Beyond The Classroom Learning is the focus at Christ Presbyterian Academy—and learning continues well beyond the classroom. Each school intentionally offers opportunities and experiences that support the rigorous curriculum, encourage creativity, and stimulate critical thinking. The wide range of enrichment offerings at CPA includes:
Special Events and Theme Days
Throughout the school year, special events and theme days inspire and motivate students to grow in creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. A cross-curricular emphasis, and ample opportunities for students to showcase new levels of knowledge to guests and visitors, provide excitement for learning a particular unit of study.
Field Trips/Travel Study Fine Arts Throughout the year, students have the privilege of pursuing a subject area off-campus. Students visit locations that reinforce certain units of study and enhance their learning experiences. In addition, the students gain a new perspective as they glean a better understanding of the city, state and world in which they live.
Special-Interest Clubs
Participation in clubs allows intentional relationshipbuilding between faculty and students when they engage in areas of common interests. In a non-academic setting, students are encouraged to explore and develop the unique ways in which God has gifted them.
Athletics
Sports at CPA teach and sharpen physical skills, foster camaraderie, cultivate determination, and much more. Student-athletes learn to persevere, to lose with grace, and to win with humility. The athletics program focuses on teaching self-sacrifice, self-discipline, and personal commitment to attain the goal of excellence. All of these attributes undergird character traits necessary for lifelong learning.
We are made in the image of a creative God, and students learn to view the world through this framework. Student involvement teaches unique artistic skills, leadership, discipline, and responsibility. Fine Arts events and productions also provide opportunities for our community to experience students offering their gifts for the glory of God through the arts.
Service
Students are encouraged to share God’s love with others and to view the world with a servant’s heart. Learning how to serve in practical ways—and how to seek ways to serve—fosters an outreach perspective that is the core of the Academy’s mission and motto. Learning becomes wisdom when knowledge is infused with God’s love.
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Elementary School Field Trips & Theme Days
Field trips include visits to the Adventure Science Center, Nashville Children’s Theatre, Gentry’s Farm, Nashville Zoo, The Hermitage, and a historical walking tour of downtown Nashville.
Penguin Day (Kindergarten)
Kindergartners and their teachers don fun and creative penguin costumes to conclude their unit study of penguins and the arctic. The children read stories about penguins, enjoy frozen treats, and are greeted by a special guest.
Native American Day (First Grade)
First graders dress in Native American attire and spend the day learning history from local Native Americans.
The Passover Seder (Second Grade)
Seconds graders study the books of Genesis and Exodus as a part of their Bible curriculum, and they conclude that time with a Passover feast. As the students worship God in the Passover, they also learn how every part of the Passover points us to Jesus.
The Living History Museum (Third Grade)
After studying the life of an important historical figure and writing a report, third graders present their findings in an interactive, museum-like setting. Students make a display, create a costume and perform a monologue about their character for other students, family, and friends.
Compliment Parties (Fourth Grade)
Fourth graders are encouraged to earn respect from others both inside and outside the classroom. Teachers and parents celebrate their successes by hosting “compliment parties” throughout the year, featuring breakfast, ice cream, and even disco-themed celebrations.
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Nature’s Classroom (Fifth Grade/Overnight)
Each fall, fifth graders and faculty take a three-day trip to Nature’s Classroom in Mentone, Alabama. Students participate in teambuilding activities, praise-and-worship and Bible study, and explore God’s creation in their study of natural science during this community-building experience.
Special-Interest Clubs Destination ImagiNation
Destination ImagiNation (DI), sponsored by the Office of the Academic Dean and led by parent volunteers, is an international organization that provides educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving. This program uses student teams to solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at tournaments.
Chess Club
The Chess Club is open to students in kindergarten through fifth grades and all levels of chess experience. During club meetings, students learn the fundamental rules, tactics, strategies and history of chess through instruction, activities and free play. The club reinforces sportsmanship as well as other virtues, such as thinking before acting.
Athletics Elementary Cheerleaders
Twice a year, the high-school cheerleaders invite girls grades K-5 to cheer with them during halftime at a football game and a basketball game. The cheerleaders conduct an Elementary Cheer Camp to teach the girls a dance, a cheer and a chant for the events. As the young girls get to know the older girls, this is a fun, enriching time for all.
Track Club
Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students are invited to be a part of the Track Club. The track season begins in the spring, and the team practices three days a week for a total of six meets. Any student who wants to participate is encouraged to sign up for the club.
