What Christ Presbyterian Academy does

Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) is a private, independent, coeducational Christian college-preparatory school serving preschool through 12th grade students in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1985 as an educational ministry of Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA), the school operates on a 58-acre campus situated between Williamson and Davidson counties and serves approximately 1,383-1,456 students supported by roughly 250 faculty and staff. The institution is structured around four academic divisions—Preschool, Lower School (K-5), Middle School (6-8), and Upper School (9-12)—each with dedicated division heads and curricula vertically aligned under a Christian worldview framework that integrates Bible, chapel, and advisories across all grade levels.

CPA's product portfolio centers on academic programming augmented by signature initiatives including the Institute for Cultural Engagement (TICE), which operates five specialized centers covering Business/Entrepreneurship, Inquiry and Design, Visual Media, Law/Advocacy, and Production/Performance; a comprehensive athletics program with 79+ teams and 367 total team/individual championships; and a 550-seat theater venue (Soli Deo Center) housing 18+ annual arts performances. Technology infrastructure includes 110+ tech-integrated classrooms, a 1:1 iPad-to-student ratio for grades K-10, Raptor Security systems with 100+ cameras, and standard EdTech platforms (Finalsite for web communications, MySchoolApp for student information). Auxiliary offerings include Summer at CPA (50+ camps serving 898+ campers), after-school programs, and an on-campus Roar Store retail outlet selling CPA and Nike apparel.

The business model is tuition-driven with 2026-27 rates of $23,315 for Lower School and $29,960 for Middle/Upper School, supplemented by preschool tuition ($7,250-$16,985), application fees, activity and trip fees, summer program revenue, retail sales, and donations managed through a dedicated Director of Development. Total financial assistance awarded reached $2,938,288 to 207 students in 2026-27, and the new Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (approximately $7,530 per qualifying K-12 student) has emerged as a third-party funding source. The go-to-market motion is sales-led through traditional admissions (inquiry → campus visit → student shadow → parent/student interview → application → ISEE entrance assessment → March decision posting), supported by digital channels, campus events, and parent testimonials. The school's 2030 Strategic Plan 'Truer' and ongoing Athletics and Wellness Facility expansion under the Unseen Stories Campaign signal continued institutional investment.

Name

Christ Presbyterian Academy

Legal name

Christ Presbyterian Academy

Website

https://cpalions.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Christ Presbyterian Academy is a private PS-12 Christian college-preparatory school in Nashville, Tennessee, serving approximately 1,400 students on a 58-acre campus with tuition-based revenue and integrated faith-based programming across four academic divisions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Christian K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Religiously Affiliated Liberal Arts Colleges (EDAHACAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Faith-Based Early Learning Academies (EDACADAH)

Keywords

• Private Christian education
• College preparatory school
• Preschool through 12th grade
• K-12 tuition programs
• Faith-based education

Headquarters

HQ city

Nashville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Revenue: Primary revenue source from tuition payments for preschool through 12th grade education. Rates vary by division: Lower School $23,315, Middle/Upper School $29,960. Preschool rates range from $7,250 to $16,985 depending on program selected.
2. Application and Testing Fees: $50 non-refundable application fee; ISEE testing fees; Financial assistance application fee of $65
3. Extracurricular Program Fees: Fees for select extracurricular sports and arts programs; participation fees discounted at same rate as tuition assistance for qualifying families
4. Activity and Trip Fees: Senior trip fee; BYOT program fees for grades 11-12; AP course test fees; lunch program for grades PS-5
5. Summer Programs: Summer camp offerings exceeding 50 programs generating additional revenue from childcare and enrichment activities
6. Retail Operations (Roar Store): On-campus merchandise store selling CPA apparel, Nike athletic wear, spirit items, and gifts located in Fortis Arena lobby

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Christ Presbyterian Academy is a private, independent, nonprofit Christian school that delivers preschool through 12th-grade college-preparatory education on a 58-acre Nashville campus. It offers four interconnected academic divisions (Preschool, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) with integrated Christian worldview, signature programs including The Institute for Cultural Engagement (TICE) with five specialized centers, extensive arts programming, and a 79+ team athletics program. The school is supported by tuition revenue, fees, and auxiliary programs (summer camps, after-school programs, retail store).

