| Frequently Asked Questions |
Contents:
I. Introduction
II. Information about Christian Education
III. Specific Information about CCS
I. Introduction to Cullman Christian School
Q: What is Cullman Christian School?
A: Cullman Christian School (CCS) is a community, interdenominational co-ed Christian school located in Cullman, Alabama. The School
was incorporated in 2006 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and enrolled our first students in 2007. The school will offer, for the 2010-
11 academic year, Kindergartens (3yr old 2,3 or 5 days per week) K4 and K5 full or half-day,and 1st through 11th grade classes. The
entire High School program through 12th grade will be added sequentially during the following year.
Q: What does "community” mean?
A: CCS is not owned or operated by any one church or denomination. Our mission is to serve the entire Christian community by providing
an academically rigorous education with a biblical world and life view. It complements the public and existing parochial schools located
in North Alabama.
Q: Where is CCS located?
A: The school is based in Cullman, Alabama. For the 2009-2010 school year, the School will continue at 303 9th Ave, SE- in the
educational building at East Side Baptist Church on Hwy 278 East and 9th Ave in downtown Cullman. See below for renderings depicting
the future campus that we hope to complete in the next few years.
II. Information about Christian Education
Q: What is Christian education?
A: Christian education develops a biblical world view. The Bible teaches that we do not need to think like Christians only about religious
things. We need to think like Christians about everything. School is about learning facts, but also about learning to think. There are no
neutral facts; the point of view and values which surround a fact make the fact complete. Working side by side with parents and the
Church is the best way to teach that thinking about the world in a Christian way is essential to spiritual growth.
Q: Why “Christian” education?
A:
1. Christian schooling is all about that fine-tuned intersection
where both intellectual development and spiritual formation come together with a single-minded purpose of developing young men and
women who pursue wisdom, knowledge, and a biblical worldview as evidenced by a lifestyle of character, leadership, service,
stewardship, and worship. What school other than an effective Christian school even
considers the linking of spiritual formation with a student’s intellectual development?
2. Bible as a formal course of instruction is a given in the effective Christian school. It is not merely a subject for teaching about people,
dates, and events but rather one for focusing on strategies that help students know, understand, and apply God’s Word in daily life.
Information about the people, dates, and events is taught not as an end in itself but rather as movement toward bringing to life God’s
Word through appropriate teaching that provides a solid foundation upon which to build and develop healthy spiritually formed young
men and women.
3. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, NIV).
This Old Testament passage articulates the concept of Imagio Dei: humanity, created in the image of God. This truth left untaught and
ignored,whether in the Christian community or the secular world, tells us why our world experiences so much hatred, racism, and the
many facets of abuse. It is the development of an understanding of Imagio Dei within the Christian school—a concept flowing out of God’
s Word and firmly grounded in a student’s heart and mind—that is the beginning of Christlike love, care, and concern for others.
4. Social skills are developed in the life of our children either by design or by default—the latter is most often regretted. The effective
Christian school offers a wide variety of social interactions that are created to achieve predetermined outcomes—outcomes that speak to
issues above and beyond the given event itself. These activities are continually teaching young people about appropriate person-to-
person relationships. The activities are designed to promote moral, spiritual, mental, and physical health.
Whether developing appropriate classroom behavior, engaging in the giftedness expressed in an array of the fine arts, or merely having
fun and enjoying one another’s company, young people learn the essence of appropriate Christian conduct in community—socialization by
design.
5. Athletics, that realm of developed physical competition, is really more than playing the game. Whether intramural or interscholastic,
one of the unique opportunities afforded the Christian school student is the focus on developing aspects of Christian character that truly
define the “champion.”
If not in the Christian school, where else can one go to find these issues addressed from a perspective that is God led and carried out by
Christian educators who are committed to “train a child in the way he should go …” (Proverbs 22:6, NIV)? (quoted from the Association of Christian
Schools International)
Q. What is the true mark of a quality education?
A. "The true mark of a quality education is not simply a mind full of facts. It is accumulated knowledge with a hunger for more, the
faculty to reason soundly, the ability to express what has been learned, and most importantly the acquisition of the proper tools with
which to continue the learning process throughout an entire lifetime. It is not enough to merely learn subjects, a student must learn how
to think and how to learn." (quoted from The River Academy, Wenatchee, WA)
Q: How well do Christian school graduates perform on tests?
