Dear CBA parents,
Fall is upon us, a time of year to count our blessings and share our blessings. As I count the blessings I see in and at CBA, I would like to invite you into an opportunity to share blessings through Giving Tuesday.
In our previous newsletter, you saw our post about CBA Family Financial Planning. Now that we’ve been transparent with the ins and outs of the subsidies we rely on to maintain low tuition for our families, here’s our ask of you. Would you begin to pray about who you might invite to join us in supporting our mission on our birthday, Giving Tuesday? The bottom line is that it takes so much more than tuition to run our school or any educational institution. We know that many CBA families are sacrificing just to pay tuition as it is. So our heart is that you would begin praying about who else you could ask to partner with us. Grandparents? Your church family? Your boss? Charleston Bilingual Academy is registered as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization operating under the name Clapham Education Group and all contributions are tax-deductible. We invite you to join us in prayer for Dec. 3rd and save that date as our 10th anniversary!
About GivingTuesday
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community.
It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in.
The Countdown is On
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Christ-Centered Culture
Throughout the Bible we see the language of “walking with God” (Adam and Eve, Enoch, the disciples…). If you remember on your first school tour, I commented how we at CBA seek a relationship with God. Relationships are core to being human. And I love the imagery of walking through life with King Jesus. On that tour, I also referenced Galatians 5:22-23, how when we walk with Jesus, He fills our life with fruits (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control).
At CBA, we gaze at our amazing God through staff devotions and professional development, chapels, Bible class, assembly (elementary) and advisory (middle school). In awe, we see His infiniteness and beauty in Math, His purpose and logic in Science, His story of redemption in a broken history, His power in language and so on! As we see Him, we are drawn into a joyful relationship where we are forgiven and follow Him. And as we walk with Him, TOGETHER, He transforms our relationships. By graciously experiencing whole relationships, we start becoming fully human and begin to change our world by loving others. Over the next several weeks, we will celebrate this other side of the Christian education coin, where CBA has intentionally focused on serving others through language immersion and project based and play based learning over the past decade.
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Intercultural Immersion Ed.
Celebrating Intercultural Immersion Education
Our mission reads, In partnership with parents, CBA exists to inspire world changers through Christ-centered, intercultural, language immersion education.
Every word has been intentionally crafted, trying to succinctly express our DNA. This week we celebrate one key word in our mission: intercultural. With a diverse population, we could have written “multicultural” into our mission statement, which would indicate our desire to be surrounded by different cultures. However, the word “intercultural” more deeply connotes an active engagement between cultures. We’ve been purposeful in creating an atmosphere where it’s normal to truly love each others’ cultures.
The first 7 years of our lives are the most formative. But this goes beyond linguistics. It includes our convictions, personalities, and preferences. If in these early years the only people we see from day to day at home, at church, and in our classrooms have our same skin color, our “home” language, and our same socioeconomic level, our brains will have formed that this is normal. Then when we inevitably step outside of normal, it’s uncomfortable. We deeply desire for our school to look more like heaven and less like our neighborhoods where our diversities interact- learning, appreciating, admiring and ultimately loving one another as image bearers of an infinite God.
So how do we give our kids the confidence to bridge cultures? We immerse them in diversity so they find normalcy here. Because culture is like an iceberg. The 10% you see does not begin to describe what is beneath the surface. It is through doing life together that we begin to learn and love each others’ cultures. And as our students do this each day, they will be better equipped to radically love others and change their worlds. While we have not completely arrived, we press on to achieve this missional goal.
Here’s to 10 years of intercultural learning!
The Countdown is On
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The Countdown is On
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Partnerships
In partnership…
That is how our mission begins.
In partnership with parents, CBA exists to inspire world changers through Christ-centered, intercultural, immersion-based education.
At CBA, we are a part of something bigger. And we cannot begin to imagine all of the ripple effects we will see in eternity. Together, we are forming and inspiring these children to be light in a dark world. CBA is not simply countercultural but culture changing. Our children are born in a self-oriented world, and as we discussed in our last parent connect, adolescents worldwide are drowning. They are deeply hurting because we are designed to be others-oriented. We are made to flourish in selflessness. Selflessness allows us to join together and do something way greater than we can do on our own.
