Covenant Christian School

Posted: November 29, 2024

I have 2 children at CCS and we have seen them grow quite a bit in their faith, academic learning, and the joy they attach to being Christian. Both of their teachers make an extra effort to connect with my children and to point out their strengths. And both teachers also take extra effort to add creative pieces to how they teach certain concepts that my husband and I appreciate too. Our kids both have shared that they love CCS as well!

Posted: November 29, 2024

Posted: November 29, 2024

Posted: November 29, 2024

Posted: November 29, 2024

Posted: November 29, 2024

Posted: November 29, 2024

Posted: November 29, 2024

Posted: December 13, 2022

Posted: December 13, 2022

Posted: December 13, 2022

Posted: December 13, 2022

Posted: December 13, 2022

Posted: December 13, 2022

Posted: December 13, 2022

Posted: December 13, 2022

Our child attends first grade at this school and has been attending for 2 years now. The school has a rigorous curriculum where my husband and I have seen my child's reading skills grow by leaps and bounds since she has been at the school. By the end of her kindergarten year, she scored above grade level in all subjects. Her kindergarten teacher was also really great at helping all of the students feel like they were extended family to one another.

Currently, her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Piggott is a wonderful teacher. She has wonderful classroom management skills and is an engaging teacher with a calm presence. Most importantly, she loves Jesus and has shared her genuine love for Jesus and good character in how she conducts herself but also when it comes to how she teaches her students.

There are quite a bit of in-school, engaging projects and activities that make my child love school. And my child also looks forward to her Wednesday chapel time as well, which parents can also attend if they'd like. I have heard her and her classmates singing worship songs that they learn in their music class even outside of school time, and it's refreshing to hear that.

The school has increased its extra-curricular, afterschool activities since we've been attending, now offering piano, dance, STEM, and physical activity classes (and expanding offerings as well), which also is a wonderful thing. They also put on events for students and parents pretty regularly, which is also a good thing.

Posted: February 26, 2019

Excellent - my husband and I are lucky in that we can afford any school in the Atlanta area. We narrowed down our choices to this one, Whitefield, SAE and Trilingual academy. We only toured this one and Whitefield. We wanted a Christian atmosphere not just for the religious aspect, but for the character building. One day our daughter has to go out into the world and make her own decisions. This extra 7 hours a day of instilling morals and ethics in her is invaluable. We did not choose Whitefield b/c of the lack of diversity. I didn't want her to be the diversity in her class b/c she is half Italian. She is one of only a few caucasian kids in her class, but I would much prefer that way. The world is not full of blond haired blue eyed people and I want her growing up as color blind as possible. My only concern is the school is not the best at advertising itself so, enrollment is going down. I hate it for them b/c the academics are excellent. She is now starting the concept of multiplication. She knows parts of speech and she is taught ancient history. Her biblical knowledge will soon surpass mine. The school has heard the parents about strengthening the math curriculum and introducing more STEM. They are actively improving in these aspects. I like that they only go to 8th so, if I feel she is not quite prepared in a few areas by the time she is in 7th we still have time to address this.

Posted: February 26, 2019

Our daughter began Kindergarten here last year. She does have homework 3 or 4 out of 5 nights. It consists of a little math, a little reading and something else (writing usually). The last two years have had 2 age appropriate projects each year. We use our time wisely and since the drive home is about 15 minutes, our daughter does some of her work in the car. They do a ton of work in the classroom to make sure she is not struggling to do her work at home. People who feel students have too much homework are not realizing that the more they have now, the easier it will be to learn the next thing and eventually, (hopefully) make even the most rigorous college doable.

Posted: February 26, 2019

So far, so great. We loved her Kindergarten teacher and so far we love her 1st grade teacher. They are soft spoken but firm which she responds to very well.

Posted: February 26, 2019

My daughter doesn't just read Dick and Jane. She reads stories with moral codes and lessons built in. One of the reasons we chose this school was during the tour we saw how very well behaved the children were in their seats, answering "ma'am" and doing very well keeping still. I know now it is the result of positive reinforcement not negative consequences.

Posted: February 26, 2019

There have been some changes lately and communication has sufferred a little, but overall it is good.

Posted: February 26, 2019

My daughter does not have a learning differences so, I cannot answer this.

Posted: February 26, 2019

We have had no instances with bullying so, I cannot answer this.

Posted: February 13, 2019

At one time, a few years ago, we were most pleased. Even though we love our teachers, we have totally lost trust in the Board and are headed to another school. Some Board members have even begun taking their own children out of the school---what does that say about things?

