Admissions

FAQs

FAQs
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

Topic Links

Admissions Process

List of 5 items.

  • What does the admissions process look like?

    Here’s a quick overview:
    1. Inquiry or Tour – Start by connecting with our Admissions Team or touring a campus.

    2. Application Submission – Complete the online application and submit all required documents.

    3. Family Interview – Once materials are received, we’ll schedule a family interview.

    4. Student Visit or Shadow Day – Students may be invited for a shadow day or classroom visit.

    5. Admissions Decision – You’ll be notified of the decision shortly after your interview.

    6. Enrollment & Orientation – Accepted students receive onboarding info, orientation dates, and welcome resources.

  • When can I apply for admission?

    Our application opens each fall for the following school year. We accept applications on a rolling basis as space allows. We recommend applying early, as some grades fill quickly.

  • Can my child visit CCS before enrolling?

    Absolutely! Our Student Shadow Program lets prospective students experience a full school day alongside a current CCS student. It’s a great way to get a feel for our school culture, classrooms, and community.

  • Are there academic requirements for admission?

    We welcome students with a range of academic abilities, but we want to ensure the best fit. A student’s report cards, standardized testing, and teacher recommendations help us assess readiness for success at CCS. Our high school includes college-prep academics with AP and dual credit opportunities.

  • How can I stay connected after I apply?

    Once you apply, we’ll keep you updated with important next steps, orientation details, and events for new families. You’ll receive access to our Admissions Welcome Series, invitations to connect with other parents, and resources to help you transition into the CCS community.

Financial

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  • Do you offer financial assistance?

    Yes. We are committed to making Christian education accessible. Financial aid is available for K–12 families through a needs-based application process. Details are provided after applying for admission.

  • What fees should families expect in addition to tuition?

    In addition to tuition, families should plan for the following fees:
    • Capital Fee: $200 annually per family
    • K–5 Fees: PE and Bible fees ($10–17 depending on grade level)
    • 6–8 Fees: Class fee ($50 annually) and Graduation Fee (8th grade only – $45 one time)
    • High School Fees:
      • Books – $45 annually (plus purchase of workbooks and other required materials via the bookstore)
      • Class fee – $50 annually
      • Graduation Fee (12th grade only – $55 one-time)

  • What does the cost of tuition cover?

    Tuition revenue covers all academic program budgets, salaries, healthcare and retirement benefits for teachers, administrators and staff.  It also covers basic day-to-day maintenance and operations of our campuses and our technology programs.  Like most private schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of operations.  Additional funds are needed and raised for special projects, growing our Foundation, updates to our facilities, upgrades to our technology, and similar developments.

  • What is the Pass It On Thrift Center and how can it help reduce my tuition?

    Pass it On Thrift Center (PIO) is a resale shop located in Crestwood, IL. PIO is run by an all-volunteer staff. Each year, PIO provides financial support to our schools for the purpose of keeping tuition costs accessible.

    For 2025-26, PIO has pledged $1 Million for tuition reduction!
     
    Would you like to see this benefit continue?  Then we need your help!  We need our families -- students, parents, grandparents -- to support PIO by volunteering at the center.  Learn more about PIO here.

  • What is T.R.I.P. and how can it help reduce my tuition?

    The Tuition Rebate Incentive Program (TRIP) is an opportunity for families to accumulate credit specifically to reduce their tuition. Simply purchase gift cards through our program.  We offer a traditional gift card program that is distributed weekly as well as an immediate online purchase option.  TRIP offers cards through 150 different merchants including Jewel Osco, Mariano's, Speedway and more.  We've got all of your needs covered from everyday items to holiday gifts. Ask grandparents and other family members to participate on your behalf and see your tuition credit grow!
     

    Check out the TRIP page here to learn more about the program.

  • What additional fees and expenses are required?

    General Fees:
    Capital Fee - $200 per family, annually
    Enrollment Fee - $100 per family, annually (This fee is waived for families new to CCS that have paid an application fee.)

    Kindergarten through 5th Grade Fees:
    PE Fee - $15, annually
    Bible Fee - $17, one time (due in 1st grade for Oak Lawn campus, and 3rd Grade for Tinley Park campus)

    Middle School Fees:
    Class Fee - $55, annually
    8th Grade Graduation - $45, one time

    High School Fees:
    Book Rental Fee - $45, annually
    Class Fee - $50, annually
    12th Grade Graduation Fee - $55, one time

    Book Store Day - This event is held annually just prior to the start of school.  Students purchase their workbooks, reading books, and other supplies for the school year.  The cost ranges depending on the courses chosen.  This expense is in addition to the Book Rental Fee.

