How will students know which electives will be offered and when? 

Every April, students will be informed which electives they may choose for the following academic year.  Students will indicate their preferences on the elective course sheet and turn in to Mrs. Schmidt or Mr. Johnson.  Schedules are created over the summer, and we work hard to ensure students are given electives that will meet a requirement or another elective of interest. 

2027-2028: The following new courses will be added: French 3, Spanish 1, Ancient Greek, AP Statistics, and AP Biology.   

2028-2029: The following new courses will be added: Spanish 2, AP French, AP Chemistry, and AP Calculus.   

For all other questions regarding the school’s plan for elective offerings, please see the CLASSICAL High School Prospectus. 

What is the school’s policy on college visits?

Cincinnati Classical Academy will allow two excused absences for college visits for 10th, 11th and 12th grade.  Students must fill out and turn in a completed signed College Visit form, and it must be approved in advance of the visit.  College Visit Permission Form.

Who will serve at my student’s academic advisor?  Is this the best person to ask for letters of recommendation for college applications? 

Grade level citadel advisors will serve as academic advisors for high school students.  Advisors are a great resource when it comes to courses, electives, and other questions pertaining to high school academics and beyond.  They will also be a top choice for letters of recommendations for college applications.  The OCCR is also a great resource that can help answer any additional questions students may have about graduation requirements and college applications.   

Does CLASSICAL offer opportunities for students to earn college credit beyond AP courses?

At CLASSICAL, our priority is to provide students with an exceptional classical high school education that aligns with our mission and values.  We take pride in our Hillsdale K-12 curriculum and our dedicated, mission-driven faculty members who deliver high-quality instruction to our students.  That being said, the state of Ohio does mandate that students have the option to enroll in college classes while still in high school.  Cincinnati Classical Academy is currently partnered with Sinclair Community College on College Credit Plus [CCP] course availability for students.  Students who meet Sinclair’s eligibility requirements are now able to take CCP courses through Sinclair.  For more information on the application and approval process, please contact Mrs. Ann Schmidt, Director of College and Career Readiness, at aschmidt@cincyclassical.org.  Students interested in pursuing CCP for spring 2027 must turn in a signed Intent to Participate form to Mrs. Schmidt by November 1.  This form is not a commitment, nor does it ensure students will be accepted by Sinclair, but our office must have these on file for any interested student.   

Sinclair Academic Pathways 

Intent to Participate Form

Will CLASSICAL be bringing college admission representatives to campus beyond those from Hillsdale and private colleges? 

Yes.  The OCCR will be inviting college representatives to campus to sit on panels and meet with students as early as this winter.  Our office is already connecting with schools such as Miami University, Ohio State, University of Dayton, University of Cincinnati, Purdue University, Ohio University, and more.  These initiatives will continue to grow.  For our juniors, the OCCR will bring admissions representatives to campus for workshops on college essay writing, Common App bootcamp, and financial aid and FAFSA.  Stay tuned for updated information.  

Will my student be able to get into a good college if he/she attends CLASSICAL for grades 9-12?  I am concerned that colleges may not recognize a classical charter school as a “real school.”

Absolutely. Attending CLASSICAL for grades 9-12 provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares students exceptionally well for college. At the same time, our students will receive a content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences that will prepare them for a life of human flourishing. CLASSICAL’s curriculum and academic standards meet and often exceed those of traditional high schools. By the time our first graduating class approaches, we are confident that CLASSICAL will be recognized by colleges not only as a legitimate educational institution but also as one of the top schools in the greater Cincinnati area. 

What about scholarships?  Can our students compete for scholarships on a 4.0 grading scale compared to students from other schools earning above a 4.0?   

Of course they can. Most colleges will assess GPA and test scores within the wider context of the student’s application and vigor of our high school curriculum. College admissions offices also typically “unweight” GPAs that are weighted, giving all students the same advantage from the start.  Merit scholarships are often based on the strength of the application, not just the numbers. This means that the vigor of schedule and difficulty of the content is becoming more important than ever when compared to easier classes and grade inflation at other schools. We believe CLASSICAL’s curriculum is among the most academically challenging in Cincinnati. Our School Profile highlights our unique curriculum and gives a broader picture of our students and their academic preparation and achievements.