Posted: February 13, 2019

Way too much homework is given by some teachers. Though our student is strong and the teacher reports that time in class is utilized well, he/she still has a lot of homework which leaves little time for family.

Posted: February 13, 2019

There are some VERY strong ones and there are some who should not be there.

Posted: February 13, 2019

Posted: February 13, 2019

Teachers try but the board has taken no action on this.

Posted: February 13, 2019

Posted: September 24, 2018

There are some teachers who balance things out, however, there are more who assign way too much than is needed.

Posted: September 24, 2018

There are some wonderful teachers. They love the students and work hard to make sure things are done well.

Posted: September 24, 2018

These things are taught, however, not lived out in front of the students or staff by Head and Board.

Posted: September 24, 2018

The Board has shown no interest in this.

Posted: September 24, 2018

The teachers do. The Head does not.

Posted: September 24, 2018

We were in love and at peace with CCS until a couple years ago. Even with the current Headmaster leaving, we will be leaving after this year as well.
When the school's vision became all about numbers instead of quality, things began to slide downward. There are some great teachers @ CCS, but they do not control the direction of the school.

Posted: August 22, 2018

We love CCS. Although the school has plenty of room to grow (facilities, sports, unified leadership), we are committed to helping the school grow as much as possible from a parental perspective. The teachers and staff have been an intensely positive influence on our child.

Posted: August 22, 2018

The homework tends to be more rigorous compared to public school or other private schools, but it is manageable for parents who stay engaged.

Posted: August 22, 2018

Our child has excelled from K4 onward in ways we never expected.

Posted: August 22, 2018

Respect could be emphasized to a greater degree. It does not seem like students learn to respect adults other than their parents in large group settings.

Posted: August 22, 2018

All of the Leadership (including the Board) needs to get on the same page. Leaders at CCS tend to be too passive-aggressive and also get their feelings hurt too quickly. Other than that, the school is run well.

Posted: August 22, 2018

CCS needs significant improvement in this area.

Posted: August 22, 2018

There has been a single incident in the past 3 years, and the school responded quickly by adding ways to anonymously communicate any future issues.

Posted: August 13, 2018

Posted: August 13, 2018

We have enjoyed watching our child learn over the last 3 years at CCS. When I searched for a Classical school, I was surprised to find one basically in my backyard in Smyrna. Classical Education is not always fully understood, but is very valuable and helps students learn to think and process knowledge in a way that is not found in many other schools. Information is not taught just so students can do well on a test, it is taught so that students can actually retain the knowledge to use in life!

Posted: August 13, 2018

Posted: August 13, 2018

Posted: July 29, 2018

Excellent. The staff, parents, and students are incredible and go above and beyond to make this School feel like a home.

Posted: July 29, 2018

Just enough to help kids without going over board.

Posted: July 29, 2018

They hire qualified, caring, and passionate teachers, who put God and the students first.

Posted: July 29, 2018

Posted: July 29, 2018

The leaders of the school really believe in the mission of the School and go above and beyond to make sure the mission is executed.

Posted: July 29, 2018

They work by biblical principals and do not tolerate bullying

Posted: July 17, 2018

Posted: July 17, 2018

Posted: July 17, 2018

Posted: July 17, 2018

Everything hinges on leadership and the leadership is now very poor: Poor Board and Poor Headmaster.

Posted: November 12, 2017

Teachers show favoritism among the students and gives demerits unnecessarily.

Posted: November 12, 2017

A lot goes on behind the classroom. I've personally contacted parents to del with issues.

Posted: November 12, 2017

I believe that CCS will be a better school now that root of the problem is gone. Good luck Cumberland Christian!

Posted: November 12, 2017

Always a rush to judge and criticize rather than listen to the student to help resolve problems and/or conflict.

Posted: November 12, 2017

Terrible. There are a lot of problems at this school. Unfortunately, these problems aren't known until you become a part of the community. I truly regret the yrs spent at this "Christian" school.

Posted: July 9, 2017

Think twice about sending you child to CCS

Posted: July 9, 2017

Too much homework espicially in the older grades.

Posted: July 9, 2017

The teachers pick favorites based on what parents they like and they treat other students badly by scolding them harshly and not giving them as much individual attention as they need.

Posted: July 9, 2017

Posted: July 9, 2017

Whenever a child even complains to a teacher about someone picking on them, the teacher takes all the children involved to the headmaster before even talking to both of them this visit then goes on the accused child's record. Especially if it is black vs white or boy vs girl. The black child or the boy will be condemned.

Posted: March 21, 2016

Teachers are caring, sincere, and great examples. They push their students, but do not leave them in the learning process. They want their students to succeed, which is displayed in the classroom, as well as throughout the school.

