Christian Academy Preschool Programs Expanding
The Courier-Journal recently reported that the Jefferson County Public School system will close seven of its fourteen tuition-based preschools due in part to declining enrollment.
This development may cause families within the Christian Academy system and those who are considering a Christian Academy preschool to wonder about the status of preschools within the Christian Academy system.
In a recent interview, Carol Marra, Director of Admissions for Christian Academy, responds to the article and expresses confidence and excitement about Christian Academy’s preschool program:
Jefferson County Public Schools recently announced the closing of several preschools in various parts of the city; what is the status of Christian Academy’s preschool program?
Marra: "Very strong. We currently offer state-certified preschool programs – which we refer to as Junior Academy - at all four of our Christian Academy campuses. We offer three-year-old and four-year-old full day and half day programs at English Station, Rock Creek, Southwest, and Indiana, and we also offer two-year-old programs at Rock Creek and Southwest.”
Do the preschools within the Christian Academy School system have room for new students?
Marra: "At the time of the Jefferson County announcement, we were actually in the process of expanding our Junior Academy capacity at English Station due to increasing enrollment. We do still have openings in most areas of preschool, and our goal is to have sufficient capacity to meet local market needs. We are receiving 2010-2011 applications daily at all of our campuses and we consider it an awesome blessing that we will have the opportunity to serve so many families in Kentuckiana."
What makes the Junior Academy programs distinctive?
Marra: The Christian Academy School System is all about developing students with a heart for God while offering them excellent and well-balanced academic preparation. This starts in preschool. Not only do these little ones have caring and well-qualified teachers in their classrooms every day leading them toward being fully prepared for Kindergarten, but these same teachers recognize each child as a precious gift created by God. Every day in the classroom they are providing a nurturing environment for these little ones to grow closer to God."
What are the admissions standards for Junior Academy?
Marra: "We have applications specifically for our Junior Academy preschools. Families can call the Admissions Office or download an application from our website on the Admissions page. The application will need to be submitted with a $100 application fee to the Admissions Office. Applicants must be a specific age, dependent on the program, by August 1 at their point of entry into preschool. The process is abbreviated as compared to that for students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade."
How do Junior Academy tuition rates compare to the local market?
Marra: Families will find us to be very competitive as they shop the preschool market. In an effort to remain sensitive to the local market and current economic realities, our Junior Academy preschools have experienced either minimal or no tuition increases for the 2010-2011 school year. Rates do vary within our school system, so we just ask families to contact us about their program of interest."
Who do families contact if they have an interest in the Junior Academy preschool programs?
Marra: "Families interested in Junior Academy programs on any of our Kentucky campuses should call the Admissions Office at 502-244-3225, ext. 1064 or 1075. For the Junior Academy program at Christian Academy of Indiana in New Albany, they should call 812-944-6200, ext. 5020. We always welcome the opportunity to schedule a time for families to tour our schools on any of our campuses. When families are ready, we guide them through the admissions process as quickly as possible."
For additional information about Christian Academy’s Junior Academy preschool programs, or to download an application, please click here.
