How To Teach At Christian College

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1 Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy E D U C A T I N G A N D C U L T I V A T I N G S E R V A N T S F O R C H R I S T

2 C O N T E N T S Our Core Values...3 Academics...4 J-term...6 Schools of Distinction...8 Student Ministries...10 Athletics...12 Fine Arts...14 Student Activities...16 JumpStart...17 Froshfest...18 Admissions...19 At CVCA our mission is Educating and Cultivating Servants for Christ. Educating Servants for Christ We are a junior and senior high school committed to high academic standards. Our biblically-integrated, college-preparatory curriculum is delivered by a dedicated staff of Christian professionals. We are committed to teaching from a biblical worldview and philosophy. Cultivating Servants for Christ We are committed to providing our students with experiences and opportunities that will foster in them a servant s heart. This cultivation is facilitated through participation in extra-curricular activities such as interscholastic athletics, music, theater, and many service organizations. In addition, we sponsor annual short-term mission trips as well as numerous opportunities for service throughout the school year. Perhaps as important as any of these activities is the daily example of teacher-servants who not only teach, but serve alongside our students modeling both faith and service.

3 These Core Values are the foundation for our mission and vision. It is our hope and expectation that these values will define our school community. CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATION As we provide an education based on the authority of the Word of God and the supremacy of Christ, our aim is to: Present all truth as God s truth an integrated curriculum, the unity of all truth Be characterized by Christ-honoring excellence in programs, curriculum, and instructional design Inculcate a biblical worldview, training students to think biblically Provide an academically rigorous experience in a Christian, college preparatory environment VALUE THE WHOLE STUDENT In valuing each student as a unique creation of an all-wise God, we aim to: Value and nurture each student for who he/she is (a unique individual created in the image of God), not for what he/she does Educate and cultivate each student with curricular and extra-curricular programs which will provide opportunities for academic, physical, spiritual, social, and emotional growth and maturity Love each student enough to discipline from the New Testament example of grace-filled discipline Develop the God-given gifts and talents of each student for the glory of God COMMUNITY THAT TRAINS AND MENTORS As a community of agape love and grace that grows in an environment built upon shared values, communication, and cooperation, our aim is to: Develop and maintain a partnership with families and the local church Create a culture where accountability and responsibility are nurtured through equipping and encouragement Create a community characterized by the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of our employees Model authentic faith in an environment of transforming relationships OUR MISSION AND VISION AUTHENTIC FAITH Through a faith in Jesus Christ which is growing, genuine, and unshakable resulting in a life which conforms to the image of Christ, we aim to: Teach and inspire obedience to Christ as the ultimate expression of love Offer opportunities for students to live out their faith Encourage and cultivate an attitude of selfless service according to the will of God Develop in each student a sense of stewardship of their time, talents, and treasures 3

4 ACADEMICS Our commitment to Christian education inspires excellence. Ample opportunity for the integration of faith and learning as well as for individual attention is provided by 69 qualified and committed faculty members. Fifty-seven percent hold at least one master s degree; two hold earned doctorates. Classes are taught from a distinctively Christian worldview, with an emphasis on the integration of Biblical truth throughout the curriculum. Accreditation CVCA has been chartered by the Ohio Department of Education since 1975, with a college-preparatory designation granted in We hold affiliations with: Association of Christian Schools International Ohio Association of College Admissions Counselors Ohio High School Athletic Association Principals Athletic Conference Advanced Placement CVCA offers Advanced Placement courses in: English Literature and Composition European History U.S. History Music Theory Calculus AB Calculus BC Statistics Biology Economics (Micro and Macro) Spanish Language Over 81% of students score high enough on Advanced Placement exams to receive college credit for their courses. National Merit Scholars CVCA National Merit Scholar Awards in the past ten years: 14 National Merit Finalists 64 National Merit Commended Students 4 National Achievement Award Recipients Jim Elliot Chapter of the National Honor Society 3.8 GPA required for 11th grade induction 3.5 GPA required for 12th grade induction Society inductees exhibit qualities of scholarship, leadership, service, and Christian character. Five-Year Test Averages Average Senior Class: 153 graduates Over 100 students take AP Exams annually Nearly 10 million dollars in college scholarships are offered to CVCA graduates annually. CVCA ACT Composite 24.8 Ohio ACT Composite 21.8 National ACT Composite 21.1 CVCA SAT Composite 1684 Ohio SAT Composite 1608 National SAT Composite 1505 CVCA is committed to academic excellence in a supportive, distinctively Christian environment. 4

