CMA Questions & Answers
Honest answers for families seeking Christ-centered education.
Admissions & Enrollment
What grades does CMA serve?
Christian Ministries Academy serves students in grades KD (Kindergarten Development) through 12th grade.
Can students enroll mid-year?
Yes, but the cutoff is the beginning of our 2nd semester (the beginning of January), as we find it's best for the classroom's overall progress and dynamic. After the 2nd semester, we ask that interested families reach out to us before the start of the next school year.
Do students have to be members of Christian Ministries Church to attend?
No. Families from a variety of church backgrounds attend CMA. We welcome like-minded families who desire a Christ-centered education.
Is there an admissions interview?
Yes. We love to meet with prospective students and parents to ensure CMA is a good fit for both the family and the school. Plus, this helps us get to know each other better, so we can work together as a team to help each student become all God has called them to be.
Are there specific requirements for acceptance in CMA?
They cannot currently be in trouble nor have been expelled from another school, be in a behavioral alternative school, be in a judge-ordered rehab or detention, etc. There must be progress toward change over time to be considered. Students in junior high and high school have to want to be at CMA. Junior high and high school students must want to grow in their relationship with Jesus. Elementary students must be able to listen to instructions, demonstrate age-appropriate self-control, and follow instructions from authority.
Is financial aid available?
CMA is currently a part of ACE Scholarships. ACE is an organization of private donors who want to make tuition assistance available to parents who otherwise couldn't afford to choose a private or Christian school for their child. ACE makes all decisions for these scholarships based on financial need and will pay up to half of the tuition costs, per student. The deadline for this application for fall enrollment is approximately April 15th each year. Find out more about ACE Scholarships at: www.acescholarships.org
Academics
Is CMA accredited?
While CMA is not accredited through the State of Arkansas, our graduates are well prepared for college and beyond. Through a rigorous academic program and college admissions guidance, our students have successfully earned scholarships and been accepted into colleges and universities across the country.
How does CMA prepare students for college and career success?
Our curriculum emphasizes academic excellence, critical thinking, leadership development, and a biblical worldview to prepare students for their future calling. Practical mentorship and personal accountability are also largely practiced and taught at CMA.
What curriculum do you use?
CMA uses Abeka as its primary curriculum because of its strong academic foundation and proven approach to learning. We also supplement with additional Christian and traditional educational resources to provide a well-rounded education and prepare students for success beyond the classroom.
What is the average class size?
One of CMA's biggest advantages is our smaller class sizes (usually between 6 and 12 students). This allows teachers to provide more individualized instruction and support when needed, which helps students gain more confidence and encouragement in their academic and spiritual growth.
Do you offer dual enrollment or college credit opportunities?
Absolutely! We work with our local community college to help students embarking on their college plans to start checking off the basics of their degree paths.
What if my child is transferring from another school?
We work closely with each family to make the transition as smooth as possible. Academic records are reviewed along with student evaluations. We can help place students in the appropriate grade or classes to best meet their educational and graduation requirements.
Do you offer academic support for students who need extra help?
Our smaller class sizes allow teachers to provide more individualized instruction and encouragement. While we are not equipped to meet specialized educational needs, we work closely with families to help students succeed whenever possible.
Do you assign homework?
Homework can vary, but it is generally not assigned unless it is a special project, an assigned reading, or required study time for upcoming quizzes or tests. Generally, any work not completed in class will be considered homework. When students have good study habits, note-taking skills, and use their time wisely in class, they can complete much of what is assigned each day. Our goal for each student is to gain good study habits and listening skills that develop responsibility and a well-managed life.
Biblical Worldview & Spiritual Development
How does CMA provide Biblical Worldview and integrate faith into the classroom?
Biblical principles are woven into every subject at Christian Ministries Academy. Students are taught to view life, learning, relationships, leadership, and the world around them through the truth of God's Word. Our goal is to provide a biblically grounded education that develops both academic understanding and a Christian worldview students can carry into everyday life.
What denomination is CMA?
CMA is a ministry of Christian Ministries Church, a non-denominational Christian church. We focus on the essential truths of Scripture and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Are students required to attend chapel?
Yes. Chapel services are an important part of student life and provide opportunities for worship, biblical teaching, and spiritual growth.
