Concord Campus News

April 10th, 2026

Spiritual Life Office Update

Jason Jennings


I am so grateful to serve as the Campus Pastor for CCS. It has been an incredible year leading our Spiritual Life Office and getting to see how God has moved this year at CCS.


Through weekly chapels, High School Retreat, and Spiritual Emphasis Week, we have seen students accept Christ as their Savior, had sixteen students get baptized with more to come, and had many other students commit to live an inspired life of following Jesus. 


I also had the privilege of leading a mission trip to Puerto Rico with our seniors and some incredible staff recently. Our 42 seniors showed the love of Jesus by scraping and painting walls, cleaning and resealing roofs and doing some yardwork at four houses and one our Concord’s church partners. This is a trip these seniors will never forget as God used them to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. 


Exciting New Partnership

I am pleased to share an important new resource available to support the well-being of our students and families. Concord has partnered with Peak Wellness Centers, PLLC, a local counseling practice located at 11726 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934. This partnership is part of our continued commitment to supporting the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health of our students.



Peak Wellness Centers offers faith-based counseling services both in person and virtually for children, adolescents, and families. Their licensed professionals provide support in areas such as:

  • Anxiety and stress management
  • Behavioral and emotional concerns
  • Family transitions and life changes
  • Social skills and peer relationships

Families who are interested may contact Peak Wellness Centers directly to learn more about services and scheduling. 

Website: https://www.peakwellnesscenters.org/

Email: hello@peakwellnesscenters.org

Phone: 865.643.8838


We are grateful to partner with this trusted local provider to help expand access to care for our community. If you have any general questions about this partnership, please feel free to contact me by email at jasonjennings@concordcs.org.


As we head into these final weeks of the school year, let’s unite in prayer for our students and staff. Let’s pray that God moves powerfully in their lives, deepening their shared devotion to Him and fueling their passion to inspire others to follow Jesus!


Thank You,

Jason Jennings

Pastor of CCS & Concord Sports

Upcoming CCS Events

Important Reminders

There is certainly no shortage of school events and activities this spring, so be sure you're following us on Facebook and Instagram and also utilizing our school calendar HERE.

CCS Prom 2026


🗓 Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

⏰ Time: 7:30–10:00pm

📍 Location: The Reserve at Bluebird Hill


Step back in time and join us for a night of glitz, glamour, and Gatsby vibes at this year’s

Roaring 20’s Prom! 🎷


Think sparkling dresses, sharp suits, and a dance floor full of unforgettable memories ✨


Purchase your tickets HERE!

🎓 Save the Date for Senior March 🎓


Families of Seniors are invited to join us on May 1st at 10:30 AM as we celebrate the

Class of 2026! 🦁 👏


Our Lions will make their way around campus, cheered on by our incredible Concord community.



We can’t wait for the exciting reveal at the end of the march, when our Seniors share which college or university they’ll be attending! 🎉

Save The Date

Concord's annual golf tournament will be held on September 28th. More details coming soon!

Achieving Academic Excellence

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Nathan Armour, Class of 2020 🦁

I attended CCS since preschool and so many of the teachers guided and supported me.


Since my high school graduation in 2020, God has drastically changed my life. I was accepted into the Honors Engineering Program at Texas A&M University. I began to truly follow Jesus. I interned at Tesla and Disney, and I am now teaching a physics class at CCS and working for Bechtel at ORNL as an electrical field engineer.


Read more of Nathan's story HERE in our March/April Alumni Newsletter.



We are so proud of his academic excellence and achievements!

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

Our 7th & 8th grade students showed UP when they took the stage for their recent production "Grimm Time: Tales on the Clock". This was a student-written production full of creativity and plot twists. Well done Lions! 🎭 👏

Other Important Dates:

April 16th: 8th grade field trip to release trout


April 17th: 5th grade field trip to BizTown


April 23rd: Family Groups

  • 9:00-10:00 7th/8th grade
  • 9:55-10:55 5th/6th grade


April 24th: 6th grade field trip to Chattanooga


April 27th: May 1st: 8th grade trip to Washington, DC

Beyond the Bell Updates

College Counseling Corner

The College Counseling Corner April newsletter can be found HERE.


