Chattanooga Christian School: An Investment in Holistic Education

Chattanooga Christian School (CCS) is a highly-rated private Christian school located in Chattanooga, TN, offering education for students from PreSchool through 12th grade. Recognizing that private Christian education is a significant investment for many families, CCS is committed to providing both academic excellence and character development. The school strives to make Christian education accessible through financial aid and a transparent tuition structure.

Overview of Chattanooga Christian School

CCS provides an academically challenging and distinctively Christian education. With a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1, the school ensures individualized attention, fostering an environment where students can explore complex ideas and develop their unique talents. After graduation, a remarkable 99% of CCS students pursue higher education at 2 or 4-year colleges.

Key features of CCS include:

Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: Over 1550 students
Yearly Tuition: Varies by grade level
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Average Class Size: 18 students
Application Deadline: January 31 / rolling

Tuition Rates for 2025-2026

CCS offers a tiered tuition structure for the 2025-2026 school year, varying based on grade level and the number of children enrolled per family. The following rates provide a detailed breakdown:

High School (9-12): \$17,750 (First Child), \$17,250 (Additional Children)
Middle School (6-8): \$15,250 (First Child), \$14,750 (Additional Children)
Lower School (K-5): \$13,200 (First Child), \$12,700 (Additional Children)
PreK 5-Day (2 year olds): \$15,800 (First Child), \$15,300 (Additional Children) - Includes extended care, summer camp, daily lunch, and two snacks per day.
PreK 5-Day (3-5 year olds): \$12,200 (First Child), \$11,700 (Additional Children)
PreK 3-Day (3-5 year olds): \$8,500 (First Child), \$8,000 (Additional Children)
PreK 2-Day (3-5 year olds): \$6,100 (First Child), \$5,600 (Additional Children)

Tuition payments can be made annually or divided into two, ten, or twelve equal installments. Additionally, a one-time, non-refundable application fee of \$100 is required, along with an enrollment fee of \$185 per student.

Read also: Understanding CCS Tuition

Additional Fees

Beyond tuition, families should anticipate additional fees to cover various aspects of the CCS experience. A sample of these fees for the 2025-2026 school year includes:

Lunch Program:
- Lower School (K-5): \$895 per student
- Upper School (6-12): \$1,295 per student
Class Trips: End-of-year trip fees are required for 5th, 8th, and 12th grades.
Uniforms: Prices vary
Laptop (5th-12th): Prices vary

Extended Care

CCS provides extended care on full school days from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM for PreSchool through 8th grade. A registration fee of \$20 is charged during the first month of usage.

Lower School (K-5) / Upper School (6-8):
- 3:30-4:30 PM: \$10
- 4:30-6:00 PM: \$20
- \$20/day maximum charge if picked up by 6:00 PM.

Extended Care rates for PreSchool include after school care until 5:15 PM, with an additional \$10 charge for students staying after 5:15 PM. Charges are billed monthly based on checkout time.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

CCS is dedicated to making Christian education accessible to families with demonstrated financial needs. A significant portion of the school's budget is allocated to financial aid.

Financial Aid Application Process

The financial aid application is open from October 1 through January 31 for new families (December 31 for current CCS families). Families must apply each year and complete the process, including the submission of required tax documents, by the deadline to be considered in the first round of awards.

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New families should submit an online application for admission to CCS and then read the Financial Aid Application Instructions.

Tennessee Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) and Individualized Education Accounts (IEAs)

The Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program establishes a statewide school choice program available to all Tennessee families. The Educational Savings Accounts (ESA) program in Tennessee is offered to families with students zoned for Hamilton County Schools. The Individualized Education Accounts (IEA) program in Tennessee is offered to families with students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are zoned for a public school district.

The Learning Center

The Learning Center at CCS provides an individualized, comprehensive educational program for students in grades 6 and up with significant needs. This state-of-the-art facility is designed for 30+ students and offers a tailor-made approach to education.

Key Features of The Learning Center

Individualized Attention: A student-to-staff ratio of approximately 3 to 1 ensures personalized engagement and support.
Customized Learning: Tailored academic programs are created based on individual needs, with input from multidisciplinary teams, the student, and the family.
Therapy Services: Occupational, speech-language, and physical therapy strategies are integrated into daily learning activities.
Post-Secondary Planning: Staff works with students to determine interests and skill potential for post-secondary work, training, or school placements.
Independent Living Skills: Students learn essential skills such as budgeting, meal planning, and housekeeping.
Community Involvement: Customized community involvement and job training opportunities are provided based on each student’s interests and abilities.

Admissions and Financial Aid for The Learning Center

The admissions and financial aid processes for The Learning Center involve completing an inquiry form, submitting an online application, and participating in a family interview. The application process and financial aid application must be completed by January 31.

The Glenwood School

The Glenwood School (TGS) is a small, neighborhood K-5th elementary school located in Chattanooga at New City Fellowship. CCS partners with New City to provide high-quality, affordable Christian education for parents interested in their children learning at their peak potential.

Key Aspects of The Glenwood School

Curriculum: TGS uses the same standards-based curriculum as CCS with integrated Bible instruction.
Teaching Methods: Engaging teaching methods and a focus on individualized instruction and dynamic teaching practices.
Financial Aid: Financial aid is available by application, and qualifying individuals may also receive tuition assistance through Tennessee Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs).
Cost: The cost to attend for 2024-2025 is \$9,275 per student.

Academic Programs and Electives

CCS offers a diverse range of academic programs and electives to cater to students' interests and talents.

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Arts and Culture

6th Grade Arts & Culture Orientation: A one-semester course that introduces students to Choir, Visual Art, Theatre, and Introduction to World Languages.
Studio Art I (Grades 7-8): Explores the fundamentals of art making.
Studio Art II (Grade 8): Investigates the foundations of art and composition.
Introduction to Art (Grades 9-12): A hands-on introduction to art making.
Design I & II (Grades 9-12): Courses covering digital photography, graphic design, and illustration.
Drawing I, II, & III (Grades 9-12): Introductory and advanced courses in drawing and painting.
Ceramics I, II, & III (Grades 9-12): Courses focusing on clay as a medium for functional and sculptural art.
AP Art & Design (Grades 11-12): A program consisting of AP 2D Art and Design, AP 3D Art and Design, and AP Drawing.

Music and Performing Arts

Middle School Concert Choir (Grades 7-8): Develops choral musicianship in various styles and languages.
High School Concert Choir (Grades 9-12): A performance-based class for students interested in singing.
Choral Ensemble (Grades 10-12): An audition-only ensemble for advanced singers.
Introduction to Band (Grades 6-8): Develops beginning skills of instrumental study.
Middle School Concert Band (Grades 6-8): For students who have completed Introduction to Band.
High School Concert Band (Grades 8-12): Provides advanced musicians an opportunity to perform and develop skills.
Worship Arts (Grades 9-12): A performing ensemble that prepares Middle and High School chapel worship music.
Middle School Theatre I & II (Grades 7-8): Explores basic acting skills and theatre knowledge.
Theatre I & II (Grades 9-12): Introduces students to the dramatic arts, focusing on acting and technical skills.

Athletics

Chattanooga Christian School offers 15 interscholastic sports:

Baseball
Basketball
Cheering
Climbing
Cross Country
Dance
Football
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Weightlifting
Wrestling

tags: #chattanooga #christian #school #tuition #costs