Fifth-Grade Football
Fifth-grade boys are invited to join the football team, which begins practice in the summer and plays through the fall. There are no tryouts, and any interested student may participate.
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Special Events Father/Daughter Hoedown
Elementary-school fathers (or special friends) and daughters dress in hoedown attire and gather together for a night of food, fun and dancing. The focus of this evening is for fathers and daughters to spend time together with other fathers and daughters.
Mother/Son Skating Night
Mothers (or special friends) and sons meet for a night of skating at this annual event. The boys enjoy competing in grade-level games and races. This is a great time of fellowship for all.
Fun Day
This highly anticipated event takes place on the last day of school. The children can choose to participate in several stations across campus, including inflatables, face painting, and a cakewalk. After a morning of fun and frozen treats, the classes compete in a Tug-of-War. Fifth graders receive a commemorative T-shirt to honor the day.
Fine Arts Fifth-Grade Band
After studying music theory and being introduced to various instruments, all fifth- grade students receive an instrument to learn. The year concludes with a performance during Grandparents’ Day.
Christmas Program
Each year, the elementary school presents a K-5 program to celebrate the Christmas season. All of the students participate, but the fifthgrade students are the “stars” of the program—they present a play, read Scripture, and perform musical solos.
Grandparents’ (and Special Friends) Day
It is an Academy tradition that the elementary students conclude the school year with a very special program to honor their grandparents. All parents, grandparents and special friends are invited to visit their child’s classroom, attend the special musical program hosted by the fifth grade, and enjoy lunch in Fellowship Hall.
Service Service opportunities range from individual classroom projects—such as making and packaging love blankets for families who need encouragement, or visiting area nursing homes—to school-wide endeavors. Students focus on a different population in need during Chapel each year. Recent service projects have included providing mosquito nets for communities in Africa and purchasing shelters for families in Honduras. 6
Middle School
Field Trips & Travel Study Chattanooga (Sixth Grade)
The trip to Chattanooga is a highlight of the sixth-grade year. During this overnight adventure, students visit the Challenger Center, the Tennessee Aquarium, and the IMAX® 3D Theater. Science is the curriculum focus. Students are also provided with a surprise special event at the end of the trip. The experience builds strong bonds and creates memories that last long after graduation.
Parthenon/Olympics Field Trip (Seventh Grade)
In conjunction with their studies in history and English classes, the seventh-grade students visit the Parthenon—the one in Centennial Park, that is (a replica of the original in Athens, Greece). The students tour the Parthenon, furthering their study of Greek history and mythology. The students’ advisories then compete in their own version of the Olympics, with games designed by their peers, and then enjoy a true Greek treat: baklava!
Barrier Island Program (Seventh Grade)
Seventh graders travel to Seabrook Island, South Carolina, to study biology, ecology, conservation, history, and much more through exploring the maritime forests, freshwater ponds, and swamps. This Christ-centered ministry center will help them to understand the coastal environment in many hands-on ways while incorporating God’s intricate plan with the amazing revelations of nature.
Washington, D.C. (Eighth Grade)
As an integral part of the study of history and government, the eighth grade takes a much-anticipated, 4-day/3-night trip to Washington, D.C. The students visit such sites as the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, the White House, Ford’s Theatre, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and many others. Students also have the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery.
Fine Arts Field Trip Each year, all middle-school students experience a fine arts event in the community or through visiting guest artists. Teachers use cross-curricular guides to help prepare students for what they will see and to foster discussion after the event. 7
Special-Interest Clubs Art Club
Art Club meets one afternoon each week. This is an opportunity to tap into the students’ creative side, make some innovative art, listen to music, and enjoy getting to know other students who enjoy art.
Drama Club
Drama Club meets one afternoon each week. Students explore and develop an appreciation for theatre through discussion of theatre-related topics, working on monologues, preparing for auditions, engaging in improvisational exercises, and playing fun theatre games.
Destination ImagiNation (DI)
Sponsored by the Office of the Academic Dean and led by parent volunteers, DI is an international organization that provides educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork, and problem solving. This program uses student teams to solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at tournaments.
Athletics
CPA offers more than 50 athletic teams; for details, please refer to the Athletic Profile or visit cpalions.org/athletics.
Special Events Geocache Day (Sixth Grade)
Students visit a local park to find hidden landmarks. Volunteer parents accompany CPA science teachers and assist the students in utilizing GPS navigation systems. This day of fun and treasure hunting develops critical-thinking skills while teaching students how to navigate and enjoy the great outdoors.