We reflect on Jesus agonizing in the garden, praying the night before He was crucified. In John 17, we read that the center of His prayer was that we would be unified.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
In our unity, we reflect the gloriously unified Triune God of Life. At this moment, CBA is experiencing a growing unity across families, races, socioeconomic statuses, generations, churches and countries. We cannot wait to see the ripple effects as our children engage the world around them.
Here are some beauty glimpses of unity:
- The older generation at Friendship Baptist Church prayed for children in our community for years before CBA children entered their hallways. There are now over 80 children attending on Sundays.
- Parents and grandparents (including surrogate grands) have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the school. They see the eternal value of investing in Christian education for the next generation. This investment has eternal ROI.
- At every level parents and grandparents invest their giftings at our school. Both campuses were designed and renovated by parents and grandparents. Daily, parents and grandparents serve the school (working in the office, teaching, subbing, organizing, supporting fundraising, providing pullout supports, building, landscaping, coaching, field tripping, encouraging teachers, directing events…)
- Pastors at FBC direct traffic in the mornings and HABC pastors bring coffee to teachers.
- Both FBC and HABC greatly subsidize costs for CBA.
- Grace City church helps fund financial aid for students.
- Parents build community before and after school at our playgrounds as well as participate in Parent Connects, Family Field Trips and other school events.
- Our PTF offers support to our teachers and school through numerous avenues including Room Parents, Community building events, and fundraising efforts.
- Teachers and staff work their tails off and love like Jesus. (We have an amazing team!)
- Parents work with their children at home to set them up for success (eating right, sleeping well, reading, practicing the target languages, supporting the teacher’s requests, and just love on our teachers. We have the best parents in the world…)
- Elementary and Middle School students are serving their community partners throughout the year. Older students serve the school through leading crew teams in assembly and serving as safety patrol at drop off and pick up.
- CBA and FBC are collaborating with Alberto Brooks’ church and school in Danli, Honduras.
These are just a few examples where we are graciously engaging with each other to lead our students to the joy of a selfless life of love. And this is only possible by the fact that Jesus first loves us and reconciles us to Himself. And then His Spirit changes us from a selfish-orientation to a selfless-orientation.
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Language Immersion Ed.
As parents, choosing the right school for our children is one of the biggest decisions we face. From neighborhood options to charter, private, virtual, or homeschooling—each choice shapes their future. We navigate through curriculum types, worldviews, facilities, and community dynamics, all while considering our child’s unique needs. Ultimately, we ask ourselves: is this school worth the distance, cost, and challenges?
So, what makes CBA so special? Here’s just a glimpse:
Unlocking Curiosity: Innovative learning strategies that ignite a lifelong passion for knowledge.
Caring Teachers & Staff: Dedicated individuals who truly love our students!
Christ-Centered Community: Teaching kids they were intentionally created with purpose by a loving God.
Multi-Cultural Environment: A vibrant school where different cultures are embraced and celebrated.
Strong Community: Families bonding, churches growing, and lifelong friendships forming.
And this week, we’re excited to celebrate a decade of Language Immersion—the icing on the cake! 
Check out this video for a little nostalgia and to see how things are going with some long term students!
The Countdown is On
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World Changing Starts at Home
During this week’s countdown we recognize that we aren’t even aware of all of the amazing ways God is at work. Ephesians 3 reminds us that He is “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think”. This truth is evident in all of the testimonies we consistently hear. Jesus is moving in our school and we wouldn’t want it any other way! Please watch this short video with a few testimonials of how God is changing entire families through Charleston Bilingual Academy. Then, we challenge you to send us YOUR 20 second testimonial of how your family has been changed.
