General Information Overview

General Information Overview and Application Process Information

About CCS Mission Statement Cincinnati Christian Schools, partnering with Christian families, provides a Bible-centered, quality educational program to equip, train and disciple students to follow Christ and impact culture. History of CCS What follows is the story of CCS but it s really a story of God s faithfulness and grace. In the fall of 1970 a group of pastors, Christian business leaders and educators joined together and committed to the Lord to create Greater Cincinnati Christian High School. Classes began in the fall of 1971 and were held at Springdale Baptist Church. In the fall of 1971, Tri County Assembly (then called Tri County Assembly of God) committed to the Lord to open Tri County Christian Elementary School serving Kindergarten through third grade; later adding fourth, fifth and sixth grade in 1973. Those two commitments would merge together in 1975 creating what would eventually become Cincinnati Christian Schools, Inc. The path would not always be a smooth one but success was at hand because of the godly commitment of so many. In 1975, Tri County Assembly agreed to accept financial responsibility for Greater Cincinnati Christian High School and renamed the combined elementary and secondary schools Tri County Christian Schools which operated from the school building on the church grounds. Under the direction of Tri County Assembly, the school grew steadily to a student body of 654 in grades Kindergarten through Grade Twelve. This arrangement continued until 1993 when the church and school mutually agreed to become independent. Cincinnati Christian Schools, Inc. was formed to run the elementary and secondary schools now governed by a non-denominational Board of Directors. In the summer of 2002, CCS purchased Courts of Praise Christian Center in Fairfield Township. The facility was ideally suited for conversion to a High School campus. The purchase of this $5 million facility was a breathtaking challenge for a school the size of CCS. It clearly shows God s magnitude and grace, not to mention the perseverance of the patient and faithful leaders, teachers and families of CCS. This rich history paves the way for a bold and exciting future for Cincinnati Christian Schools. It is a history that is living proof that success will follow when commitment to the Lord precedes. We sincerely hope you join us as fellow travelers on this journey. Accreditations and Affiliations Ohio State Board of Education Association of Christian Schools, International (ACSI) North Central Association Ohio High School Athletic Association Elementary Campus 7350 Dixie Highway Fairfield, Ohio 45014 (513) 874-8500 Take I-275 to the Fairfield/Rt. 4 exit (#41). Travel North on Rt. 4. School will be on right just past the Tri County Assembly of God Church. Junior/Senior High Campus 7474 Morris Road Fairfield, Ohio 45011 (513) 892-8500 Directions From South Take I-275 to the Fairfield/Rt. 4 exit. Travel north on Rt. 4 to By-pass 4. Turn right onto By-pass 4. Take By-pass 4 to Tylersville Rd. and turn right. Take Tylersville Rd. to Morris Rd. and turn left onto Morris Rd. School is located on the right. From I-75 North Take Rt. 129 to By-pass 4. Take By-pass 4 South to Tylersville Rd. and turn left. Take Tylersville Rd. to Morris Rd. and turn left onto Morris Rd. School is located on the right. I-275 N N S Rt.4 Bypass Rt. 4 S CCS Morris Rd. CCS Tylersville Rd