Spring Fling (Sixth Grade)
Students, parents, and teachers gather at the home of a sixth grader to share a meal, fellowship, and reflect upon the many successes of the year. Each student also receives a class picture to commemorate the day.
English Tea (Sixth Grade)
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After a thorough study of England and its rich cultural traditions, the sixth-grade class enjoys an afternoon tea hosted by a volunteer parent. Students arrive dressed in their finest and are greeted with warm scones, hot tea, and beautiful music.
Greek Festival Day (Seventh Grade)
To conclude their study of Greek history, culture, and mythology from the history and English classes, the students host Greek Festival Day. Parents are invited to join the seventh-grade teachers and students for an afternoon of feasting and entertainment. Student-created travel videos and a dramatic production take the parents on an entertaining and informative journey through ancient Greece.
’40s Day (Eighth Grade)
In conjunction with studies in English and history, eighth-grade students and teachers host a ’40s Day celebration. Parents are invited for a 1940s-themed meal and entertainment. Students and teachers dress in period costumes and present a dramatic production highlighting American culture during the era.
Middle School College Tailgate
During College Week, the middle-school faculty encourages students to make good choices academically that will help them have options to apply to the college of their choice. The students learn about a GPA, how extracurricular activities affect college acceptances, and the cost of college. The week is concluded with a spirit-filled “College Tailgate,” where students support their favorite universities.
Father-Daughter Night/Mother-Son Nights
The middle school sponsors an annual event specifically designed for girls and their fathers or a significant man in their life, and young men and their mothers or a significant woman in their life. The event is usually bowling, and the competition is always fun and lively. The outing creates and enhances friendships among students and parents.
Middle-School Dances
Seventh- and eighth-grade students have the opportunity to attend two teacher-chaperoned dances each year (fall and spring). The eighth-grade class also has a dance after its Crossover celebration. Dances are limited to CPA students only, and the students are instructed not to view this activity as a dating opportunity. (Dating is never promoted on a middle-school level.) These dances are a chance for the students to socialize in a fun and safe environment. Character traits that have been discussed in advisory and Bible classes are reviewed before the dances, and emphasis is placed on respect for others in social situations.
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Fine Arts Middle-School Fall Musical and Spring Showcase
Middle-school Fine Arts offers events for all sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students to use their talents in acting, singing, band, visual arts, stage production, set design, and dancing. Fellow students, parents, grandparents, alumni, and the community fill the audience in support of these young artists. The fine-arts experience offers a student the opportunity to discover his or her own unique, God-given artistic talents and gifts.
Middle-School Awards Day
Students are honored for academic, athletic, and spiritual achievement; and work ethic. It is a day when Christ is glorified for His faithfulness to our students.
Service Service-Celebration Day
Service-Celebration Day is the culmination and celebration of student-led community-service projects. After a year of investing time and energy into service projects, sixth graders gather to share their experiences with each another and with family members. The discussions are insightful, inspirational, and motivating. Parents are encouraged to come to support their student and share in the stories of how the Lord works in the lives of those who are willing to serve.
Service Days
Each year, seventh- and eighth-grade students embrace the opportunity to spend a day serving others in our community. With the help of parent volunteers, groups of students and teachers travel throughout the Nashville area to serve in locations such as the Nashville Rescue Mission, Owl’s Hill Nature Center, and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Cake-Bake Competition
Middle-school girls anonymously bid on delicious and extravagant cakes made by the middle-school boys. After the auction, students and teachers enjoy the baked goods and conversation. Proceeds are donated to MakeA-Wish Foundation.
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High School Field Trips & Travel Study Visual Arts
Gallery Days at local venues such as Cheekwood and The Frist Center allow students to explore the roles of art critic and historian. Travel-study opportunities have included a Chicago excursion for students in Art II or AP.
Vocal Music
Opportunities include touring and performing in Chicago, auditing college classes, visiting local musical venues, and performing at the Biltmore in Asheville, NC. In addition, students may participate in the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association (MTVA) Choral Adjudication Festival and the ACDA State Choral Adjudication.
Band
The annual band tour explores historical and cultural aspects of music. Previous destinations include Chicago, Memphis, and St. Louis. Students also participate in state and regional competitions, and in the Middle Tennessee School Band And Orchestra Association Festival.
Theatre
Students travel to the Tennessee State Thespian Conference in Memphis, and also participate in other local and regional competitions.
Latin
Students may join the Junior Classical League and attend the Tennessee Junior Classical League State Convention.
