ADMISSION POLICY

Colchester Christian Academy

66 East Court Road, Bible Hill, NS B2N 4M8

902.895.6520

www.colchesterchristianacademy.ca

office@colchesterchristianacademy.ca

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CCA ORGANIZATION                                                                        

PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION                                                                 

APPLICATION & ENROLMENT PROCESS                                                 

Enrolment                                                                                 

Conditional Admission                                                                 

Admissions or Waiting List Priority                                                

Re-Admission Procedure                                                                 

Admission Requirements                                                                 

Part-Time Student Tuition Fees                                                         

TUITION POLICY                                                                                

Payments                                                                                

Annual Renewal                                                                         

Tuition Assistance Policy                                                                

Arrears & Outstanding Items                                                        

LATE PAYMENTS                                                                                 

REFUND POLICY                                                                                 

Tax Receipts                                                                                 

ADDITIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS & FEES                                                 

Sports Fees                                                                                 

Graduation Fee                                                                         

PRE-PRIMARY ADMISSIONS & REGISTRATION                                         

Is Your Child Ready For Pre-Primary?                                                

Learning Should Be Fun                                                                 

Play                                                                                         

Age Requirements for Pre-Primary                                                 

SIGNATURE AND AGREEMENT                                                                 

CCA ORGANIZATION

CCA is a charitable organization incorporated under the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia to operate a school community of excellence that challenges students to grow in knowledge, skill, character, leadership and courage to dynamically impact their world for Christ.

A Board of Governors manages the affairs of CCA’s community, including setting policy,

appointing Head of Schools, and appointing board committees to support the school.

CCA accepts students with a range of learning styles into its academic program. However, as a university/college preparatory school the majority of our students intend to pursue higher education and are equipped for their future in a challenging academic environment that rewards student initiative and learning-readiness.

PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION

Admission to Colchester Christian Academy (CCA) is open to qualifying students who are eager to learn in a rigorous academic program that is designed for student success, and encourages gifts in a wide range of interests and abilities. An interview with the Principal is required for local students. There is an entrance assessment test for admission to help provide clarification as to the academic standing of the student, and previous academic records (report cards/transcripts) will be assessed to ensure that applicants have the necessary academic background to be successful at CCA.

Book a Tour on our  website under and then fill out an application to attend CCA at www.colchesterchristianacademy.ca under the “Admissions” tab.  

APPLICATION & ENROLMENT PROCESS

Enrolment

The following steps are required:

●         Parent/guardian books a tour on the website

             (www.colchesterchristianacademy.ca) - “Admissions” - “Book a Tour”

●         Student and parent/guardian meet with the Principal in person

●         Admission Application Package is completed

●         Payment of Registration fees

●              Acceptance is confirmed by letter from the Principal.

Conditional Admission

Applicants must meet the following requirements to maintain their status as a student at CCA:

● Acceptable academic standing.

● Conduct must conform to the school standards as outlined in the student handbook.

● All new students attending CCA are initially on a 2 month conditional probation period to

allow for further assessment and proper academic placement. Students, who fail to achieve

the academic requirements, maintain a satisfactory attendance, or who become a

disciplinary concern may be removed from the registry of CCA.

Admissions or Waiting List Priority

For the process of admission into Pre-Primary or in the event that a grade level reaches capacity, the criteria below will be used to determine priority sequence for admission or if new spaces should materialize. These criteria will hold precedence until December 1 of the year prior to the anticipated September enrolment.

● Priority #1 - The first priority is current enrolment at CCA by a sibling.

● Priority #2 - The second priority is for alumni and former students and families who

have attended or graduated from CCA.

● Priority #3 - The third priority is the date of the initial interview request by the

parent/guardian of the prospective student. The student is placed on a waitlist in priority sequence.  

Re-Admission Procedure

Students must apply for re-admission in any of the following circumstances:

● If the student has failed to remain continuously registered following the typical sequence of

terms for his/her program.

● If the student was dismissed from CCA for academic or disciplinary reasons.

● If the student has failed or withdrawn from CCA.

● Students who have been suspended from CCA and wish to apply for re-admission require

the approval of the Admissions Team.

Admission Requirements

● Because of the challenge of the curriculum, a student entering CCA must be achieving

satisfactory success in his/her present school.

● Due to financial constraints, CCA does not provide EA or resource support services.

● Students must agree to attend chapel and complete their Bible course every year in order to receive a CCA Diploma of Graduation.

