Important Questions about Private School Education


Important Questions to ask Private School Representatives:

1.      Is the school accredited and by whom?

  • Our answer: CCS is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (recognized by the Texas Private Accreditation Commission and the Texas Commissioner of Education) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

2.      How long has the school been in existence?

  • Our answer: CCS began 30 years ago

3.      What are the entrance requirements?   

  • Our answer: Requirements for Admission:

(a) Students in grades 1-8 must demonstrate on-grade-level academic achievement and grades 9-12 must demonstrate a capacity to academically succeed at CCS on the Reading and Math sections on an achievement testing. Students in grades K-3 are given the Gesell School Readiness Assessment to determine developmental age and proper placement (b) come to us with a record of good behavior, (c) no student who is currently suspended, expelled, on academic or disciplinary probation or required to attend an alternative learning center, and (d) at least one parent has to be a professing Christian.

4.      Does the school have all grade levels so my child may continue with their education in one place and not have to change environments?

  • Our answer: We have grades kindergarten through twelfth grade.

5.      Does the school have the teacher’s grade book online?

  • Our answer: Yes

6.      Do they accept students that have been suspended, expelled or recommended for an alternative learning environment?

  • Our answer: NO

7.      Who is the governing body over the school?

  • Our answer: Board of Directors elected by the parents

8.      What credentials does the Head of School hold?

  • Our answer: Dr. Glenn Holzman has a Ph.D Educational Administration, M. Ed Educational Administration, B.A. Special Education, B.S.,  Business/Marketing

9.      Do they have uniforms so my child will not feel pressure to dress a certain way?

  • Our answer: Yes, through Parker Uniforms and Lands End

10. Do they have a Curriculum Director that is oversees the curriculum to make sure it is the best?

  • Our answer: yes

11. Does the school administer achievement testing at the end of every year as a guideline so you will know how your child is progressing in his/her education?

  • Our answer: Yes, we administer the Stanford Achievement Test

12. What do they do if they see a child struggling academically? Do they have a learning center if my child needs some additional help?

  • Our answer: Through the Learning Center we have Skill Building, NILD, Search and Teach and Cognitive Enrichment programs

13.  What is the class size, and important to consider with the answer is what are the discipline guidelines and are the teachers consistent with them? (Consistent discipline with "more" students vs. inconsistent or no discipline with "smaller" class.  Consistent discipline is one of the keys to a good learning environment.) 

  • Our answer: Kindergarten class size may go up to 16, 1st – 3rd may go up to 18, 4th and 5th grade may go up to 20, 6th – 12th may go up to 25 but most average 15 to 17. Discipline is very consistent. We have a dean who oversees discipline in 6th – 12th  

14. Can you tour the school?

  • Our answer: YES.  You may schedule a tour with the Admissions Director.

15. Can you observe classes?

  • Our answer: The parents may observe classes by appointment only. There are two Visitor's Days students may attend (Please see important dates for specific dates.)

16. Are they open about any question you have?

  • Our answer: Yes, we want you to know everything about us on which to base your decision.

17. Do they provide a curriculum list?

  • Our answer:  You may view it on this web site.

18. Do they have an art, music, drama teachers?

  • Our answer: Yes, programs vary depending on grade level

19. Do they have physical education teachers?

  • Our answer: Yes, and many coaches

20. Do they teach computer?

  • Our answer: Yes, Grades kindergarten through 6th, 8th and 9th grades. We also have Advanced Computer classes at the high school level.

21. Do they have computers in the classrooms?

  • Our answer: Yes

22. Do they have after school clubs?

  • Our answer: We have after school clubs throughout the year.  Clubs vary depending on grade level.

23. What type of lunch program do they provide?

  • Our answer: We offer hot lunches for all grades.

24. Is there a sports program?

  • Our answer: Yes, at all grade levels. We offer YMCA sports K-5th and in 6th ghrough 12th we offer volleyball, cheerleading, football, basketball, baseball, softball, track, golf, soccer and cross-country

25. Are there field trips?

  • Our answer: Yes, at all grade levels

26. How do they handle transportation on field trips?

  • Our answer: Primarily with our bus. Parents often assistance with field trips. If they do drive the students may not sit in the front seat of any vehicle and must be in their own seat belt.

27. What types of extra-curricular activities does the school offer?

  • Our answer: NHS, NJHS, Student Council, Academic Competitions, FCA, Student lead Bible studies, Drama, Art, Choir, and all sports listed above

28. Do they have monthly fire drills?

  • Our answer: Yes

29. As my child prepares for college in the later years, do they have a person to guide them through this process and assist the parents with preparations?

  • Our answer: Yes, we have a College Advisor. In addition, we publish a college handbook, hold college workshops, college fairs and offer SAT prep classes.

30. Do they offer on-site dual credit in the high school years to allow upper classmen the opportunity to earn credit at the college level?

  • Our answer: Yes, Dual credit classes are offered in English, History and Chemistry for Junior and Senior students

31. Is the campus secure with procedures and guidelines for checking children out?

  • Our answer: We have a closed campus so only graduated alumni are allowed on campus. Parents must check their students out in the office.

32. What kind of discipline issues have they had at their school? Do they expel students if necessary?

  • Our answer: Tardies and talking out of turn are usually the discipline issues at CCS. W do expel students that do not comply with school policies. All school policies are found in the student handbook on this web site.

33. Is there active parent involvement in the school?

  • Our answer: Our Volunteer in Partnership (VIP) program is very active. We welcome parent participation.

34. How does the school communicate with parents?

  • Our answer: Via Monday E-letter, flyers sent home via backpacks, email, web site, phone calls 

For Christian Schools:

35. Is it a Christian school in all they do? (Model a Christ like view of the world)

36. Are the families Christian?

37. Do they have Bible study daily?

38. Do they have weekly chapel?