CLA Academic Overview
The academic school year consists of 35 weeks divided into two semesters. Christian Liberty Academy uses a traditional scheduling approach, with the school day beginning at 8:25 a.m. and ending at 3:35 p.m. Nine 40-minute classes and a 20-minute chapel period structure the day.
Preschool
The Christian Liberty Academy preschool program provides developmentally-appropriate Christian education that will prepare three-year old children for Junior Kindergarten. All activities are structured to develop and strengthen motor, coordination, visual, auditory, communication and social skills. The CLA-Preschool provides a safe, nurturing environment for students to develop intellectually, socially and spiritually.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten programs are divided into two levels: Junior and Senior. Ages range from four to five. The primary emphasis of our Kindergarten programs are to acquaint youngsters with basic phonics, reading, and arithmetic skills. In teaching phonics, a multisensory approach - auditory, tactile, and visual - is employed. Bible study is also an integral part of the kindergarten curriculum. In addition, art, music, science, and literature are presented in a manner suitable for assimilation by Kindergarten-age children.
1st - 5th Grade
Study in these grades is focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. To these basic skills are added Bible, geography, history, penmanship, science, and music. Basic computer skills class is added at the beginning of 3rd grade and continues through 8th grade.
6th - 8th Grade
Beginning in the sixth grade, the curriculum is further enriched by the introduction of literature as a formal discipline. Eighth grade is high school preparatory with stringent graduation requirements. Students are required to participate in annual Science Fair and may progress to IJAS science fair.
High School
A superb high school program is aimed at promoting the maximum academic and spiritual growth possible for the teenage student.
High School Sample Schedule:
Freshman | Sophomore | Junior | Senior |
---|---|---|---|
1st Philosophy | 1st History | 1st Math | 1st English |
2nd History | 2nd Philosophy | 2nd History | 2nd History |
CHAPEL | CHAPEL | CHAPEL | CHAPEL |
3rd Math | 3rd Science | 3rd Philosophy | 3rd Philosophy |
4th Language | 4th Math | 4th History | 4th History |
LUNCH | LUNCH | LUNCH | LUNCH |
6th English | 6th Language | 6th Science | 6th Math |
7th Science | 7th English | 7th English | 7th Science |
8th P.E. Elective | 8th P.E. Elective | 8th P.E. Elective | 8th |
9th Study Hall / Elective | 9th Study Hall / Elective | 9th Study Hall / Elective | 9th |
Credits: 7 | Credits: 7 | Credits: 7 | Credits: 6 |
Total Credits: 7 | Total Credits: 14 | Total Credits: 21 | Total Credits: 27 |
Core Class Descriptions for High School
AP classes are offered when requested by a sufficient number of students.
Senior Year
Philosophy - An in-depth look at the relevance of the 10 commandments and analysis of modern culture. Discussion includes other religions and philosophies. Students are prepared to give a defense of their faith (apologetics).
U.S. History - Study of American history from discovery and colonization to modern times.
Constitution - Detailed analysis of the U.S. Constitution and the republican system of government.
English - 1 semester of college-level composition.
Literature - 1 semester of world literature.
Physics - A rigorous study of classical physics with introduction to modern physics; a laboratory class.
Anatomy & Physiology - The study of Histology, Physiology, & Gross Anatomy.
AP Calculus (AB) - The first sequence in calculus covering limits, differentiation, and integration. AP exam may be taken for college credit.
AP Computer - A first-year college-level study of object-oriented programming methodology, including problem solving, algorithm development, the study of data structures and abstraction. AP exam may be taken for college credit.
AP Literature - Designed to engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. AP exam may be taken for college credit.
AP Spanish - College level Spanish.
Junior Year
Philosophy - An in-depth look at the relevance of the 10 commandments and analysis of modern culture. Discussion includes other religions and philosophies.
European History - Study of modern European history from the Reformation to the present day.
Economics - Study of the U.S. economy and a comparison of the free-market system with other economic systems.
English - English literature with an emphasis on writing.
Chemistry - An honors-level coverage of basic inorganic chemistry; a laboratory class.
Computer - An introduction to PC computers and applications. Pre-Calculus - A rigorous treatment of algebra, trigonometry, and geometry in preparation for calculus.