Posted: March 21, 2016

Students are challenged, but not over worked. CCS focuses on development of the whole child.

Posted: March 21, 2016

CCS teaches students everything through a Biblical worldview and how that can be applied to their everyday life. They teach the importance behind honesty, integrity and fairness so that students develop an understanding of these things.

Posted: March 21, 2016

Covenant Christian School is a unique and wonderful experience to the metro Atlanta community. I attended CCS back in grade school. I enjoyed the fun ways to learn when I was younger and how hands on everything was along with the structure. Shurley Grammar is something that I remember most and even use today when working with my students because it probes them with questions that they are able to answer. This structure was something that was seen in all aspects of my schooling there. I also liked how my Bible, history and literature all coincided so that I could see the history through novel and apply the facts I learned in history to better understand the novel. Science, History, Literature, Bible were all put on display so that I was able to be proud of all the work I put in. From acting out scenes of Gilgamesh, to dressing up and giving a presentation of my huge history paper at the History Fair, to the speech meet, to presenting in Chapel, there were so many opportunities for me to enjoy learning and taking pride in what I was learning. The classical nature enabled me to grow from memorization, to logically figuring and arguing to applying. I loved my school and I will brag about CCS for the rest of my life. It is the only school of its kind, and I wish that everyone could have the chance to go there.
After years of working in schools, I can honestly say that the leaders and teachers of this school are full of love for God, all students, each other and the school mission. I have been more than blessed by CCS than anything else in my life. If you want your students to learn about the love of the Lord, develop a love of learning, and be cared for and loved by wonderful followers of Christ, Covenant Christian School will be the biggest blessing to you too.

Posted: March 8, 2016

The quality of the teaching staff at CCS is second to none. I have always found them approachable, personable, and truly caring of my children. They all take their jobs very seriously and do an amazing job pushing the kids at the right level to advance them without frustrating them.

Posted: March 8, 2016

My children don't spend all night doing homework, yet have enough that we can sit with them and walk them through anything they are having trouble with.

Posted: March 8, 2016

Through biblical teachings, CCS doesn't just develop, but nurtures and requires honesty, integrity and fairness in their student body. This is more easily managed with the smaller class sizes and the personal attention paid to each student.

Posted: March 8, 2016

We have been at Covenant Christian School for over five years now. Our three children have thrived in this joyful, biblical, and highly educational environment. Thanks to the dedication of the teaching staff, our oldest became part of the DUKE Talent Identification Program, just another example of the quality of the education at the school. There is a wonderful combination of academics and playfulness all in a Christ-centered environment. The school works diligently with the parents to assure satisfaction with our experience at the school. I highly recommend checking out the school!

Posted: November 1, 2015

Posted: November 1, 2015

Covenant Chritian School in Smyrna, offers an incredibly valuable Christian educational environment with small class sizes and excellent teachers.

Posted: October 31, 2015

Posted: October 31, 2015

Compared to other schools this school has the right amount. My daughter had no more or less than any other private school in Atlanta (at least compared to those with children we know in other schools).

Posted: October 31, 2015

Posted: October 31, 2015

Incredible loving Christian educators!!! Safe, close, Christian, classical education I can tell you is the best bargain in Metro Atlanta. Barbara there in the office is the connection to see what this school is all about. Involved parents there will tell you how great it really is!!

Posted: August 7, 2015

Covenant Christian School strives to provide quality Classical education to children. This is my family's 7th year here and all three of my children attend. Teachers create a challenging and nurturing environment. My children feel loved and safe in their classrooms. The small class sizes truly make this school feel like a close knit community. The curriculum is based on the Classical model. It is important to be aware of what Classical is and have realistic expectations of how material is taught. For example, unlike the public school curriculum, there is a heavy emphasis on memorization. My children know more about world history and Biblical truth than I do at this point! Many teachers have taught at CCS for years so there is low turnover. Additionally, most (if not all) teachers with school aged children have sent their children to CCS as well. This indicates to me that the staff and administration are committed to this school and believes in its purpose. Most importantly, though, is the evidence that the CCS staff places Christ above all. I am frequently told that my children are being prayed for. My children speak of how they pray in the classroom. School/classroom guidelines and rules are Biblically based so children learn that obedience is not some arbitrary idea, but intended to teach children to serve and glorify God. If you are looking for a solid Christian education for your child, please visit CCS to take a tour of classroom, observe students, and meet teachers and see for yourself this amazing school right in the heart of Smyrna!