Elementary Overview (Preschool 6th Grade) The Elementary Classroom The Elementary teaching staff is state certified with an average of 16 years of teaching experience. Students are provided with Specials classes under the supervision of certified personnel in the areas of Art, Music, Computer, Physical education, Library, and Spanish. What do I Need to Know? Is hot lunch provided? A hot lunch program is available daily for a fee with a wide variety of hot and cold meal choices as well as milk or juice. Does my child have recess? Students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade have a recess after lunch. Students in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade have an additional recess for 15 minutes mid-morning. What is the length of the school day? School starts at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. Children may arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. Is after school care available? After school care is available for a nominal fee from 3:15 to 6:00 p.m. Do the classes go on field trips? The students are provided with a variety of enrichment activities. Field trips are on integral part of this enrichment activity program. How is the student exposed to Christian values? It is important to realize that the Bible is an active part of all curricular areas at CCS. There is a time each day when the student is provided with a non-doctrinal Bible lesson. The student is required to memorize Bible verses on a weekly basis and there is a weekly chapel (Kindergarten 3rd and 4th 6th). Is a sports program available? Cincinnati Youth Organization (CYO) is a program which promotes skill development for students in 3rd 6th Grades. Students learn skills in the area of soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, and basketball. Dress Code We believe that a person s character and relationship to the Lord are reflected in all aspects of life, including dress. Christians should strive for modesty and good taste and thus a dress code has been established regarding appropriate dress at school. Grading System Cincinnati Christian Schools operates on a quarter system. Students are evaluated regarding: 1. Academic process 2. Personal conduct 3. Work habits The following grading scale is adhered to: Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Failing A+ 98-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69 F Below 60 A 93-97 B 83-86 C 73-76 D 63-66 A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62 What is the Curriculum? Reading -- Grades 1-3 Houghton Mifflin This program exposes the students to a phonic s based curriculum that showcases good literature. The integrated curricular approach allows for the students to see the reasons for the reading/writing process.

Reading Grades 4 6 The intermediate Reading classes use trade novels that align with content areas (Social Studies or Science). Language Arts -- Grades 1-6 Shurley English This is a unique method for teaching concepts through tactile learning styles. Writing Grades 1-6 The students have a writing portfolio filled with required pieces. The children are taught writing techniques using the 4 Square Writing Method and 6 + 1 Traits Writing. Mathematics Grades K - 6 Houghton Mifflin. Science McGraw Hill This provides in-depth information on a variety of sciences related topics. Social Studies Houghton Mifflin Students are provided with opportunities to study our nation s history and various cultures from a biblical perspective. Bible ACSI Purposeful Design Grades K 3 Answers in Genesis Grade 4 Positive Action Grades 5-6 Memory work is generated through the teacher on a weekly basis. This curriculum is a practical, nondenominational approach in God s word. Is My Child Ready for School? Preschool Take care of dressing and toilet needs with little help? Separate from parents relatively easily? Adapt to changes without becoming upset? Listen/participate in group activities without disturbing others? Follow directions? Finish tasks and activities? Work and play on his/her own and with others? Share and take turns? Seek help in an appropriate manner from adults and other children? Express his/her self and communicate with others easily? Demonstrate age-appropriate motor skills? State his/her full name and age? Kindergarten With so much literature advising parents to look carefully at whether their child is ready for Kindergarten, we have listed some questions to help parents tune into their own instincts about their child. For instance, does your child: Take care of dressing and toilet needs with little help? Separate from parents relatively easily? Adapt to changes without becoming upset? Listen/participate in group activities without disturbing others? Follow directions? Finish tasks and activities?

Work and play on his/her own and with others? Share and take turns? Seek help in an appropriate manner from adults and other children? Express his/her self and communicate with others easily? Demonstrate age-appropriate motor skills? State his/her full name and age? Print his/her first name? Use scissors and crayons? Count to 10? Recognize numbers? Not being able to do a number of these items does not necessarily mean your child cannot enter Preschool or Kindergarten. This is a guideline to use while observing your child s overall behavior in preparation for school. What are the Preschool placement choices? Preschool: 3 years old by 9/30 2 Days T & Th 8:15 12:00 Transitional Kindergarten: 4 or 5 years old by 9/30 3 Days M, W, F 8:15 12:00 5 Days M - F 8:15 12:00 What are the Kindergarten placement choices? Half-day Kindergarten. The core curriculum is covered. Full-day Kindergarten. The full-day program offers more opportunities for enrichment and reinforcement. PM Enrichment Available for 3, 4 and 5 year olds 12:00 3:15 Junior High / Senior High Overview (7th-12th Grades) The Senior High Classroom The secondary staff (7th-12th) is state certified with an average of 13 years of teaching experience. Students attend a modified block class schedule including a Bible class, which is required at every grade level. Subjects offered include all the courses required for graduation and a wide range of electives. Subjects and electives offered meet all state graduation requirements as well as electives. What do I need to know? Is a hot lunch provided? We currently offer a hot lunch program for a fee. What is the length of the school day? School starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:55 p.m. Students may arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. Extra-curricular activities often have practices after school. Is after school care available? We have an after school supervision program called After School Chill. Students go to the Diner at 3:30 p.m. and must be picked up by 6:00 p.m. There is a charge for the service. How is the student exposed to Christian values? It is important to realize that the Bible is an active part of all curricular areas at CCS. Additionally, Bible is a required subject for all students each year they attend CCS. Courses range in subject from surveys of the Bible to practical Christian living. A non-denominational chapel service is held each week, which emphasizes living out the Christian faith in the world today. Our students are outwardly focused through service projects and mission trips. Discipline It is a fundamental assumption of the school that a disciplined environment is necessary for instruction and safety. The school relies most heavily upon the voluntary acceptance of rules and procedures by students and parents. Disciplinary action is always accompanied by thorough correspondence with parents and clear statements concerning consequences.