Algebra II - A rigorous treatment of second year algebra topics with emphasis on graphing and problem solving. Graphing calculators are used.
Geometry - An honors-level, proof- and algebra-based treatment of plane and solid geometry.
Sophomore Year
Philosophy - An in-depth study of the New Testament along with readings in church history.
Ancient History - World history from Creation to the Renaissance.
English - A study of Shakespearean literature.
Physical Science - An introduction to chemistry and classical physics. Advanced students take Chemistry.
Algebra II - A rigorous treatment of second year algebra topics with emphasis on graphing and problem solving. Graphing calculators are used.
Geometry - An honors-level, proof- and algebra-based treatment of plane and solid geometry; available for accelerated students.
Freshman Year
Philosophy - An in-depth study of Bible doctrines and their significance in history and practice.
Government - An analysis of the U.S. Republic and its biblical foundations. (Geography is taught for one half of the year.)
English - Basic composition and grammar.
Biology - A study of creation and God’s living world. Students are introduced to comparative anatomy and dissection.
Geometry - An honors-level, proof- and algebra-based treatment of plane and solid geometry; available for accelerated students.
Algebra I - Introduction to the fundamental concepts of algebra. Graphing is stressed through both graphing calculators and traditional methods.
Elective Courses
Art - Students 1st - 8th grade may take art, learning to draw, paint, and sculpt. Art Appreciation & Art Elective are offered for 9th - 12th grades. The annual Art Show features artists from all grade levels with awards given.
Auto Shop - Practical and hands-on introduction to automobiles and engine systems.
Awaken Drama - Offered to 7th - 11th grade students with the mission to glorify God through drama that is relevant, interesting, and will help others grow spiritually. Skits are performed during chapel services throughout the year.
Band - Students 4th - 12th grade may be a part of the Liberty Band at beginner or advanced levels.
Choir - Students 7th-12th grade have an opportunity to be a part of the award-winning Liberty Choir. The choir has recorded several CD’s.
Computers - LEGO Robotics - Computer programming through the medium of robotics.
Computers - Web Design - Creating and designing web pages using HTML and CSS.
Computers - Build your own P.C. - Students will build their own computer and bring it home after course completion.
Culinary Arts - Hands-on knowledge learning safe sanitation, food and kitchen safety, nutrition, & culinary skills. The students participate in a annual Iron Chef competition and awards are given.
Drama Elective - Offered to students interested in learning to act, including the study of different types of acting, proper use of voice, improvisation, and stage skills.
Dynamics of Fitness - Focuses on the fundamentals of strength training, aerobic endurance, flexibility, motor skills, nutrition, and weight management.
French I - IV - A four-year sequence of modern French.
Spanish I - III & AP - A four-year sequence of Spanish. AP students may take the AP Exam for college credit.
Wood Shop - Students learn to use hand tools and powered machinery, designing and building various projects.
Yearbook - Students have the opportunity to work on the production of the Clarion, the school’s yearbook. Students learn skills in desktop publishing, layout, and photography.
Other Activities and Opportunities
High School Drama & Drama Jr. - Each year CLA produces fall and spring plays at the H. S. and grammar school levels.
Science Fair - 5th through 8th grade students develop science projects and participate in the annual science fair that is judged by experts in many fields of science. Awards are given and many of our students have gone on to win numerous regional and state awards. We have hosted the Illinois Regional Science fair here at CLA since 2002.
Student Council - Students in high school have the opportunity to serve the school by leading and planning activities and helping at events throughout the year.
Student Chapel - Each week students lead the daily chapel. Students participate in drama, music, and speaking.
Small Groups - Each Thursday, students meet during the chapel period for prayer and Bible discussion. Students also have the opportunity to lead a group & to mentor younger students.
High School Graduation Requirements
MINIMUM Graduation Requirements |
RECOMMENDED Graduation Requirements For the College Bound Students |
|
English | 4 credits | 4 credits |
Philosophy | 4 credits | 4 credits |
History | 6 credits | 6 credits |
Physical Education* | 3 credits | 3 credits |
Mathematics | 3 credits | 4 credits |
Science | 3 credits | 4 credits |
Foreign Language | ** | 2-4 credits |
Electives** | 1 credit | 1 credit |
TOTAL | 24 credits | 28 credits |
* Electives that meet the same period as physical education (8th period) may be taken in lieu of 2 years of P.E.
