FAQs
Application Process
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Does the Church Reference need to be filled out by our head pastor? We go to a large church and our pastor doesn’t know us well.
A church leader other than the head pastor that has spiritual oversight for your family (such as an elder, small group leader, etc.) can complete this reference. -
Do I need a Church Reference for each child in my family that is applying?
Only one Church Reference is needed per family even if a family is applying for multiple children. This reference should be completed by someone that has spiritual oversight for your family. -
We aren’t Christians but don’t have issue with the Christian teachings at your school. Can we still be considered for admission?
We ask that at least one parent must be a professing Christian and actively involved in a local church adhering to the Nicene Creed. We are an intentional Christian community and require this of our faculty, staff, Rhetoric School (High School) students and applicant families. -
Can we still apply if we identify as Christian but don’t attend church?
We do require a Church Reference for all applicants. If a family wishes to apply but does not have a home church, we ask that they attend church, get involved, and then apply for admission. -
How soon can I apply?
Families may apply for the upcoming school year as early as November 1. Late applications (after May 1) may be received on a space-available basis; please contact your admissions coordinator for more information. The non-refundable application fee is paid online when the application is submitted. -
What are the minimum age requirements for grades PreK-1st grade?
GradeMinimum Age by
August 15thMaximum Age by
August 15thPre-Kindergarten4 years old5 years oldKindergarten5 years old6 years old1st Grade6 years old7 years old -
What admissions testing do you use? How high do prospective students need to score in order to be accepted to CDA?
Kindergarten and first grade applicants take age-appropriate assessments which are administered on campus during a week day. The testing cost is included in your child's application fee.
Applicants to second grade and above take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). Parents register and pay for the ISEE directly with the testing company but the student tests at a CDA campus.
We are looking for prospective students to test at grade level or above during admissions testing. The standard is higher for late or mid-year applications due to the rigorous pace of our academics. -
Do you have Financial Aid?
Coram Deo Academy is committed to providing financial aid to CDA families with a demonstrated need. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn about applying for aid.
Please note only partial tuition awards are available.
Curriculum and Testing
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Where can I find your book list?
You may preview our current year book list at an admissions event. New school year book lists (with specific ISBN numbers for purchasing) will be made available to enrolled families in July. Summer reading book lists come out in May. -
Why do CDA students take Latin starting in third grade? Is Latin mandatory for upper school students?
Latin is a linchpin in classical education. This ancient language is foundational for English language; it builds vocabulary and the study of its grammatical structure is sort of "gymnastics for the brain"! Here are Top 10 Reasons why the study of Latin is important.
Pre-Latin begins in 3rd grade and the normal track is for students to complete Latin I, a CDA graduation requirement, by eighth grade. In high school, students have the option of continuing with Latin or taking Spanish I and II. -
CDA students have been taking Latin since third grade. How will my child catch up?
We have new students coming every year and most of them haven’t had Latin. Fourth and fifth graders receive enough review and repetition in the regular classroom that new students are able to catch up. For students entering grades 6 and above, a week of Summer Latin Camp helps orient new students before the start of school.
Because Latin I is a CDA graduation requirement, the class often is offered on Fridays to facilitate scheduling for new Rhetoric School students. -
If I don’t know Latin, how will I help my child?
Most of the parents at our school don’t know Latin either! All the teaching is done at school. If your child has questions, they can ask the teacher. After school or Friday Latin labs may be available at your respective campus. -
What standardized tests do you use for current students? Do you “teach to the test” for your annual standardized testing of current students?
Our robust curriculum and students’ hard work are reflected in higher than average test scores. We do not "teach to the test" but rather focus on mastery of the material.
Standardized tests are used partially as a verification tool of our curriculum and instructional methods. Test results are provided to parents to give insight into how their child compares to student peers nationally.
For more information regarding the standardized tests by grade and the reports available, please see our Testing Summary.
Transition / Managing the home Day
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My child is entering CDA from a public/private/homeschool background. How will he transition to a model like CDA?
We have new students every year. Most of our incoming students have not come from a University-Model® School or a classical education background.
Each campus has programs to help new families acclimate to Coram Deo Academy and connect with a 'mentor' family if desired. New Parent Coffees (in May/June) and additional sessions during August Orientations also equip new families. We all were a new family at one point! Our families are friendly and happy to answer any questions you may have. -
I don’t have a teaching background. As a parent, how will I be able to help my child be successful with this educational model?
Most of our parents do not have education degrees! Selection of curriculum, teaching new concepts and assessments are all provided by professional educators. On home days, parents provide age-appropriate supervision and help the student stay on task with assignments, study for assessments and prepare for speeches, debates, etc. -
I have younger children at home. How do I make this collaborative model work?
You are not alone! Many families here have children at home who are not yet school age. Families have handled this in various ways over the years. Many of our younger siblings enjoy “school time” with their older CDA siblings and imitate their behavior. We have a parent support group run by CDA parent volunteers who are available to help guide you throughout your first school year. -
When is orientation and is it mandatory?
Your Orientation Day is during the week before the start of school. The exact day will be communicated to you by your school principal. Due to the importance of the information provided and the nature of the collaborative model, orientation is mandatory. -
How do I prepare over the summer for the new school year?
There are several things that you will need to do over the summer:- Order books and uniforms
- Complete summer reading
- Attend Latin Summer Camp (for grades 6+ only)
- Participate in athletic and fine arts camps if desired
- Attend your orientation day (week before school starts)
- Attend online CDA Connect Training (available in August)
Miscellaneous
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What is your statement of faith at Coram Deo Academy?
All faculty, staff as well as applicant families adhere to the centuries old Nicene Creed. We are an interdenominational school whose statement of faith and deeply held religious beliefs can be found on page 9-10 of our CDA Parent and Student Reference Manual. -
Where may I find the Reference Manual for Parents and Students?
Click HERE to access CDA's Reference Manual for Parents and Students. -
Do you make accommodations for learning differences?
We do not make academic or behavioral accommodations. The CDA model has worked for some students with minor accommodation needs because the parent is able to make accommodations at home, and the student is able to manage the classroom environment two days/week. -
Are most of your students college bound? Are your high school seniors eligible for college scholarships?
Virtually all Coram Deo Academy students are college bound, with some completing military service or mission work prior to college. Over ninety-nine percent of our students go to college directly after graduation with 92% of these graduates going to four-year colleges or universities. See here for more details. -
What is your average reenrollment rate?
Our average retention rate is 91% across the CDA's District of three campuses.
Additional questions? Please contact the admission coordinator at the campus nearest you.
Admissions Staff
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