High School

High School Academics at Central Christian School

High school is a critical season that prepares students for continued education, future careers, and meaningful impact in their communities. As a fully accredited high school, Central Christian School provides an academically excellent, biblically grounded education that equips students for college, career, and lives of servant leadership rooted in a strong relationship with Jesus Christ.

Excellent Academics

Central Christian High School offers a rigorous, college-preparatory program designed to prepare students for college and future career pursuits. Students engage in challenging coursework that develops critical thinking, strong communication, and analytical skills needed for success beyond graduation.

Students have access to honors and dual credit college courses in areas such as World Literature, Advanced Literature and Composition, U.S. History, and Human Biology with lab. Instruction emphasizes depth of understanding, thoughtful discussion, and application of learning through a biblical worldview.

To better prepare students for postsecondary success, graduation requirements at CCS exceed the state of Oregon standards. Students complete one additional math credit and two additional science credits beyond state requirements. This academic emphasis has contributed to 44 percent of CCS graduates pursuing STEM majors, compared to approximately 18 percent of high school graduates nationally.

CCS Honors Program

An advanced academic pathway for students seeking deeper challenge and meaningful learning.

The Central Christian School Honors Program is designed to enrich and extend the learning experience of students who demonstrate strong academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to grow in both knowledge and character. Rooted in a biblically grounded approach to education, the Honors Program encourages students to think deeply, engage thoughtfully, and pursue excellence with purpose.

Through advanced coursework, interdisciplinary seminars, and experiential learning opportunities, honors students are challenged to explore ideas at a higher level while developing discipline, intellectual humility, and a love of learning.

Honors Program at a Glance

• Invitation-based program for students who meet academic and character expectations
• Monthly multi-grade seminars in humanities and sciences that deepen discussion and inquiry
• Literature-based humanities seminars cycling through American, British, and World Literature, including works by authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien
• Hands-on science and math seminars that extend classroom learning through labs and exploration
• Honors and dual credit coursework beginning in tenth grade, with increased academic rigor and expectations
• Weighted GPA opportunities, up to 4.5 for honors courses and 5.0 for dual credit courses
• Off-campus cultural and academic experiences aligned with seminar content, such as museum visits, performances, and cultural events
• High expectations for excellence, supported by ongoing academic and character review

Academic Depth with Real-World Connection

Beginning in tenth grade, honors students complete core courses at either the honors or dual credit level, engaging in advanced content, deeper analysis, and independent thinking. Seminar experiences and off-campus learning opportunities further connect classroom instruction to the broader world, helping students apply learning in meaningful and memorable ways.

The Honors Program prepares students for the demands of college-level academics while reinforcing the habits of mind, character, and purpose needed for lifelong learning and faithful leadership.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Discover Week

High school academics at CCS extend beyond daily coursework through Discover Week, an immersive learning experience that invites students to apply classroom learning in meaningful, real-world contexts.

During Discover Week, students and staff step outside the traditional classroom to pursue spiritual growth, explore God’s creation, practice servant leadership, and grow in wisdom and character. These experiences reinforce academic learning while encouraging students to live out their faith through service, reflection, and community engagement.

Discover Week offerings range from local to international experiences, allowing students to explore interests, build relationships, and develop confidence while learning to walk in excellence and grace. Through these shared experiences, students grow as learners and leaders who understand how education connects to purpose.

Discover Week Experiences for 2026

• Book and Bites

Students explore the literary and cultural life of the region by visiting local bookstores, libraries, museums, and art galleries while enjoying meals together at local cafés and restaurants. The experience encourages thoughtful conversation, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for literature and the arts.

• Central Oregon Hiking

Students explore some of the region’s most beautiful parks and hiking destinations through accessible outdoor adventures. Each day includes time for reflection and journaling, encouraging students to slow down, appreciate God’s creation, and consider what they are learning through the experience.

• Oregon Coast Camp

Students spend the week at a youth camp in Rockaway Beach, enjoying the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast while building community through shared experiences. Activities include time on the beach, a visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, a tour of the Tillamook Creamery, a nearby hike, and camp-based recreation and reflection.

• Southern California Volleyball

This experience combines athletics, teamwork, and exploration. Students strengthen team relationships while watching a collegiate volleyball match, visiting a college campus, participating in a service project, and enjoying iconic Southern California destinations including the beach and Disneyland.

• New York Performance Tour

Students experience the richness of the performing arts and cultural life of New York City. Highlights include attending Broadway performances, visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, touring Lincoln Center and Radio City Music Hall, exploring Central Park and Times Square, and learning about the history of Broadway theater.

• Greece

Students explore the historical and cultural foundations of Western civilization while traveling through Greece. The journey includes visits to Athens, the Temple of Zeus, Delphi, Mykonos, and Ephesus, along with an Aegean cruise that brings classroom learning to life through firsthand experience of ancient history and culture.

Opportunities through Electives

Electives offer students opportunities to explore interests and develop new skills in a safe, supportive environment. Courses in arts, music, leadership, athletics, and technology allow students to discover passions, build confidence, and broaden their learning beyond core academics.

These experiences support personal growth while helping students develop creativity, collaboration, and responsibility.

Mentoring Relationships

A key component of academic success is the relationship between students and their teachers. Central Christian High School teachers are professionally and spiritually prepared to support the academic and spiritual growth of each student.

Faculty members serve in roles aligned with their expertise, gifts, and passion, allowing them to invest deeply in student learning and formation. Curriculum, instruction, athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities are intentionally designed to support academic excellence, strengthen relationships, and encourage personal faith development.

"I took three dual credit classes: English through George Fox, and Human Anatomy & Physiology and American History from NNU.  I was also able to take an online Algebra class for college credit from NNU.  All my classes transferred easily to Bushnell University.  Taking dual credit classes at CCS saved me time.  Although I didn't overload my schedule to finish early at Bushnell, my freshman year was significantly easier.  Having the extra credits allowed me to check off some common classes that all my peers still have to take. Common General Education classes might overwhelm freshmen, so having a jump ahead through dual credit freed up an otherwise packed first semester." 

Annika, Class of 2022

Spiritual Formation and Servant Leadership

Bible instruction is foundational at Central Christian High School, with opportunities for service and missions both locally and globally. Students attend a weekly chapel that includes worship and speakers from within and beyond the CCS community.

Our goal is to graduate students who are academically prepared, spiritually grounded, and equipped to live as Christ followers who pursue the mind of Christ, build meaningful relationships, and lead through service.

Take the Next Step

Schedule an Educational Success Consultation today to visit with one of our experienced administrators about the opportunities available for your high school student at Central Christian.