When my husband and I set out many years ago to find a school that would be a good fit for our family, we knew we wanted a school where our kids would get a Christian education and be known by more than just their first name. We loved the fact that CCA was serious about following God's Word and providing a classical education. The school size was just right. Once we dove in and started our journey at CCA, we also realized we had a new "extended family." 

The teachers personally knew and connected with our children. Other families were raising their kids the same way we were. Other students became closer than brothers to our children. The "CCA Family" separates us from other schools, and what we all do to protect and maintain this special place ultimately keeps us connected to Christ and one another.  

I love our CCA school "family" because:

1.  We accomplish goals together in partnership. Some goals focus on our children's spiritual, social, and academic objectives. Other goals, like growing our Christian Leaders Scholarship Endowment, affect the entire school and impact future generations.

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

2.  We pray for each other! Three different parent groups meet weekly for prayer, discipleship, and fellowship. Aiming Arrows is a group for moms with babies and toddlers. Moms in Prayer is a group for moms with school-aged children. Watchmen is a group for dads. And our kids pray for one another in Bible class every day. 

Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

3.  We give each other the benefit of the doubt and think the best of one another. We are all a part of the body of Christ and are all in the process of being sanctified. We aim is to worship and honor the Lord above all else. The world looks at everything with a critical eye, but we look at people with the eyes of Jesus.  

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  Ephesians 4:2-3

4. We forgive one another and teach our children about biblical forgiveness and what it looks like to work through conflict in a healthy way. When you are a part of a "family," you will likely have to forgive many different people multiple times! It's simply a part of living life together, and God commands it.  

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

5. We build each other up through encouragement, service towards one another, and service to the school. We have a thriving Parent Council that unifies the school in service and allows parents to use their unique gifts, talents, and interests to contribute to making CCA a vibrant place. We also give back to our community by partnering with organizations like Compassion Initiative. 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

Life at CCA is simply not the same as other schools because of our desire to follow Jesus. And just like our school's name says, we covenant with Him and each other to raise children who follow and worship their Creator. When we remember our roles in the family and "make every effort," we can walk in unity, and our light and impact can reach the ends of the earth.