School Profile

SCHOOL PROFILE

Christian Liberty Academy is a private, independent, Christian school serving over 850 students, located in Wheeling Township, Cook County, Illinois. The Academy serves families who live in 69 surrounding cities. The Church of Christian Liberty provides oversight for the Academy as one of its ministries, though students and parents are not required to be members or attend the church. Since 1968, CLA has maintained a high standard of academic excellence in seeking to prepare students to serve Christ and work for the building of His kingdom in all areas of life. The Academy has graduated over 750 seniors since 1972. The academic school year consists of 35 weeks divided into two semesters. CLA uses a traditional scheduling approach, with the school day beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:35 p.m. Nine 40-minute classes and a 20-minute chapel period structure the day.

Enrollment 2011-2012

• Seniors 48
• Juniors 45
• Sophomores 35
• Freshmen 36
• Eighth 31
• Seventh 29
• Sixth 35
• Fifth 32
• Fourth 31
• Third 42
• Second 56
• First 58
• Junior & Senior Kindergarten 192
• Preschool 98

ACT Results

Avg. Composite Score 22.9
Avg. State Score 20.8
Avg. CLA score 22.5

COLLEGE PLACEMENT PROFILE

48 graduating students
Approx. 90% enter institutions of higher learning.  Many of our area students begin their studies at Harper College.  Other colleges and universities where recent graduates have been accepted include the following: University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Illinois (Champaign & Chicago), Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, North Park, Geneva, Grove City, Harper, Moody, Northwestern University, Notre Dame, Univ. of Oklahoma, Pensacola, Purdue, Taylor, Trinity University, Western, Wheaton.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

English   4 credits
Philosophy   3 credits
History †    5 credits
Physical Education*    3 credits
Mathematics    3 credits
Science    3 credits
Electives    2 credits
TOTAL    23 credits

* Students may take choir, sewing, or art in place of physical education.
† Economics and U.S. Constitution are included in this total.

UNITS OF CREDIT

1 credit - credit for course taken one full year.
0.5 credit - credit for course taken one semester
0.5 credit - for elective courses that meet 2-3 days/week

SCHOOL GRADING SCALE

A+     99% Outstanding Achievement  (4.0)
A      96%  (4.0)
A-     94%  (3.8)
B+     92% Above Average Achievement   (3.2)
B      89%  (3.0)
B-     87%  (2.8)
C+     85% Average Achievement   (2.2)
C      79%  (2.0)
C-     77%  (1.8)
D+     75% Below Average Achievement   (1.2)
D      72%  (1.0)
D-     70%  (0.8)
F      69% Failing Grade  (0)
I      Incomplete work; grade withheld until work is complete.

GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale. All classes are given the same weighting except for AP classes, which are weighted 1 point higher.

CHRISTIAN LIBERTY SCHOLAR

A student whose cumulative grade point average is 3.2-4.0 is named a Christian Liberty Scholar.
3.2 - 3.4 - Honors
3.5 - 4.0 - High Honors
The Class of 2011 had 22 Christian Liberty Scholars.

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON AWARD

The George Washington Award is the highest award given by the school. At the annual Honors Assembly on the last day of school, one high school student and one student from 5th - 8th grade are recognized not only for their excellent academic achievements, but also for their exemplary Christian attitude and service during their school years.

CORE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL

SENIOR YEAR

Philosophy - An in-depth look at the relevance of the 10 commandments and analysis of modern culture. Discussion includes other religions and philosophies.
U.S. History - Study of American history from discovery and colonization to modern times.
Constitution - Detailed analysis of the U.S. Constitution and the republican system of government.
English - 1 semester of college-level composition.
Literature - 1 semester of literature.
Physics - A rigorous study of classical physics with introduction to modern physics; a laboratory class.
Pre-Calculus - A rigorous treatment of algebra, trigonometry, and geometry in preparation for calculus.
AP Calculus (AB) - The first sequence in calculus covering limits, differentiation, and integration. AP exam may be taken for college credit.
AP Computer - A first-year college-level study of object-oriented programming methodology, including problem solving, algorithm development, the study of data structures and abstraction. AP exam may be taken for college credit.
AP Chemistry - Fulfills the requirements for a two-semester college level general chemistry course and includes an extensive lab program. AP exam may be taken for college credit.
AP Literature - Designed to engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. AP exam may be taken for college credit.
AP Spanish - College level Spanish.
Anatomy & Physiology - The study of Histology, Physiology, & Gross Anatomy.