5 Senior High Courses English English 9 English 10 Enriched English 9, 10 English 11 Honors English 11 English 12 AP English Literature/ Composition Speech and Debate Creative Writing Advanced Writing Classical Literature Seminar Math Basic Algebra 1 Basic Algebra 2 Basic Geometry Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Geometry Honors Algebra 2 Pre-College Algebra Pre-Calculus Honors Pre-Calculus AP Calculus Statistics AP Statistics Science Physical Science Biology Anatomy & Physiology AP Biology Chemistry Honors Chemistry Physics Honors Physics Engineering 1 Engineering 2 Engineering 3 Engineering 4 Medical Professions Seminar Medical Professions Modules Social Studies Global Studies Modern American History AP U.S. History Government Economics AP Economics Psychology Sociology 20th Century Conflicts AP European History Logic Bible Spiritual Disciplines 9 Acts of the Apostles 9 Epistles 10 Gospel of John 10 Theology 11 Apologetics 12 Honors Apologetics 12 Biblical Greek Biblical Prophecy Foundations of Christian Relationships Practical Christian Ministry Worship Leadership Readings in Practical Theology Foreign Language Spanish (five years) AP Spanish French (five years) Latin (five years) Technology Computer Concepts Computer Applications Web Page Design Video Media 1 Video Media 2 Video Media 3 Business Accounting Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship Business Practices Business Org. & Mgmt. Music Women s Chorale Concert Choir Gospel Choir Chamber Singers Symphonic & Marching Band Intermediate Handbells Advanced Handbells String Orchestra Beginning Strings Beginning Band Music Appreciation AP Music Theory Color Guard Art Art 1 Foundations Art 2 Drawing & Painting Art 3 Advanced Portfolio 3-Dimensional Art 1, Ceramics 3-Dimensional Art 2, Fiber Art Appreciation Graphic Design 1 Graphic Design 2 Yearbook Theatre Introduction to Theatre Sound Technology Health/Physical Education Health Physical Education Miscellaneous Chess (Junior and Senior High) Advanced Placement AP English Lit. & Comp. AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Statistics AP Biology AP U.S. History AP European History AP Economics AP Music Theory AP Spanish Language Junior High Courses Bible Life of Christ 7 Old Testament Survey 8 English English 7 English 8 Math Pre-Algebra 7 Advanced Pre-Algebra 7 Pre-Algebra 8 Algebra 1 Science Science 7 Science 8 Social Studies Ancient History 7 Early American History 8 Junior High Logic Physical Education Physical Education 7 Physical Education 8 Health 8 Computer Science Computer Concepts 1 Computer Concepts 2 Junior High Sound Technology Foreign Language Spanish French Latin Fine Arts Junior High Art Junior High Choir Women s Chorale Junior High Gospel Choir String Orchestra Junior High Concert Band Beginning Band Beginning Strings Junior High Handbells Intermediate Handbells CVCA Graduates Since 1991, over 95% of CVCA graduates have attended a large number of the nation s top public and private universities, including: Baylor University Brown University Calvin College Case Western Reserve University Cedarville University Columbia College Cornell University Dartmouth College Duke University Eastern University Gordon College Grace College and Seminary Grove City College Harvard Law School Houghton College Messiah College Moody Bible Institute Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy Northwestern University Notre Dame The Ohio State University Palm Beach Atlantic University Princeton University Purdue University Rutgers University Taylor University United States Air Force Academy United States Military Academy at Westpoint United States Naval Academy at Annapolis University of California at Berkley The University of Chicago University of Pennsylvania University of Virginia Wheaton College 5

