Admission FAQs

Applications for Chattanooga Christian School open on September 1 each year for the following school year. To be considered in the first round of admission decisions, families should submit applications by January 31. Most grade levels fill during this initial round; however, CCS continues to accept applications for the waiting pool and to fill any spaces that become available throughout the year.

To begin the admissions process at Chattanooga Christian School, start by completing our inquiry form. This helps us stay connected with your family and share important details about the application process and upcoming admissions events. Once your inquiry is submitted, you’ll receive instructions for setting up an account in our online application system, where you can begin your CCS application.

The application fee for Chattanooga Christian School (CCS) is $100 per student. This non-refundable fee covers the processing of your application and helps support the administrative costs of the admissions review process.

To join the CCS community, applicants must meet both spiritual and academic standards that reflect our Christ-centered, college-preparatory mission. Chattanooga Christian School considers the following when reviewing admission applications:

• Faith and Church Involvement: At least one parent or guardian must profess faith in Jesus Christ and be actively involved in a local Christian church. A pastor recommendation is required as part of the application.
• Academic Records: Submission of previous academic records or report cards helps us understand your student’s academic history.
• Teacher Recommendation: A current teacher recommendation is required to assess academic readiness and classroom engagement.
• Placement Assessments: For certain grade levels (typically 6th–12th), students complete an academic assessment to assist with proper course placement.
• Commitment to Christian Community: CCS seeks families who desire to learn and grow within a faith-based academic environment.

For full details on the application steps, required documents, deadlines, and how we partner with families through the admissions process, visit the Application Process page on our website.

Chattanooga Christian School’s application deadline is January 31. Families are encouraged to complete and submit their application by this date to ensure full consideration and access to financial aid opportunities. Most grade levels fill during this initial round; however, late applications are considered as space is available. 

For the most up-to-date details on application timelines and next steps, visit the Application Process page on our website.

If your student’s application and all checklist items were completed by January 31, admissions decisions will be sent on March 1.

For applications completed after the first-round deadline, we follow the timeline below for subsequent rounds:

Because many classes fill during the first round, later applications are considered as space allows. We strongly encourage families to apply by the January 31 deadline for the best opportunity to secure a place.

Chattanooga Christian School does not maintain a traditional waiting list. Instead, CCS utilizes a waiting pool once a grade level reaches capacity.

Students in the waiting pool are not ranked in a specific numerical order. When space becomes available, candidates are reviewed based on several factors, including:

• Available openings in a specific grade level

• The ability to build a complete class schedule (particularly for Upper School students in grades 9–12)

• Alignment with CCS admission requirements, including academic readiness and family commitment to our Christ-centered mission

• Overall class balance and program capacity

Because enrollment decisions depend on multiple criteria, families are encouraged to complete the application process by the January 31 deadline.

For more information about Chattanooga Christian School admissions, application timelines, and enrollment policies, please visit the Admissions page on our website.

Chattanooga Christian School enrolls students from Preschool through 12th grade, but openings are not guaranteed in every grade at all times. Enrollment availability varies by grade and year — some grades may fill quickly due to high demand, while others may have space still available. Families are encouraged to complete the application by the January 31 deadline because spaces in several grades fill quickly each year and later applications are reviewed on a space-available basis.

If a grade is full, applicants may be placed into the waiting pool rather than on a traditional waiting list. Placement from the waiting pool depends on factors like available space and, for Upper School students, the ability to build a viable schedule that fits our academic program.

For the most current information on openings and how they vary by grade level, please contact the CCS Admissions Office.

Chattanooga Christian School does not admit a fixed number of students per grade each year. Instead, enrollment capacity varies by grade based on overall school population, classroom availability, and program needs. CCS serves a total student body of approximately 1,550+ students from Preschool through 12th grade across all divisions.

Because CCS does not have a set quota of seats per grade, the number of admissions each year depends on space available in that particular grade at the time of application. When a grade is full, applicants who have completed the admissions requirements may be placed into the waiting pool, and admissions decisions from the pool are made based on factors like available space and, for Upper School students, the ability to create a suitable schedule.

For specific information about availability in the grade you’re interested in, please contact the CCS Admissions Office.

Yes — Chattanooga Christian School does accept applications after the published deadline, but admissions after the deadline are considered on a space-available basis rather than as part of the initial review.