Dress Code The Junior/Senior High dress code emphasizes neatness, modesty and propriety. These virtues are important components of a Christian education. The purpose of the dress code at CCS is to encourage the development of these virtues. It is recognized that there are varied opinions as to what constitutes appropriate dress for Christian young people. We request the cooperation of both students and parents in maintaining the school s dress code. Please refer to the Parent-Student Handbook for specific instructions. Grading System Cincinnati Christian Schools operates on a quarter system with cumulative grades recorded at the semester. Interim Reports are sent electronically at the mid-point of each quarter. The following grading scale is adhered to: Junior/Senior High: GR. % GPA Honors GPA A+ 98-100 4.0 5.0 A 94-97 4.0 4.5 A- 90-93 4.0 4.3 B+ 87-89 3.3 4.0 B 84-86 3.1 3.5 B- 80-83 3.0 3.3 C+ 77-79 2.3 3.0 C 74-76 2.1 2.5 C- 70-73 2.0 2.3 D+ 68-69 1.3 2.0 D 66-67 1.1 1.5 D- 65 1.0 1.3 F Below 64 0.0 0.0 *Junior High does not earn a GPA Ohio Graduation Test Results Grade 10 Administered March 2012 Test Administered Passed 1 st Time Writing 99% Reading 99% Mathematics 95% Science 95% Social Studies 94% What is the curriculum? The school s curriculum is primarily college preparatory and is specified in the school s course of study, which is revised periodically. The textbook for each course is chosen from among the secular and Christian publishing companies and they are revised on a cyclical basis. Regardless of the textbook chosen, we rely upon the classroom teacher to provide the instruction and integration with the school s statement of philosophy. Listed below is a typical course selection for 7th through 12th Grades. Junior High (7th and 8th Grades) General Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Earth Science (7th), Physical Science (8th) World History (7th), American History (8th) Language Arts, Bible (gender-based) Physical Education, Challenge Program (7th, 8th) Electives: Choir, Band, Art, Computer Keyboarding, German, Spanish, Study Skills Senior High (9th 12th Grades) Core Curriculum options include: Bible Old and New Testament Survey, Bible Application I, II Math Algebra I, II; College Algebra, Geometry, PreCalculus, AP Calculus. Honors courses offered. Science Physical Science, Biology I, II, Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, AP Biology, Chemistry I, II. Honors courses offered. English 9 and 10, College English I, II; AP English Literature. Honors courses offered.