** Foreign Language is considered an elective and counts toward the minimum 1 elective requirement.
Units of Credit
1 credit | credit for course taken one full year |
0.5 credit | credit for course taken one semester |
0.5 credit | for elective courses that meet 2-3 days/week |
Christian Liberty Academy Four-year plan
College bound students should plan on taking at least: 3 years of math, science and 2 years of a foreign language.
Philosophy - 16 quarters (4 credits)
English - 16 quarters (4 credits)
History - 24 quarters (6 credits)
Math - 12 quarters (3 credits)
Science - 12 quarters (3 credits)
Physical Education - 12 quarters (3 credits). Electives that meet the same period as physical education (8th period) may be taken in lieu of 2 years of P.E.
Additional Electives - 4 quarters. Foreign Language is considered an elective and counts toward the minimum 1 elective requirement.
High School Course Progression
Click here to download a High School Course Progression chart.
School Grading Scale
Grade | Description | Grade Pts | Cutt-Off % | Grade Value |
A+ | Superior | 4.0 | 98 | 100 |
A | Superior | 4.0 | 94 | 97 |
A- | Superior | 3.7 | 90 | 93 |
B+ | Good | 3.3 | 88 | 89 |
B | Good | 3.0 | 84 | 87 |
B- | Good | 2.7 | 80 | 83 |
C+ | Average | 2.3 | 78 | 79 |
C | Average | 2.0 | 74 | 77 |
C- | Average | 1.7 | 70 | 73 |
D+ | Below Average | 1.3 | 68 | 69 |
D | Below Average | 1.0 | 64 | 67 |
D- | Below Average | 0.7 | 60 | 63 |
F | Failed | 0.0 | 0 | 59 |
High School Service Hours
Service Hours Definition
Service hours will be defined as any activity that a student gives up time for, will not be paid for, and helps others. These volunteer hours can be completed inside and outside the school. Students will not be able to use family chores or anything they are being rewarded for as service hours.
Service Hours Overview
- Each student will be expected to complete 15 service hours per year.
- Only 4 hours may be counted from one activity unless you are making a long term commitment.
- If a student has not completed service hours by the deadline given, he/she will be ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity.
- Students will not be allowed to graduate until all service hours are completed.
- At the end of each year students will be expected to turn in a 2-3 page paper answering questions about their experiences.
- Papers will be graded on a pass/fail basis, and service hours will not be complete until the paper has passed.
- Students will have in school and out of school opportunities to choose from.
- We require students to spend at least 6 service hours on out of house activities.
Mission and Goals
- To give each student the opportunity to use Christian values learned in the classroom in real world experiences.
- To stretch students beyond their comfort zone to promote personal growth.
- To allow students to have a positive effect on and be positively affected by people they would not normally meet.
- To teach students the value of using their time to put the interests of others in front of their own.
- To promote a community where students can build each other up and help those who are less able to help themselves.
- To show the Christian character of CLA students to those inside and outside of the school.
- As an added bonus, our students' college applications will be enhanced.
Service Opportunities (incomplete list)
In School:
- Concessions/admissions at sporting events
- Tutoring - please see Donna Morrison
- Mentoring - please see Natalie Salsgiver
Out of School:
- Feed My Starving Children (Schaumburg, IL)
- Abortion counselling - please see Dave Berquist
- Campus Life Ministries (Arlington Heights)
- Animal shelter in Northbrook
- Warm Blankets orphan care (Rolling Meadows)
*There will be transportation and chaperones at some out of school events
Click here to download full Service Hours Guide.
Liberty Scholar
A student whose cumulative grade point average is 3.2 - 4.0 is named a Christian Liberty Scholar.
3.2 - 3.4 - Honors
3.5 - 4.0 - High Honors
The Class of 2013 had 18 Christian Liberty Scholars.