  • What is the cost of Before & After Care?

    We offer this service for students in preschool through 8th grade.  For full time preschool students, the cost is included in the tuition rate.  For all other students, the following rates apply: 

    Before & After Care 2 Days/Week3 Days/Week4 Days/Week5 Days/Week
    Morning (7 to 8:10am)       $675 Annual
    $75 Month    		$1035 Annual
    $115 Month    		$1350 Annual
    $150 Month    		$1,665 Annual
    $185 Month
    Afternoon (3:10 to 6pm)$1,350 Annual
    $150 Month    		$2,205 Annual
    $245 Month    		$2,790 Annual
    $310 Month    		$3,420 Annual
    $380 Month
    Morning & Afternoon$2,160 Annual
    $240 Month    		$3,240 Annual
    $380 Month    		$3,915 Annual
    $435 Month    		$4,770 Annual
    $530 Month


    To use the service on occasion (referred to as "Occasional Care"), the cost is $7.50 per hour and it is billed monthly. 

    The registration fee for Before & After Care is $5 annually for Occasional Care and $30 annually for Scheduled Care.  CCS offers care for some week days that school is not in session and/or has an early dismissal.

  • How is Tuition Assistance determined?

    Determination is made on a case-by-case basis. SCCS assists families with need, although we do not support lifestyle choices that might otherwise be able to be used for tuition. SCCS reviews all applications for assistance and determines awards to be offered to each family based on the amount of resources available, the number of families that apply, and each family’s relative need. 

    These factors can be considered in determining assistance: 

    • Income: AGI or Adjusted Gross Income (as defined by your most recent tax return.) This includes earning from wages, business activity, investments, rental income, etc.
    • Other Assets: Savings, stocks, home equity, etc.
    • Family Size: Living allowances taking into account the number of people in a household and costs associated with expenses such as food, medical needs, and child care.
    • Family Education Commitments: Other private school tuition for siblings in grades Kindergarten through High School.
    • Unexpected and Unique Circumstances: This includes medical emergencies or other unexpected necessities.
    • Divorced, separated, or never-married parents: Both custodial and non-custodial parents are required to submit a Tuition Assistance application as a part of the process. This is regardless of any legal arrangement. The Business Office may allow an exception in unusual circumstances. 

  • How and when do I apply for Tuition Assistance?

    For new families, apply during the Application process.

    For returning families, apply during the re-enrollment process. 

  • Do churches assist with the cost of Christian education?

    CCS is aware of some churches that are willing to assist families in need with the cost of tuition for a Christian education.  By indicating the name of your church on your application, we will notify you if your church participates in this program.  Any financial information provided herein will not be provided to your church, or any other outside party.  CCS takes your Tuition Assistance application seriously, and will keep your information confidential.

  • Do you offer athletic scholarships?

    No, all of our scholarships are merit-based.

    Per IHSA rules, high schools are not allowed to offer athletic scholarships.

  • Do you offer merit-based scholarships?

    No, all of our scholarships are needs-based.

  • What is the IL Tax Scholarship Program?

    In 2017, the state of IL passed the Invest in Kids Act.  Through this act, the state provideds a means of offering tuition scholarships to student with financial need by allowing contributors to receive a credit on their IL income taxes.  The program is described in detail at the bottom of this page.

Academic Programs

List of 3 items.

  • What makes CCS different from other schools?

    • Biblical Worldview in Every Class

    • Dedicated, Christ-centered Teachers

    • Safe, Nurturing Environment

    • Strong Academics + Personalized Support

    • Vibrant Student Life – arts, athletics, leadership, and service opportunities

    • Community that Feels Like Family

  • What grade levels does CCS serve?

    Chicago Christian Schools serves students in Preschool through 12th Grade across three campuses:
    • Preschool-8th Grade at our Tinley Park campus (17171 S. 84th Ave, Tinley Park, IL )
    • Preschool -8th Grade at our Oak Lawn campus (10110 S. Central Ave, Oak Lawn, IL
    • 9th-12th Grade at Chicago Christian High School (12001 S Oak Park Ave, Palos Heights, IL)
     

  • Is CCS accredited and recognized by the State of Illinois?