PreACT Spring Test Dates

Monday, April 13: 9th grade

Monday, April 20: 10th grade


Why does CCS give the PreACT? The PreACT offers key benefits for 8th-10th grade students, primarily by providing accurate early predictions of ACT scores, identifying academic strengths and weaknesses, and helping with college and career planning.  

ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

Registration Deadline: May 8, 2026

Registration Deadline: June 5, 2026

Students need to register for the ACT HERE!

Money for College

CCS will host a College Financial Aid night on Tuesday, April 14th, in The Mission Training Center at 6:00pm. This meeting is for any parent and student interested in learning about college financial aid. Rita Turchetta, State of TN Outreach Specialist, will speak about how to apply for state and federal financial aid for college. This will include information about the TN Promise scholarship, TN HOPE scholarship, and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

ACF Visionary Scholarship Details

Eligible Grades: 2026, 2027, 2028, & 2029

Spring App 2026/2027 Deadline: June 1, 2026

Winners Chosen: July 15, 2026

Awards Distributed: July 31, 2026


Our Visionary Scholarship is a bi-annual award. There are five (5) awards given with each bi-annual deadline – with a total of ten (10) college scholarships awarded for each school year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each.


Only one application per student, per award deadline will be accepted. Non-winners are eligible to re-register and re-apply for future awards – this includes the 2nd deadline of a school year. There is absolutely no cost to apply and a student does not need to demonstrate financial need in order to be eligible.

Apply for the ACF Visionary Scholarship HERE.

Tennessee Tech University Opportunity

TTU is launching a new undergraduate program in Fall 2026 called Interdisciplinary Computing (IC). This innovative degree allows students to build a strong foundation in computer science while combining it with another area of interest, such as health, environmental studies, communication, media, or the arts. The program is designed for students who want to apply technology to real-world challenges and explore diverse career pathways that connect computing with other disciplines. You can learn more about the program HERE.

UTK Herbert College of Agriculture News

We are proud to host the Tennessee Leadership Summit on Rocky Top this June! In partnership with Tennessee Farm Bureau, the Tennessee Leadership Summit offers a week-long experience for rising juniors and seniors to connect with other outstanding student leaders across the state, all while learning the importance of Tennessee agriculture. This is a fantastic opportunity for student leaders to grow their leadership, cooperation, and service skills in a fun and exciting setting! This year's summit will be held on UTK's campus from June 1-5, 2026.

Follow this link to learn more information and apply HERE.

Senior Checklist Items

Class of 2026 and Families,

In just a few short weeks you will be putting on your cap and gown, ready to step out of high school to take on the world. 


Before you leave CCS, we plan to continue to celebrate our Class of 2026 in a variety of fun ways! 

Our Countdown to Graduation is underway! Be sure to check-out our website, hallways, and social media as we honor these students for the next several weeks.


Important Dates

  • May 8th: Last Day for the Class of 2026! Senior Dinner at 6:30pm that evening. RSVP HERE!
  • May 15th: Graduation Rehearsal at 3:45pm in the Worship Center (no cap & gown yet).
  • May 16th: Arrive in the FBC Choir room at 10:15am (cap & gown required).



Athletic Accolades & Updates

1st Team All-Knox County

Big congrats to sophomore, Emory Thomas, who was named 1st Team All-Knox County! Click HERE to view the news article in more detail. 🏀👏


Stellar Soccer Showings

Our boys' soccer team has enjoyed a strong start to season, putting several wins on the board as they continue to put in the work and improve.

Let's go Lions! 🦁 ⚽


MS Girls' Soccer Interest Meeting

WHEN: April 13th at 6:00pm

WHERE: Room G200

WHO: Rising 5th - 8th grades

Fill out Google form HERE prior to meeting.

Week In Arts

Show Time for the Prince of Egypt!

