APPLICATION PROCESS

We value a strong partnership with families and believe a clear understanding of our admissions criteria is essential. Please take time to carefully review the expectations below before starting an application to ensure alignment with the mission and standards of City of Life Christian Academy.

Spiritual:

• The parent and student support City of Life Christian Academy’s statement of faith and core values. You agree to comply with the school's philosophy and biblical perspective on marriage, gender, and sexuality, spiritual goals, policies, practices, and mission of City of Life Christian Academy.

• Students and at least one parent must regularly attend and be involved in a Christ-centered church, showing a sustained commitment to a local church.

Academic:

• Applicants should demonstrate success in a traditional classroom environment.

• Applicants must show proficiency at or above the 50th percentile in reading and math on standardized assessments. For state testing (FAST), this corresponds to an achievement level of 3 or higher.

• Applicants should have a strong academic record in standard or honors classes. Indicators include positive teacher recommendations confirming work on or above grade level, C+ average and above on report cards, and an unweighted GPA within COLCA’s average range of 2.5 and above.

• Applicants with an IEP, 504 plan, or other accommodation plan must meet all of the above admission criteria. Admission may not be offered if it is determined that COLCA cannot adequately meet the student’s academic, emotional, medical, or behavioral needs as outlined in the accommodation plan. COLCA does not offer a special education program.

• Applicants must be able to speak, read, and write fluent English.

Behavioral:

• Applicants must have excellent behavioral and conduct records from current and previous schools, with no suspensions, expulsions, or ongoing disciplinary issues.

• Applicants should have acceptable attendance, defined as no more than 10 absences per semester, unless a documented exception or hardship is noted.

• Students with prior drug, alcohol, or other similar issues must have successfully completed (including being 100% drug and alcohol-free) a full semester in a regular school program prior to being admitted to COLCA. We will not accept students directly from residential treatment programs.

• A student will not be considered for enrollment if expelled from another public or private school within the last academic school year.

For all applications (Preschool - 12th grade) click HERE to create an account and begin your online application. After applying, you will be able to track your admissions status at City of Life Christian Academy by logging into your FACTS account. Both the application and a non-refundable $25 fee must be submitted before moving on to the Admissions Interview.

Submitting an application is not a guarantee of admission, even if the minimum criteria is met. All completed applications are reviewed as a group, and the most qualified applicants are offered available spaces first.

The following information and the supporting documents will need to be submitted:

• A photo of your child (head and shoulders)

• Copy of recent standardized test results

• Copy of most recent report card or transcripts

• Names and email addresses for:

  1. The classroom teacher (current K5-5th)

  2. Math and English/Language Arts Teacher (current 6th-12th)

  3. A person to complete a character reference (such as a coach, pastor, youth leader, or community member

An admissions interview is a required step in our process. We want to get to know you better to find out what is important in the school you are looking for, as well as become better acquainted with your children.

The interview is for both student(s) and a parent. Students in grades K5 through 12th grade will also be asked questions and expected to respond. You can anticipate discussing your previous academic experiences, faith, family, and goals.

To understand the different types of appointments for Preschool and K5-12th, please visit HERE.

Acceptance/Enrollment:

Offers of admission are based on class availability and all the information gathered in the application process which illustrate potential success in our classroom and our curriculum. This decision is prayerfully reviewed by our Admissions Committee. Availability is determined after returning families have confirmed re-enrollment for the upcoming school year. Once classes are full, strong candidates will be placed in a wait pool and notified if space becomes available. If an offer of enrollment is made, please follow the instructions in the acceptance email to complete enrollment. This includes setting up a tuition payment plan in our FACTS Tuition Management System and must be completed within ten business days of the enrollment offer.

Decline:

The parents will be notified by email if their student has been declined acceptance into COLCA. The reason for a decline is based on multiple factors as reflected in the documents that comprise a student's application packet and required admissions criteria. The decision of the Admissions Committee is final for that season. There is no appeal process once a decision is rendered.

Waitpool:

Each year, we receive more applications for certain grade levels than we have available spots. When an applicant completes the application process for a specific grade, and the Admissions Committee considers them a strong candidate deserving of an offer, but we do not have a seat available, we offer them the option to join our wait pool. In the event that a space becomes available with respect to a specific grade, we will evaluate the students remaining in the wait pool and make an offer of admission to the best fit candidate.