Concord Campus News

September 4th, 2026

Leadership Update

Angela Keathley


Hello!

Concord Christian Homeschool is experiencing remarkable growth. When we launched our homeschool umbrella program in the fall of the 2025–2026 school year, we prayed for 125 students.


God answered beyond our expectations. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, enrollment had reached 263, and we started this school year with 462 students!


This fall (2026–2027), we were thrilled to open our University Model High School with 56 students enrolled. We are offering nineteen in-person classes and five online courses.


Designed for families seeking a flexible, Christ-centered educational experience, the University Model combines classroom instruction with independent learning at home. Students attend classes on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays.


Additionally, our K–8th program kicked off last week with 81 students registered, featuring 24 elective class options.


We look forward to seeing what God has in store next for the homeschooling community at CCS. We are passionate about embracing diverse learning styles as we strive to reach all of the 865!


Angela Keathley

Director of Homeschool

Upcoming CCS Events & News

Important Reminders

CCS communications will be shared through our primary communication channels of this weekly newsletter, Blackbaud, and our school's Facebook and Instagram accounts.


Our school calendar can be found HERE!


**Our ACSI accreditation team will be on campus September 14th - 16th. We look forward to hosting them and receiving their feedback.

Knox Stars Awards 🏆


We've gone and done it again!


Concord is Top 3 x 3 in the Knox Stars Community’s Choice Awards for the second year in a row:


👶 Best Child Care — Concord Christian Preschool

🏫 Best School – Private — Concord Christian School

🎉 Best After School/Summer Camp Program — KidzConnect


Final results will be published in October, and we're pulling for a 🧹 clean sweep at the #1 spot!

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: CJ Newton, Class of 2021


“As a collective unit, the teachers at Concord genuinely cared about me both inside and outside the classroom, which was instrumental for me during my high school years.”


One of CJ’s favorite CCS memories was the high school retreats.


“Those retreats allowed me to bond with all my classmates while being immersed in the presence of the Lord. I can’t imagine a better environment to grow in my faith and build relationships with my peers during high school.” 🙌


Since graduating from Concord, he has gone on to found and run his own agency, Newton Creative, which helps athletic departments and teams elevate their social media branding and promote student-athletes through video production, photography, and graphic design. 🎥


For more of CJ's story, other alumni updates and upcoming events, click HERE.


We love seeing our alumni use their talents, pursue their passions, and make an impact in

the world! 👏

Reminders:

  • Students are required to wear their school uniform, including an embroidered/logo polo and school-appropriate uniform bottoms.
  • Hoodies, sweatshirts, and jackets should be removed for both group and individual photos.
  • Please make sure students arrive picture-ready and in the required uniform attire.

🎉 Boots, Bows & BBQ

September 27th is just around the corner! Join us at Fox Den Country Club for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, fun, and fundraising. 🌟


Concord is proud to welcome special guest Josh Mancuso, "The College Mascot Guy", for a night you definitely won’t want to miss! Purchase your tickets HERE.


Concord Golf Tourney

Our annual golf tourney will be held on Monday, September 28th, at Fox Den! Register for the tourney HERE. ⛳


Want to learn more? Click HERE for a brief video with our Director of Development to discover how you can get involved and learn more about upcoming events throughout the school year.

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

Lower School Fall Clubs

Some great club offerings are starting after Labor Day, so be sure to click HERE to learn more and register your student(s)!

5th & 6th Grade Academy and Upper Middle School Happenings

Congratulations Cast!

We are excited to bring this heartwarming family favorite to the stage on November 19th & 20th in the Concord Kids Theater. 🎁 🎄


MAPS Testing

RESCHEDULED 5th - 8th MAPS testing will be September 8th - 10th (Tues - Thurs) in the mornings. 


Testing Schedule:

  • Reading – Tuesday
  • Math – Wednesday
  • Language – Thursday


Students need to bring a quiet activity and have it ready before testing begins.


Save the Dates

  • September 17th: House Event
  • September 29th: Honor Society Induction
  • October 2nd: Fall Field Day

Senior Parent Meeting

When: Tuesday, September 8th @ 6:00PM

Where: Training Center

What: See below topic list

  • College & Career information from Ms. Snider
  • Senior parent involvement opportunities
  • Community service requirements
  • Puerto Rico information with Jason Jennings
  • Important dates for the year


*Our Balfour rep will also be available at 5:30pm to discuss any senior products you may wish to order in addition to cap & gown orders.