Product overview

Christ Presbyterian Academy offers a comprehensive PK-12 college-preparatory Christian education through interconnected academic divisions (Preschool, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School), supported by Learning Services and College Counseling. The institution operates as a unified educational ecosystem with signature programs including the Institute for Cultural Engagement (TICE) with five specialized centers, an extensive Arts Program featuring a 550-seat theater in the Soli Deo Center, a robust Athletics Program with 79+ teams, and Spiritual Life programming integrated throughout. Supplementary offerings include Summer at CPA (50+ camps), After-School Programs (K-8), Parent Connect engagement, the Roar Store retail outlet, and Professional Learning Communities for faculty. The school serves approximately 1,413-1,456 students across a 58-acre campus with 110+ tech-integrated classrooms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Institute for Cultural Engagement (TICE): Unique programming through The Institute for Cultural Engagement seeks to uncover each student's unique design and divine purpose.
• The Center for Business and Entrepreneurship
• The Center for Inquiry and Design
• The Center for Visual Media + Publication
• The Center for Law and Advocacy
• The Center for Production and Performance
• Soli Deo Center
• Roar Store

Products and services

• Preschool Program Early childhood education program for students ages 2-5 (Preschool 2's, 3's, PreK 4) with theme-based curriculum integrating Bible, language skills, math, science, social studies, creative development, technology, and music. Tuition ranges from $7,250 to $16,985 depending on program selection (two-day, three-day, or five-day).
• Lower School Program Grades K-5 educational program with core curriculum of Bible, Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies enriched by weekly STEAM Lab, Art, Music, Spanish, and daily P.E. classes. Tuition: $23,315 per year. Serves 43 lower school faculty members in grades K-5.
• Middle School Program Grades 6-8 college-preparatory program with team-teaching approach, small class sizes, weekly advisory meetings, and opportunities for service and athletics. Curriculum includes English, History, Mathematics, Bible, Science, Foreign Language, and Technology. Tuition: $29,960 per year. Maintains 1:7 teacher-to-student ratio.
• Upper School Program Grades 9-12 college-preparatory education focused on individual student development, with 131 upper school courses offered including 46-47 honors/AP courses. Features individualized learning time (Lion Time) and mentorship relationships. Tuition: $29,960 per year.
• The Institute for Cultural Engagement (TICE) Unique programming through five specialized centers: Center for Business and Entrepreneurship, Center for Inquiry and Design, Center for Visual Media and Publication, Center for Law and Advocacy, and Center for Production and Performance. Connects students with 85+ industry experts and guest speakers annually.
• Arts Program Comprehensive arts education including Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, Media Arts, and Music. The Soli Deo Center houses a 550-seat theater with state-of-the-art technology and lighting, a black-box theater, scene shop, green room, and event lobby. Program offers 18+ arts performances per year with 26 arts instructors and 32 arts classes.
• Athletics Program Athletic program offering 79+ teams across middle and upper school (110+ Academy-wide) with focus on character development through integrity, competition, and leadership. Facilities include 10+ equipped athletic facilities, 2 gyms, and 4 locker rooms. 80% of upper school students participate in athletics.
• College Counseling College preparation and guidance services with dedicated counselors helping students navigate application processes, beginning in middle school and continuing through upper school. 229 college athlete matriculants have gone to 60+ collegiate programs.
• Learning Services Academic support and intervention services for students requiring additional educational assistance, including individualized learning plans and specialized instruction.
• Spiritual Life Program Faith-centered programming integrated throughout all curricula and daily activities, including weekly Chapel, Bible curriculum PS-12, advisories, and service-learning opportunities.
• Summer at CPA Summer camp program offering 50+ camp offerings including academic enrichment, arts, athletics, and specialty camps. Serves 898+ campers annually during summer season.
• After-School Programs Year-round enrichment opportunities for students grades K-8 including robotics, coding, creative movement, dance, art, and academic support. Aftercare available K-5 from 3:15-5:30 p.m. Pricing: $175-$275 per semester for programs; $150 per class session.
• Roar Store On-campus retail store offering CPA apparel, merchandise, gifts, and Nike athletic apparel. Located in the lobby of Fortis Arena.

Quantifiable outcome

• 229 college athlete matriculants to 60+ collegiate athletics programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered foundational and minor.

• Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA)foundationalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1985CPA is an educational ministry of Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA), established in 1985. The church provides spiritual oversight and institutional support for the Academy's mission to assist Christian families in helping students come to know God. The school is located on church property and maintains close theological and operational alignment.
• Habitat for Humanity NashvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst grade students partner with Habitat for Humanity to support affordable housing initiatives. Students lead an Academy-wide penny drive, have meet-the-family days, and participate in on-site construction work to support local families. This service-learning partnership connects academic standards with biblical stewardship principles.
• Second Harvest Food BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThird grade students partner with Second Harvest Food Bank for annual project-based learning unit on solving global hunger. Students assist with food sorting and packaging projects that enable millions of meals for hungry neighbors in middle and west Tennessee, learning about community impact and stewardship.
• Flik Independent School DiningminorOthersProvides healthy, balanced meals for preschool through 12th grade students. Offers hot lunch programs, a la carte items, salad bar, beverages, and snacks using local produce. Supports the Academy's wellness-focused dining experience across all school divisions.
• Nature's ClassroomminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFifth grade students attend annual overnight field trip to Nature's Classroom atop Lookout Mountain. The hands-on educational program emphasizes team building and experience-based learning in outdoor settings with field group work, large group activities, zipline adventure, praise and worship, and outdoor chapel.
• New Hope AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCPA lower school participates in campus-wide community engagement initiatives with sibling school New Hope Academy, including year-round community engagement and grade-level service projects benefiting shared local community organizations.
• Country Music Hall of FameminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFourth grade students participate in Words and Music program at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame. Students write lyrics in classrooms, attend songwriting workshops, and have professional lyricists set selections to music performed by local artists during field trips.

Scale indicators27 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• The Ensworth School: Independent K-12 college-preparatory school in Nashville serving approximately 1,100+ students; competes head-to-head with CPA for the same metro Nashville family demographic and tuition tier, with comparable athletics, arts, and college-counseling offerings.
• Battle Ground Academy: Independent K-12 college-preparatory school in Franklin, Tennessee (Williamson County), directly adjacent to CPA's home market; comparable tuition tier and college-prep mission make it a primary substitute for families on the southern Nashville corridor.
• Father Ryan High School: Catholic college-preparatory high school in Nashville; competes with CPA's upper school for faith-oriented families seeking rigorous college-prep education, offering an alternative denominational pathway within the same tuition and outcome band.
• Montgomery Bell Academy: Nashville's premier boys' college-preparatory day school (7-12), operating as a direct competitor for the same Williamson/Davidson county affluent, college-bound families that CPA serves; explicitly referenced in CPA's own athletic coverage as a competition benchmark.
• University School of Nashville: Independent K-12 college-preparatory school in Nashville with a similar academic, arts, and athletics mix to CPA; draws from the same Davidson County family pool but with a secular (rather than Christian) mission, making it a key substitute for non-faith-prioritizing families.
• Franklin Road Academy: Independent Christian college-preparatory school in Nashville serving PK-12 with a faith-based mission similar to CPA; competes directly for Christian-minded Nashville families at comparable tuition and with overlapping programmatic offerings.
• Harpeth Hall: Nashville's leading girls' college-preparatory school (grades 5-12) and frequent athletic counterpart to CPA (referenced in CPA's tournament coverage); competes for the same college-bound Nashville families and shares a comparable tuition and outcome profile.

Emerging players

• Currey Ingram Academy: Independent K-12 school in Nashville specializing in learning differences and gifted education; overlaps with CPA's Learning Services division and competes for families seeking specialized academic support within the Nashville private school market.

Regional players

• McCallie School: Independent boys' college-preparatory day and boarding school (6-12) in Chattanooga, Tennessee; comparable academic and athletic profile to CPA's upper school, serving as a regional benchmark for Tennessee private college-prep positioning rather than a direct in-market rival.
• Baylor School: Independent Episcopal college-preparatory day and boarding school (6-12) in Chattanooga, Tennessee; serves a comparable college-prep, faith-affiliated student profile but in a different metropolitan market, making it a benchmark rather than a direct Nashville competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cpalions
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/CPAMediaStudio
• Facebookfacebook.com/190087581064542
• Instagraminstagram.com/cpalions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/christ-presbyterian-academy

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles25 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Christ Presbyterian Academy