FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

As Christ Church and Christ Church School prepare to add middle school grades -- 6th, 7th and 8th --. some questions are frequently asked by parents and church family members. Here are some of them, and below  you'll see a button where you can submit questions as well. 

  • How will Christ Church School’s culture of support, kindness, safety, and whole-child development look in grades 6, 7, and 8? How will it allow students to thrive and families to feel confident and connected?

    At CCS, our mission to educate the whole child is the heartbeat of everything we do. We believe that true learning goes beyond academics — it nurtures emotional, social, spiritual and character development. Our vision is to provide enlightening learning experiences that empower students to discover their strengths, explore their passions, and grow into confident, capable leaders.


    Through experiential learning, students engage in hands-on, real-world activities and projects that deepen understanding and spark curiosity. This approach fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—skills essential for lifelong success.


    We proudly will implement The Leader in Me, a transformative framework that cultivates leadership and life skills in every student. By embedding the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and the 4 Disciplines of Execution into daily routines, we help children recognize their potential, take ownership of their learning, and contribute positively to their school and community.


    CCS’s culture is defined by support, kindness, safety, and whole-child development. Our classrooms are safe havens where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Teachers and staff build trusting relationships with families, ensuring they feel confident and connected to their child’s educational journey. This nurturing environment allows students to thrive—academically, socially, physically and emotionally—preparing them not just for school, but for life.

  • What will the natural next step of extending the CCS culture into the middle school years and providing students and parents with consistency, clarity, and a lasting “family school” experience be?

    At CCS, we recognize that the middle school years are a pivotal time in a child’s development —academically, socially, and emotionally. As students begin to form their identities, seek independence, and navigate more complex relationships and responsibilities, our whole-child approach becomes even more essential. We provide a nurturing environment where middle school youth are supported in becoming thoughtful, resilient, and self-aware individuals.


    Our commitment to experiential learning and The Leader in Me continues into the middle school years, helping students build leadership skills, take initiative, and develop a strong sense of purpose. These tools empower them to thrive during a time of rapid growth and change.


    Families value the consistency and clarity that CCS offers. Offering grades 6, 7, and 8 will provide a seamless transition from elementary to middle school—a place where children are known, supported, and challenged in meaningful ways. Extending CCS’s culture of kindness, safety, and whole-child development into the middle school years provides families with a lasting “family school” experience. It’s not just a school—it’s a trusted community that grows with their child.


    By continuing our mission and vision through middle school, CCS ensures that students and families remain connected, confident, and inspired every step of the way.

  • Will the middle school be uniquely equipped to deliver the same supportive and inclusive education that families value in the lower school?

    Choosing CCS for middle school is a bold and exciting decision. This decision is one rooted in trust, vision, and a deep understanding of what students and families need to thrive. At a time when young adolescents are seeking identity, independence, and belonging, CCS stands uniquely equipped to guide them with the same supportive and inclusive education that has defined their elementary experience.


    Our middle school program is not just an extension; it’s an evolution of the CCS culture. We continue to nurture the whole child through experiential learning, The Leader in Me, and a strong foundation of kindness, safety, and personal growth. Students are challenged academically while being supported emotionally, socially, and physically ensuring they grow into confident, capable young leaders.


    Families desire continuity and CCS delivers. The transition to middle school is seamless, offering clarity, consistency, and a lasting sense of community. Parents can feel confident knowing their children remain in an environment where they are known, valued, and empowered. CCS middle school is more than the next step, it’s a bold commitment to excellence, leadership, and lifelong learning.

  • What are the opportunities for the inaugural 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes?

    The first graduating classes of CCS Middle School have an incredible opportunity to shape a legacy. As the inaugural classes, these students won’t just be part of something new, they’ll be the founders of a bold and exciting chapter in CCS history. This is a chance to lead, to build traditions, and to leave a lasting mark on a school community that already feels like family.


    Rather than hesitation, we invite families to feel pride and excitement in being part of something meaningful from the very beginning. These students will help define what it means to be a CCS middle schooler, setting the tone for leadership, kindness, and excellence.


    Smaller class sizes mean more personalized attention, deeper relationships, and a learning environment where every voice is heard. Students will have the unique opportunity to participate in student council all three years, developing leadership skills and shaping school culture. Everyone will have the opportunity to try out for sports, fostering teamwork, confidence, and school spirit. And overnight field trips will be intimate and memorable, creating strong bonds and unforgettable experiences.


    This is more than a middle school; it’s a movement that the first classes that choose to attend will be leading. A place where students are known, families are connected, and every child is empowered to lead. The first class won’t just attend CCS Middle School; they’ll help build it.

  • What will the progression of the CCS experience look like? How will it demonstrate how the middle school will extend the school’s caring community, individualized attention, and focus on character and leader development.

    The CCS middle school experience is a natural and seamless extension of the caring, connected community families already know and trust. Rooted in our mission to educate the whole child, the middle school continues to provide individualized attention, character development, and leadership opportunities, ensuring students grow with confidence and purpose.

    As students transition from lower school, they remain in an environment where they are known, supported, and challenged. Our commitment to The Leader in Me and experiential learning deepens in middle school, helping students build independence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.


    Academically, CCS middle school students are on an accelerated path. Our current 4th grade class is on track to complete Algebra or Geometry Honors for high school credit by 8th grade, along with Spanish 1 Honors, setting a strong foundation for future success. These rigorous offerings reflect our belief in high expectations paired with high support.


    Beyond core academics, students will explore enriching electives such as Robotics, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Personal Finance, Medicine, Broadcasting, Art, and Music Appreciation, all aligned with our vision to provide enlightening, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.