A: Traditionally, Christian school students perform above the averages of public schools students. Of course, each student is different
and there are no guarantees about any one individual’s performance on testing or ability to obtain college scholarships. The trend,
however, shows that Christian schools provide competitive learning environments and often allow their attendees to excel academically.
During CCS' first 2 years alone every grade performed exceptionally well on SAT testing. Some grades were at the top in the U.S. (98%)
and the entire school averaged above 90th percentile. In 2009 the school scored in the 92nd percentile (ie superior to 92% of schools
testing). We are proud of our faculty and students but we intentionally do not "teach to the tests" as a goal in and of itself.
Q: Can’t my children get the same thing at home and in Sunday school?
A: Our understanding is that God the Creator is the author of every discipline. All science, literature, math, history, etc. points to God
and are not independent of Him. Our children get 30 plus hours with instructors, curriculum, and other children who impact their values
and point of view each week. Even secular humanists opposed to Christianity realize the folly of this line of thinking, as C. F. Potter, an
original signer of the Humanist Manifesto observed, "Education is thus a most powerful ally of humanism, and every American public
school is a school of humanism. What can the theistic Sunday Schools, meeting for an hour once a week, and teaching only a fraction of
the children, do to stem the tide of a five-day program of humanistic teaching?" Unfortunately this is appears correct as current data
show that 60-90% of Christian students abandon the Christian faith when they go off to college. They have no foundation for their faith
and lack a Biblical worldview. Christian school is about teaching our children to think like Christians in all things and is a full time job.
Compartmentalizing God or the Bible to a “Sunday only” thing is counter to God’s command to transform and renew our minds. As part
of their Truth Project, Focus on the Family recently released a Barna survey which showed that only 9% of Christians have a Biblical
world view. Because of this, it is the belief of Christian leaders such as Josh McDowell that Christian schools are the future of the
Church in America.
Q: Aren’t there lots of Christian teachers in the public school systems?
A: Absolutely there are. We are blessed in Cullman County and surrounding areas to have such a number of committed Christians who
are educators. We know that a child’s teacher is one the most influential persons on character development. Thank God that most local
schools have some Christian teachers. Unfortunately, the government dictates the curriculum to be taught and has restricted what they
can say and do (that they otherwise would) for the sake of Christ on campus. The government began to be involved in education in the
middle of the 19th century. At that time, society was friendly to the Christian world view. Gradually, the predominant religious view of
the culture has shifted to Secular Humanism. The goal of Christian education is to teach our children to think like a Christian in all
things. In a Christian school, Christian kids are taught academic subjects from a Christian point of view by all Christian teachers. For a
young and developing mind the advantages are priceless!
Q: Isn’t Christian schooling keeping the children from the “real” world?
A: Our belief is that the real world is God’s world. A world that leaves God and His Word out of any part of our lives is the unreal world.
The real world is where God is the pivotal Truth saturating every subject in all our lives. We believe that facts, whether scientific,
mathematical, historical, or otherwise, can only represent truth if they are taught in the context of a Christian worldview.
III. Specific Information about CCS
Q: I see you are endorsed by many churches, why?
A: Our doctrinal beliefs are those which are common to Bible-believing, evangelical churches across many denominations. The
endorsement of the churches indicates they have reviewed our mission statement and doctrinal standards and support our work.
Endorsement does not mean that these churches support the School financially, although some do, nor does it mean that they
discourage their membership from attending school elsewhere.
Q: Who runs the school?
A: The School is governed by a Board of Directors who are members in good standing of various evangelical churches in the community.
The Headmaster, Roger Hood, is the principal of the School and is on site for the daily oversight of faculty and student activities.
Q: What qualifications do the teachers have?
A: CCS has made a very deliberate decision to employ only the best educators available. We seek only committed Christian faculty who
see their role as ministry to children. These loving leaders must also be highly skilled educators. In High School, additional specialty
certificates in the subjects of teaching are sought. Each has passed background checks for criminal history and has been endorsed by
their local church pastor. Each one is motivated by their love for Christ and students. Each faculty member’s performance is reviewed to
ensure ongoing excellence and adherence to our goals and mission statement.
