Upper School Academic Program
From the sciences and math to social studies and English, CHA utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to foster critical thinking, intellectual engagement, creativity, and a holistic development of the student’s character. A broad spectrum of learning and leadership experiences develops students who are both competent and confident, well-equipped for the rigors of college and beyond.
Our low faculty-student ratio, small class sizes, and hybrid block schedule provide a stimulating environment for learning, in-depth inquiry, and exchange of ideas.
- For a brochure of course offerings, honors and awards, extracurricular activities, and the grading scale, please download our Upper School Profile.
- For the overarching curricular scope and sequence at CHA, please download our Abridged Curriculum Map.
Program Highlights
Certified by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), our Upper School faculty serve as Living Curriculum teachers, role models who live what they teach. Whether instructing in a classroom, mentoring, or building relationships with students, they prayerfully guide their students toward intellectual and spiritual maturity. Students are encouraged to place God at the center of their high school experience, to cultivate a deep faith, an upright character, and a servant’s heart.
CHA’s Upper School is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and AdvancED. We are also recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and are an approved member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).
The academic program is demanding and competitive with the best schools in the state, offering regular, honors, and AP courses, as well as dual credit courses with participating universities. For a list of graduation requirements and a four-year academic course plan, please refer to the 2024-25 Upper School Academic Catalog.
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP European History
- AP Human Geography
- AP Psychology
- AP Statistics
- AP U.S. History
Leadership and Service
In the culmination of their teenage years, we provide opportunities for Upper School students to significantly grow in their ability to Love Courageously and Excel in their Gifts, two of our Expected Student Outcomes (ESOs). We seek to challenge students to develop and utilize the gifts God has given them, so they might serve Him faithfully both within and far beyond our school walls. These transformational efforts take time and perseverance, and we see God using the lessons and outcomes in remarkable ways in students’ lives.
Opportunities include: participation in the regular Upper School chapel service, whether joining the worship or tech teams, sharing a testimony, or presenting a message; involvement in CHA’s dedicated week of service learning, called GO! Week, serving locally, in cities throughout the United States, or internationally; student leadership on the Lions’ athletics teams or in Music's ensembles; leading or serving with the National Honor Society; creating and/or leading one of the more than 20 Upper School clubs; assisting with Student Life events.
Extracurricular Activities
To enhance the Upper School academic experience, students have many opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive individually and in community through elective courses and extracurricular activities. A small school size allows for students to be actively involved in a variety of programs with more time on the playing field, on the stage, behind the easel, or on the planning team!