What if our family attends a different church?
Students from many different churches attend CMA. We do, however, require that all families attend church somewhere and encourage families to remain actively involved in their local church. A recommendation from your church pastor/minister must be submitted for every family.
Student Life
Athletics
What extracurricular activities are available?
Do students have opportunities to participate in sports?
Students can participate in athletics (volleyball, basketball, track, peewee cheer - just to name a few), student leadership opportunities/clubs, service projects, special events, and other activities throughout the school year. Most of our extracurricular activities are run by parent volunteers, which makes for a whole family experience at CMA.
Yes. CMA Athletics provides opportunities for students to develop teamwork, discipline, leadership, and character while competing with excellence. We currently offer Volleyball, Basketball, Peewee Cheer, D-League (Developmental League for our 3rd-6th grade students), and Track. We have also offered Golf, Softball, and Baseball according to team participation and coach availability. Please contact our Athletic Director or visit our Athletics page for more detailed information.
Is there a required Dress Code?
Yes. The CMA Dress Code is very simple: Khaki or Navy pants or shorts and polo or button-down shirts. Please see our Dress Code information for more specific details for elementary, shoes, spirit wear, etc.
Can homeschooled students participate in athletics?
What is the school’s approach to discipline or other issues?
Only students currently enrolled in the CMA Homeschool Cooperative program are eligible to participate.
Our goal is not simply behavior modification but heart transformation. We partner with parents to develop character, responsibility, respect, and biblical values. Communication is vital for working out frustrations or situations in everyday life. We work proactively to provide each student with a respectful, safe, Christ-centered environment where kids can learn to navigate with others and life's ups and downs. A great way to learn more about our mission is to view our School Handbook.
Can students use cell phones during the school day?
No. Phones and devices should neither be seen nor heard during school hours. This applies to all students. Devices include smartwatches, earbuds, and similar electronic items.
Do students have opportunities to participate in leadership or service?
Yes. Students have opportunities to serve through student leadership, chapel, athletics, outreach projects, mentoring younger students, and a variety of school events. We believe leadership is developed through serving others and living out biblical character.
Parent Partnership
What role do parents play in their child’s education?
We believe education flourishes when parents take an active role in their children's education. Open communication and collaboration with staff are at the heart of a successful educational experience.
How does CMA communicate with parents?
Parents mostly use our Remind school communication platform to receive regular updates and to converse with teachers/staff members directly.
Can parents volunteer at the school?
Absolutely! We welcome parent involvement in a variety of school activities, such as PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization), events, sports teams, and concessions.
Safety & Environment
What measures are in place to keep students safe?
Student safety is a top priority. CMA maintains campus security procedures, visitor check-in processes, security cameras, emergency response plans, and staff training.
How do you support students socially and emotionally?
We seek to develop the whole student—academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially—through mentoring relationships, biblical counseling principles, and a supportive school community.
Distinctives
What makes Christian Ministries Academy different from other private schools?
CMA combines academic excellence with a Christ-centered education and biblical worldview. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, spiritual development, leadership opportunities, strong character formation, and a school community that partners with parents and the local church. Our goal is not simply to prepare students academically, but to help them become spiritually grounded young men and women who are equipped to influence their world for Christ.
How are teachers selected?
Our teachers are chosen not only for their God-given ability to teach but also for their heart to minister to and serve the students and families at CMA. Our selection process includes background checks and references regarding personal Christian character, integrity, and commitment to biblical truth. We believe that who teaches a child is just as important as what is taught.
Is Christian Ministries Academy a private Christian school in Hot Springs, Arkansas?
Yes. Christian Ministries Academy is a private Christian school in Hot Springs, Arkansas, serving students from Kindergarten Development through 12th grade. CMA provides a Christ-centered education focused on academic excellence, biblical worldview, spiritual growth, character development, and leadership.
Will my child be challenged to grow in their faith?
Yes. We desire every student to deepen their relationship with Jesus, develop biblical convictions, and learn how to live out their faith in everyday life. This requires students to develop personal relationships with trust, a willingness to learn, grow, and change, and the ability to humble themselves and surrender to the Lord. This is the highest mission and calling for CMA.