Posted: June 27, 2015

Posted: June 27, 2015

Girls are favored over boys because most of staff either have girls or no children at all. So if you have a boy beware! They are disciplined harshly. Physical activity is not important, students work or walk the line during recess and are given silent lunch as a punishment. Socialization is not encouraged. A lot of rote memorization. If your student has a great memory then great because the teachers will go over the math and grammar test and then take it. Students are not given the opportunity to study at home with parents. Too much bible timeline memory. The entire curriculum needs to be updated and revamped to the state standards and common core so the students will be competitive with public schools and other private schools. Curriculum is the same from when the Director of Admissions and several staff members whose children have now graduated from college. Teachers are not required to be state certified and most are not which shows when it comes to learning differences in students and how to teach mastery of a subject. Students that leave go to public schools and are challenged more academically and are behind their peers. Many students in middle school do not get accepted into IB programs and some have dropped out due to a poor math and science foundation. Middle school enrollment dropped to around 25 students(6,7,8) this year. No technology or foreign language until 5th grade(Latin). The staff member teaching Latin to middle school is the ex-kindergarten teacher that is not a certified teacher much less has the credentials to teach a foreign language. There is no gym and the play area is outdated. For recess the students play on the black top. Bathrooms are smelly(of urine) and filthy daily. Admissions process is below standard because the school accepts students that are not academically strong or have learning disabilities of some sort that the teachers are not equipped to handle. Too much homework is a constant complaint! A minimum of 2 hours or more for the lower school students to complete which is not purposeful. Certain teachers are given better students that are well-behaved and smarter. The other teacher is given the worst behaved and the students who are low performers. Office staff completely rude, unfriendly, cold and allowed to much authority to be front office employees. Not to mention they act as though they do not want to be bothered!

Posted: June 27, 2015

The school has suggested teachers take a seminar in the Orton-Gillingham Method(training in learning disabilities particularly students with dyslexia). Interesting because the school does not support students with any type of learning issues. Due to the decrease in enrollment the director of admissions and Headmaster are using this as a marketing tool to sell to parents to increase enrollment. She will advise new parents to try the school for their student and as the year progresses the student is lost in the curriculum and failing because the classical model/CCS is not the right fit for students with learning disabilities. The untrained teachers become frustrated in how to help the student because they lack the training to do. Do not let CCS experiment with your child because it will affect how they feel about school and their performance. There is a difference in having a certified and trained person in the area of learning disabilities on staff to specifically work with and accommodate students with these issues than having teachers who have taken a seminar in Orton to say our teachers have taken the class, but do not use/teach the Orton method. More than half of the teachers are not certified by the state of Georgia to teach or if they were, certification has lapsed. If your student needs any type of extra help because of issues such as ADHD, Dyslexia, reading issues, ect. you would be better off sending them to a public school so that they make get the desired help needed(IEP) or to a school that supports kids with disabilities. Additionally, please do not send your students to CCS if they have poor self-control and need a lot of re-direction. They are sure to get scolded harshly, miss recess time, sit in the hall, sent to the Headmaster's office(frequently for much of nothing) and get placed at the silent table for silent lunch. All curriculum is out-dated and students leave the school and go to public schools and find out they are behind their peers in academics and are not even eligible for the gifted program. So sad when you are paying money for education. School is out of space and are making any kind of space to call it a classroom. Please think before sending your child here. There will be comments from the board, PTF and administration behind this comment to refute this review or other past reviews!!!! It is all true.

Posted: June 26, 2015

Same students usually win or place in competitions which one happens to be one of the office staff employees or if your parent is very active at the school. Parents are concerned with their student getting A's to get on Headmaster's list but not concerned with mastery of subjects. Enrollment has decreased dramatically due to quality of education and quality of students admitted. School appears to be admitting whom ever to keep doors open. Tuition increases yearly and there are rarely changes from year to year. Not a fun place for elementary students that need grace, love, nurturing,exposure and fun while still learning. School needs to work on diversity sensitivity considering there are more African American students enrolled. The only teachers that may teach anything regarding Martin Luther King are the African American teachers. Students are not taught history but rather bible history and Bible times lines. Not good when students need to also know regular history for standardized testing. Most field trips are religious in nature from 3rd grade up. Never are there trips to Jimmy Carter Center, King Center, Civil Rights Museum, ect. Students need more of a broad view of the world if we are really calling ourselves a Christian School. Website is so deceiving stating the kids are scoring above grade level. They teach Saxon math a grade above in each grade level however, when the students test(Stanford Test) they test on the actual grade level they are in. There are some of the worst behaved, disrespectful and low performing students there now. Administration will not get rid of them because of low numbers. I will say these students are definitely a disruption in every class they attend. Not sure if the staff are really Christian as they say or if they just want a job in a Christian environment without having the proper credentials. Might want to look elsewhere to spend what they are asking. Consider a public option for this

Posted: May 13, 2015

I was very disappointed with our experience at CCS. The homework load is excessive and the actual material covered has no practical value, for the most part. I have found that many children who leave CCS in the middle grades are actually BEHIND their peers in academics. What bothered me the most was the lack of love, care, and grace shown to students that I would have expected from a Christian school. The children are definitely treated like robots are are not allowed to be children and enjoy their experience!