Part-Time Student Tuition Fees

$837.50 per course for one semester (subject to change per year). This is applicable to senior high school students only (Grades 9-12).    

Part-time students are students in Senior High (Grade 9-12) who are taking 1-2 courses a

semester at CCA (students taking 3-4 courses a semester are considered full-time

and are subject to regular tuition fees).  

TUITION POLICY

Payments

The registration fee is due with the admission application.  Capital infrastructure donations are also welcomed as these gifts are fully tax receiptable and provide CCA the capital funds and means to continue to provide valuable resources for our students.

There are three options for making payments:

1. One payment option due before June 1st.

2. Two payments  before June 1st and January 15th.

3. Twelve pre-authorized payments starting July 22nd, however, please note if the 22nd is on a non-business day or a holiday, your payment will withdraw on the following business day. To select this option, complete the pre-authorized Payment Form and attach a VOID cheque. Your payments will be deposited into the Colchester Christian Academy account at the Mosaik Credit Union.

4.  After two failed attempts to withdraw funds, you will be charged a withdrawal fee of $50 and for every attempt after per annum.  

5. A minimum of two (2) months’ written notice is required for student withdrawal. In the absence of this notice, two months’ tuition will be charged in place of notice to allow CCA sufficient time to fill the student’s seat.  

Annual Renewal

The process is very simple, as per the Tuition Rate Schedule when a student first enrols, the

agreement assumes enrollment until graduation unless CCA is notified no later than

May 1st of the current school year.

CCA will apply the new tuition rates to your tuition account based on the same payment

arrangements on file.

If you have selected either the full tuition payment option or the two-installment payment option, and would like to pay by post-dated cheques, please provide one post-dated cheque for the full tuition amount dated June 1st or two post-dated cheques for half of the tuition amount, dated June 1st and the other dated January 15th of the following year.  Please provide these post dated cheques to the main office no later than May 15th of the current school year.  

If you have selected the full tuition payment option and would like to pay by cash or e-transfer, the payment must be made before June 1st of the current school year.

For families choosing the two-installment payment option and paying by cash or e-transfer, half of the tuition must be paid in cash or e-transfer before June 1st with the second half installment due before January 15th of the following year.

If you are currently on the pre-authorized monthly payment plan, the new rate will be reflected on the July 22nd payment.  If you need to change these arrangements to one of the other two options, please contact our finance department by email at finance@colchesterchristianacademy.ca.

Tuition Assistance Policy

Colchester Christian Academy offers a readily available tuition assistance program to support the well-being of our families. From its inception, CCA has maintained a strategic goal of welcoming families from a wide range of income levels to participate fully in our programs.

Financial relief is available for tuition fees up to 40%, based on family income. Please note that tuition assistance is not awarded based on athletic, academic, or other abilities.  Applications are completed through Apple Financial Services at www.applefinancialservices.ca. If you would like to learn more about the process before applying, you can review the instructions here: https://applefinancialservices.ca/instructions#before-apply. This process is simple and confidential.

 Application Deadlines:  Returning families may apply for tuition assistance beginning in April for the next school year. The application deadline is June 1st.

Arrears & Outstanding Items

All tuition and school-related fees must be paid in full prior to the release of a student’s report cards.

In addition, all school property, including, but not limited to, textbooks, library materials, athletic uniforms and sports equipment, must be returned.  

Any outstanding balances as in sports fees, unreturned items, or damaged materials will be charged to the family’s account at the full cost to the school.

Please note that tax receipts and final report cards will be withheld until all financial obligations have been met and all school property has been returned.

LATE PAYMENTS

All accounts in arrears without consultation with the Finance Team will be charged 1% per month.

If no payment method or action is received regarding the account within two months of the

account being in arrears, the family will be required to remove the student(s) from CCA.

Re-enrolment of the student(s) is permitted once outstanding payments have been received.

REFUND POLICY

Colchester Christian Academy has developed policies to protect the integrity of prudent financial planning while respecting the changing financial reality for families with students enrolled in the CCA program. In extenuating circumstances involving major health concerns or other challenging circumstances, a differentiated policy may apply. In all other circumstances of withdrawal from Colchester Christian Academy during the school year, whether voluntary or involuntary, the following refund policy will apply:

● The registration fee is not refundable.

● Families who withdraw their children are required to provide two (2) months’ notice. If notice is not given, an additional two months’ tuition will be charged to allow CCA time to fill the student’s seat.

