1. What do the school and its staff believe?
We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, and that salvation is found in Christ Jesus by whom we must be saved. Our primary mission is to teach young men and women to think biblically and to personally understand what a Christian worldview is.
2. What do you do about doctrinal issues?
We are a non-denominational school that recognizes and respects the various traditions that have arisen in the Body of Christ over the last two thousand years. Our student body and staff come to us from many different church backgrounds, but we make every effort to maintain the unity of the faith. We believe that worship and differing traditions are primarily the business of the family and students’ individual churches, and we refer students with those questions back to their parents and pastors for final answers.
3. Do you have to be a Christian to attend CCHS?
No, but we like for one parent to be a practicing Christian in order that we might establish a covenant relationship with him in helping to educate his son or daughter. The student who has not accepted Christ, but is interested in finding out more about Christianity, is welcome. All students will be provided with opportunities to grow spiritually and to mature in their relationships with the Lord through their understanding of Scripture and the application of scriptural principles to their daily walks.
4. How is CCHS governed?
The high school is operated by Covenant Christian Schools of Indianapolis, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The board of directors consists of eight men and women from the Indianapolis community who establish the general policy and direction of the school. The daily operation of the school is the responsibility of the chief executive officer, Brian Hudson.
5. What curriculum do you use?
We have spent much time and effort developing a curriculum that best meets the needs of our students in a Christian setting. We select our texts based on how well they meet the standards for each particular course. Some of our books come from Christian publishers, and some come from secular ones. Our curriculum is standards driven, not textbook driven. All materials we use, however, must be consistent with the Christian worldview that undergirds all we do.
6. Do you have a dress code?
We do not have a strict dress code, and we give students considerable freedom provided they respect the following three scriptural guidelines:
• Modesty—we ask our students not to go out of their way to attract attention to themselves.
• Sexual distinction—we request that our students recognize they are young men and women and dress accordingly.
• Freedom from the lusts of the world—we want our students to dare to be different enough not to offend anyone with their dress.
A more detailed list is included in the student handbook which every student receives each fall.
Click here to download handbook.
7. What are your graduation requirements?
Requirements vary depending on which diploma a student pursues.
| 8 credits in Bible |
8 credits in Bible |
8 credits in Bible |
| 8 credits in English |
8 credits in English |
8 credits in English |
| 6 credits in Social Studies |
6 credits in Social Studies |
6 credits in Social Studies |
| 4 credits in Math |
6 credits in Math* |
8 credits in Math* |
| 4 credits in Science |
6 credits in Science* |
6 credits in Science* |
| 2 credits in PE |
2 credits in PE |
2 credits in PE |
| 1 credit in Health |
1 credit in Health |
1 credit in Health |
| 1 credit in Computer |
1 credit in Computer |
1 credit in Computer |
| 2 credits in Art/Music |
2 credits in Art/Music |
2 credits in Art/Music |
| 2 credits in Foreign Language |
4 credits in Foreign Language |
6-8 credits in Foreign Language*** |
| 7 credits in other electives |
5 credits in other electives |
4-6 credits in other electives |
| 48 Total Credits |
49 Total Credits (2.0 GPA) |
55 Total Credits (3.0 GPA) |
* Core 40 and Academic Honors diplomas require Biology, Chemistry and Physics in science and Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry in mathematics.
** Must complete one of the following:
- Two Advanced Placement courses and corresponding AP exams
- Academic, transferable dual high school/college courses resulting in 6 college credits
- One Advanced Placement course and corresponding AP exam and academic, transferable dual high school/college course(s) resulting in 3 college credits
- Score 1200 or higher combined SAT math and critical reading
- Score a 26 composite ACT
*** Students must complete three years of the same language or two years each of two different languages
A student earns one credit per semester for each course successfully completed.
