Layer 1

SLINGSHOT PRESENTS

Head of School

Christ Classical Academy

Tallahassee, Florida

http://www.christclassical.com/


THE STORY


MISSION

Christ Classical Academy seeks to provide students with an extraordinary education using integrated curriculum, classical teaching, and a Christian worldview. We seek to equip students to fearlessly engage the fallen world with conviction, grace, wisdom, and compassion. Through immersion in the riches of western civilization, we train students in essential habits of the mind and spirit. All is done for the glory of God and the furtherance of His kingdom. 

Vision

Our desire is to graduate young men and women who think clearly and listen carefully, who reason persuasively and articulate precisely; who are capable of evaluating their entire range of experience in the light of the Scriptures; and who do so with eagerness in joyful submission to God. We will train them to recognize cultural influences as distinct from biblical. We aim to prepare them well for all situations, possessing information and the knowledge of how to use it. We desire they be socially graceful and spiritually gracious; equipped with the tools of learning; fully realizing the limitations of the wisdom of this world. We desire they have a heart for the lost, the courage to seek to dissuade those who are stumbling toward destruction; and that they distinguish genuine religion from religion in form only. Most of all that they possess the former, knowing and loving the Lord Jesus Christ with humility and gratitude to God.

Philosophy

Utilize a classical model of education emphasizing the grammar, logic, and rhetoric in each subject;

  • Grammar: The fundamental elements and vocabulary of each subject. (Knowledge)
  • Logic: The ordered relationships in each subject area. (Understanding)
  • Rhetoric: The clear expression of the grammar and logic of each subject. (Wisdom)


Our objectives are to:

  • Ensure that the parental authority over the education of their children is respected and reinforced; (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
  • Train and equip each student to be a servant-leader who has an impact on those God puts within reach;
  • Provide an orderly atmosphere conducive to the attainment of the above goals;
  • Manifest the basic presupposition that the inerrant Scriptures truthfully reveal God as the Creator of all things; (Genesis 1:2, Colossians 1:15)
  • Teach all subjects as a part of an integrated whole with the Scriptures at the center; (II Timothy 3:16-17)
  • Encourage every student to examine and develop his relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son; (Matthew 28:18-20)
  • Provide a clear model of the biblical Christian life through the actions of our staff and board; (Matthew 22:37-40)
  • Help each student develop a biblical worldview to be consistently applied to every area of life;
  • Cultivate in each student a lifelong love of learning and pursuit of academic and moral excellence, for the purpose of bringing glory to God alone;

School Information


Christ Classical Academy

CCA is an independent, non-denominational, classical Christian school in Tallahassee, Florida. The PreK-8 school meets in a facility shared with First Church of the Nazarene (not associated with the school). Currently boasting an enrollment of over 160 students, the Academy offers two out of the three stages of the "Trivium" to educate students in the fundamentals of education that have stood the test of time. The curriculum focuses on the basics of mathematics, science, history and language studies, including a study of Latin and classic literature. 

History of the School

The school started as a cooperative among several families who sought deeper learning experiences for their children. It grew to include regular prayer and more families joining the movement. In 2002-03 the cooperative divided into “Grammar” (elementary) classes taught by parents; and a two-day “Logic” (middle school) program with Latin, Logic and core classes taught by instructors. Additional families committed to the development of a school, and during the spring of 2004, Christ Classical Academy Board voted to open up a classical Christian school offering instruction to students K through seventh grade. It has expanded at times to include the entire Trivium, and benefits today from a dedicated faculty and committed community of parents.

CCA By the Numbers

Total Enrollment: 160

Number of Teachers: 16 FT, 6 PT

Average class size: 15

Annual Budget 2019-20: $1.2 million

Tuition 2019-20: $6989 for the Grammar School, $7100 for the Logic School


Graduates of CCA have gone on to attend:

  • University of Auburn
  • Wheaton College
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Florida State University
  • University of Virginia
  • University of Texas
  • Indiana University
  • Covenant College

And many others!

