Faces of CCS

Hi! We’re the Cates–Chris, Sarah, Brooklyn, Indiana and Hudson. We live in Hanahan, so all the way across town from West Ashley, but happily make the trek across 526 every day to bring our kids here. Chris is a local real estate developer and Sarah is a stay at home mom. Our kids are in grades 6th, 4th and 2nd (respectively) at CCS. We love to travel and adventure and read as many books as we can get our hands on!

What brought you to Charleston Christian School, and how did you hear about it?

We started at CCS in the fall of 2023 with just our daughter, Brooklyn, attending in 5th grade. We had had all of our kids at the local public school up until that time, but after some consistent issues with bullying and exposure to things we were not comfortable with, we decided to move Brooklyn after 4th grade. We moved the boys the following year in the fall of 2024, after seeing the academic rigor of CCS compared to public school and absolutely falling in love with the supportive, caring environment that Brooklyn experienced in 5th grade.

What stands out the most about your experience at CCS?

There are two categories that I can really put our favorite aspects into. The first is academics. I love that our kids are not learning primarily on Chromebooks, the frequency and variability of field trips, and the emphasis on a well-rounded education that includes science, geography, history and Spanish, rather than just ELA and math. I also feel so welcome in the school as a parent and truly feel like I have a good understanding of how my children are doing in all aspects of school life. The second is spiritual life. It gives me so much peace to know that my kids are being taught from a Biblical worldview every day, and that that Biblical worldview is the underpinning for discipline at the school as well.

How have you seen your children grow spiritually, academically, or socially since joining CCS?

Our kids have thrived across the board in all areas at CCS. There’s a particularly stark contrast between the bullying behavior we so often encountered in public school vs CCS. That’s not to say that there are no issues, especially in middle school, but the common thread of expectation from Christian families and Christian educators makes it possible to actually handle those situations successfully. 

Is there a teacher, staff member, or experience at CCS that has had a significant impact on your family?

All of my kids’ teachers have been excellent, but I have to give a particular shout out to Mrs. Grieves in second grade! We had some concerns about the academic rigor at CCS for Hudson coming out of public school where he had the support of an IEP, but she has been so patient and kind with him and created the most wonderful environment where he has really thrived. I wish he could have her every year!

What does it mean to your family to be part of a Christ-centered school?

While we have no desire to shelter our kids from the realities of the world, having the kids in CCS has given us the ability to control the rate of exposure to worldly issues so much better than in public school. We feel that our kids are going to be much more grounded in their faith and their ability to cope with the darkness of the world as a result of these foundational years in a Christ-centered environment. 

What would you say to a family considering CCS for their child?

That they won’t find a better academic, social or spiritual environment for their kids. Have no concerns about legalism or morality police, but rest knowing that a Biblical worldview is being upheld across the board. Your kids will make good friends, you will love the teachers, and you will be thrilled by how much they learn!

How has CCS been a blessing to your family?

When it became clear that public school was no longer an option for our family, I really panicked–because I had no interest (nor skill nor gifting) to homeschool. CCS has been an answer to many prayers because it has provided such a wonderful home for our kids to continue their education.