Posted: April 17, 2015

Our three sons have all attended this excellent neighborhood school; we are going on seven years at CCS. The fellowship among parents and teachers has been such a blessing to our entire family. We love living in Smyrna, and are thankful we don't have to leave the area to find a first-class Christian education and preparation for high school for our sons.

Posted: April 13, 2015

My oldest son attended from K4 - 8th grade. I currently have a son in 4th, who has also attended since K5. I cannot say how much of a Blessing this school has been for our family. My sons have been challenged academically and have excelled. The school has worked with us in the growth and development for our children and has helped equip them with a loving and kind spirit, a love and concern for others and immeasurable gifts to share as they continue to become valuable contributors to society. I cannot say enough about the school, the staff (and we have had just about all of them), and their devotion to the children and their commitment and concern for the parents.

Posted: April 2, 2015

This school is not what it once was. From unequal treatment of students, discipline issues and several harsh teachers the school lost its way. The math curriculum is antiquated and rather than propelling your students ahead they are in fact falling behind. The grammar is top notch and our students are able to perform well in language, spelling and writing, they are excellent orators and can speak and recite well. The failure is the math and science, both are deficient at best. In all fairness the school provides a strong foundation in the early grades but beyond that there are hours of homework, constant rote memorization and a disconnect from valuable basic knowledge. The nightly homework often extends to working on memorization over breaks, holidays and weekends. Tons of information is poured onto the kids each week, much of which they are tested on the same week, yet months and weeks later they can't tell you anything about what they have learned.

Posted: March 29, 2015

There are a few pros. We have encountered some really great teachers. CONS:The homework load is ridiculous. They spend 8 hours in school and 3 hours on homework. There is no time for your family. The students are studying things that will not benefit them in the future. Much of the curriculum is outdated and needs to be reevaluated. The focus is on memorization of history time lines but the students don't really learn about the what happened during the various periods. Everything is rushed. There are many discipline issues that are handled poorly and good families are running away. The teachers don't get the support needed with discipline issues or children with special needs. Some teachers are great at managing their classes while others have no clue. The classes seem to be imbalanced. Between grade levels, one class has all of the smart well behaved kids while the other has just the opposite. This school has lost sight of what is important.

Posted: June 22, 2014

One of the Great things about CCS is the way in which the school strives to honor Christ in all areas. The school invites input from all stakeholders to push for improvement. We have been more than happy with this excellent school for years. CCS have been in Smyrna for 40 years and it continues to provide an excellent Christian classical education. The rigor of the program is NOT for all students, and there not a whole lot of 'bells and whistles', however, our children are getting a top notch education for a great tuition price that is being delivered by people who truly love Christ and these students. We LOVE THIS SCHOOL!!!!

Posted: June 8, 2014

This school is not clean,it is old,it is very small,and it has no gym.I would not recommend this school to anyone

Posted: September 7, 2012

In the last 13 years, I have witnessed Covenant Christian School from the perspective of a parent, a school board member, a teacher, and now as an administrator. The story of CCS is truly one of God's continued faithfulness and grace. CCS is a place of love and learning in a culture that is characterized by joy, respect and order. CCS serves Christian families, but has NEVER in 37 years required parents be members of SPC. Our faculty is outstanding and our families are such a blessing! If you are looking for a great place for the classical Christian education of your children, consider Covenant Christian School in Smyrna. Soli Deo Gloria!

Posted: March 11, 2012

CCS is amazing. We have a K5 and 1st grader. Christ is front and center. Education is structured around strong fundamentals to prepare the kids to exceed all standards. CCS has many after school activities track, chess, acting, music, etc. and many family events through out the year. Parent involved is great from our perspective. School has grown to over 200+ students and reached it's 2015 plan/goals in 2012. There is a wait list at many grade levels. We do not go to the church that the school leases space from and have not been asked to leave due to that. We also have not heard of anyone being asked to leave due to that (other than the review below). The school is separate from the church and operates independently. There is a discount for church members who attend the school, but we have never been pressured or even asked to attend the church. One parent is required to be a member of a church...wherever that may be.