Once the January 31 application deadline has passed and classes begin to fill, late applications continue to be accepted. If a grade still has room or an opening later arises, applicants may be admitted or placed into the waiting pool. Placement from the waiting pool depends on factors such as available space and, for Upper School students, the ability to build a viable academic schedule.

Because space isn’t guaranteed after the deadline and openings vary by grade, families are encouraged to apply by the January 31 deadline.

For the most up-to-date details on deadlines, timelines, and availability, please contact the CCS Admissions Office.

Yes — students applying to rising 6th–12th grade at Chattanooga Christian School are required to take the NWEA/MAP Growth assessment for class placement.

If your child has already taken the NWEA/MAP test at their current school, you may simply submit those official scores as part of the admissions process. If not, students can sign up to take the assessment on campus at CCS through their Admissions Checklist in the Parent Portal.

The NWEA/MAP assessment helps ensure accurate academic placement and supports student success within our college-preparatory, Christ-centered program.

For additional details about admissions requirements, placement testing, and next steps, visit the Admissions page on our website.

To complete the Chattanooga Christian School admissions process, families must submit several required documents through the CCS Admissions Portal. These materials help us evaluate academic readiness and ensure alignment with our Christ-centered mission.

Required documents typically include:

• Completed online application
• Academic records or report cards from the current and/or previous school
• Teacher recommendation form
• Pastor recommendation form (reflecting family church involvement)
• NWEA/MAP Growth scores for rising 6th–12th grade students (either submitted from the current school or completed at CCS)
• Attendance records
• Disciplinary records
• Exceptional education evaluations, etc.

Additional information may be requested depending on grade level.

All required items will appear on your personalized Admissions Checklist in the Admissions Portal, where families can track progress and upload documents securely.

Yes — all Chattanooga Christian School applications must be completed online through our secure Admissions Parent Portal.

The online application system allows families to:

• Submit the student application

• Upload required documents (academic records, teacher and pastor recommendations, etc.)

• Track progress through the personalized Admissions Checklist

• Register for required steps such as the NWEA/MAP Growth assessment (for rising 6th–12th grade students)

Completing the admissions application online ensures an efficient and streamlined process for families applying to CCS.

Yes — Chattanooga Christian School accepts applications throughout the school year. However, mid-year enrollment is only possible if space is available in the appropriate grade level at the time of application.

Because class sizes are limited and some grades reach capacity, mid-year transfer availability varies. For Upper School students (grades 6–12), enrollment also depends on the ability to build a workable academic schedule within our college-preparatory program.

Families interested in transferring during the school year should first complete the application process and then connect with the CCS Admissions Office to discuss current availability.

Yes — Chattanooga Christian School gives enrollment priority to siblings of currently enrolled students during the admissions process.

While sibling applicants receive priority consideration, admission is not automatic. Families must complete the full online application process and meet all CCS admission requirements, including submission of required documents and, for rising 6th–12th grade students, NWEA/MAP Growth testing for placement.

Because class sizes are limited and some grades fill quickly, families are encouraged to apply by January 31 to maximize enrollment opportunities.

Absolutely! We encourage families to come see CCS firsthand. There are several ways to visit:

• Attend a Preview Day – Our Admissions Office will guide you through classrooms, student spaces, and answer your questions about CCS life.

• Attend an Admissions Event – Throughout the year, we host special events designed to give you a deeper look at student life.

• Personal Appointments – Families may also schedule meetings with admissions counselors to discuss specific grade levels or programs.

View the Visit Campus page on our website for more information.

We’d love to welcome you to CCS and show you our campus!

Scheduling a visit is easy:

Complete our Inquiry Form – This lets us know a little about your family and student so we can best prepare for your visit.

On the inquiry form, you can pick a date and time that works best for your family.

For rising 6th–8th grade students, we require a completed application prior to scheduling student preview days.

If you have any questions or need help, our friendly Admissions team is happy to assist! Contact us at 423.265.6411 or admissions@ccsk12.com.

The first step in preparing for a campus visit is to complete the online Inquiry Form on our website. Submitting an inquiry allows our Admissions team to connect with you, answer initial questions, and help schedule the best type of visit for your family.

To make the most of your time on campus, we also recommend:

• Reviewing the Admissions and division pages (Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School, High School, and The Glenwood School) to learn more about our programs

• Exploring our Christ-centered mission and college-preparatory approach

• Preparing any questions about academics, student life, athletics, fine arts, or learning support

A campus visit is a great opportunity to experience the CCS community firsthand and see how we partner with families in both spiritual and academic growth.

