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CCA readies for open house Tuesday
07.10 CCA OH
First graders Kylie Malcom, Andrew Wilkins and Skye Dixon are hard at work at Covenant Christian Academy. - photo by Photo submitted

Covenant Christian Academy will be holding an open house tonight to showcase its new location, teachers and grade levels.

Located on the campus of Life Baptist Church just south of Springfield, the private, classical Christian school is beginning its third year.

The academy has a distinctively Christian program where academics are rigorous and the classes have a maximum of 10 students. Parents of CCA students like that their kids are challenged and they are pleased with the attentive, qualified staff.

The classical, Christian program includes a real back to basics approach utilizing memory skills and hands-on learning in the classroom. In addition to regular academic subjects, CCA offers chapel each week and a “special” each day including P.E., computer, music and art. The art program in particular has been a highlight of the school. Taught by Phyllis Thomerson, a former art teacher in Chatham County schools, the program is built around the students’ history program. Students delight in “art to the max” with projects including creating mosaics, illuminated manuscripts, medieval shields and pottery work.

Recent CCA test scores averaged in the 92nd percentile on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills for grades K through seventh. Students haven’t usually tested this high before entering the school.  CCA is currently enrolling students in Pre-K through 8th grade.

Open house is tonight at 7 p.m. Prospective parents may call the school at 754-1511 or visit the Web site at www.ccaeffingham.com.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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