Q: Are all the students Christians?
A: We evaluate each applicant to ensure each is interested in Christian education and is a member of a local Body of believers. Our
students are the children of professing Christians who are members in good standing of their church. This is done in order to meet our
calling as a ministry to the local Church. Only God knows the heart. Christian schools, while safer and more wholesome than many
public schools, are not problem-free or perfect communities. The influence of the sin affects believers and nonbelievers alike. Our prayer
is that all students are born-again believers when they complete their course of study at CCS.
Q: How are students taught at CCS?
A: CCS has the advantage of being unfettered from old and antiquated materials or curriculum. Instead of having a State mandate to
lower the standard so that it meets the level of every child in the classroom, we raise the standard to inspire each child to meet their
God-given potential. Everything was planned using the most modern technology for the computer-age and the most successful,
innovative teaching techniques by the mostly highly qualified teachers. A guidance counselor is available to structure each child's
course schedule to meet their ultimate career goals.
Q: What are the School colors and mascot?
A: The colors are gold (purity) and navy blue (wisdom). Crimson (the blood of Christ) is an alternate color. The school mascot is the lion.
Q: What is the School motto?
A: In Latin, Initium sapientiae timor Domini, which means “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9:10
Q: Explain the CCS Crest.
A: The helmet represents the Helmet of Salvation; salvation being the highest goal for our students to realize. . The crest is a shield
representing the Shield of Faith. The crest is divided in four quarters. The two thrusts of the school- faith (represented by the cross)
and scholarship (represented by the lamp)- are on the crest. The open Bible symbolizes that the School is founded on the inspired Word
of God. The school's mascot-the lion-is pictured in the last panel. The School’s name run across the crest in a banner of crimson with
the motto and the date founded, 2006.
Q: How do I apply for admission to CCS? Requirements for Admission?
A: The application is available by calling the school office 734-0734 or downloading an application from our website. Included in the
application are statements from the student, his/her parent(s), and their pastor. In order to meet our stated commitment to Christian
families, the requirements for admission include: (1) Parent's statement of faith, (2) Student's record of good academic standing at
current school and (3) Student's record of good disciplinary standing at their current school.
Minimal Academic Standards:
Minimal Achievement Test Scores (SAT)
• Basic or Complete Battery Achievement Score 50th Percentile Rank (minimum).
• No more than 2 subtest falling below 35th Percentile Rank
Special Education Required:
• CCS is not equipped with special education facilities or faculty. Therefore, we are unable to accept students with IEP needs,
academic content modifications, or functional modifications. Uniform academic content and classroom requirements are expected for
all students.
Academic History:
• Students must be passing all subjects in current school.
• Students must be clear of any disciplinary measures.
1) In cases where current achievement tests are not available, CCS reserves the right to require grade appropriate achievement on
a placement assessment, given by CCS.
2) Students identified with learning differences, as determined by school faculty, may be accepted. No more that 3 “learning
difference” students will be placed in each class. (Learning Difference- those students with cognitive, physical, or behavioral factors
that inhibit learning at the pace of the mainstream class.)
3) The above standards are required for current grade placement. CCS will consider accepting students not meeting these
requirements for placement in a lower grade level where deemed beneficial.
The application packet will be reviewed by the School administrator and Admissions Committee of the Board of Directors. An interview
may be part of the selection process. You will be notified of the School’s decision. Waiting lists may be used for classes which are
already filled- but do not guarantee a seat in that year. The waiting list and application is good only for the academic year in which it is
submitted and does not carry forward in following years. The decision of the Committee is final. Students not accepted may apply again
the following year and will be considered equally.
Q: How are students enrolled in CCS?
A: An enrollment form (available from the school or downloaded from the website) is required each year. This includes a $150
enrollment fee. The enrollment begins February 1st and the deadline is July 31st. Enrollment of each class begins with the returning CCS
students moving up to the next grade level. There is no fear that a returning CCS student in good academic and disciplinary standing
may be displaced. We will attempt to accommodate everyone who has applied for admission while preserving manageable class sizes.
Open seats are then offered to students whose siblings are already attending CCS. All others are then considered equally without
discrimination based on race, gender, handicap or national origin. Cullman Christian School admits students of any race, color, and
national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the
school. It does not discriminate on the basis or race, color, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational
policies, admissions policies, athletic programs or other school-administered or school-sanctioned programs or activities. Admission
decisions are at the sole discretion of Cullman Christian School.
