Private Christian School Implements Mix of Classroom and At-Home Learning
Going back to school this fall will look drastically different for many North Texas students, but not for children enrolled in Plano’s Coram Deo Academy. This affordable private school was already implementing a combination of on-campus and at-home learning long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coram Deo Academy (CDA) is part of the National Association of University-Model Schools, meaning it’s a Christian, classical, collaborative school that blends aspects of both private and at-home learning. Students attend classes on campus two or three days a week and receive parental tutoring or mentoring at home for the remainder. All initial subject matter is taught by professional teachers on campus. Parents tend to act as tutors for children in younger grades and as mentors for older children. On-campus teachers provide all curriculum and administer all testing.
“This collaboration between school and family allows parents to have a greater voice in their child’s life, while ensuring mastery of concepts. Because of this established partnership, CDA was able to quickly adapt its learning platform this past spring. Our students successfully completed their coursework as scheduled, including AP classes, and finished the year strong and on time,” said Barbara Rogers, director of admissions at Coram Deo Academy.
Students attend core classes on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays and participate in electives on Fridays. This gives families freedom to choose what best fits their budget and schedule based on their child’s interests. Students in grades 9-12 also fulfill some graduation requirements on Fridays, including science labs, fine arts classes and house meetings for student government leaders.
Because the average student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1, CDA can easily adapt to social distancing standards. The school will add daily intensive cleaning procedures and symptom screenings. At a time when schools are wondering how to operate this fall, CDA’s parents are already equipped with books, answer keys and online assignment guides.
Coram Deo is a Latin phrase meaning “in the presence of God.” According to Barbara, “From the beginning of Pre-K to the last day of 12th grade, we exist to shape women and men into the likeness of Jesus Christ and equip them for a lifetime of service in their communities.”
Additionally, there are opportunities for student leadership, mission trips, volunteering and extracurricular activities. These options, combined with an excellent education, explain why 90 percent of 2020 CDA graduates were accepted into their first-choice colleges and received scholarship offers totaling over $11 million.
Tuition at CDA’s three locations in Plano, Dallas and Flower Mound ranges from $4,500-$8,000 for core classes, with optional sports and fine arts electives priced at $500 each. Students must enroll by July 15 for classes beginning Aug. 10. Late enrollments are considered on a case-by-case basis.
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