JUNIOR YEAR

Philosophy - An in-depth look at the relevance of the 10 commandments and analysis of modern culture. Discussion includes other religions and philosophies.
European History - Study of modern European history from the Reformation to the present day.
Economics - Study of the U.S. economy and a comparison of the free-market system with other economic systems.
English - English literature with an emphasis on writing.
Chemistry - An honors-level coverage of basic inorganic chemistry; a laboratory class.
AP Chemistry - Fulfills the requirements for a two-semester college level general chemistry course and includes an extensive lab program. AP exam may be taken for college credit.
Computer - An introduction to PC computers and applications. Pre-Calculus - A rigorous treatment of algebra, trigonometry, and geometry in preparation for calculus.
Algebra II - A rigorous treatment of second year algebra topics with emphasis on graphing and problem solving. Graphing calculators are used.
Geometry - An honors-level, proof- and algebra-based treatment of plane and solid geometry.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Philosophy - An in-depth study of the New Testament along with readings in church history.
Ancient History - World history from Creation to the Renaissance.
English - A study of Shakespearean literature.
Physical Science - An introduction to chemistry and classical physics. Advanced students take Chemistry.
Algebra II - A rigorous treatment of second year algebra topics with emphasis on graphing and problem solving. Graphing calculators are used.
Geometry - An honors-level, proof- and algebra-based treatment of plane and solid geometry; available for accelerated students.

FRESHMAN YEAR

Philosophy - An in-depth study of Bible doctrines and their significance in history and practice.
Government - An analysis of the U.S. Republic and its biblical foundations. (Geography is taught for one half of the year.)
English - Basic composition and grammar.
Biology - A study of creation and God’s living world. Students are introduced to comparative anatomy and dissection.
Geometry - An honors-level, proof- and algebra-based treatment of plane and solid geometry; available for accelerated students.
Algebra I - Introduction to the fundamental concepts of algebra. Graphing is stressed through both graphing calculators and traditional methods.


ELECTIVE COURSES

Art - Students 1st - 8th grade may take art, learning to draw, paint, and sculpt. Art Appreciation & Art Elective are offered for 9th - 12th grades. The annual Art Show features artists from all grade levels with awards given.
Auto Shop - Practical and hands-on introduction to automobiles and engine systems.
Awaken Drama - Offered to 7th - 11th grade students with the mission to glorify God through drama that is relevant, interesting, and will help others grow spiritually. Skits are performed during chapel services throughout the year.
Band - Students 4th - 12th grade may be a part of the Liberty Band at beginner or advanced levels.
Choir - Students 7th-12th grade have an opportunity to be a part of the award-winning Liberty Choir. The choir has recorded several CD’s.
Computers - LEGO Robotics - Computer programming through the medium of robotics.
Computers - Web Design - Creating and designing web pages using HTML and CSS.
Computers - Build your own P.C. - Students will build their own computer and bring it home after course completion.
Culinary Arts - Hands-on knowledge learning safe sanitation, food and kitchen safety, nutrition, & culinary skills. The students participate in a annual Iron Chef competition and awards are given.
Drama Elective - Offered to students interested in learning to act, including the study of different types of acting, proper use of voice, improvisation, and stage skills.
Dynamics of Fitness - Focuses on the fundamentals of strength training, aerobic endurance, flexibility, motor skills, nutrition, and weight management.
French I -IV - A four-year sequence of modern French.
Latin I -III - A three-year sequence of classical Latin.
Spanish I-III & AP - A four-year sequence of Spanish. AP students may take the AP Exam for college credit.
Photography - Both traditional methods and modern, digital methods for photography are taught and practiced.
Sewing - Students learn to design and fashion clothes.
Wood Shop - Students learn to use hand tools and powered machinery, designing and building various projects.
Yearbook - Students have the opportunity to work on the production of the Clarion, the school’s yearbook. Students learn skills in desktop publishing, layout, and photography.


OTHER ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
High School Drama & Drama Jr. - Each year CLA produces fall and spring plays at the H. S. and grammar school levels.
Science Fair - 5th through 8th grade students develop science projects and participate in the annual science fair that is judged by experts in many fields of science. Awards are given and many of our students have gone on to win numerous regional and state awards. We have hosted the Illinois Regional Science fair here at CLA since 2002.
Student Council - Students in high school have the opportunity to serve the school by leading and planning activities and helping at events throughout the year.
Student Chapel - Each week students lead the daily chapel. Students participate in drama, music, and speaking.
Small Groups - Each Thursday, students meet during the chapel period for prayer and Bible discussion. Students also have the opportunity to lead a group & to mentor younger students.
Variety Show - Each spring CLA hosts the Variety Show for students and faculty. Students help plan, decorate, and run the show.

SPORTS
CLA is an IHSA approved school and competes with other local schools in a variety of sports and belongs to the Northeastern Athletic Conference

Boys:
Baseball - Junior Varsity and Varsity (8th - 12th grades)
Basketball - 5th & 6th, Jr. High, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
Football - 9th - 12th grades
Soccer - Jr. High, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
Track & Field - 5th - 12th grades

Girls:
Basketball - Jr. High, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
Cross Country - 9th - 12th Grades
Soccer - Junior Varsity and Varsity (8th - 12th grades)
Softball - Varsity
Track & Field - 5th - 12th grades
Volleyball - Jr. High, Junior Varsity, and Varsity

Cheerleading - noncompetitive only - 5th & 6th, Junior High, and Varsity