What Parents are Saying

"What attracted us to CCA the most was the classical method, particularly the Trivium organization of the the curriculum. History (not “social studies”) is taught chronologically and cyclically, with a liner approach that provides my children with an intellectual framework for learning."

The Moore Family: Carl Jr., Melodee, Tiffannee, Carl Anthony, Sidnee, Cassidee, and Case Emory

"CCA strives to both grow our children’s minds with a wonderful classical education and grow their characters as individuals.  We love the fact that, in all areas of their education, CCA is deepening our children’s knowledge of God’s world and teaching them to apply this knowledge with wisdom and clarity so that they can become ambassadors for Christ in the coming generation."

The Wellman Family: Andrew, Susan, Claire, Megan, Wyatt

Student Testimonial Video

Curriculum and Classical Methodology

Christ Classical Academy integrates subjects like literature, history, language, art, math, and science. Students read the great works of Western literature and philosophy. Classical languages (Latin and possibly Greek) help students understand and think with greater depth about the world around them. Formal logic and rhetoric help students become great leaders and communicators. Classical teaching methods range from class lectures, to debates, to Socratic (discussion-oriented) teaching. Independent learning skills are sharpened at all grade levels.



Extracurricular Activities

Students at CCA have opportunities to participate in a host of extra curricular activities:

  • House Groups are inter-school teams that spend weekly dvotional time together, work on service projects, and sometimes share ahtletic competition. These also provide a context for mentoring and growth outside the classroom.
  • Athletics currently include basketball and cross country.
  • Robotics Club
  • Tennis
  • Civics Club
  • Gladiator Challenge


Selected Leadership

Hope Carrasquilla: Principal


Tony Cortese, Chairman of the Board


CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities

  1. 1.Committed core of teachers and parents who sacrifice and work for the school in many capacities. The parents, teachers and students feel a strong sense of "family" and common commitment to Christian Classical education and are willing to work hard to accomplish their goals.
  2. 2.Talented, well disciplined and well-spoken students are the best marketing element for the school... expanding their opportunities to learn within the grammar and logic schools. There is some desire among the community to again have a high school program (rhetoric) to complete the Trivium.


Challenges

  1. 1.There is a need to continue to pursue accreditation for the school (possibly through ACCS). This process is being led by the Board but will take the focused effort of the new HOS to bring to fruition.
  2. 2.The next HOS will work with the Board to grow enrollment in their current facility to increase margins in the operating budget. This will be accomplished by formal means (marketing) and informal (enthusiastic and personal recruitment).


TALLAHASSEE, FL AREA

Tallahassee has been the capital of Florida since 1824, and with it's rolling landscape and affordable housing stock gives over 200,000 residents a unique Sunshine State living experience. The state welcomes over 100 million visitors a year, and Tallahassee averages 233 sunny days a year, and is located close to both the Gulf of Mexico to the south (20 miles) and Georgia to the north (14 miles). Like all Floridians, Tallahassee residents pay no state or local personal income tax, no "car" personal property tax and have access to abundant affordable housing. The median list price for a three bedroom home is $184,000.

Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy Trailahassee and the many pathways, waterways and parks like Cascades Park. Tallahassee ha a blend of technology with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and performing arts. Arts enthusiasts will discover that thanks in part to the local universities, Tallahassee is ripe with cultural experiences. Tallahassee is home to Florida State University, Florida A&M, and Tallahassee Community College.  Tallahassee is listed among the top 100 cities in America as "Best City" "Best Place to Raise a Family" "Best Outdoor City" and "Healthiest Place to Live."

JOB PROFILE

Head of School:

Reports to: Board of Directors

Works closely with: Principal

Directly Supervises: Teachers, Staff

Status: Full Time, 45-50 hours a week

Essential Function:

The HOS is the chief executive officer of Christ Classical Academy and responsible to the School Board to ensure operational excellence that produces healthy growth.