Eagle Scout Earned

Congrats to freshman Lucas Howell who has earned his Eagle Scout rank with Troop 46 of the Great Smoky Mountain Council. Well done Lucas! 👏

Guidance Counselor's Corner

📚 September Lunch & Learn Opportunities 🍽️

Join us for September Lunch & Learn! 9th–12th grade students are invited to hear from college and career representatives during Upper School lunch.


Each session will include a brief presentation followed by time to connect, ask questions, and learn more about future opportunities.


Students who attend two or more sessions will also be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

Achieving Academic Excellence

Excellence in Education Starts with Exceptional Educators!


At CCS, we are proud of the amazing academic opportunities available to our students, and the highly qualified educators who make them possible. 🙌


Our 9th - 12th staff includes:

🎓 3 educators with Doctorate degrees

🎓 19 educators with Master’s degrees

🎓 3 staff members currently completing their Master’s degrees

🎓 1 staff member currently completing a Doctorate degree


This year, CCS offers:

⭐ 2 AP classes

⭐ 15 Dual Enrollment classes taught by our own teachers

⭐ 1 Dual Enrollment class taught on our campus by an instructor from Carson-Newman University


That means we offer an incredible 59 college credit hours of coursework right here on our campus, taught by our CCS teachers! 🙌


Our students are projected to earn more than 750 college credit hours this year, not including the additional AP courses or DE classes students may opt to take online! 📚


This year, 60% of our senior class is taking one or more DE classes. 🎓


We remain committed to academic excellence and providing our students with meaningful opportunities to challenge and prepare them for what’s next. 🚀

Athletic Accolades & Updates

Soccer Spotlight

Our Lady Lions are in action and enjoying success on the field. 👏


Make your plans to support and cheer them on this season as they continue to work hard to put wins on the board! 🏐


Athletic Team Stores

Our team stores are open. Check them out HERE.


Support our student athletes by sporting custom swag and attire!



Booster Passes & Banners

Booster passes HERE and banners HERE are now available for purchase. See graphics for details.


MS Baseball Tryouts

WHO: 6th - 8th grades

WHEN: September 12th 9AM-12PM

WHERE: Knoxville Christian School

11549 Snyder Road

Fill out Google form HERE. Come prepared to play!

Week In Arts

🎭 Congratulations Cast! 👏


🦁 Fall Production: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

🏴‍☠️ ⚓ Spring Production: The Pirates of Penzance


Get ready for adventure, imagination, and incredible performances from our talented cast and crew. Stay tuned for more information!

🦁 Pride of the Den 🥁


Our marching band has been hard at work this summer on their new show, "Call to Courage." 🎷 🎵


These talented students have poured countless hours of effort and energy into every rehearsal to ensure that they represent our school with excellence.


Make sure you don't miss seeing the show this season! 👏

🦁 Pride of the Den to Pride of the Southland! 🍊

We are so proud of our alumni Emma Hart, Jackson Krahl, and Aden Przewrocki and also former CCS marching band member from Grace Academy, Connor Finley, as they take their talents to Rocky Top this year. Way to represent!

International Program Updates

We were delighted to host students from Costa Rica and make them feel right at home in

the Den! 🦁


Our International Program students also enjoyed a special field trip to the Smoky Mountains, making memories and experiencing the beauty of East Tennessee along the way. ⛰️


We’re grateful for the opportunity to welcome students from around the world! 🌍

Storehouse Happenings

CCS Storehouse

The Storehouse will be open the following days/times:


Monday: 7:30AM - 10:30AM and 3:00PM - 4:00PM

Tuesday: 7:30AM - 10:30AM

Wednesday: 7:30AM - 2:00PM

Thursday: 7:30AM - 10:30AM and 3:00PM - 4:00PM

Friday: 7:30AM - 10:30AM


We have new apparel available and are looking forward to special 30th Anniversary merchandise that will be arriving soon.


Make sure to stop in and shop with us!

