, LPN or Health Aide every day school is open. Health services range from basic physicals, hearing and vision screening to oversight of asthma, allergies, diabetes and prescription medication management, together with dispensing band-aids and comfort.