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.
Academics
Is CMA accredited?
CMA is not accredited by the State of Arkansas; however, this has no bearing on students receiving scholarships or college acceptance. We furnish grade reports and transcripts and ensure that all students have the required classes needed for graduation.
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?
Abeka is widely used for its circular, foundational approach to education. We also incorporate Bob Jones for ELA and A Reason for Spelling. The Bible curricula for our elementary and middle schools are Positive Action and Deep Roots. We do more in-depth Bible studies in 7-12 and examine the contrast between Biblical Worldview and today's culture and world.
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.
Biblical Worldview & Spiritual Development
How is faith integrated into the classroom?
Biblical principles are woven into every subject. Students are encouraged to view life, learning, and leadership through the truth of God’s Word.
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.
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 CMA different from other schools?
CMA is dedicated to partnering with families to deliver academic excellence while shaping students who know God, love others, and live out biblical truth. We strive to complement what you teach at home and what your child learns at church, creating a unified approach that gives every student the opportunity to deepen their personal relationship with God.
What is CMA’s ultimate goal for students?
Our goal is to graduate young men and women who are academically prepared, spiritually grounded, emotionally healthy, and equipped to influence their world for Jesus Christ.
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.