Frequently Asked Questions

1. What distinguishes The Cambridge School from any other school?

The Cambridge School differentiates itself from other schools in this city by its primary focus on the individual student’s success. The school begins the educational process with an individual learning plan (ILP). The ILP helps the teacher know the student’s distinct learning style, academic interests, aptitudinal ability, and level of core knowledge. Since God has uniquely created each child, The Cambridge School seeks to understand the child’s needs and complement them with the appropriate pedagogical approach. Thus, the child’s success is most important in the educational process. The University-model of The Cambridge School seeks to provide parents with better options for educating their children for higher academic standards so that students are prepared for high school, college, and ultimately, life.

2. How would you describe your curriculum generally? Does it fit within any particular category?

The Cambridge School has avoided educational labels to describe its educational approach. However, the curriculum combines the expertise of Charlotte Mason, Marva Collins, Dorothy Sayers, Dr. Howard Gardner, and E. D. Hirsch, Jr. to create a superior educational model for children. Our approach is similar to that followed by many "classical Christian" schools. Our Administrator has a strong background in classical schools, most recently serving as headmaster at a classical Christian school in Texas. We also have been influenced by Charlotte Mason, a British educator in the late 1800's with an emphasis on experiential learning, nature studies, and exposure to excellent literature. Generally, we seek to foster a love for learning and use a multi-sensory approach to challenge each child at a level that is rigorous, but not overwhelming. We have a flexible and individualized curriculum. By using the Core Knowledge sequence in combination with the excellence of the classical tradition, all students will not only meet the national standards for No Child Left Behind, but they will exceed them many times over on standardized tests.

3. Will my child be indoctrinated with Christianity? Will she be told what to believe?

One of the false beliefs about faith-based schools is the notion of indoctrination. The Cambridge School, while being faith-based, seeks to intelligently inform and present the truth of God’s Word without indoctrination. Students may learn about a Christian creed, but are not forced to make its confession. What is meant by Christ-centered at The Cambridge School has to do with the worldview presentation in the curriculum, the environment, and the fact that all of its faculty members profess a relationship with Christ as Lord. The school seeks to have all policies and practices founded upon and informed by the Word of God.

4. What is required to be a teacher at The Cambridge School? Do the teachers have state certification?

The Cambridge School teachers are carefully and prayerfully selected. Several attributes characterize The Cambridge School’s faculty members. First, they have a passion for the Lord and combine that passion for a deep and rich understanding of the truth of God’s Word. Second, they are gifted teachers, who see and know that teaching is a calling and gift. Third, they inspire and equip children to be great learners and formidable teachers.

The Cambridge School employs well-qualified teachers. The standards for private independent schools far exceed those of the National Education Agency, which oversees government school education. Furthermore, all teachers are provided a minimum of 25 hours of faculty development annually; mentoring, and regular classroom observations are provided for the purpose of professional growth. Teachers who are state certified will continue to enrich themselves through continuing education courses. All teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. Many of our teachers also have a master’s level degree in a related field of study.

5. How many students are in one class? What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

Class sizes are purposely kept small so that individual education is maximized. In the Primary School (Pre-Kindergarten through Kindergarten), the class size is a maximum of 15 students. In the Grammar School (First through fourth grades), the class size is a maximum of 15 students. In the Dialectic School (seventh through eighth grades), the class size is a maximum of 20 students. Exceptions may occur, but never to the expense of the students’ ability to learn. In the Primary School, we offer teacher assistants to reduce the student-to-teacher average ratio (STAR) to 8:1.

6. Is The Cambridge School an independent “private” school or a charter school? If private, how much is tuition at The Cambridge School?

This is a common question asked by those unfamiliar with The Cambridge School. Because we have an open admissions policy, many think of The Cambridge School as a charter school. Because we have certain common approaches to higher standards of academic excellence such as small class size, distinctive uniforms, tuition, experienced-based curricula, and strong parental involvement, many understand that we are an elite private school. We might think of ourselves as an “independent charter school,” if the term existed. The Cambridge School is a private, faith-based independent school, which receives no government funding for its educational programs. Tuition at The Cambridge School is determined based on the cost to educate children. Families who feel the tuition level is outside of their range of affordability are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance, which is evaluated by a third party company. Over 80% of our families are expected to receive some form of tuition assistance. The Cambridge School provides generous tuition assistance to all families based on financial need. The Cambridge School is committed to providing quality education to every family regardless of economic status. To request a financial assistance package, contact the admissions director. Whatever you do, do not be discouraged from applying because of finances.

7. What is the length of the school day at The Cambridge School? What about before and after care?

The regular school day for The Cambridge School is 8:25 AM – 3:15 PM. The Cambridge School offers a quality, structured before and after care program, convenient for families with time commitments. The purpose of The Breakfast Club and The Ambassadors Club before and after-school enrichment programs is to provide the students of The Cambridge School with a safe, stimulating environment to receive before and after school supervision. The after care program supports each student’s academic growth by structuring homework time and providing tutoring in addition to an enrichment hour for dance, theater, music, science and art. The Brekafast Club, which operates between 7 AM to the start of the school day and The Ambassadors Club, which operates from the conclusion of the school day at 3:15 P. M. until 6:00 P. M., is provided at a nominal fee. A nutritious snack is provided daily. The staff-to-student ratio of The Ambassadors Club is 1:10. Tuition assistance is not available for families to enroll children in The Breakfast Club and/or The Ambassadors Club.

8. How well do the students at Cambridge do on standardized tests?

Since the inception of the school in 2005, students at The Cambridge School have taken the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10). Data is being collected over the next three years to provide measurable achievement results.

We are always interested in ways to help you make your decision. Please write or call should you have further questions.