Quick Facts
What does it mean to be a Christian Independent School?
LCA is an independent college preparatory school with a distinctive Christian outlook. Our curriculum includes Biblical Studies classes [Foundations of Christianity, New Testament Theology, Christian Ethics, and Christian Theology and Lifestyle] and weekly chapel, all taught from the perspective of cultivating critical thinking. Christian beliefs are integrated in the classes and activities at LCA. We seriously intend to be a community that lives together in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ. While we are a Christian school, we are independent of any church or denominational affiliation and our families represent a wide range of faith backgrounds.
How do I apply to LCA?
The application process begins in the fall prior to the year you plan to attend LCA. The components include paperwork completed by the family, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and entrance testing (we accept SSAT and ISEE results; TOEFL for International Students), and culminates with the family interview. Although not required, each applicant is encouraged to schedule and attend a Student Visit day at our Academy. The entire process must be completed by February 15. After this deadline, applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Details of this process are found under Applying to LCA on our website.
On what basis do you make admission decisions?
At LCA, we look for students with a proven record of academic accomplishment who will be successful in our college preparatory curriculum. In addition, we seek students interested in contributing their talents to our community and for families who value our unique mission.
What should I expect on my Student Visit day?
Expect an enlightening half-day of attending LCA classes and activities with a current LCA student your age. Plan to arrive at 7:45 a.m. and check in at the Main Office. You will then be welcomed to the Office of Admission to meet your student host for the morning. Your host will accompany you to their classes and activities throughout the morning, introduce you to teachers and other students, and help you navigate the lunch line for your free lunch. Around 12:45 PM, your host will bring you back to the Office of Admission to be picked up.
What is the dress code at LCA?
We expect that students at LCA will be well prepared for college and beyond. With this in mind, we give our students the opportunity to grow in wisdom as to their choices about personal attire. Clothing must be modest and appropriate for the workplace. As such, young men must wear collared shirts. Young women must wear tops that have a neckline that does not go lower than a hand’s width of the base of their neck. Tee shirts or sweatshirts with brand names or slogans are not allowed. Both young men and women may wear pants (including jeans) or shorts that touch their knees. Girls’ skirts or dresses must touch their knees.
What is the Admission Interview like?
Admission interviews are scheduled once the testing and paperwork for the application is complete. The prospective student and parent(s) meet with a member of the Admissions Team to get better acquainted and to ensure all questions are answered. Usually all meet together for about 20 minutes, after which time the parents and student each meet individually with the Admissions Officer. The entire process lasts about one hour.
Is need-based financial aid available?
Yes. LCA offers both scholarships and need-based financial aid. All families wishing to apply for financial aid should check the appropriate box on the application in order to receive the proper forms, which are mailed in January. Forms need to be completed and returned to the Business Office by the published dates. After carefully reviewing each application, the Financial Aid Committee makes all financial aid decisions and mails out responses to students who have been accepted for admission. Please refer to the Affording an LCA Education section for further details.
Are scholarships available to new families?
Yes. A variety of scholarships are offered each year to recognize students' accomplishments in different areas, a number of which are set aside specifically for new students. Students who have submitted their applications by the January deadline will receive a scholarship packet. Scholarships offered are merit-based, and criteria, application process and award amounts are outlined in the packet. It is important to follow the instructions for each scholarship carefully and to honor the published deadline date. Please refer to the Affording an LCA Education section for further details.
Are siblings automatically admitted?
We encourage current families to apply for their younger children, although each admission application is evaluated on its own merits. LCA is not always the best fit for a sibling. LCA does not currently offer multiple child discounts.
What are the hours of the school day?
School begins each morning at 7:50 AM and ends at 2:50 PM. Structured academic extra help runs from 2:50 PM until 3:20 PM each day. Upper School co-curricular activities, which meet after school, begin at 3:30 PM. Middle School activities generally occur during the school day.
How late can I pick up my child?
For Middle School students who need to stay at LCA past 3:30 PM, we have Seventh Period to provide a supervised place for students to do homework, have access to computers, play board games, or just relax. There is an additional fee for middle school students participating in the Seventh Period Program. Seventh Period ends at 5:30 PM.