Our talented theatre students will be performing this magnificent musical NEXT WEEK on April 16th, 17th, and 18th. Buy your tickets ASAP HERE! Ticket sales will close online on April 15th but will still be available at the door via cash or credit card. You definitely don't want to miss this one, and make sure to invite your family and friends!

Congrats to the following Synergy Student Art Show winners who were honored at a special reception. We are so proud of you, Lions! 🦁

🎨 Anna Rose Cowger – Kindergarten

“Winter Wonderland” ❄️

🎨 Cole Stanley – 5th Art Appreciation

Keep shining and creating! 🌟


LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

🎉 Camp CCS

Camp CCS will run June 1st – July 30th and offer a wide variety of experiences in art 🖌️, athletics 🏈, and academics 🔬.


Spots are limited and filling quickly, so don’t delay in signing your Lion(s) up today!


👉 Click HERE for registration and more information.


Other Important Dates:

  • April 24th - House Talent Show
  • April 30th - K-2nd Worship Night with High School Worship team (see below for more information)
  • April 27th - 30th - Lower School Art Show
  • May 15th - Field Day
  • May 18th - 4th grade End-of-Year Program
  • May 19th - Kindergarten End-of-Year Program (in the Chapel)
  • May 21st - Last Day of School


*Important Additional Info for Upper & Lower School Combined Worship Night

Event Details:

  • Date: April 30, 2026
  • Student Arrival: 5:20 PM in the Choir Room
  • Theme: "Celebrate Jesus"
  • Dress: K-2nd students to wear jeans and grade-level shirts
  • Event Start: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Worship Center

We are looking forward to a powerful night of worship together!


Read-A-Thon 2026

🦁 This year’s Read-A-Thon was a resounding success for our Lions! 📚


So many books were read, and students loved hearing from our guest readers and participating in special spirit wear days. ❤️ 😎


The more you read, the more you know! 🙌

International Program Updates

Our International Program Needs YOU!

Host families are needed for two students from Peru who are coming for a two week stay at the end of April. Click HERE to meet Facundo and HERE for Jazhiel!


Questions?? Reach out to Amy Steger at asteger@concordcs.org.

Storehouse Happenings

Come Shop the

CCS Storehouse!

Stop by and shop Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00am - 3:00pm for your cool CCS swag and attire. Great new spring items are arriving!


*Location is the lobby of the Admissions Office.


**Storehouse gift cards are now available for purchase and make great gifts for birthdays, teachers, grandparents, and others. 🩷

Concord Parent Connection

It’s time to kick it and have a blast at our CPC's Mother-Son Kickball Night! 👦⚽


Join us TONIGHT from 5:30–7:30pm on the Concord Sports Fields for an evening full of fun and friendly competition. Preschool–12th grade sons are welcome to participate with their moms. 💙


Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, so come hungry and ready to play!


Cost is $30 for non-CPC members, and you can pay onsite.


Don’t miss this special night to make memories and score big fun! 🏃‍♂️‍➡️🎉

Luau Luncheon

CPC is looking forward to spoiling our teachers and staff with a lovely Luau Luncheon in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.


Sign-up HERE to help out and ensure Lion Nation shows them ALL the love! 🩷

Spiritual & Student Life Office

Chapel Week of April 13th

  • 5th-6th grade: Jonah Castonquay | "Whatever is Worthy of Praise" | Kids Theater
  • 7th-12th grade: Special Worship Chapel | "Whatever is Worthy of Praise" | Student Gym 

Artist, musician, producer, writer, and public speaker David Francisco made a recent high school chapel pretty unforgettable for our Lions.


Through his powerful and inspiring testimony, he challenged students to:

✨ Use less words, more hugs

✨ Choose your response

✨ Find meaning in suffering

✨ Remember that forgiveness brings life

Church's Corner

Midweek for the Win!

Join us on Wednesday nights with Middle School at 6:15pm and High School at 7:15pm. Encourage your student to attend and bring a friend(s)!


Men’s Prayer Breakfast

FBC is hosting this special event on April 15th at 6:00 AM. Men of all ages are invited to attend!