The George Washington Award
The George Washington Award is the highest award given by the school. At the annual Honors Assembly on the last day of school, one high school student and one student from 5th - 8th grade are recognized not only for their excellent academic achievements, but also for their exemplary Christian attitude and service during their school years.
We strive to ensure that our students, upon leaving Christian Liberty Academy, will:
- possess a well-formed conscience based on the teachings of Jesus Christ;
- display Christian behavior in all aspects of daily life;
- show proficiency in all academic areas to enter, excel and succeed in college, graduate school, as well as in chosen profession;
- possess knowledge and skills in the arts, athletics, and extra-curricular activities;
- utilize technology effectively to solve problems;
- work cooperatively and successfully with others;
- communicate effectively, think creatively, and be life-long learners;
- adjust to a changing world, while utilizing logic and biblical wisdom to work through obstacles;
- treat every individual with charity and grace as a person created in the image and likeness of God.
Preschool
A faith-based education let's children shine!
Preschool is a time to explore, learn, create and grow in mind, body and spirit. At Christian Liberty Academy, we teach a Bible-based curriculum that prepares children for future spiritual and academic success. Our class ratio of 2:12 allows for individual attention to each child’s needs academically, physically and spiritually. Children receive a lot of love and prayer from our dedicated staff. Our theme verse: 2 Timothy 3:15 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
Schedule a tour today!
Apply for Preschool!
Kindergarten Enrichment Program
Junior Kindergarten & Senior Kindergarten
Half-Day and Full-Day Kindergarten program for students who are four and five years of age.
Time goes by quickly. Your child has grown and developed so much already, and now it is time for you to consider where he or she will attend Kindergarten.
You have an important decision to make and we are here to help. Kindergarten is a significant milestone and the beginning of a lifelong, faith-filled learning journey. Your child has a promising future ahead and we hope you will give us the opportunity to nurture his or her social, physical, intellectual and spiritual growth.
We are committed to your child’s growth from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. That is why our comprehensive Kindergarten program focuses on establishing a solid foundation for your child’s future. Recognizing that each student develops differently and is uniquely gifted by God, our team of professional staff strives to help all children reach their full potential.
In Kindergarten, your child will develop knowledge and skills in language, mathematics, science and technology, personal and social growth, faith, health and physical education, music and the arts – while having fun!
Our schools value parents as partners. We know that parents are the first and best teachers of their children. We look forward to fostering a positive relationship with you so that together we can achieve excellence in education for your child.
Kindergarten is just the beginning of a wonderful and exciting learning journey. We sincerely look forward to you and your child joining our Christian community for that journey.
What we teach:
- Phonetic skills-giving your child keys to decode new words expanding vocabulary, and enabling your child to read fluently.
- Reading - uplifting stories with wholesome values.
- Comprehension tools - ability to read with understanding.
- Math-understanding facts- giving ability to solve mental problems without reliance on manual aides.
- Citizenship- an introduction and respect for our country and how it works.
- Social- children learn respect, love, and care for each other, as all created in God’s image, important and special.
Schedule a tour today!
Elementary
Christian Liberty Academy elementary grades of 1st-5th grade form a solid bridge between the Kindergarten and the Jr. High.
Families choose Christian Liberty Academy as a school where clear biblical integration is evident across the curriculum. Our students do not just hear about Christ in our daily chapels. CLA Teachers are strong Christian role models who take seriously their mission to educate, train, and nurture children for godliness and excellence. Teacher/student relationships are important as students move from lower to upper elementary years and discover more of their identity in Christ.
Christian Liberty Academy’s strong academic program comes along with numerous fine arts and co-curricular activities. And what about students who need extra help? Systems are in place to offer support and structure.
Schedule a tour today!
Middle School
Middle school students are presented a curriculum that is challenging, relevant and exploratory. Students study Bible, literature, grammar, history, math, science, Spanish (during 8th grade) and physical education. They are also given an opportunity to study music, technology and art.
Middle school students are mentored directly by our school chaplain as they navigate their adolescent years. Through daily Bible classes and daily chapels, they are challenged to grow in their faith and increase in their service to Jesus Christ and others. In eighth grade history, a focus on the Christian and other world views reveals how God’s truth permeates every aspect of students’ lives. This knowledge prepares students to engage in society and culture, making disciples for Christ, and it provides the lens through which to view all future learning.