Yes — during designated Student & Parent Preview Days, you have the opportunity to visit classes.

Student Preview Days (6th–12th) allow applicants to experience a typical school day, attend classes, meet teachers, and connect with peers within our Christ-centered, college-preparatory environment. This provides valuable insight into academics, student life, and what it means to be a CCS Charger.

To participate in a Student Preview Day (6th–12th), families should first complete the Online Application on the Admissions page at ccsk12.com. Our Admissions team will then provide details about upcoming visit opportunities and next steps.

Absolutely! Families are always welcome to attend any public event at Chattanooga Christian School, including athletic games, fine arts performances, robotics tournaments, and other student activities. These events are a great way to experience the energy, community, and school spirit of our CCS Chargers firsthand.

In addition, CCS hosts special admissions events designed specifically for prospective families. These events provide opportunities to explore our Christ-centered, college-preparatory programs and connect with faculty, students, and school leadership.

You can register for admissions events by completing the Inquiry Form or through your Parent Portal Admissions Checklist. To see a list of upcoming opportunities, visit the Campus Visits page on our website.

Yes — Chattanooga Christian School offers Student Preview Days (6th–12th) for prospective students.

During a Preview Day, students have the opportunity to shadow a current CCS student, attend classes, meet teachers, and experience campus life firsthand. This provides a meaningful look at our Christ-centered, college-preparatory environment and helps students see what it’s like to be a CCS Charger.

To participate in a Student Preview Day (6th–12th), families should first complete the Online Application on the Admissions page at ccsk12.com. Our Admissions team will then provide details about upcoming visit opportunities and next steps.

To view upcoming visit opportunities, visit the Campus Visits page on our website.

Student life at Chattanooga Christian School is vibrant, relational, and rooted in our Christ-centered mission.

Across PreSchool through 12th grade, students are known and supported by dedicated teachers, coaches, and staff. Weekly chapel services, Bible classes, discipleship opportunities, and service projects help students grow spiritually while building meaningful relationships with peers.

Beyond the classroom, students can engage in:

• Athletics and competitive team sports

• Fine arts programs including band, choir, theater, and visual arts

• Robotics and STEM activities

• Clubs, leadership opportunities, and student organizations

• School-wide traditions, events, and community-building activities

Whether on the field, on stage, in the classroom, or serving in the community, CCS students are encouraged to develop their gifts, lead with integrity, and live out their faith.

Chattanooga Christian School offers a competitive and well-rounded athletics program for Middle School and Upper School students. As CCS Chargers, students have opportunities to grow in skill, teamwork, leadership, and character while competing at a high level.

Athletic offerings may include:

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball and Softball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Cross Country
• Track & Field
• Golf
• Tennis
• Wrestling
• Cheerleading

Sport availability may vary by season, grade level, and gender.

CCS athletics are an extension of our Christ-centered mission, emphasizing sportsmanship, discipline, and servant leadership both on and off the field.

To view the most current list of teams, schedules, and athletic achievements, visit the Athletics section of our website.

Chattanooga Christian School offers a dynamic Fine Arts program designed to cultivate creativity, skill development, and artistic expression within a Christ-centered environment.

Fine arts opportunities vary by division but may include:

• Visual Arts (drawing, painting, design, and other studio art courses)
• Band and Instrumental Music
• Choir and Vocal Performance
• Theater and Drama Productions
• Worship Arts Opportunities

Students have opportunities to perform, exhibit their work, and participate in school concerts, productions, and community events. In the Upper School, students may also pursue advanced coursework and leadership roles within the arts.

The Fine Arts program at CCS supports our college-preparatory mission by encouraging creativity, collaboration, confidence, and excellence.

To explore specific programs, performances, and course offerings, visit the Fine Arts section on our website.

Chattanooga Christian School offers a growing range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) opportunities designed to equip students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills within a Christ-centered, college-preparatory framework.

STEM opportunities at CCS may include:

• Robotics programs and competitions
• Hands-on science labs and research-based learning
• Advanced math coursework, including honors and AP options in Upper School
• Technology-integrated classrooms across all divisions
• Engineering and design-based projects

Students are encouraged to apply creativity and collaboration while exploring real-world applications of STEM disciplines. Robotics teams provide additional opportunities for leadership, competition,  and teamwork.

To learn more about STEM courses, robotics, and academic offerings, visit the Academics and Student Life sections at ccsk12.com.