Social Studies World Geography, U.S. History, American Government/Economics, Civics, Multi-Cultural Studies. Foreign Language Spanish, Greek, German. Honors courses offered. Electives: Art Graphic Arts I,II, Mixed Media I,II, Drawing I,II; Painting, Clay, Advanced Clay, Portfolio Preparation, Sculpture, Jewelry I,II; Textiles I,II; Photography I; Computer Web Design, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel; Music Band, Honors Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Performance Theatre, Technical Theatre; Career and College Preparation, Consumer Skills, Journalism I, II, Keyboarding, Paw Print Staff, Speech, Debate, Weight Training, Psychology, Yearbook, Writing Lab, Teacher or Office Aide, Multi-Cultural Studies. Expected Student Outcomes As we strive to attain our vision and fulfill our Mission, we believe it to be important that Cincinnati Christian schools, as an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) accredited school, develop programs, strategies, and methodologies within the context of biblical principles, that produces students with a Christian worldview, who: 1.... Are well prepared in all academic disciplines, and are skilled in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking. 2.... Are proficient in mathematics and laboratory-based science. 3.... Have a knowledge and understanding of people, events, and movements in history (including church history) and the cultures and religions of other peoples and places. 4.... Appreciate literature and the arts and understand how they express and shape their beliefs and values. 5.... Have a critical appreciation of languages and cultures of other peoples, dispelling prejudice, promoting inter-ethnic harmony, and encouraging biblical hospitality for the "alien", "stranger". 6.... Personally respond to carrying out the Great Commission locally and around the world in a culturally sensitive manner. 7.... Know how to utilize resources including technology to find, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information. 8.... Are committed to life-long learning. 9.... Have the skills to question, solve problems, make wise decisions and demonstrate higher order thinking skills. 10.... Understand the worth of every human being as created in the image of God. 11.... Can articulate and defend their Christian worldview while having a basic understanding of opposing worldviews. 12.... Understand and commit to a personal and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, including daily times of prayer and devotional reading. 13.... Know, understand, and apply God s Word in daily life. 14.... Possess apologetic skills to defend their faith. 15.... Are empowered by the Holy Spirit and pursue a life of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. 16.... Treat their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit. 17.... Are actively involved in a church community, serving God and others. 18.... Understand, value, and engage in appropriate social (community) and civic (political) activities. 19.... Embrace and practice justice, mercy, and peacemaking in family and society. 20.... Value intellectual inquiry and are engaged in the marketplace of ideas (open honest exchange of ideas). 21.... Respect, and relate appropriately with integrity and confidence to the people with whom they work, play, and live. 22.... Have an appreciation for the natural environment and practice responsible stewardship of God's creation, as a result of careful decision-making. 23.... Are prepared to practice the principles of healthy, moral family living. 24.... Are good stewards of their finances, time (including discretionary time) and all other resources. 25.... Understand that work has dignity as an expression of the nature of God. Elementary Student Extra Curricular Activities ACSI Spelling Bee Each class sends two representatives to a regional spelling bee. ACSI Speech Meet The students may choose from categories such as poetry, folk tales, or scripture to memorize. Classroom teachers choose two students from each category to represent CCS at the regional Speech Meet.

