High School
The Christ-centered community in the high school fosters intellectual and spiritual maturity, equipping students to be salt and light for God’s glory as they seek His calling in their lives.
The high school at Covenant Day offers a rigorous academic curriculum to help students pursue wisdom, learn purposefully, and communicate effectively. As students gain knowledge, they seek to use their understanding to follow Christ by serving others and engaging the culture. The high school’s academic program includes college preparatory, honors, and AP courses. Students learn from outstanding Christian educators who serve as coaches, advisors, and mentors. More than 83% of our high school faculty hold post-baccalaureate degrees. Additionally, our faculty participate in various professional development opportunities throughout the school year. Our guidance staff works closely with each student, offering multiple services, including course selection, personal counseling, assistance with the college admissions process, and scholarship searches. In addition, the high school prides itself on strong community, school spirit, and fun traditions, such as the color war, spirit week, homecoming, Windy Gap retreat, and school dances. Students grow emotionally and spiritually by service and fostering relationships in school, and through local and overseas outreach opportunities.
High School Course and Elective Offerings
Unique Opportunities
In addition to core courses and electives, there are many unique opportunities to grow and connect during the high school years. Below are some examples:
- Mock Trial - Students in this club role-play attorneys and witnesses and learn the trial-by-jury process through interactive, fun, team-building practices. Mock trial offers a unique platform by equipping students with "super skills" through the art of direct, cross-examination, and critical thinking by litigating a trial. Students learn particular skills of questioning and picking apart facts in the context of our judicial system before live juries and real judges. Mock trial builds the college resume and empowers students to grapple with concepts of humanity and Christlike "argument" in a safe space.
- McKnight Oratory - The H. Brent McKnight Justice and Mercy Oratory Contest is a special annual tradition that honors the late U.S. District Judge H. Brent McKnight and his legacy. Students who are selected to compete in the contest receive a prompt based on the theme verse Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Students then write a 3–5 minute speech responding to the prompt, engaging the culture through critical thinking and articulation skills.
- Advisory Groups – Teachers meet with each student weekly to mentor, pray, and discuss a book study about their spiritual journey.
- Covenant Crazies – Students who participate in this club help to foster school spirit and appreciation for our school community through pep rallies, dress-up days, and more. Go Lions!
- Senior Capstone Project – The Portrait of a Graduate is demonstrated through a culminating project completed by each senior.
- Community Time – Students and teachers foster relationships during this fun time set aside for friendly competition and games on the lawn.
- Color Wars – A time to celebrate the 9th-grade class and the unique qualities they bring to the high school.
Hear Why Our High School Faculty Love Teaching at CDS
High School History Teacher, Chrissie Slack
High School Art Teacher, Katie Spata