    Yes. Chicago Christian Schools are registered with and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). In addition, we hold dual accreditation with Cognia and Christian Schools International (CSI). These accreditations affirm the high academic and faith-based standards of our programs.

Faith & Community

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  • How does CCS integrate faith and learning?

    At Chicago Christian Schools, faith is not taught as a separate subject but is woven into every part of the learning experience.

    We use the Teaching for Transformation (TfT) framework, which helps students see how all of life connects to God’s story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
    Through this approach, students are invited to:
    • Discover God’s Story – Recognizing how every subject and experience connects to His redemptive plan.
    • Develop Their Role – Identifying their unique gifts and calling.
    • Live It Out – Practicing faith through real-world applications, service, and daily choices.
    This means that in science we marvel at the order of God’s creation, in literature we see themes of truth and redemption, in history we study God’s work through people and nations, and in math we explore the patterns and structure that reflect His design. At CCS, students don’t just learn about faith — they learn to live it.

  • Is CCS affiliated with a particular church or denomination?

    No. Chicago Christian Schools is not affiliated with any one church. Historically, many of our families have attended churches in the Reformed tradition, and our teaching is grounded in a Reformed Biblical perspective. This means that we view every subject and area of life through the lens of God’s Word, emphasizing creation, fall, redemption, and restoration (the “Teaching for Transformation” framework). For example:
    • In science, we study the beauty and order of God’s creation.
    • In history, we explore how God works through people and events.
    • In literature, we consider how stories reflect truth, brokenness, and redemption.
    • In math, we see how structure and patterns point to God’s design.
    Our families represent active participation in more than 20 different Christian denominations, including Lutheran, Baptist, Greek Orthodox, Catholic, non-denominational, and more.

  • Does my child have to be Christian to attend CCS?

    While we welcome families from a variety of Christian traditions, CCS is a covenant-driven Christian school. At least one parent or guardian must agree with and support our Statement of Faith and be actively engaged in a local church community. Students participate in Bible classes, chapel, and spiritual life activities as part of their daily experience.

Logistics (uniforms, hours, transportation)

List of 3 items.

  • Does CCS offer bus transportation?

    Yes! CCS operates its own bus fleet serving much of the southwestern suburbs and parts of South Chicago. Fares are billed on the same schedule as tuition and can be set up on your chosen payment plan: one-pay, two-pay, or 10-month installment.
    1. Two-way bus fare: $900 base rate per family annually plus $95 per mile, per student annually. Mileage is calculated by the CCS Transportation Department based on the shortest route from your child’s home to campus.

    2. One-way bus fare: 60% of the two-way rate.

    Service Areas & Routes:
    Bus routes cover the boundaries shown on the CCS transportation map, with additional group stops added each year based on student need. Past group stops have included locations such as Matteson and South Holland. Routes and group stops are finalized in early July for the upcoming school year, based on requests from fully enrolled students.
    Special Partnership:
    Through a partnership with Calvin Christian School in South Holland, high school families can request a discounted group stop at this location. To use this option, indicate “Calvin Christian” as your pick-up/drop-off location on the bus form, and contact the Association Office at 708-388-7656 for rates and additional information.

  • Who governs Chicago Christian Schools?

    CCS is operated by a Board of Directors, who are nominated and confirmed by members of the Association at the Annual Meeting held each spring. The Association is made up of parents, donors, and members of supporting churches.

    This governance model reflects our commitment to partnership with families and the broader Christian community. Through the Board’s oversight, CCS remains accountable to its mission, maintains fiscal responsibility, and ensures that decisions are aligned with our vision for Christ-centered education.

  • Does CCS have a nondiscrimination policy?

    Yes. CCS admits students of any race, color, sex, or national origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin in the administration of educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, or any other school-administered programs.

CCS Association Office

12001 S. Oak Park Avenue
Palos Heights, IL  60463
 708.388.7656

Oak Lawn Campus

10110 S. Central Ave.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
708.636.8550

Tinley Park Campus

17171 S. 84th Ave.
Tinley Park, IL 60477
708.429.7171

Chicago Christian High School

12001 S Oak Park Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463
708.388.7650