8. What classes do Covenant students take?
FRESHMEN
Required: Bible 9, English 9, Biology, Algebra or Geometry, PE/Health, Computer Basics, Art/Music, Foreign Language
Electives: Spanish I, Intro to Art, Concert Choir, Concert Band, Orchestra (strings), Study Hall
SOPHOMORES
Required: Bible 10, English 10, Physics or Chemistry, Geometry or Algebra II, World History, Foreign Language
Electives: Student Pub. (Yearbook), Student Pub. (Newspaper), Creative Writing, Speech, Journalism, Spanish I or II, Lifetime Sports, Fitness and Conditioning, Lifetime Wellness, Computer Applications, Programming, Drawing/Painting, Ceramics, Digital Art, Chamber Chorus, Concert Choir, Concert Band, Orchestra (strings), Treble Ensemble, Music History and Apprec., Study Hall
JUNIORS
Required: Bible 11, English 11, Chemistry or Physics, Algebra II or other math, U.S. History, Foreign Language
Electives: AP U.S. History
SENIORS
Required: Bible 12, English 12, Government/Economics
Electives: AP English Literature, Spanish IV, AP Physics (Elec. & Mag.), AP Calculus
Junior and Senior Electives: Student Pub. (Yearbook), Student Pub. (Newspaper), Creative Writing I/II, Speech, Journalism, Etymology, Dramatic Literature, Literacy Movements, Spanish I/II/III, Greek, Psychology/Sociology, Advanced Christian Thought, Advanced Christian Studies, Film, Adv. Environmental Science, AP Chemistry, Physics I, AP Physics (Mechanics), Trigonometry/Pre-Calc, AP Statistics, Probability/Discrete Math, Lifetime Sports, Lifetime Wellness, Fitness and Conditioning, Adv. Fitness and Conditioning, Intro to Programming, Adv. Computer Applications, Adv. Art Courses, Intro to Art, Digital Art, AP Art History, Chamber Chorus, Concert Choir, Treble Ensemble, Concert Band, Orchestra (strings), Music History and Apprec., AP Music Theory, Study Hall
9. What about homework?
We expect our students to complete an average of two hours of homework per night during the school week. The evidence overwhelmingly indicates that what students do at home is equally important to what they do in class in determining their academic success.
10. What are your grading standards?
Letter grades will be used to indicate student progress at nine-week intervals. Our grading scale is as follows:
| A |
95-100 |
4.00 |
C+ |
83 |
2.33 |
| A- |
94 |
3.67 |
C |
75-82 |
2.00 |
| B+ |
93 |
3.33 |
C- |
74 |
1.67 |
| B |
85-92 |
3.00 |
D |
69-73 |
1.00 |
| B- |
84 |
2.67 |
F |
69 or less |
0.00 |
11. Is your school accredited?
Yes, we were accredited by the state of Indiana as a “Freeway” school in June of 1997. This is a fairly new program which allows schools (both public and private) to submit their own curriculum to the State Board, asking them to waive the traditional performance-based assessment. The school then demonstrates that its own educational program is valid. Our successful performance entitles us to all the rights and privileges of accreditation without any of the restrictions which might interfere with our mission. We are also fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International.
12. Will CCHS graduates be able to get into college?
Over 90% of each graduating class has enrolled in college; 95% were accepted to their first choice of college. Covenant’s graduating class of 2009 was offered $4.5 million in scholarships; these ninety-five students chose to accept close to $1.9 million in merit-based scholarships. Our students are actively recruited by a number of good schools, many of which annually visit our campus.
13. How much does it cost to attend CCHS?
Tuition and fee schedules are established by the Board of Directors in December and are calculated to cover both the costs of instruction and operation for the upcoming year. Total tuition and fees for 2009-2010 are $8404. Additional fees for specific class functions, interscholastic athletics, and/or co-curricular activities may be charged. Tuition and fees are payable in full at the beginning of the school year; extended payment plans in 2, 10, 11, or 12 equal installments, including interest, are available.
14. Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, any interested family may apply for financial aid. We strive to offer aid to every student with real financial need. For more information on making a Covenant education possible for your student, click here.
15. What about extra-curricular activities?
We think they are important and worthwhile, but they are always secondary to our academic purposes. We have clubs ranging from Drama to Rockets in response to student interest and sponsor availability. We are also members of the IHSAA and currently participate in varsity athletic competition in cross country, soccer, basketball, swimming, golf, tennis, track and field, volleyball, softball, and baseball.