Classes begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m. The school year generally begins around the second week of August and ends the fourth week in May.

Is before and after school care offered?

Yes. Central Learning Center, our sister education ministry, offers convenient, economical care for students both before and after school for an additional charge. Students may sign up for one or both options. The Learning Center opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. In addition, they offer an exciting summer camp program for school age children. For more information, please call the Learning Center office at 255-8133.

Do the children wear uniforms?

Yes. Because we believe that neatness and modesty in personal appearance are qualities that demonstrate respect for one’s self and others, we have established a dress code that requires students to wear uniforms. All students in kindergarten through 8^th grade wear uniforms Monday through Friday. It is enforced during the school day, as well as during some school sponsored events. Specific dress code information is in the CDS student handbook.

Are the teachers degreed and certified? Is the school accredited?

All full-time classroom teachers have degrees and are certified or completing their certification, just as you would find in any other educational system. Several teachers hold masters level degrees. The school meets all the criteria necessary for your child to receive an excellent education in the State of Tennessee. We are a member of ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International.) We are accredited by SAIS/SACS (Southern Association of Independent Schools and Southern Association of College and Schools.)

What is the teacher/pupil ratio?

Including all teaching staff, our teacher to pupil ratio is 1:17. The number of students in the classroom will vary from year to year, but the maximum number of students in a classroom will not exceed twenty-five. In the case of a classroom with twenty-five students, we will usually have a teacher’s assistant in that classroom. We believe a limited classroom size with no more than twenty-five students, provides an optimal learning environment.

Does the school accept students other than members of Central Church?

Yes, we do! Central Day School’s philosophy is to reach out into the world. We will accept any student of any religion, race, or nationality providing the parents understand and agree that their children will receive a comprehensive Christian teaching of life, education, and discipline and the student meets all the necessary admissions requirements. We consider the school to be a part of the Great Commission.

Is testing required for admission?

Yes. All new students entering grades K – 8 will be tested. Parents will be notified concerning testing dates. Parents and students will also be interviewed by a CDS staff member.

What is the minimum age for kindergarten?

A child must be five years on or before May 31 before beginning kindergarten. We believe that any younger child can be at a disadvantage, particularly as he/she goes further in school.

What is the school’s policy on discipline?

We desire to be able to minister to the student as a whole. While we extend the grace and love of God in all situations, we maintain specific parameters as to what is acceptable behavior and what is unacceptable behavior within the classroom and within the school. Discipline will be fair and consistent as well as appropriate to the offense. Therefore, the school uses a number of disciplinary methods to correct and teach behavior. With a parent’s written authorization, this could include the utilization of corporal punishment in severe cases of misbehavior. By registering your child in Central Day School, you are accepting this philosophy of discipline.

What is the Accelerated Reader Program?

This program promotes reading by encouraging students to read books designated as part of the Accelerated Reader Program. Students can earn points for the books they read and are awarded prizes for points accumulated throughout the year.

Will a high school be added in the future?

We are not precluding going further; however, we do not have any plans to do so at this time.

Is there a Special Education Program for learning disabilities?

We are certainly open to this type program in the future. At the present time, we have no special provisions for learning disabled children.

Do students have recess time?

Yes. Students in grades K – 5 enjoy a 30-minute recess each day.

What are the provisions for lunch?

Children bring their lunches and eat in their classrooms.  This arrangement allows parents to send a nutritious lunch they know their children will enjoy.  Because children eat in their classrooms, teachers are able to use that time for special activities for students such as guest readers, birthday celebrations, class-unifying projects, and social development.  Each Monday, lunch is offered from a variety of fast food vendors including McDonald's, Chick-Fil-A and Subway. Each Friday, lunch is offered from CiCi's Pizza with the exceptions of one Friday a month which is Hot Dog Day.   There is a nominal charge for these lunches.  Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their child during the school day.

What extra-curricular activities are offered? 

Chess lessons are offered to students once a week during lunchtime for all grades. In addition to an after school Band program (grades 4 – 8), we also offer a Science Club for middle school students. Boys and girls in grades K – 8 have the opportunity to participate on a Central Day School team in a variety of sports. CDS is a member of the Parochial Athletic Association for grades 5 - 8. There may be additional opportunities to participate in sports through Central Church. The types of sports offered may vary based on the interest level of the students. There is a fee for these programs based on the activity.

In addition to academic subjects, what special classes are offered?

In an effort to provide a well-rounded educational experience, students in all grades attend art, chapel, computer, library, music, P.E. and science lab in addition to their academic classes.  Students in grades K - 8 participate in two music programs per year.  A 30-minute chapel attended once a week is a meaningful and enjoyable time when students unite in worship, singing, praise and prayer.  It is the goal of Central Day School to share the love of Christ with every student.

How does CDS minister and serve the community?

Demonstrating the love of Christ is an important facet in the development of students. Students may choose to participate in school-sponsored ministry projects including an annual Thanksgiving food drive, St. Jude Math-A-Thon, Jump Rope for Heart and other local or world-wide outreach programs.

How can parents be involved?

Parents may participate in a variety of ways through our Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF). The PTF supports the school in classroom and school-wide projects, fundraisers, lunch programs, service projects and other activities.