Praise Jesus for the work He is doing in our students, teachers, administration, churches, and families! If you’d like to share your CBA story, please email a short video to: hyates@charlestonbilingual academy.org
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Spirit of Generosity
This week, we celebrate the spirit of generosity that has always been central to CBA. From the very beginning, our teachers selflessly gave their time without pay, and Friendship Baptist Church graciously provided their space.
Over the years, we have witnessed countless acts of generosity from our students, families, staff, and teachers. Generosity has truly become part of our culture. New families quickly realize that something is unique about CBA, beyond just intercultural language immersion. It’s the continuous flow of individuals giving their time, money, and resources to support our school’s mission. Generosity takes many forms, and we have been incredibly blessed to experience it in various ways, including time, energy, money, in-kind donations, hospitality, and resources.
We have the ultimate example of generosity in King Jesus himself! God’s generosity is evident all around us. He created a world perfectly designed to sustain us and fulfill our needs and pleasures. We are surrounded by color, light, sound, air, and the ability to taste, enjoy, hear, appreciate, touch, and be satisfied. Above all, God showed His generosity when He offered His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. In response to such generosity, we can only echo, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). The gift of Jesus to humanity represents the ultimate act of generosity. And as He has forgiven us, we forgive others. And as he is so generous with us, we want to be generous as well. We are so grateful for the abundance that Jesus has given us through your generosity over the years!
As our 10th birthday approaches this Giving Tuesday, we are excited to announce the specific areas where gifts given will be directed. We encourage you to pray about whom you might invite to partner with us. Please take a moment to watch this special message from Dr. Nathan Johnson.
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Church Relationships
This week, we are excited to highlight our ministry partners; the churches that share in the ministry efforts of our school. These partnerships play a vital role in supporting our mission and enriching the experience of our students and families. Each of these churches is aligned with the values and DNA of CBA, helping to strengthen our community and deepen our faith.
If you’re looking for a church home, we encourage you to visit one of these amazing congregations—each is CBA-approved and committed to walking alongside us in ministry. Already have a church home but it’s not currently involved with CBA? We invite you to join us in building new relationships! Together, we can expand the impact of our shared mission.
Thank you to Friendship Baptist, Holmes Avenue Baptist, and Grace City Church—your support is invaluable!
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Mission Mindedness at CBA
Ways to Be a Missions-Minded CBA Family
Being a missions-minded CBA family means living with a heart for serving others and sharing the love of Christ. Here are a few practical ways to get involved:
- Sponsor a Child: Partner with Alberto Brooks to support children in need, offering financial help for their education, health, and spiritual growth. It’s a simple way to make a lasting impact on a child’s life. You can contact Mr. Brooks at abrooks@charlestonbilingualacademy.org
- Go on a Short-Term Mission Trip: Whether in the states or abroad, participating in a short-term mission trip is a powerful way to engage with different cultures and serve communities. Look for opportunities that align with your family’s skills and interests. Here’s a link to learn more about what is currently happening with the Honduras project: Honduras Mission Update & Sponsorship Opportunity – Charleston Bilingual Academy
- Share the Gospel: Look for everyday opportunities to share the message of Jesus with neighbors, coworkers, or anyone God brings into your life. Missions begins at home, with those around you.
- Pray: Pray for missionaries around the world, for the spread of the gospel, and for God to open doors in your own life to serve. This website provides current prayer requests around the world (http://icommittopray.com).
- Give Financially: Support mission organizations, missionaries, or local outreach efforts through regular financial giving. Your generosity can help spread the gospel to places that need it most. Even buying a pen or bracelet from The Acorn Hut makes a small difference! If you are looking for a missionary family that your family can adopt, reach out to Dr. Johnson at njohnson@charlestonbilingualacademy.org.
- Look Where You Already Are: Sometimes missions doesn’t mean traveling far away. Be intentional about reaching out to people in your own community—examples of local outreach include serving at a food pantry and warming shelter (Aldersgate Methodist), or teaching ESL to refugees (Counterpoint at Remount), or welcoming refugees to Charleston (Lutheran Services). God can use us right where we are!
Living out these missions-minded actions can help your family grow in faith while sharing the Love of Jesus in tangible ways to the world.