    Middle school at CCS is not a departure, it’s a continuation. It’s where students remain part of a close-knit, values-driven community while stepping into new opportunities for growth, leadership, and discovery. Families can feel confident knowing their children are not just progressing, they’re thriving.

  • What distinctive educational approach will CCS middle school offer?

    At CCS, education is more than academics, it’s a transformative journey that integrates learning, wellness, and character development to nurture the whole child. Our distinctive approach combines experiential learning, the Leader in Me program, and intentional practices that empower students to grow as thoughtful, capable changemakers.


    Through experiential learning, students engage in hands-on, real-world experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and build essential life skills. Whether exploring robotics,

    engineering, medicine, broadcasting, or the arts, students are immersed in opportunities that align with our vision and prepare them for a dynamic future.


    Our foundation in The Leader in Me is built on two powerful frameworks:

    The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®, which instill timeless principles of personal and interpersonal effectiveness, such as being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, and seeking first to understand.


    The 4 Disciplines of Execution®, which teach students how to set meaningful goals, focus on what matters most, and take ownership of their progress.


    Together, these frameworks shape a culture of leadership, responsibility, and growth.

    Leadership is the heartbeat of our middle school model, driving every experience, decision, and opportunity. We are committed to cultivating leadership at every level, empowering students to lead with purpose, integrity, and vision. Our middle school will be a launchpad for young leaders who think critically, act compassionately, and inspire change.


    Through mentorship, intentional experiences, and opportunities to lead in academics, the arts, student government, athletics, and service, CCS students will become confident individuals ready to shape their world. This is not just school, it’s the next step toward empowered, whole-child education.

  • How many classes will there be? How many teachers will there be? What will the sports program look like?

    Christ Church School is committed to small class sizes, individualized attention, and strategic growth, framing the middle school expansion as both intentional and inspiring:


    At CCS, small class sizes and individualized attention are not just features, they’re foundational to our model. Every child is known, supported, and empowered to become their best self. This personalized approach allows teachers to build meaningful relationships, tailor instruction, and nurture each student’s academic, emotional, and spiritual growth.


    As we expand into middle school, we are committed to over-resourcing flexible classroom spaces to ensure students have access to the best tools for learning. This includes modern furniture that supports collaboration and comfort, and cutting-edge technology that enhances engagement and prepares students for the future.


    The vision for the middle school is to have two sections of every grade level. This will allow for 120 seats when we reach the 2029-2023 school year.


    Once the expansion is approved, the school will hire an Assistant Head of Middle School.for the 2026–2027 school year, ensuring dedicated oversight and support for students, families, and faculty. The current administrative team will also continue to provide support. Looking ahead to the 2027–2028 school year, we will welcome three new teachers who are Christian believers, chosen not only for their expertise but for their alignment with CCS’s ethos of teaching, learning, and faith-based character development.


    We are excited to continue growing our robust sports program through middle school. The athletics will expand participation across CCS Sports Teams. Students will have the opportunity to join Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Flag Football, Basketball, Tack, Golf, and Cheerleading. Beginning fall of 2027, the school will employ a full-time Athletic Director, allowing for focused leadership and development of our athletic program. CCS will also employ a full-time Physical Education teacher will lead classes and coach multiple sports teams, further enhancing wellness and athletic engagement.


    This intentional growth reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and whole-child development. CCS middle school will be a place where students are deeply known, families are deeply connected, and learning is deeply meaningful.

  • Will the expansion provide the a high level of safety, stability, and thoughtful planning?

    At CCS, safety, stability, and thoughtful planning are at the heart of our campus development strategy. As we prepare to expand and enhance our facilities to support the growing middle school program, we’ve partnered with an experienced owner’s representative, The Cumming Group Click here for more information., who brings a wealth of expertise in designing and building schools.

     

    Their deep knowledge of phased construction planning ensures that every step of the process is carefully coordinated to maintain a safe, uninterrupted learning environment for our current students.


    We understand that families may have concerns about construction during the school year. That’s why we’re committed to transparent communication, proactive planning, and minimizing disruption to daily school life. Our goal is to create a campus that reflects our vision for the future while preserving the nurturing, secure atmosphere that families value today.


    From traffic flow and noise control to student safety and learning continuity, every detail is being considered. Parents can feel confident knowing that CCS is not only building for the future—but doing so with intention, care, and excellence.

  • Why are we adding the middle school grades now?

    In a world that is transforming faster than ever, CCS is committed to being a safe haven for middle school students and their families, a place of stability, purpose, and deep care. Adolescence is a time of immense change, and today’s young people are growing up in an environment filled with complexity, uncertainty, and pressure. More than ever, they need a school that not only educates but protects, nurtures, and equips them for the future.


    Our middle school is both a response to family needs and a strategic investment in CCS’s enduring mission. It reflects our belief that education must go beyond academics, it must prepare students for an extreme future with resilience, wisdom, and a strong moral compass rooted in faith. We walk alongside families, offering not just academic excellence, but the tools and support they need to parent with confidence and clarity.


    At CCS, we are building a middle school where students are known and loved, where character is cultivated, and where leadership is developed through meaningful experiences. It’s a place where faith is foundational, and where students learn to navigate life with integrity, compassion, and courage.


    This is not just a school, it’s a sanctuary. A place where students can grow into their best selves, and families can feel deeply connected and supported. The CCS middle school is a bold step forward, grounded in our mission and guided by our vision for a brighter, stronger future.

  • How can I learn more?

    A town hall meeting where you will be able to ask questions and receive more information is planned soon. You can submit a question through the button below, and you can download the previous monthly newsletters, which are linked from the right column of this page.

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