A Blog for those with interest in Benton's New School

This blog has been updated to include new information - 08/05/2008

In last Monday's meetings a major decision was made. The parents of the Calvary Christian Academy students were presented the possibility of opening a new school. After discussion, several parents indicated that they were interested in pioneering such a school. Sufficient interest was shown to continue investigations into starting this school. This blog is the initial communication vehicle for this new school.

In this space, we will answer questions that many people will be asking.


Q: Why does Saline county need a new Christian School?
A: A gap has been created by the anticipated closing of Calvary Christian Academy. Calvary has served the Saline County community for over 3o years. Many students have never attended a public school, and their parents don't want them to begin now. We feel that these students should have a viable Christian alternative.

Q: What will the school be called?
A: That has yet to be determined. Several suggestions have been made. Suggestions are welcome!
Benton Christian Academy.


Q: Where will the school be located?
A: Several options are being considered. If you have a location which you believe would serve well please contact us.
The facility which previously housed Calvary Christian Academy has been leased for the 08/09 school year.

Q: What kind of classes will the school offer?
A: We will offer the basic courses required for students at each grade level as well as several electives. Options are available, mostly depending upon enrollment size. What we can guarantee is the best possible education for students enrolled.
We have decided to use a curriculum by Alpha Omega Publications in conjunction with several lecture style classes being offered. We will be offering Home Ec. classes, Art classes and music as electives.

Q: What about accreditation?
A: This must be answered in two separate parts. The first and most obvious answer is since we are a new school is that the school will begin with no accreditation. However we will begin planning for accreditation with organizations which help to accredit private schools as soon as we begin classes. Depending upon initial enrollment and future growth, it is reasonable to expect to gain accreditation is as little as three or four years.
The second part of this answer is that we have a program which offers accreditation for students and is available for all grades and more information about this program can be offered to parents and students who are interested.

Q: Will the lack of accreditation prevent my student from getting into the college of his/her choice?
A: The short answer is "no". Most colleges accept students on the basis of ACT and SAT scores. Many home schooled children receive full scholarships to very prestigious state and private colleges and universities. As a school, we will do our best to prepare our students to do well on the ACT and SAT tests. Also as mentioned above we have an option for accredited curriculum for those who are interested.

Q: Will the new school offer standardized achievement tests?
A: Yes. We will administer those tests because they are an established way of evaluating our progress. CCA produced students who, as a class, performed well above grade norms. Our goal is to offer the same type of teaching and learning experience so it is reasonable to expect that a new school ran much the same will produce similar results.

Q: How can I contact a new school representative?
A: At this time you may feel free to call Thomas Burkhalter at 501-315-2616 or email him at tsburk@gmail.com