He or she will serve as chief visionary, leader, and administrator within the school and chief proponent, fundraiser, representative outside of the school. They will develop faculty, assess the mission, set goals and strategic trajectories, meet with families, fundraise, in order to see these six goals accomplished in CCA graduates:

Successful graduates will possess:

1. Virtue and mature character– This includes heart-obedience rather than mere rule-following, good manners, honorable relationships, self-control, and Christian leadership. We model this, teach this, and instill it in students by studying the great stories of the West.  Above all else, we teach students to live in accordance with Coram Deo–  as though they were in the presence of God at all times.

2. Sound reason and sound faith– We expect students to realize a unified Christian worldview with Scripture as the measure of all Truth. We expect them to exhibit the wisdom to recognize complex issues and to follow the consequences of ideas.

3. A masterful command of language– Because language enables us to know things that we have not directly experienced, nothing is more important within Christian education. Without a strong command of language, even scripture is moot. As people of “the Word,” Christians should be masters of language. We expect our students to master uncommon vocabulary, grammar, usage, and translation through our study of Latin, English, and Greek.

4. Well-rounded competence– Educated people are not specialists who know little outside of their field of specialty. Educated people have competence in a variety of areas including fine art, drama, music, physical activity, math, logic, science and arithmetic. Throughout our program, skills are introduced that are essential for an educated person.  We expect our graduates to be well-rounded.

5. Literacy with broad exposure to books– Educated people are well-read and able to discuss and relate to central works of literature, science, art, architecture, and music. We expect our graduates to be well read in the important literature and ideas of Christian theology and the West.

6. An established aesthetic– Further, educated people have good taste, formed as they are exposed to great aesthetic masterpieces, particularly at a young age.  We expose our students to the great artists to develop their aesthetic and cultural appreciation.

Core Responsibilities:

  1. 1.Lead and manage the teachers in a collaborative fashion to achieve educational goals. Be responsible to recruit new teachers and staff to the school.
  2. 2.Oversee staff and teachers in curriculum development and classical education pedagogy.
  3. 3.Give strategic leadership to enhancing the brand recognition of CCA in the local community through traditional and social media marketing. 
  4. 4.Demonstrate business acumen in setting clear organizational goals for finance, enrollment management, and human resources.
  5. 5.In conjunction with the CCA Board, provide the vision for the development of the school.
  6. 6.Develop personal relationships within the school and local community to ensure the healthy “family” feel of Christ Classical Academy. Be visible in the community.
  7. 7.Challenge individuals and groups to generously give resources to help fulfill the CCA mission.
  8. 8.Regularly review the school by-laws and policy manual and ensure their effective application to school activities.

General Qualifications

  • Master's Degree or higher preferred
  • Experience in educational administration, preferrably Christian schools.
  • Familiarity with or endorsement of the classical methodology in pedagogy.
  • A thorough commitment to the vision and mission of Christ Classical Academy

Desired Characteristics

Mature Disciple of Christ  who is fully devoted to following Jesus in everything he or she does.

  • Self-aware individual who knows where he or she is weak; finds others to fill in those gaps.  Emotionally intelligent and healthy.
  • Inspires confidence with integrity, honesty and a positive attitude. 

Visionary who is committed to the mission of the school, and can create contagious enthiasm towards shared goals.

  • Able to communicate persuasively and passionately with excellent interpersonal skills. 
  • Able to connect with a variety of groups and stakeholders within the school in warm personal relationship.
  • Able to set long-term strategy by assessing the mission to set appropriate short and medium term goals.

Educational leader who has an empowering servant management style, able to build consensus energizing both staff and community.

  • Able to manage staff and tasks effectively, pursuing efficient operation of the school, instilling operational excellence in the team. Brings a sense of professionalism to the school.
  • Able to oversee and evaluate teachers and curriculum development tasks in a professional manner.


CONTACT

Ready to take the next step?

To find out additional information about Christ Classical Academy, please visit https:/ http://www.christclassical.com/ to discover their core beliefs, vision and ministry as a school.

If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you sense this role and church culture could be a good fit for you, please contact Rich Kidd for further discussion.


​Dr. Rich Kidd // 757.642.0622 // [email protected]