6 Learning and Discovery Beyond the Classroom J-TERM With over fifty offerings to choose from, this two-week program of in-depth study takes place immediately after Christmas break, between the first and second semesters. J-term promotes learning and discovery beyond the traditional courses. Our mission is to increase opportunities of learning and exploration that not only challenge the students in areas of their interest, but encourage deeper faculty-student relationships through enrichment electives, educational travel, service, mission trips, and career experience opportunities. A Sample of Full-Day and Half-Day High School Enrichment Electives: Designed for Discipleship A Survey of Film and Film Techniques How Things Work Voice Class Sports Medicine Foundations of Personal Finance Women: Understanding Self Image and Health Concerns The Principles of Design Modern Dance Theatre How to Make a Short Movie College Choices Fitness Fun Sports Medicine Meaningful Music: Creating Worship Music Wilderness Survival Flight Academy A Taste of Italy God s Creation through the Eyes of the Photographer Adventures in Cooking Children s Books: Write, Illustrate, Seek Publication A Sample of High School National and International Educational Trips: Bermuda: Study of Marine Biology Connecting Hearts in Guatemala Literary London: A Tour Boston: Study of the Puritans and Puritan Theology NASA Space Camp Disney Leadership Academy California Dreaming: Inner-city Outreach Norway Short-term Exchange Program A Sample of Professions Explored through Junior and Senior Career Experience Opportunities: Mechanical Engineer Veterinarian Chief Financial Officer Chef Athletic Trainer Film Producer Heart Surgeon Sports Journalist Industrial Designer I loved all three of the J-terms I have been part of Super Serve, a photography trip, and the School of Ministry Boston Trip. I learned a lot through each one, and had so much fun! Emily, Senior Winter Blast is a jam-packed three-day retreat for seventh graders. Through group activities, daily chapels, and connection times, students learn more about God and each other. Students are mentored and chaperoned by CVCA faculty, staff, and alumni. 6 Created for Freedom, an expedition for eighth graders, takes place in northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Students retrace the historic steps of freedom that were part of the Underground Railroad and consider the intelligent steps of Creation in relation to a biblical worldview of science. Sites visited include the National Freedom Center, the Creation Museum, the Newport Aquarium, the Freedom Trail, and Co-Co Key Indoor Water Resort.

7 J-term enhances the students educational process of learning, growing, leading, and digging deeper into the Lord s calling for their lives. 7

8 SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION Schools of Distinction provide an innovative opportunity for CVCA students to explore professional fields and potential majors. 8

9 Mentorships, Internships, and Educational Experiences The Schools of Distinction include speciality tracks of Engineering, Ministry, Business, and Medicine within our comprehensive college-prep program. Our mission is to expose students to professional fields through curricular enhancements, mentoring relationships, and experiential learning; thus providing insight into His calling for their lives. School of Ministry CVCA s School of Ministry is designed to assist and train high school students in various areas of vocational ministry. The two-year curriculum trains students in a variety of ministry disciplines. School of Engineering The two-year School of Engineering curriculum grooms high school students to be successful, impactful Christians in an undergraduate engineering program. The courses and projects touch on all major engineering disciplines. School of Business and Entrepreneurship The School of Business and Entrepreneurship is a two-year curriculum designed to prepare high school students to be successful, impactful Christians in an undergraduate Business program. Students study and explore all major business disciplines. School of Medical Sciences The School of Medical Sciences is a two-year curriculum designed to prepare high school students to be successful in undergraduate pre-med, nursing, physical therapy, or pre-dental programs. The School of Engineering is a great way to learn about a variety of engineering fields before college. I have had the opportunity to experience first-hand what is required to pursue engineering as an area of study and as a career. Mario, Senior 9

10 STUDENT MINISTRIES Our goal is that students would come to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength; and then be moved to love others. 10

11 Equipping Students to Impact the World Daily Bible classes, weekly chapel services, annual missions trips, continual service opportunities, and Christian clubs help the faculty and staff connect with students for the purpose of equipping students to impact others through the Gospel and for the Kingdom of God. The ministry of equipping is done in the context of relationships. The Student Ministries Department helps organize people and programs at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy to this end. Student Ministries Core Values Support the family and the church Develop authentic faith Pray for Gospel transformation Understand youth culture Create space for meaningful worship Care for and be available to students Cultivate real relationships Missions Opportunities Dominican Republic mission trips in the summer Pittsburgh Project mission trips in the summer Habitat for Humanity trip during spring break All-school initiatives such as Backpacks for Nicaragua and canned food drives Christian service projects Band and choir ministry tours CATS presentations to local schools Christian Clubs and Organizations SCRAM (Students Concerned Radically About Missions) CATS (Concerned About Teen Success) Diakonos (service organization) Worship workshops JumpStart (7th grade retreat) Urban Vision Ministry Various retreats Connections Groups: To Connect - To Listen - To Build The goal of Connections is to give our students a chance to share and listen regarding life-issues in a community environment. Each group is gender specific, consists of 8 to 12 students, and meets weekly with a caring mentor (CVCA faculty or staff member) who will serve as an advisor to the student. Leaders work to promote: Christ-centered learning and growth Spiritual formations Further discussion at home Service Opportunities All of our students (grades 7-12) are required to participate in eight hours of service to the community per semester. Our service coordinator has developed many contacts with local churches and para-church and missions organizations with which our students can serve. This service component is just one of the many ways we attempt to help cultivate servants for Christ. Weekly Chapel Services We have a weekly chapel service that is led by a student-organized worship band. Each year we have a spiritual banner around which we try to center the topics for many of our chapels. Many of our services are conducted by the faculty, staff, and administrators. We also have several special speakers from outside the school from local and national Christian organizations. It is our hope that through this community time of worship and spiritual feeding, we can help support the school mission of Educating and Cultivating Servants for Christ. Diakonos is one of the greatest service opportunities I have ever experienced! Jared, Sophomore 11