Lion Volunteer Connection

Lion Volunteer Connection is a parent-led organization dedicated to supporting teachers and staff through fun and engaging events.


We need MANY parent volunteers for our upcoming events, and you can register to help HERE!


*Be sure to follow LVC on their Facebook page for more updates throughout the year!

August Breakfast 💗

LVC enjoyed treating our teachers and staff to a yummy breakfast last week! It was a wonderful way to celebrate the start of school and the fantastic people who serve our students so faithfully.


Special thanks to the Young family and Lenoir City Chick-fil-A for helping make this breakfast such a resounding success! 🫶

Spiritual & Student Life Office

Chapels at CCS are special. ❤️


This year’s spiritual emphasis theme is “Not To Us,” based on Psalm 115:1:


“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness.”


We can’t wait to see how the Lord continues to work and move within our school community this year. HE IS FAITHFUL! 🙏

Chapel Schedule

Thursday, Sept 10th

  • 5th - 8th Grades: No Chapel - MAPS testing
  • 9th - 12th Grades: 9:00AM - 10:00AM; Speaker: Ben Crocker | Worship Center

Church's Corner

Worship at FBC

Looking for a place to worship? We'd love to have you join us at First Baptist Concord.


This Sunday, Pastor John Mark will continue our sermon series, “Believe,” as we journey through the book of John.


All are welcome with service times at:

🕗 8:00 AM

🕤 9:15 AM

🕚 11:00 AM


We can’t wait to worship with you and grow together in faith!


Embers | A Rise865 Podcast

Join the Rise865 Preaching Team weekly as they talk about the Sunday sermon, ministry, and how people are inspiring others to follow Jesus across the 865!


Click HERE to listen, learn more, and don't forget to

like, subscribe, and review!


Wednesday Nights

Concord Kids - Elevate

Birth - 5th grade - 6:30PM - 7:45PM (drop-off begins at 6:15PM)


Concord Students - MIDWEEK

Middle School @ 6:15pm 

High School @ 7:15pm


Men's Breakfast

Join us for a free breakfast on Wednesday, September 23, from 6:30–7:30AM in the Student Gym.


Pastor John Mark will challenge those in attendance to invest daily in the lives of other men and inspire them to follow Jesus. Get registered HERE!

Concord Christian Preschool

Littlest Lion Happenings

CCP September newsletter is HERE. Be sure to read it over carefully to avoid missing important announcements and news!

Keeping Up With KidzConnect

After School Care Enrollment

Registration is open for KidzConnect After-School Care for the 2026/27 school year. Registration can be found HERE.


Be sure to read the KidzConnect fall newsletter HERE!

Important Dates to Remember

  • September 15, 2026 - Picture Day (must be registered)
  • September 18, 2026 - No School (FBC Missions Conference)
  • May 22, 2027 - Class of 2027 Graduation


A Note to Our Families

We kindly ask that if you have any concerns or if we did not meet your expectations, please reach out to Angela Keathley directly by email or phone. CCS is happily opening its doors to welcome homeschool students as part of their program, and we are committed to making this a positive experience for everyone. Your feedback will be invaluable as we grow together.


MLT Program Information Sessions – September 2026

Madeline Hibbard, Director of Roane State's Medical Lab Technology (MLT) Program, will be hosting two information sessions this September for prospective students. These sessions are a great opportunity to learn more about the program and have your questions answered.

To accommodate working students and those who need flexibility, Madeline has scheduled both a daytime and an evening Zoom option:

Evening Session

Topic: Evening Fall 2026 MLT Program Information Meeting

Date: September 14, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting HERE.

Daytime Session

Topic: Fall 2026 MLT Program Informational Meeting

Date: September 16, 2026

Time: 1:30 PM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting HERE.


Additional Opportunity – Intro to Med Lab Exemption Exam

Madeline will also be offering the Intro to Med Lab Exemption Exam on September 30th at 1:30 PM EST on the Harriman campus. Students interested in taking the exam should email her directly at hibbardm1@roanestate.edu.


Umbrella/Tuition Payments

We apologize for the delay in sending out our billing statements. Please know that no payment is late—this delay is entirely on our end due to some set-up and connection issues. Your first payment will be due on September 15th. We appreciate your grace as we get everything in order.


