Making the Switch

We are ...

 

Public School to CAK

Every family is unique, and there are many different reasons you may consider switching from public school to Christian Academy of Knoxville. Some students prefer our smaller community environment, and others want more rigorous academics. However, the most important thing we all have in common at CAK is our love of Jesus Christ. 

CAK has consistently been voted as the best Christian school in City View Magazine’s Best of the Best Poll. 



Benefits:
  • Freedom in a Christ-centered education
    • CAK is a covenant school, which means that although our families come from several different Christian denominations, they all share the same core value of faith in Jesus. Biblical truth is clearly presented and integrated throughout all course subjects. Students, teachers, and parents are not stifled in expressing their faith - they can freely pray together or shout out a praise to the Lord!
  • High academic rigor
    • As a college-preparatory school, CAK students are presented with a rigorous academic curriculum beginning in elementary school and continuing throughout their years here. For example, CAK students learn a world language starting in preschool and continue through high school! CAK also offers electives such as zoology and forensics, and students can earn up to 83 college credits through Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment courses. Since 1997, CAK has had 117 National Merit Recognized students.
  • No longer tied to a school by your zip code 
    • It's incredibly freeing to know that you can live in any area in East Tennessee, from a downtown Knoxville loft to the secret city of Oak Ridge, and make a choice about where your child is educated. Also, if your family needs to move, you do not have to worry about your child being uprooted from friends. CAK Warriors live all over East Tennessee! 
  • Smaller class sizes 
    • Now more than ever, small class sizes make a BIG difference!  Smaller class sizes allow our teachers to get to know each student individually, which benefits them academically. For example, our high school average class size is only 17 students!
  • Extracurricular options
    • Even with a smaller student body, CAK offers big opportunities - more than 50 athletic teams, musical theater at every school level, a variety of arts programs, after-school clubs, and more. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and develop their God-given gifts, equipping them to serve wherever He leads.


Frequently Asked Questions: 
  • Do you wear school uniforms? 
    • Yes, we do wear school uniforms. We also offer some dress down days throughout the year. 
  • Tell me about lunch.
    • At CAK, lunch is included in your child's tuition at CAK - no extra cost! Our partner, SAGE Dining, provides delicious and healthy all-you-can-eat meals made from scratch, using locally sourced ingredients (when possible)! Students are provided with a variety of choices, including a hot bar, salad bar, and sandwich options daily. SAGE also takes allergies and safety seriously, caring for the nutritional needs of our students. Read more HERE
  • Are your teachers certified?
    • 100% of CAK's teachers are certified! The average CAK teacher has 15 years of experience and 10 of those years were spent at CAK. 
  • Do you offer transportation? Aftercare?
    • We do not provide transportation, but we do offer aftercare with pick-up options as late as 5:45 p.m. Students can be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. 
  • What about diversity?
    • In 2020, CAK launched the diversity team called CommUNITY to help our school become a more complete reflection of God’s Kingdom. Through intentional discussion, prayer, and action, the CommUNITY team works to support and strengthen a school environment that is racially, economically, and culturally diverse, rooted in Christ’s love.
  • Will it be difficult to fit in?
    • CAK welcomes over 130 new students each school year, including many from local public schools. Our admissions team will help you get connected and plugged in quickly.
  • Why CAK instead of another private school?
    • Our families are happy at CAK! We have an exceptional retention and satisfaction rate among our parents, with over 93% of our families returning year after year! As the largest covenant Christian school in the area, we combine high-quality academics and a wide range of extracurricular options while keeping an unwavering focus on Christ at the center of it all.
Need more information? Reach out to Darcie Cotten, Director of Admissions. She'll answer your questions, take you on a tour, and help you through the entire process: 
admissions@cakmail.org
(865) 813-4225

Live in Any Zip Code

Tips to help you transition from public school to CAK:
  • If you need help, ask. Whether you need to locate the nearest restroom or are curious about an afterschool club, CAK faculty and staff are eager to guide you to help. 
  • Extracurricular activities are a great way to get to know other students! CAK is the perfect size to allow you to explore options and even participate in a variety of activities.
  • Each year, we offer a Back to School Picnic to celebrate a new beginning. It's a great way to meet other CAK families! 
  • If you are an incoming Freshman, the summer Wellness class is a great way to get to know other students. 
  • Prayer and a love of Jesus are central to a CAK education. Don't be afraid to be bold in your faith! 
Knoxville's premier preschool to 12th grade private, college preparatory, Christian school located in Knox County, Tennessee.