2020 Reopening Update & FAQ
Edited Friday, July 24 at 4 p.m.
2020 Fall Reopening Guides for each campus were released July 24. View them below.
As we look ahead to the 2020-21 school year, we want to assure you that our plan is to start school on campus Monday, August 17. We continue our preparations in thoughtful conversation and prayer while navigating the challenges of providing education during a pandemic.
This page will be edited weekly and will provide the most updated information regarding reopening for fall 2020.
Please use this link to provide input or submit questions that you would like to be addressed in future updates.
When is school scheduled to begin?
On Thursday, July 9, Governor Hutchinson directed Arkansas public schools to delay the beginning of instruction to Monday, August 24, in order to provide schools more time to prepare for the 2020-21 year.
While we are confident that our preparation and planning places us on track to start school August 10, in response to his announcement, we have elected to move our first day of school to Monday, August 17. This decision will allow an additional week to prioritize teacher safety, preparedness, and training for the upcoming year and the integration of upcoming final AHD and CDC fall reopening guidance. Our goal is to minimize potential disruptions to on-campus instruction once school begins.
Will CAC families be required to follow an alternating on-site/off-site or half day schedule this fall?
No. Based on current guidelines, we will be able to meet expected physical distancing and other safety precaution guidance without resorting to alternate/half day plans for students.
Will face coverings be required?
- Early Childhood (PreK-3-PreK4): Masks are not required for preschool students. CAC recommends wearing masks when feasible during arrival and departure times. Teachers may also have students wear masks for limited periods age appropriate periods when physical distancing is not feasible but beneficial (e.g. Math Meeting/Circle Time).
- K-4th grade: Masks are not required for K-4th grade. CAC recommends wearing a mask when feasible during arrival and departure times. Teachers may also have students wear masks for limited periods age appropriate periods when physical distancing is not feasible but beneficial.
- 5th grade: Masks are required for 5th grade students when physical distancing is not feasible.
- Secondary: Current guidelines require face coverings for students who were older than age 10 when physical distancing recommendations are not being met. CAC will follow the recommendations provided by ADH.
– On July 23, the CDC provided a seven page guidance “on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings in Schools.” Guidance includes scenarios where face coverings are recommended and scenarios where face coverings may be considered. We are reviewing our guidelines to ensure they are consistent with this guidance. We will make a final determination based on AHD requirements and health and safety concerns prior to the start of school which will be included in the Student Handbook.
– Students and staff will be allowed to wear a face covering (mask, gaiter) of their choice. Coverings are no longer restricted to solid colors. They may be patterned and customized, but must be free of writing, logos, figures, etc (with the exception of the student’s name or initials).
– Students may use a lanyard to attach to masks to keep them from losing their mask. Please use the mask guidelines in regards to lanyard styles.
Mask policy is being continually updated based on ADH and CDC guidance. The latest detailed guidelines and instructions will be provided in Student Handbooks prior to the start of school.
Remote Learning Instruction
Will CAC provide a remote learning option for families who choose not to attend on-campus classes due to health and safety concerns?
We are finalizing the details of our Remote Learning Guide for families who opt for off-campus learning. Please complete this form if your family is considering the remote learning option when school begins on August 17. This is not a commitment to remote learning. You will be contacted by a school representative after the Remote Learning Guide is distributed to discuss the learning option that best meets the needs of your family.
Tuition Update:
- Grades 1st-12th tuition will remain the same as standard tuition rates.
- The Preschool Remote Learning option is a Core Day Plan (8:00 – 11:45 a.m.). Core tuition rates will apply.
- A Core Day Remote Learning Plan (8 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.) has also been developed for Kindergarten students. Core tuition rates will apply. Contact the Business Office for rates.
Detailed information regarding our Remote Learning option will be provided within the next two weeks so families can make an informed decision regarding this option. Our instructional delivery format will focus on live-streaming classes.
The remote learning option will be provided at no additional cost. Families may opt to return to on-campus learning at the end of each nine week grading period. Extra-curricular activities eligibility will not be affected when students return to on-campus learning.
Activities / Extended Care / Transportation / Food Service
What is the status of athletics and other co-curricular activities?
The Arkansas Activities Association governs co-curricular activities. Limited student activities following strict protocols began on June 1. Updated schedules and guidelines for the unrestricted return to activities have not been released. Plans are being made for the resumption of these activities this fall. Additional information will be provided when it is available.
Will CAC offer before and after school care, food, and school transportation services?
2020-2021 Extended Care and Transportation Enrollment Forms are now available. Space may be limited due to physical distancing restrictions. Space will be reserved in the order enrollment forms are received.
- Transportation: Daily shuttle service will be provided. Physical distancing requirements may mean that space is limited.
- Before and After School Care: Service will be provided at all campuses. Physical distancing requirements may mean space is limited and activities may be restricted. Additionally, students arriving at the Secondary Campus before classrooms are open will be required to register for Before School Care.
- Food Services: Service will be provided at all campuses. Selections will be limited. Details and menus will be provided when available.
How will Aug. 2 graduation proceed?
Our plan will be proposed to the Arkansas Health Department and is subject to their approval, but we are confident in our adherence to the state’s guidelines for events. You can view the information about the event here.
Will the annual beginning-of-school orientation events still take place? (Elementary Orientation, New Student Orientation, Supply Drop-Off and Parent Night)
Yes! We know how important it is for students, parents and teachers to meet and feel comfortable prior to the first day of school, as well as to get acclimated to campus and the classroom during the first week. We are currently working on solutions to safely hold these events (individual time slots, etc). More details will be communicated as they are available.
General Questions
When will supply lists be posted?
Elementary campus supply lists can be found through your campus office. Secondary campus supply lists will be posted to the CAC website when class schedules are finalized. This year more than others, cleaning and sanitizing supplies will be in high demand at the beginning of the school year. We encourage all families to gather those supplies (Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, etc) over the next month.
Will ACT testing be available for CAC students in 2020-2021?
Current COVID-19 mitigation guidelines limit our ability to serve as an ACT test site. We are exploring options that will enable us to provide testing for our students.
Should we anticipate any major changes to the dress code?
No. At this time we do not foresee any major changes to the dress code requirements other than the addition of face coverings.
Are there travel considerations that might impact student attendance?
Travel to high risk areas prior to the beginning of school and during the school term may require that students self-quarantine for a period of 14 days upon return home. Areas designated as high-risk continue to expand and may include domestic locations. Local and federal authorities may impose containment measures including travel restrictions and quarantine requirements to prevent spread of the virus. Measures may be imposed at short notice and specific details may change rapidly.