International Week Each class chooses a country to research then prepares information to present to the entire school during International Week. The children transform their classroom to reflect that of their chosen country, wear native dress and share the customs and food of the country. Select Choir Auditions are held for 3rd through 6th Grade students to become members of this choir which rehearses after school two days a week. This choir performs at elementary concerts, special school events, a few outside events, and records a CD of their favorite songs. 6th Grade SELECT (Students Engaged in Leadership, Encouragement, Compassion, and Teamwork) Applications are accepted and a pastoral reference is needed in order to be chosen for the SELECT program. Students help with Open Houses, concerts, and any time student help is needed. Tradetown A program in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati; Tradetown is a mini society. Each classroom is a business that makes products or provides services. Four times a year we have the Cougar Mall, which is like a huge market place. We have a government with a mayor, vice mayor, and chief of police. Cub Scouts Traditional programming from the Boy Scouts of America; open to boys in 1st 5th Grade. Pack 912 meets weekly in the evening. Boy Scouts Traditional programming from the Boy Scouts of America; open to boys age eleven or completed 5th Grade. Troop 912 meets weekly in the evening. Junior High ACSI Speech Meet Students may choose from categories such as poetry, folk tales, or scripture to memorize. Winners from each category represent CCS at the regional Speech Meet. Drama Students have the opportunity to participate in a fall and spring production either on stage or behind the scenes. Students can be involved in set construction, sound, lighting, dancing, singing and acting. Fine Arts Festival This event showcases all of our Fine Arts programs. National Junior Honor Society Students in the 7th and 8 th Grades may be nominated based on academics, service, leadership, and citizenship. Junior High Science Fair All students create a science project and compete for awards every other year. Junior High Student Council Officers are nominated by their classmates and serve a one-year term providing service to the school and student body. Boy Scouts Traditional programming from the Boy Scouts of America; open to boys age eleven to eighteen. Troop 912 meets weekly in the evening. Senior High Art Club Meets after school once a week. Drama Students have the opportunity to participate in a fall and spring production either on stage or behind the scenes. Students can be involved in set construction, sound, lighting, dancing, singing and acting. Pep Band They play at home football and basketball games. Mission trips A yearly trip is available to those who wish to participate. Additionally, three service hours are required for each quarter in Bible class. Mu Alpha Theta The National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society. Dedicated to inspiring keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year college students. National Honor Society Students in the 9th through 12th Grades may be nominated based on academics, service, leadership and citizenship. Student Council Students in 10th, 11th and 12th Grades are nominated by their classmates and serve a one-year term providing service to the school and student body. Boy Scouts Traditional programming from the Boy Scouts of America; open to boys age eleven to eighteen. Troop 912 meets weekly in the evening.

Athletics Affiliations Member of the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) which allows us to compete against other OHSAA members. Member of the Miami Valley Conference. This conference is made up of local Cincinnati schools: Cincinnati Country Day, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Clark Montessori, Lockland, New Miami, North College Hill, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, Seven Hills, and Summit Country Day. Cincinnati Christian Schools competes against these schools at both the Junior and Senior High level. Interscholastic Athletic Activities Fall Sports: Volleyball Junior High Girls Senior High Girls Soccer Junior High Boys, Girls* Senior High Boys, Girls Cheerleading Junior High (Football) Senior High (Football) Cross Country Junior High Girls, Boys Senior High Girls, Boys Football Junior High Senior High Golf Senior High Boys, Girls* CYO Girls Basketball (Cincinnati Youth Organization) Elementary Girls Tennis* Winter Sports: Basketball Junior High Girls, Boys Senior High Girls, Boys Bowling Senior High Girls, Boys Cheerleading Junior High (Basketball) Senior High (Basketball) Swimming Junior High Girls, Boys Senior High Girls, Boys CYO Basketball Elementary Girls, Boys CYO Girls Volleyball Elementary Girls Spring Sports: Track & Field Junior High Boys, Girls Senior High Boys, Girls Softball Junior High Girls Senior High Girls Baseball Junior High Boys Senior High Boys CYO Baseball* Elementary Boys CYO Softball* Elementary Girls CYO Track* Elementary Girls, Boys * Subject to adequate interest.

Transportation School Districts Currently Busing to CCS Fairfield City Schools 211 Donald Drive Fairfield, Ohio 45014 (513) 829-6300 Central Office (513) 829-6603 Transportation Mt. Healthy City Schools 7615 Harrison Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45231 (513) 729-0077 Central Office (513) 728-4985 Transportation Hamilton City Schools 1316 Chestnut St. Hamilton, Ohio 45011 (513) 887-5000 Central Office (513) 887-5060 Transportation Princeton City Schools 11786 Highway Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 (513) 864-1000 Central Office (513) 864-1100 Transportation Lakota Local Schools 6947 Yankee Road Liberty Township, Ohio 45044 (513) 874-5505 Central Office (513) 755-5821 Transportation Winton Woods City Schools 1215 West Kemper Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45240 (513) 619-2300 Central Office (513) 619-2405 Transportation * This information is subject to change at each public school district s discretion. It is the parent s responsibility to contact the Transportation Office of their local public school district in which they reside to arrange transportation. Cincinnati Christian Schools does not provide transportation from the home to and from school. CCS Shuttle Bus Families needing shuttle services have two options. Round-Trip provides a ride before and after school to the campus of your choice. One-Way provides a ride either in the morning or in the afternoon to the campus of your choice. The morning Shuttle Service starts at the Elementary Campus leaving at 7:30 a.m. and then leaves the Junior/Senior High Campus at 7:45a.m. to return to the Elementary Campus by 8:15 a.m. The afternoon Shuttle starts at the Junior/Senior High Campus leaving at 3:00 p.m. and then leaves the Elementary Campus at 3:20 p.m. to return to the Junior/Senior High Campus by 3:40 p.m. Payment is non-refundable except when a student withdraws from Cincinnati Christian Schools. Shuttle Bus usage may be changed at the semester break. The annual cost is as follows: Student Round-Trip One-Way Trip 1st $300.00 $240.00 2nd and up $240.00 $180.00 Payment for the Shuttle Bus may be added to your FACTS agreement or the annual fee paid by check prior to the start of school.