School Picture Day – September 15th

Homeschool students may have their photos taken between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Arrival & Security

  • Please enter through the Gathering Space (the weekday entrance).
  • All parents must go through security. Have your driver’s license ready.

Forms

  • Please complete a separate form HERE for each student before picture day.
  • Students must be registered in order to have their photos taken.
  • These photos are for your use only. Homeschool umbrella students will not be in the CCS yearbook. With the number of students we have, the cost rises A LOT. Therefore we are pursuing other options.


Seniors

If you plan to participate in graduation, you must have a formal graduation photo.


The make-up day for senior portraits will be 7:30 a.m. on 9/15/26 in the Chapel. Please make sure your senior is on time so that this can be completed before the start of school. Girls should wear a camisole shirt underneath their school uniform that can easily be adjusted for the formal drape photo. Boys should wear a plain white shirt underneath their uniform for their formal tux photo. 


There is a $35 sitting fee that can be paid at the time of portraits with a card or cash.


Annual Counselor Meeting Requirement - 9th - 12th students ONLY

All high school students and their parents are required to meet with the high school counselor once per year.

To schedule your appointment, please contact Ashley Tipton using the below information:

Set up an Appointment: Academic Planning

Register for University Model HS: Registration


Educational Freedom Scholarship Information

We are an umbrella program registered with the State of Tennessee as a Category IV non-public school and are also a University Model High School. Because of this classification, we cannot accept Educational Freedom Scholarships (EFS)—those are reserved for Category I, II, and III schools. A Category IV umbrella program will never be eligible to use EFS. We are beginning the accreditation process to become a Category II for the Upper Middle school, which will allow us to accept EFS funding in the future. We are NOT eligible at this time.


Sports Eligibility

K - 7(8) students, please watch the newsletter for sporting opportunities High school students, because we are regulated by TSSAA, only students who are registered in our UMS program or paying full UMS tuition are eligible to try out and play sports for CCS.


Badges and Security

Only K - 8th Co-op and UMS students will have badge access to campus. However, badge access is limited, so we recommend that you always use the main entrance on Kingston Pike.


We welcome visitors on campus. Please note the following procedures:

  • All visitors 18 and older must present a government-issued ID upon their first visit.
  • All visitors must enter through the weekday entrance on the church side.
  • Upon entering, check in with the attendant at the desk to receive an identification sticker.
  • This sticker must be visible at all times while on campus.
  • When leaving, return the sticker to the attendant at the entrance where you entered.


Blackbaud System

Our Learning Management System is called Blackbaud. If you have not received your invite to set up your Blackbaud account and your Tuition Management account, please let Mrs. Keathley know.


If you are experiencing difficulty logging into your Blackbaud account, please complete this form HERE. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.


Remember to check your spam or junk folder, as our replies may occasionally be filtered there.


Parent ID Cards

Homeschool Parent ID Card. Did you know some businesses offer discounts for homeschoolers when you present this card?

To get yours, simply:

  1. Complete the form HERE.
  2. I’ll email your personalized card.
  3. Print it or save it to your phone for easy access


Parking Pass Application

To apply for a parking pass, please complete the application form HERE.


After submitting the form, please email the following documents to me:

  • A copy of your valid driver's license
  • A copy of your current auto insurance card

Once both the application and documents are received, your parking pass will be processed.


Learner's Permit

When applying for a learner’s permit, students must submit the SF-1010 form. Please keep these key points in mind:

  • The form is valid for 30 days after issuance.
  • Allow adequate time for our staff to process your request.
  • Once completed, the form will be sent via email to the address you provide.
  • We do not fax the form directly to the driver’s license office.

To avoid delays, please ensure the form is submitted before the 30-day expiration.


Verification of Enrollment

Homeschool umbrella students may need to provide Verification of School Enrollment when participating in co-ops, extracurricular activities, or other programs requiring proof of enrollment in an approved educational program.

This document, issued by the overseeing homeschool umbrella or cover school, verifies the student’s enrollment status for purposes such as:

  • Academic eligibility
  • Student discounts
  • Sports participation

**Request this verification in advance to ensure timely processing


Transcript Request Form

To request that your official transcript be sent to a college or university click HERE. Please allow 3 business days for your request to be processed.

You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy;

at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11