Student Council

Under the guidance of the Student Council Advisor, the elected officials of CLA’s Student Council work together to plan many student related events.  This includes activities for Spirit Week, such as “twin day”, student-teacher tug-o-war, and other fun activities.  The Student Council is also involved in school improvement, such as “Beautification Day”, where they clean the landscape beds and plant flowers.

European Senior Trip

A capstone at CLA is the senior trip. Each senior class has a custom-designed, guided trip that embodies the Classical Christian model. Students trace the roots of their heritage from ancient to modern times on a rigorous and intense tour of milestone sights in Europe and Greece. Students return from the trip having seen what they studied, having learned a great deal, and having gained insights into an increasingly small world. It is another step in assisting parents to equip their children to go forward as knowledgeable and bold ambassadors for Christ.

Mock Trial

Mock Trial Competition has a rich history in Michigan’s public schools. In connection with its sister/state organizations, a non-profit organization known as the Michigan Center for Civic Education writes a creative hypothetical case, either civil or criminal, and distributes it to the participating schools.

Each case requires a team of 3 lawyers and 3 witnesses for each side, either Plaintiff/Prosecution or Defense.

Each case proceeds the same way, whether it is criminal or civil. The Prosecution goes first. They are required to give an opening statement that is not argument, but sets the stage for what they will prove. The Defense can give an opening at that time, but is not compelled to do so. The Prosecution then presents its 3 witnesses on direct examination. After each witness testifies, the Defense is entitled to cross examine that witness. After the 3 witnesses are presented, the Prosecution rests. Now it is up to the Defense who proceeds in the same fashion. After the Defense rests, the Court will hear closing arguments. Each school competes by acting as the Prosecution in one session, the Defense in the next session and either Prosecution or Defense in the last session. The “trials” take one hour to complete and all three trials occur on the same day.

CLA entered the 2008 Mock Trial competition for the very first time in its history and pulled off an exciting upset, placing 9th out of 41 schools. Indeed, the CLA students record of 2 wins and 1 loss was far closer than it would appear, having missed winning the second trial by 2 points out of a total of 360 points possible. The judges grade our students on the following: Organization and strategy; Logical presentation of issues; Communication skills; Ability to persuade; Ability to effectively cross examine the opponent’s witnesses; Effective advocacy.

The tie in to classical education is unmistakable. Grammar, logic and rhetoric are blended together to form effective direct and cross examination, logical presentation of issues and effective advocacy in a most hostile setting – the courtroom. These students demonstrated competence and confidence, utilized effective strategies and competed at the highest level in this exciting exercise.

Protocol

One CLA distinctive is the protocol program. Every spring grades nine through twelve are trained in social etiquette and Christian conduct. Consistent with a desire to teach young people to apply Christianity in every aspect of their lives, this training affords them opportunity to practice deference and respect as they mature into gracious adults.

Class sessions cover topics like everyday courtesies, introductions, table manners, masculine and feminine roles, and ballroom ettiquette. Culminating the training is a lovely dinner and entertainment. Taking the lead in the evening, the young men escort the young ladies on a rotating basis. The evening begins with an hors d’oeurve reception with notable guests, continues with a formal, five-course dinner, and ends with dancing, 18th century cotillion style.

To learn more, please read the following Detroit Free Press article covering the CLA’s 2008 Cotillion

Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI)

Christian Leadership Academy (CLA) was pleased to host the Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI), a dynamic Biblical worldview and leadership training program established by the Foundation for Traditional Values (FTV) to further the mission of affirming and restoring America’s Judeo-Christian heritage.