Frequently Asked Questions
What grades are offered at CCA?
We offer kindergarten through 12th grades. Lower Elementary students attend classes in the central classroom two days (K-3rd) and Upper Elementary & Secondary attend classes three days a week on campus. Students continue their studies in the home-based satellite classroom on alternate days. Professional teachers assign and assess satellite work on a regular basis.
Where do your students live?
Our students come from all the surrounding areas–Warrenton, Prince William, Fauquier, Loudoun, Fairfax, Culpeper, and beyond. The reduced number of days on campus allows families the freedom to travel farther to our school as their overall time spent in travel is greatly reduced.
What is the difference between a “central” day and a “satellite” day?
Days that a student is on campus at Covenant are referred to as “central campus” days. “Satellite campus” days are what we call the days when the students are under their parent’s supervision and completing their CCA assignments at home. It is important that the students and parents understand that ALL five days in a week are school days; it is just that the school work is being done at a different location.
What does a “satellite” day look like?
It depends on the age of your student, the classes they take, and your family. Obviously, the younger the student, the more involved the parent will be on satellite days. As your student grows older, we expect to see more independent learning. In the last two years of high school, the parent moves more into the role of encourager and accountability partner, helping prepare their student for college.
How long are “satellite” days?
As a general rule, for secondary students, an hour of work at home is assigned for each hour of class at school. However, variables such as student ability, work ethic, variety of assignments, and honors vs. standard courses will impact this standard. For elementary students, the time spent learning on a satellite day is shorter when they are in early grades and gradually increases. Working one-on-one or in a small family group with one parent co-teacher is often more efficient than whole-group instruction.
Beginning in middle school, students may have weekend math homework. Beginning in high school, students may have weekend Math and English homework. Beginning their junior year, students may have weekend homework in all subjects.
What are the class sizes at CCA?
To better meet the individual needs of our students, our classes have low student-teacher ratios. Secondary classes (grades 6-12) are capped at 20-24 students. All elementary classes (K-5) have a maximum of 16-18 students with a teacher and a full-time assistant.
Does CCA currently serve students with special needs or IEPs?
Due to the fast pace of our academic program, CCA does not currently have the staff available to adequately meet the need of students with special needs.
Where does CCA stand in regard to the Common Core Standards?
Our goal at Covenant is to provide the best possible foundation for our students in order to equip them for higher education and life beyond. We want our students to have a broad and in-depth base of knowledge. We teach so that our students also gain understanding, which leads to wisdom in applying their knowledge. We look closely at the Virginia standards to be sure we are meeting or exceeding those expectations. With the Common Core Standards, we are doing the same, and when we find benchmarks that would enhance what we are doing we strive to make adjustments that will benefit our students and better prepare them. We will never compromise content or allow the standards to dictate our instructional strategies. As a private school, we are not obligated to the state standards’ ties to federal funding.
How are assignments communicated between home and school?
For elementary students (K-5), assignment sheets, that outline satellite assignments, will be printed and sent home in a red folder each central day. For secondary students (6-12), weekly assignment sheets will be given out by each teacher and posted in Google Classrooms online for reference.
Is CCA a homeschooling co-op?
No. Our model is a unique, college-simulated program integrating professional instruction of highly qualified instructors and independent study. We are fully certified and accredited. Students who are enrolled at CCA are considered private-schoolers and do not file letters of homeschooling intent with the county’s school district.
What types of standardized testing does CCA administer each year?
We administer a national achievement test (IOWA) every spring to our K-11th graders. CCA students score above average on these tests.
What specials and electives are offered to CCA students?
Special classes in the areas of art, music/drama, physical education, and library are offered each week to all elementary students. Secondary students in grades 6-10 also have choices between several elective courses that meet one time per week. Some examples of the elective courses include journalism, art, business, photography, electronics, yearbook, computer science, home economics, and worship band.
How are curriculum choices determined and evaluated?
Our yearly review process includes a consistent set of curriculum criteria that are aligned with our educational philosophy, curriculum statement, and overall vision for CCA. Our criteria for curriculum evaluation includes:
Biblical integration and character development
Use of “Best Educational Practices” (including differentiation, multi-sensory activities, developmentally appropriate assessments, a balance between drilling facts and developing high order thinking skills)
Adaptability for our UMS model and how it supports parent-teaching
Cost-effectiveness
Alignment to our certification/accreditation guidelines
Encouragement for students to be engaged learners who develop a deep love for learning and use critical thinking in all subjects
Additionally, for secondary curricula– Develops the foundation for success in college-level courses
What type of Language Arts program is used in the early elementary grades (K-2)?
We have adopted the Superkids program in grades K-2. Authored by former teacher and founder of American Girl dolls, Pleasant Rowland, Superkids encompasses all of the necessary elements for a balanced literacy program: phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, guided reading, and guided writing. With its emphasis on positive character traits and quality literature, Superkids fits well with our educational philosophy at CCA. We also integrate the Bible into the Superkids program in age-appropriate ways for each grade level.