Schedule a tour today!
High School
In the pursuit of their callings in Jesus Christ, high school students are nurtured and challenged to grow academically and in their Christian faith. They are equipped to engage the culture, sharing the gospel to advance the kingdom of God.
Students are challenged by rigorous course work and opportunities to take Advanced Placement classes in preparation for work or further education . Whether it is humanities or technology, classes are taught using a Christian worldview. Through their studies, students develop analytical thinking along with strong written and oral communication skills.
Students grow in their knowledge of our Triune God through daily chapel and Bible classes. They are encouraged to develop and utilize their spiritual gifts through participation in small groups, student chapel and the school’s mentoring program. Through our philosophy program, students become critical thinkers, knowing what they believe and don’t believe, and they are able to articulate their arguments well.
Schedule a tour today!
CLA Calendar
Documents & Forms
Essentials
Document Name | Description | Revision Date |
Parent-Student Handbook | Parent-Student Handbook | Sept 2019 |
Accessing ParentWeb Family Portal | How to create a ParentWeb account to access student grades, assignments, etc. | Aug 2020 |
ParentWeb Login Help | ParentWeb Login Help | June 2019 |
ParentsWeb Letter | ParentsWeb Access & Usage Info | Aug 2019 |
Academics
Document Name | Description | Revision Date |
Academic Dress Code Preschool & Kindergarten | Academic Dress Code Preschool & Kindergarten | Aug 2019 |
Academic Dress Code 1st - 4th grade | Academic Dress Code 1st - 4th grade | Aug 2020 |
Academic Dress Code 5th - 12th | Academic Dress Code 5th - 12th | Aug 2020 |
Student Records Request Form | Student Records Request Form | Aug 2019 |
Transcript Request Form | Transcript Request Form | Sept 2019 |
Admissions
Document Name | Description | Revision Date |
New Student Test Letter | New Student Test Letter | Aug 2019 |
Shadow Request Form | Visiting CLA For a Day Request Form | Sept 2019 |
Student Reference Form | Student Reference Form | Aug 2019 |
Preschool Application Form | Preschool Application Form | Dec 2019 |
Athletics
Document Name | Description | Revision Date |
IHSA Pre-Participation Examation | IHSA Pre-Participation Examation | Aug 2019 |
IHSA Concussion Info & Sports Medicine Acknowledgement & Consent Form | IHSA Concussion Info & Sports Medicine Acknowledgement & Consent Form | Aug 2019 |
Extracurricular Activities
Document Name | Description | Revision Date |
Kindergarten Summer Camp 2020 Form | Kindergarten Summer Camp 2020 Form | Feb 2020 |
Afterschool Art Program Kindergarten | Afterschool Art Program Kindergarten | Aug 2019 |
Afterschool Art Program 1st & 2nd | Afterschool Art Program 1st & 2nd | Aug 2019 |
Health
Document Name | Description | Revision Date |
Welcome Letter | Letter to parents from Nurse Nancy | Aug 2020 |
Medical Enrollment Forms Listed By Grades | Medical Enrollment Forms Listed By Grades | Aug 2020 |
Certificate of Child Health Examination | IL State Health Form | Aug 2020 |
Eye Exam Form | Eye Exam Form | Aug 2020 |
Dental Exam Form | Dental Exam Form | Aug 2020 |
Documentation of Meningococcal Vaccine | Documentation of Meningococcal Vaccine | Aug 2020 |
Documentation of Tdap Administration | Documentation of Tdap Administration | Aug 2020 |
ADD ADHD Care Plan | ADD ADHD Care Plan | Aug 2020 |
Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan | Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan | Aug 2020 |
Asthma Action Plan | Asthma Action Plan | Aug 2020 |
Diabetes Medical Management Plan | Diabetes Medical Management Plan | Aug 2020 |
Individual Health Care Plan | Individual Health Care Plan | Aug 2020 |
Medication Authorization Form | Medication Authorization Form | Aug 2020 |
Seizure Action Plan | Seizure Action Plan | Aug 2020 |
Religious Exemption Form | Religious Exemption Form | Aug 2020 |