Q: How do I apply for a job at CCS?
A: The faculty page contains the required applications for teachers, staff and substitute faculty.
Q: How are discipline problems handled?
A: Each teacher will be responsible for affecting class conduct by enforcing classroom etiquette and safety. The Student Handbook
details the policies and procedures of CCS.
Q: How are medical / health concerns handled?
A: Students taking medications should notify the School on the appropriate forms available from your pediatrician. The Student
Handbook details the policies and procedures of CCS.
Q: What is the cost of tuition ?
A: Please see the tuition and fees page for the current fees. We encourage all families interested in Christian education to apply.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Depending on the generosity of contributors, financial aid and a number of scholarships are available based on ability to pay to
student who have enrolled. In order to keep a mix of students representative of our community, financial aid is available to both middle
and lower income families entering K5-12th grade. We outsource the confidential analysis of a family's needs. When in doubt please
apply! Not being able to afford the whole tuition should not keep anyone from enrolling. If God is calling your student here please apply
and see what we can do to make it possible.
Q. What about home schoolers?
A: Children who are home-schooled in grades 5-12 can attend certain classes at CCS as part of a cooperative program. Please see the
Home School Programs page for details.
Q: Does CCS have uniforms?
A: Yes, our students do have a dress code. Uniforms are purchased on your own but are basic and low cost. Please see the student
handbook for details.
Q: Is the school accredited?
A: CCS is a member of the Alabama Christian Education Association (ACEA) and American Association of Christian Schools. We are
pursuing accreditation for our own benefit however in 1998 the US Senate and US Dept of Education have made it a policy- which has
been adopted by all universities- that each student applying to college is admitted based on their own merit and not on the
accreditation status of their high school.
Q: What Preschool/Kindergarten options does CCS offer?
A: We offer K3 (3yr old prekindergarten) 2, 3 or 5 days per week. We offer K4 (4 yr old prekindergarten) and Kindergarten (K5) 5 days per
week. All preschool programs have a flexible half-day (ending at 11:30am) or full-day option.
Q: What about sports and extracurricular activities?
A: Our teachers are planning such activities as a scholar's bowl/debate team and others. Sports for grades 4-12 that we have offered in
past years have included: Football- Volleyball – Track- Girls and Boys Basketball – Cheerleading - Softball – these may vary year-to-
year based on student interest -please see the athletics page for details. Also, 4-H Club , Science Club, and other clubs are available.
Q:. Is there daycare available?
A: Yes, from 6:30 A.M. until 5:30 P.M. Please see the PreCare and AfterCare page for details and pricing. An enrollment form is
downloaded here.
Q: Do you have a learning disability program?
A: Not as of yet, but we are interested in pursuing this soon.
Q: Do you have a lunch program?
A: Lunch is brought by the students. Hot lunches are provided every other Monday. As the school grows we hope to add a daily hot
lunch program.
Q: Does the school have an emergency / disaster plan?
A: Yes, monthly fire, lock-down, stay indoor/return to classroom and tornado drills are conducted. It would be wise for parents and
students to review the State's sex offender roster monthly and make sure your children know how to avoid these criminals at home and
around the school. Put your zip code in the box.
Q. What student supplies will be needed?
A: A school supply list for elementary grades will be e-mailed to you in the summer and is posted on the website by clicking the link. At
the secondary level (5-12) students are also notified in each class of the supplies required.
Q: How can I help?
A: A Wish List of current needs can be viewed here. We are seeking approximately 20+ acres of land in the City on which to eventually
build our school and campus. We need financial gifts to help fulfill the mission of the School. As a non-profit corporation, all gifts to CCS
are considered tax-deductible. Tuition only provides about 20% of our needs. To keep our costs low so that the most can benefit, we
utilize volunteer aides, janitorial and clerical assistants. We need the consistent fervent prayers of believers for our School, its staff and
students. We accept donations of equipment, supplies for classrooms, laboratories and office products. See the page on supporting
CCS regarding Box Tops for Education and other assistance. Our scholarship program is wholly funded by donors who have given so that
several needy families can now send their children to Cullman Christian School.
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