Admissions Process Step 1: Application Application (One per student). Student Application (7th-12th Grades). A copy of the student s birth certificate. A copy of the student s recent report card (1st-12th Grades) Pastoral Reference (One per family. This form may be mailed to us by your church). Non-refundable application fee ($245.00 per student). Completed Records Request form (1st-12th Grades, we submit to previous school upon acceptance). Return all the above to: Office of Admissions, 7474 Morris Road, Fairfield, Ohio 45011 Step 2: An Admissions Test will be administered to all students Kindergarten-12th Grade. The Administrative Assistant to the Elementary Principal will call to schedule testing for all students Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Kindergarten testing is held on one Saturday in April and May then as needed throughout the year. The Administrative Assistant to the Guidance Counselor will call to schedule testing for all students 7th through 12th Grades. Results of the test and other academic criteria will be evaluated to determine the student s eligibility for acceptance. This information will also be used for class placement. Step 3: Interview Preschool 6th Grade: You will be contacted to schedule your interview with the Elementary Principal. For Elementary students, the interview is with parents only. 7th 12th Grades: You will be contacted to schedule your interview with the Junior/Senior High Principal; this interview is with parents and students. The purpose of the interview is to discuss expectations regarding conduct, academics, and spiritual life at Cincinnati Christian Schools. Step 4: Acceptance. You will receive a letter of acceptance from the Admissions Office. Complete the Tuition Payment Preference form and send it to the Business Office. 7th 12th Grade Students Upon acceptance, the student will receive scheduling information from the Guidance Counselor. Contact your local school district to schedule transportation, if necessary. Kindergarten Prospective Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 30th. All prospective Kindergarten students will be administered the KDI (Kindergarten Diagnostic Instrument). Should this test indicate that a prospective Kindergarten student requires further development; the Elementary Principal may recommend enrolling in the Transitional Kindergarten program. Preschool & Transitional Kindergarten No testing is necessary for admittance into the Preschool or Transitional Kindergarten classes. Preschool children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30th and toilet trained. Transitional Kindergarten children must be 4 or 5 years old by September 30 th. Deadlines Filing deadline for financial aid or participation in the work program is April 30th or until budgeted funds have been exhausted or the work program has been fully staffed. After reviewing all applications, financial aid will be awarded beginning in May.

Application Checklist o Application (One per student - completed and signed) o Student Application (7th-12th Grades) o A copy of the student s birth certificate o A copy of the student s most recent report card (1st-12th Grades) o Pastoral Reference (one per family)* o Completed Records Request Form (1st-12th Grades) We submit to previous school upon acceptance o Application Fee - $250.00 per student with a maximum enrollment fee per family of $500 (non-refundable) All of the above must be returned to the Office of Admissions, 7474 Morris Road, Fairfield, Ohio 45011. You may mail it to us or drop it off at either campus; office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Elementary campus, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Junior/Senior High Campus. Applications will not be processed until everything has been received. * Pastoral Reference may be mailed to us by your church.