Yearbook Staff
Students travel to the National Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education of America Conferences. They also participate in the Herff-Jones yearbook camp. Additional field trips are planned throughout the year as opportunities arise. 11
Special-Interest Clubs and Activities The purpose of the activity program at CPA is to facilitate intentional relationship building between the faculty and students through engaging in activities of common interests, from honor societies and service organizations to recreation and all things in between. Students choose two activities in which to participate each semester. Some examples include: National Honor Society Computer Club Big Brother/Big Sister Chapel Committee International Thespians Honor Society Tri-M Music Society National Art Honor Society Bible Study Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Greatest Sports Moments Girl Talk Nintendo 64 Club Student Government Association (SGA) The SGA is composed of delegates from each of the four grades. These students will spearhead service, citizenship, and spirit efforts for the high school.
Advisory Program
The purpose of Advisory is to cultivate relationships between teachers and students, while providing students with proper guidance and accountability to facilitate social, emotional, and academic development. Advisory groups allow the high-school faculty intentional times to engage and pursue students. All students are placed in an advisory group with 12-15 other students and a designated faculty member. Each group meets three days per week.
Houses
The “house� concept is a largely British model of grouping students across grades 9-12 in an effort to build community, improve school spirit, facilitate mentoring by upperclassmen, and establish meaningful traditions. At CPA, it is part of a 12
systematic approach to positively reinforcing the characteristics we want to see cultivated in our students. The four houses are named after four Scottish clans (befitting the Presbyterian heritage in Scotland). Each high-school student is assigned to one of the four houses (siblings are grouped together). As the school year unfolds, each house engages in activities together and in healthy competition with the other houses, leading to the year-end presentation of a very special award to one house: the Anderson Cup, in honor of our headmaster.
Freshman Skills
Freshman advisory groups designate one day each week to learn key tactics that will help them maximize their high-school experience.
Athletics CPA offers more than 50 athletic teams; for detailed information, please refer to the Athletic Profile or visit cpalions.org/athletics.
Special Events Career Day
Career Day occurs in early March each year. Professionals from throughout Middle Tennessee gather to answer questions and provide insights about their areas of expertise. Each year, the Academy welcomes a keynote speaker to encourage students as they pursue their future careers.
College Week
The College Counseling office welcomes admissions counselors to campus throughout the year. College Week, held in the early fall, offers students additional time to meet with a large number of representatives from a variety of higher-learning institutions.
Homecoming
This spirit-filled week of themed dress-up days, pep rallies, and “house� competitions occurs in the fall. The week culminates in class reunions for alumni, a home football game and the Homecoming dance.
Coming Home
Students display their school spirit during basketball season in student-
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led activities. Student-athletes are also honored. The celebration includes an informal, themed, Sadie Hawkinsstyle dance.
Junior/Senior Prom
This off-campus evening is a memorable time for members of the junior and senior classes. The formal event begins with a presentation of the seniors and their escorts.
Senior Trip
This optional trip is a special tradition for seniors to spend time with classmates as their high-school years draw to a close. Students and faculty chaperones travel to a selected destination each year. In addition to fun and relaxation, the students are able to reflect on the blessings of their CPA experiences.
Fine Arts
There are many ways for a high-school student to become involved with fine arts in addition to course offerings. Two main-stage productions (a play and a musical) offer open auditions and the opportunity to work on stage-production crews. Coffeehouse Theatre is a student-run production with open auditions. Actfest is a showcase for the Theatre II class that welcomes other students to assist with production needs. Spring Jubilation! features band, dance team, and Vision (CPA’s advanced vocal ensemble), and often showcases special guest artists. VA CafÊ is an evening to view the works of student artists and filmmakers from Visual Art and Broadcasting classes.
Service
Service Days
Twice a year, the high-school students, staff, and faculty visit offcampus venues to serve individuals, families, and organizations with specific needs. Historically, students have helped with tasks such as landscaping, painting, and organizing inventory for various nonprofit organizations.
Service Practicum
Students who take this semester-long course serve at a local elementary school each week.
Senior Service Practicum
Students participate in an intensive, off-campus, communityservice internship. 14
Mission Christ Presbyterian Academy, an educational ministry of Christ Presbyterian Church, assists Christian families in helping students come to know God, evaluate all knowledge and all life by His truth, and live transformed by His truth for His glory. Motto  Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be the Glory
Christ Presbyterian Academy
2323-A Old Hickory Blvd. | Nashville, TN 37215 | tel 615-373-9550 | fax 615-370-0884 | cpalions.org