Classical Foundations
& Lions' Gate
At Classical Christian Academy (CCA), located in Aptos, CA, and servicing Santa Cruz and surrounding areas, we are dedicated to cultivating wisdom and virtue through a Christ-centered, classical approach. This journey begins in our foundational Montessori program, which builds the core skills necessary for lifelong learning, and culminates in the Lions' Gate program, which prepares our students for high school and responsible leadership.
Classical Foundations Program
Montessori Instruction through a Christian Lens
Our youngest students (ages 4–6) begin their learning journey in this unique Montessori class, which lays a solid foundation for their classical education at CCA. Guided by a caring, Montessori-trained teacher, children explore hands-on activities in Practical Life, Sensorial Learning, Language, Math, and Bible, cultivating the joy of learning through meaningful work.
The Montessori approach is grounded in a deep understanding of how children learn best. Each child is guided according to their individual readiness and interests. In this mixed-age classroom, older children grow in leadership as they act as role models and helpers for younger classmates, while younger students receive inspiration and support from their peers.
This nurturing environment helps children grow in curiosity, confidence, independence, and responsibility, all within a Christ-centered community.
The Lions’ Gate program is the capstone of our students' foundational education, uniquely designed for their transition years in 7th and 8th grade. Having developed strong habits of mind and independence, these logic-stage students are now ready for a carefully-curated curriculum that engages their emerging abstract reasoning skills. Guided by highly trained, experienced teachers who collaborate across subjects, students delve into complex subjects in separate grade-level classes, preparing them academically and spiritually for the challenges of high school.
This distinct phase provides rich opportunities for growth beyond the classroom walls, cultivating responsible citizens and compassionate leaders. Through bi-annual East Coast trips, engaging field trips, and weekly off-campus lunches, students practice independence and broaden their perspective.
They learn to love their neighbors by serving in the local community and investing in the campus through regular responsibilities and special projects. Furthermore, Lions' Gate students step into important leadership opportunities with younger grades. They form valuable mentoring relationships by regularly eating, praying, and playing alongside them. These interactions include serving as dedicated prayer partners for students in the elementary grades and leading social activities, solidifying their confidence and centered character as they stand fully prepared to enter high school.