● Student withdrawals must be made in writing to the principal.  

NOTE:  Neither school records or tax receipts will be released until all bills (including sports fees) are paid in full and all textbooks, sports jerseys, and materials have been returned.  

Tax Receipts

Colchester Christian Academy is a registered charity.  As a charity, a portion of the tuition paid

may qualify for an official receipt for income tax purposes.  CCA’s Finance Team

calculates the amount eligible using a formula based on Canada Revenue Agency’s regulations. The actual amount of the receipt that can be issued depends upon individual family situations and the financial costs of providing education as reported on the annual audited financial statements.  Receipts are issued at the end of February.

Sports receipts will not be provided.  When you pay your sports fees through our online payment system,  SQUARE,  on our website, please retain your receipts for tax purposes.

Please Note:

• Not all families will receive a tax receipt.
• Only the portion of tuition above the cost to educate can be receipted, based on a formula using expenses, number of students, and discounts.
• Tuition assistance may reduce or eliminate the amount eligible for a tax receipt.
• Payment timing can also affect the receipt amount.
• Donations of tuition for another family follow the same rules.
• If multiple people pay tuition, the receipt is divided based on the percentage each person paid.

ADDITIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS & FEES

Sports Fees

These fees apply to participation in CCA individual or team sports and help cover costs such as insurance, referees, league fees, uniforms, and equipment. Fees are determined annually by coaches and the athletic department.  Please note that if funds allow from these fees, we will host a sports banquet with awards.  

Graduation Fee

The graduation fee of $250  covers expenses related with graduation events, programming,

administrative costs, as well as materials to participate and celebrate the completion of your high school academic program. The fee is due at the start of the graduates grade 12 year. This fee also includes the graduates diploma, gown, hat, composite and end of year Graduation celebration.  

PRE-PRIMARY ADMISSIONS & REGISTRATION

Is Your Child Ready for PrePrimary?

Starting PrePrimary is an exciting milestone for both children and parents! It marks the beginning of a new stage filled with learning, growth, and new friendships. At CCA, we are honoured to be part of this special time in your child’s life.

Every child develops at their own pace, and this checklist is simply a guide to help you understand some of the skills that can support a smooth transition into PrePrimary:

● Can your child enjoy listening to a short story and stay engaged for a few minutes at a time?
● Is your child beginning to stay focused on simple activities (about 10–15 minutes with support)?
● Does your child attempt to complete simple tasks, even if they need encouragement?
● Are your child’s gross motor skills developing (e.g., running, jumping, climbing, and beginning to balance)?
● Are your child’s fine motor skills emerging (e.g., holding crayons, drawing, colouring, and trying to use scissors)?
● Is your child beginning to play and interact with other children?
● Is your child learning to express emotions and starting to manage them with guidance?
● Is your child showing curiosity or interest in going to school?
● Can your child follow simple one- or two-step instructions?
● Is your child beginning to dress independently (e.g., putting on shoes, coat with help)?
● Is your child independent with toileting?
● Can your child communicate basic needs (e.g., asking for help, saying when they are hungry or need the bathroom)?

Remember, no child is expected to have mastered all of these skills before starting PrePrimary. These abilities will continue to grow and develop throughout the year as children gain confidence and independence in a supportive environment.

Learning Should Be Fun

Above all, learning should be fun and meaningful. Pre- Primary bridges the gap between home

and school, and has a balance of formal and informal activities. There are a variety of activities

used to enhance the formal aspect of the curriculum, such as music, art, and science discoveries.

A child should also learn to be a responsible citizen by taking care of their own things and picking up after themselves; and to be accountable for their own behaviour by following class rules, such as no running in the school, using their inside voice, sharing, taking turns talking, hands off, feet off, etc.

Play

Up to now, a child’s most important life’s work has been play. A child grows and learns through

play and experiences. These experiences now form the basis for problem solving in a more formal setting. For example, blocks teach spatial relationships, and shapes. Each day should have built into it a time for child directed activities where they may choose activities on their own and expand their imagination.

Age Requirements for Pre-Primary

Pre-Primary entry requires students to be four by December 31 of the enrolment year.

SIGNATURE AND AGREEMENT

I have read, understood, and agree to all terms, including the admission and withdrawal policies, outlined above.

_____________________________________                                       _________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature                                Date

_____________________________________                        ___________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature                                Date