Upper School Profile
Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (CHCA) is a private, nondenominational, college-preparatory school serving students in Grades 9–12 as part of a comprehensive PreK–12 program in suburban Cincinnati, Ohio. Rooted in a Christ-centered mission, CHCA equips students with the academic rigor, spiritual formation, and real-world experiences they need to flourish in college and to impact the world for Christ.
CHCA is fully accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The school is chartered by the State of Ohio.
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Our Community
CHCA draws students from nearly 40 public school districts across the greater Cincinnati area, creating a diverse and vibrant learning community. Families are united by a shared desire for a Christ-centered, academically rigorous education that develops each student’s God-given gifts.
Students experience a holistic program where faith, scholarship, leadership, athletics, and the arts are integrated into daily life. Our vision is that graduates will not only succeed in college, but also live as servant-leaders in their communities and around the world.
Academic Program
CHCA offers a robust college-preparatory curriculum with:
A wide range of honors and Advanced Placement® (AP) courses
A multifaceted selection of electives in the arts, world languages, STEM, and more
A structured schedule designed to promote depth of learning and balance
Schedule & Calendar
Two-semester academic year, each semester divided into two quarters
Block schedule using alternating A & B days
Four 80-minute classes per day (Bells 1–4 on A Day, Bells 5–8 on B Day)
School day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., with an activity period at the end of the day
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from CHCA, students must earn 25 credits (Grades 9–12), including the 20 credits required by the State of Ohio. Required credits include:
3.5 – Christian Studies
4.0 – English
4.0 – Math
3.0 – Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
3.0 – Social Science
3.0 – World Language
0.5 – Computer Technology
0.5 – Fine Arts
1.0 – Physical Education & Health
0.5 – Speech
0.5 – Financial Literacy
0.5 – Electives
1.0 – Intersession Component
All students must complete four intersession courses, each a two-week experiential learning opportunity (70+ hours each). These may include:
International and domestic service learning
Travel abroad and cultural immersion
On-campus or off-site academic intensives
Advanced Placement, Honors, and Academic Recognition
CHCA uses a weighted 4.0 GPA scale and does not rank students.
Honors and VT courses: +0.5 quality point
AP courses: +1.0 quality point
Grades of D or lower are not weighted.
In 2025, CHCA offered 24 AP courses across core academic disciplines and the arts. In the 2024–25 school year:
162 students took AP exams
327 exams were administered
88% of scores were 3, 4, or 5
GPA Honors
Summa Cum Laude: 4.0+
Magna Cum Laude: 3.75–3.99
Cum Laude: 3.5–3.74
Representative AP & Honors Offerings
- English
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
English 9, 10, 11 Honors; British Literature Honors; The Bookshelf Honors
- Math & Computer Science
AP Calculus AB & BC
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Statistics
Multivariable Calculus
Honors Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus
- Science
AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science
AP Physics 1 & 2
Honors Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Social Science
AP European History, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology
AP U.S. Government, AP U.S. History
Honors Modern World History, U.S. History
- World Languages
AP Chinese, AP Latin, AP Spanish Language
Honors Latin I–III, Mandarin I–IV, Spanish II–IV
- Fine Arts
AP Art (Studio, 2D, 3D)
AP Music Theory
Electric Jazz Orchestra Honors, Sinfonietta Honors, Choir Honors
Distinctive Commitment to Service
Service is central to the CHCA experience. Every upper school student is required to complete:
At least 120 service hours, with a minimum of 60 hours working directly with underserved populations
Two service immersion projects, often through local partnerships or cross-cultural experiences
These requirements reflect our desire for students to live out their faith, develop empathy, and grow as Christ-like leaders who recognize the dignity and worth of every person.
College Counseling & Outcomes
CHCA’s counseling team walks with students and families through every step of the college planning process—from course selection and academic advising to test preparation, application support, and scholarship guidance. The team includes specialists for each grade level and support for international students.
Standardized Testing (Class of 2025)
ACT
Top 25% Mean Composite: 30.5
Top 50% Mean Composite: 25.35
SAT
Top 25% Mean EBRW: 712
Top 25% Mean Math: 685
Class of 2025 Highlights
Begin Your Journey
Experience the difference of a world-class, Christ-centered education.