12 Pursuing Victory Beyond Competition ATHLETICS CVCA offers a broad range of high school and junior high school athletic opportunities for all students. Our program includes 22 varsity teams, participating in the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and 11 junior high teams. The Royals program is comprised of dedicated Christian coaches and excellent facilities. The school is a member of The Principals Athletic Conference (PAC). The competitiveness of our CVCA athletes and teams has repeatedly advanced the Royals to the state level and has produced many state champions. Many athletes go on to receive college scholarships and continue to compete in the NCAA and NAIA. Our ultimate goal, however, is that the world will see Christ in us as we compete and that we would know victory beyond competition. High School Programs Baseball Boys Basketball Boys and Girls Bowling Boys and Girls Cheerleading Cross Country Boys and Girls Football Boys Golf Boys and Girls Ice Hockey*** Boys Lacrosse Boys and Girls Soccer* Boys and Girls Softball Girls Swimming Boys and Girls Tennis** Boys and Girls Track and Field Boys and Girls Volleyball Girls Wrestling Boys Junior High Programs Basketball Boys and Girls Cheerleading Cross Country Boys and Girls Football Boys Soccer Boys and Girls Track and Field Boys and Girls Volleyball Girls Wrestling Boys CVCA varsity sports participate in the Principals Athletic Conference (unless otherwise noted). * Tri-County League ** NEO Tennis Association *** Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League I have played on the CVCA girls soccer team since I was a freshman. I can honestly say that my teammates are like family, supporting and encouraging me both on and off the field. Katherine, Junior We aim to be ambassadors for Christ through competitive excellence. 12

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14 FINE ARTS Developing Artistic Excellence for the Glory of God and the Benefit of Others Our Fine Arts program is growing to meet the increasing interest in the arts and is led by a team of talented and specialized instructors. The Fine Arts Department offers many opportunities for students to be involved in music, theater, art, and forensics. Our 15 performing arts groups include six choirs, four bands, three handbell choirs, and two orchestras. We offer classroom instruction in music for both beginner and advanced students with courses such as Music Appreciation and Music Theory. Our Visual Arts Department includes opportunities and classes for students interested in both 2D and 3D mediums and graphic design, ranging in level from beginner to advanced. For students interested in arts exploration, we also offer: Chapel Worship Team and Band Pit Orchestra for musicals Choir, band, orchestra, and handbell ministry tours Royal Theater stage and set design Solo and Ensemble Contest for band, choir, and orchestra students Seven different visual art classes Each year the Drama Department conducts a one-act Theatre Workshop for junior high students and produces one major play and one major musical involving junior and senior high thespians. Forensics at CVCA is also a vital part of the fine arts program with the forensics team competing in 12 categories at speech and debate tournaments. I got involved with the Fine Arts productions in junior high and have continued through high school. It is by far one of the best things I ve done during my time at CVCA. Emily, Junior Recent highlights of our fine arts program include: Royal Theater sold-out performances with shows like Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Music Man High School Concert Choir performance at the Ohio State Capital Symphonic Band ministry trips to New York, Nashville, Tennessee, and Chicago Royal Ringers Handbell performances featured on live television broadcasts Forensics State Champions in Original Oratory and Poetry 14 Recognition of CVCA s talented art students with state and regional awards

