Overview
The Middle School Experience at CCA, the Right Environment for a Crucial Time
The Middle School years are an important time in a child’s development. From fifth through eighth grade, CCA seeks to provide support and nurturing, while also promoting growth and independence. In balancing these developmental needs, we will help propel them forward through Middle School, Upper School, college and far beyond.
Middle school is a season of transition. It’s when students begin to stretch toward independence while still needing structure. They’re asking deeper questions, discovering what matters to them, and paying closer attention to the world around them.
CCA offers a middle school education and experience that is rigorous, engaging and supportive, providing a strong academic foundation for success in upper school and beyond. Our program encourages excellence in analysis and communication through English Language Arts and emphasizes the development of critical thinking in math and science so that students are truly prepared for our college preparatory program in upper school.
CCA teachers in the Middle School focus on building relationships and are responsive to the individualized needs of each student. The curriculum our students explore seeks to cultivate a growth mindset, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. This is balanced with a breadth of opportunities in athletics, the arts, and extracurricular activities where they are encouraged to pursue their passions with confidence, try new things, and most of all have fun!
Our academic program is designed to engage students actively in the learning process. Our Bob Jones Curriculum provides Christ-centered instruction in all subject areas, helping students develop a biblical worldview as they grow intellectually. Through small group instruction and one-on-one conferencing, teachers lovingly guide and mentor each student, recognizing their unique strengths and helping them navigate any challenges they may encounter along their educational journey.
Our curriculum, culture, and community all support our biblical worldview and focus on making sure our students are prepared academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Students’ learning experiences are inspired by being nurtured across the 4 A’s – Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Attitude (spiritual life).
DISCOVER. BELONG. LEAD.
The CCA structure fosters belonging, leadership, positive behavior, and a strong Christ-centered community. Here, students are encouraged to grow in faith, friendships, and confidence as they step into new opportunities and discover their God-given gifts.
At CCA, we don’t see middle school as something to survive. We see it as a powerful opportunity to shape students during one of the most formative seasons of their lives. Through intentional mentoring, a Christ-centered culture, and a clear educational model called The CCA Way, we walk with students through this season and help them build the character and habits that will carry them into the future.
Guided by Purpose—Every Day
Students are encouraged to live with integrity, humility, and compassion — thanks to daily Bible study and the support of daily devotionals, weekly chapel, and a community that shares the Christian values of grace and truth.
The Environment –One of Many Things That Sets CCA Middle School Apart
The environment they’re in matters deeply because it shapes how they grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. During this critical stage, they’ll be discovering their unique gifts and beginning to develop the confidence and character that will guide them for years to come. At CCA, our middle school program is thoughtfully designed to make these years impactful and rewarding. It’s a season of growth where your child will be nurtured, challenged, and inspired in all the right ways.
A Family-Centered Community
At CCA, our commitment to loving and supporting one another is unwavering. Together, we strive to ensure no need goes unmet and every member of our community feels valued.
Our focus on relationships fosters open communication, ensuring that students feel respected and valued. When issues arise, we address them thoughtfully, understanding that misbehavior often has underlying causes, and work to support both sides in a loving and constructive way. By staying proactive and engaged, we maintain a culture where mistreating others is not tolerated and students are equipped to thrive in a safe and caring community.
Fostering Strong Relationships
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Older students regularly step in to tutor younger ones, and teachers mentor middle schoolers through life’s challenges.
Character Development Through Faith
Character growth is built on a biblical worldview, with Bible classes as a core part of every student’s day. These lessons prepare students to make thoughtful decisions and approach moral challenges with clarity and faith. This intentional focus on character helps middle schoolers grow into individuals who live with integrity and kindness, both inside and outside the classroom.
Academic Rigor
Our middle school program gives students the tools they need to thrive in high school and beyond. Challenging academics, grounded in a biblical worldview, encourage them to think deeply and tackle real-world topics. Students learn to analyze, question, and articulate their ideas through engaging activities like classroom debates on complex issues.
Leadership Opportunities
Leadership is cultivated through community service programs like the canned food drive for Hope of Lancaster, a different community service project each month, weekly offerings for the Gideons to buy Bibles for an elementary school in a third world country. At CCA, students plan events and serve with their peers. Some middle schoolers even volunteer to help set up the chapel for events to welcome our community helpers, Leadership Lancaster, and various other events open to the public.
Administrator’s Reading Challenge
At CCA, every student is required to read one book per month—nine books each school year. But that’s just the beginning. Our administrator challenges every student to go further: one book each week. Many rise to the challenge, and some even read more than 200 books in a single school year.
Like them or not, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg are among the most influential leaders in the world. Who are they? Titans of Wall Street, Microsoft, Shark Tank, Tesla, SpaceX, and Facebook.
What do they all have in common? They are relentless readers. Warren Buffett spends nearly 80% of his day reading. Mark Cuban devotes more than three hours daily to it. Bill Gates reads more than a book a week.
In the same way, we pray that our students will be shaped by Jesus into leaders who make a lasting impact. But to lead well, one must be well informed—and that requires reading. That’s why Dr. Mills challenges each student to take on The Administrator’s Reading Challenge: one book each week during the school year.
Those who complete the challenge are honored as Administrator’s Reading Challenge Winners—earning not only an award but also a special day of fun and adventure at an exciting location.
Key Skills
At CCA, middle school is a time for students to grow in independence, self-advocacy, and time management — key skills they’ll need for high school and beyond. During the first nine weeks, teachers guide students through these important lessons in a way that feels natural and engaging, so they develop these abilities without even realizing it.
We consider it an honor to partner with your family during your children’s lower school years. We foster a safe and supportive atmosphere where students can form lasting friendships, develop a sense of belonging, and thrive.