Because of the unique nature of courses at Circle, the parent’s role is vital for student success. Parents, student, and teachers form a cord of three strands in order to achieve the highest level of academic and personal training possible. Parents are expected to daily engage with their student’s coursework by assisting with assignments as needed and monitoring their academic progress on the eLearning Campus. Parents should always model a positive attitude toward the classroom teacher, coursework, and education.

Teachers provide full lesson planning, assignments, and grading while parents actively direct the assignment-driven, at-home learning in the University-Hybrid Model. Using a variety of instructional methods in the classroom and through at-home assignments and projects, teachers engage students in the curricula. Teachers also provide feedback and accountability through grading and assessment to ensure learning gains are achieved. In addition to academic growth, teachers at Circle seek to transform lives to the glory of God.

Individual class sizes vary considerably. The average class size is 16. Except for certain situations, the maximum class size is 20.

Honors courses are designed for students seeking college-preparatory-level work. Students expecting to be prepared for college must be willing to put in the required amount of time and focus to do the coursework. Students in a course that meets one day per week may expect a minimum of 1 hour per day of additional work at home for the remaining 4 days of the academic week. When a course meets two days a week, students may expect approximately 1 hour per day of additional work at home for the remaining 3 days of the academic week.

For dual-enrollment courses that award 3-4 credit hours, taught over the full academic year rather than in one semester, students may expect their work at home to be similar to honors level courses listed above.

For dual-enrollment courses that award 3-4 credit hours taught in one semester, the pace is accelerated; students may expect their work at home to follow the common college expectation of 2-3 hours per week for each credit hour of coursework outside of class time.

Circle’s eLearning Campus plays a significant role in our instructional model. It is essential for communication and connection between teachers, parents, and students. Teachers blend classroom learning with at-home learning by using their class pages to enhance the weekly lessons on the eLearning site. Students may encounter discussion forums, digital field trips, links to resources, images and documents, as well as personal teaching videos that add to the rich learning experience of our high school classes through the technology of the eLearning Campus. Computer and internet access is required to be successful in our learning environment.

High school honors courses are college-preparatory. Critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills are emphasized. Dual-enrollment courses are college-level courses and receive both a high school and a college credit awarded by the articulated college. As a SACS/AdvancEd accredited school, college credits earned from Circle Christian School classes are transferable to most colleges and universities.

Circle is committed to providing opportunities of academic excellence for our students. As colleges and job opportunities become increasingly competitive, Circle students must be fully prepared for academic success. Honors courses require more commitment but also provide an additional level of academic preparation for students planning on attending college.

Honors courses demand serious academic attention and study skills. They are designed for students seeking college-preparatory-level work. This includes meeting state honors guidelines as a minimum. As in any solid academic arena, students must commit to doing the homework assignments (including individual or group projects), actively participating in class discussions, and seeking help at the first point of necessity. Consideration must be given to the time and concentration level required on the part of the student and the parent for student success in honors-level courses. Honors courses build upon good foundations in grammar, writing, math, science, and history knowledge. Please keep in mind these are not remediated classes. Generally, students should score above the 75th percentile in standardized testing in the subject being considered. Individual placement guidance is available through the Guidance Department.

Students entering college-level courses in high school should be serious about academic achievement and developmentally prepared for the responsibilities of college-level work. Standardized test scores and guidance approval is needed for all dual-enrollment courses. Dual-enrollment course descriptions provide important criteria and prerequisites. Please read the course guide carefully.

Standard Diploma – Requires 24 credits covering all of the main academic areas of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Bible, and electives. Circle students must achieve a qualifying score on the ACT, SAT, or NWEA exam.

Honors Diploma – Typically indicates higher-level academic work including Honors, AP, or Dual Enrollment classes and a minimum of two years of a foreign language. Circle students must achieve a 3.5 grade point average, attain a qualifying ACT or SAT score, and complete a minimum required 50 volunteer service hours.

CCS ARTS Honors Diploma – is awarded to Circle students who successfully complete four years of high school intensive pre-professional study in theater and also complete the requirements for an Honors Diploma. Students are prepared both artistically and academically to enter universities or conservatories. Admission into CCS School of the ARTS is by audition only

CCS STEM Honors Diploma – will be awarded to the student who chooses 4 or more STEM electives over and above the requirements needed for a CCS Honors Diploma. The student must be accepted into the CCS STEM program by the end of their junior year. Qualifying STEM electives offered by Circle Christian are indicated with the “ST” abbreviation in our course guide. Other STEM courses are subject to pre-approval by the Guidance Office.