This will be a special morning of prayer, encouragement, and a tasty breakfast hosted in the Gathering Space at Concord. 🙏🍳


You can register for this special time of fellowship and prayer HERE!


Summer Student Opportunities

  • Wild Week: May 30th - June 3rd
  • Student Leadership University (SLU) 401: June 3rd - June 13th
  • Beach Week: June 22nd - June 26th
  • United Kingdom HS Mission Trip: July 10th - July 18th
  • SLU 201: July 12th - July 18th
  • SLU 101: July 13th - July 19th
  • SLU 301: July 19th - July 27th


**Register for Beach Week and Wild Week HERE!

Concord Christian Preschool

Littlest Lion Happenings

CCP April Newsletter is HERE. Be sure to read it over carefully!


Pre-K Graduation

  • Monday, May 11th Rooms 209, 211, 212 & 226
  • Tuesday, May 12th Rooms 208, 210 & 213

*All Pre-K Graduation ceremonies will take place at 6pm in the Worship Center


Spring Concert 🎉🩷

Our littlest Lions did a fantastic job singing praise songs to honor Jesus during their spring concert that was well attended by preschool families and friends. We pray they'll always love making a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Keeping up with KidzConnect

We are gearing up for another AMAZING summer with KidzConnect! Registration is open HERE.

Preliminary activity link HERE.

🌟 KidzConnect is Hiring!


Join the team and be a part of the amazing work KC does serving K–8th grade students!


Make a lasting impact this summer in an engaging, Christ-centered environment while working Monday–Friday — with no nights or weekends EVER! 😊


Must have a strong work ethic and be a graduating Senior at least 18 years or older to apply.


Ready to make a difference and have some serious fun? 🎉



📧 Email jsowa@concordcs.org or 📞call Chyrl Dixon at 865-672-1447 with your interest or

for more information!

Homeschool Happenings


Summer Math Tutoring

Our high school co-op math teacher is offering six weeks of summer tutoring sessions from May 25 - July 3. If your student(s) are looking for a quick math "boost", working to catch up to grade-level, or are simply trying to get ahead over the summer, Ansley has experience working with elementary through Geometry/Algebra 2. Please reach out to Mrs. Keathley for more information.


Living History Field Trip Invitation – Museum of Appalachia – May 1st

Step back in time and experience the self-sufficient spirit of Appalachian life! Your student is invited to join a living history field trip at the Museum of Appalachia on Friday, May 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location:

Museum of Appalachia – 2819 Andersonville Hwy, Clinton, TN 37716

Field Trip Highlights:

  • Explore historic log buildings and a pioneer village
  • Visit farm animals and see heritage craft demonstrations
  • Engage in hands-on learning about history, social studies, and regional culture

Pricing & Registration:

  • Students: $10.00 per student
  • Chaperones/Parents: Tickets will be purchased individually at the museum gate upon arrival. $12 per adults

Important Instructions:

Day of Visit: Upon arrival, proceed to Will Call to receive your students' entry bracelets. Please let them know you are with Concord Christian Homeschool. At that time, you may also purchase tickets for any accompanying adults.

This immersive visit offers a meaningful, real-world connection to Appalachian history and culture. We hope your student can join us!

Please respond by April 17th to secure your spot. I do have to provide a headcount to the museum for your attendance. https://forms.gle/Arr51C3AU9BervQCA

Museum of Appalachia – where history comes to life!


Upcoming Dates to Remember

April 13, 2026 Pre-ACT 9th grade Registration https://forms.gle/Gjm63WAqGJvbCdz89

April 20, 2026 Pre-ACT 10th grade Registration https://forms.gle/Gjm63WAqGJvbCdz89

May 12, 2026 Homeschoolers lead K - 4th Chapel 1:10 -1:50. Please arrive by 1:00 p.m.


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 https://forms.gle/gxd9g19YksiZNVYYA
  2. I’ll email your personalized card.
  3. Print it or save it to your phone for easy access!


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

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17