15 Each year we are excited to see how students use their music and art to glorify God. 15

16 STUDENT ACTIVITIES We are committed to providing our students with experiences and opportunities that will foster in them a servant s heart. Students may participate in a wide-range of co-curricular activities, including: Forensics Team (Speech and Debate) Academic Challenge National Honor Society Chess Team and Chess Club Future Business Leaders of America CATS (Concerned About Teen Success) Diakonos (Service Club) Student Mission Trips Student Ministry Interns Chapel Worship Team Student Ambassadors Student Council SCRAM (Students Concerned Radically About Missions) Chix with Sticks (knitting and crochet club) Art Club Yearbook The Royal Fools (Improvisational Theatre) Royal Theatre 6 Vocal Choirs 3 Concert Bands Marching Band with Color Guard Orchestra 3 Handbell Choirs Ski Club Venturing Crew (Outdoor Adventure Club) Junior high students also have the opportunity to participate in: Spelling Bees Science Fairs Musical Groups ACSI Academic Competitions Student Ministries Clubs and Projects Jumpstart Junior High Retreat 16

17 This three-day adventure truly jump starts a seventh grader s CVCA experience. JUMPSTART JumpStart A Great Place to Begin At the start of each new school year, CVCA s incoming seventh grade class travels together for a three-day adventure to a Christian camp. Students have the opportunity to meet new friends and new teachers during these action-packed days. Adventures include tackling the ropes course, kayaking, indoor rock climbing, a zip line, swimming (pool), enjoying an indoor rec center, hiking, crafting, and many other outdoor adventures and fun. In the evening, the students are challenged to grow closer to the Lord and to one another during evening chapels and campfire times that include great music, skits, and messages. Our theme verse, Philippians 2:2, sets the stage for our adventure! Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Jumpstart is a great way to make friends. When you first go, you hardly know anyone then you just connect! And the chapels are so moving. I learned how amazing God truly is. Sarah, 8th Grader 17

18 FROSHFEST CVCA freshmen traditionally celebrate their entrance into high school with the alwaysexciting Froshfest. Building Class Unity and Making New Friends Freshman year is traditionally a time of increased class growth and expanded student experiences at CVCA. To help welcome new students, foster class unity, and build new friendships, CVCA freshman celebrate Froshfest at the beginning of each school year. The day-long retreat of games, team building, and simple fun allows students to ease into the high school experience while getting to know their classmates and new teachers better. Froshfest was great! I got to know the girls in my Connections group a lot better and made some new friends. The team games were hilarious, and having the teachers also participate in them was fun. Grace, Junior 18

19 Investing in Your Child s Future Have you found your spiritual, academic, and social fit at CVCA? If so, we invite you to submit an Application for Admission online via our website, Just click on the Admissions tab and follow the prompts. For questions or more information, please contact our Admissions Office at Affordability Christian Education is a significant investment (see tuition and fees on our website). If affordability is a factor, you may want to pursue these cost reduction options: Financial Aid: CVCA awards nearly one million dollars in needs-based financial assistance each year. 40% of CVCA students receive, on average, over $3,500 in financial assistance. Financial Aid applications can be accessed on our website after you have submitted your Application for Admission and application fee (deadline is March 31). ADMISSIONS Scholarships: Over 45 partial scholarships are awarded to students annually including ten for new applicants who test and apply prior to the scholarship deadline. Students from underperforming school districts may also be eligible for Ohio EdChoice Scholarships. Tuition Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP) The TRIP program allows families to bank tuition credits by purchasing gift cards for various stores where they already shop. Certificates are sold at face value with discounts passed on to individual accounts in the form of tuition credit. Transportation School bus transportation is provided by 13 area school districts, as well as the Akron Metro Bus system, and by a private transportation service with riders living in the I-271 corridor. Zip code lists to aid carpooling are also available from the school office upon request. See the CVCA website for detailed information. 19

20 CVCA is a college preparatory, interdenominational Christian junior high and high school in northern Summit County. CVCA is committed to academic excellence in a supportive, distinctively Christian environment. Quick Facts: Founded: 1968 Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (10 miles north of Akron and 30 miles south of Cleveland) Student/Faculty Ratio: 13:1 College Placement: 98% of CVCA s graduates attend post secondary institutions Counties Represented: Summit, Portage, Cuyahoga, Medina, Stark, Geauga, and Lake Financial Aid: 40% of CVCA students receive, on average, over $3,500 in financial assistance I-480 SR-303 Bath Steels Corners Rd. I-271 SR-8 Wyoga Lake Rd. Cuyahoga Falls Medina SR-8 SR-224 Akron Aurora I-480 I-80 Hudson Seasons Rd. I-77 Stow CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Educating and Cultivating Servants for Christ 4687 Wyoga Lake Road Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Phone Fax