Central Christian Academy (CCA) in Dunkirk, a high-performing PreK-grade 12 school, announced that enrollment is now open. The 2026-2027 academic year will mark 45 years that CCA has provided a quality education to students throughout Chautauqua County.

“Every single day, we get to do something really special here — build real partnerships with families like yours,” said school principal, Cynthia Massaro. She continued, “Our teachers are passionate about using time-tested teaching methods combined with a proven biblically based curriculum that truly shapes young minds and hearts. Through a spiral educational design, students revisit key concepts across grade levels, building deeper understanding and mastery over time. Most of our students are consistently testing above public-school levels”.

Central Christian Academy offers a full range of classes from age 3 through grade 12.

With low student to teacher ratios in each class, CCA provides valuable one-on-one interaction and teaching. Parents develop a relationship with their child’s teacher and on-going communication is so beneficial.

The middle and high school at CCA is designed for students in grades 5-12. All students are challenged daily in academic studies, which stress reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as art, physical education, computer literacy, and enrichment activities. In grades 7-12, students learn and practice independence. At these levels, students have additional choices for course electives likes languages or higher-level classes. CCA juniors and seniors also can take dual credit classes through Liberty University.

Unlike most schools, CCA provides an affordable Before and After Care program for working families. The Before Care program begins at 7:15 a.m. and ends at 8:05. The Aftercare program begins at 2:45 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m.

Students at CCA, under the direction of qualified teachers, are encouraged to grow spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. The strength of CCA rests in the quality of faculty and staff working with children. Consequently, faculty and staff must meet stringent guidelines, designed to assess spiritual maturity and commitment, academic qualifications and experience, and an obvious concern for the development and discipleship of students. All regular classroom teachers have a college education. Specialty teachers instruct in physical education, art, and music. Combined, the teachers at CCA have more than 100 years of teaching experience.

Central Christian Academy began as a ministry of First Baptist Church of Dunkirk in 1981 and shares its facilities. “We see CCA as an integral ministry to our local community and Chautauqua County. We are partnering with families to teach and develop the next generation” said Pastor Mark Massaro. The initial goal remains the same: to provide an education based on biblical perspective and a truth-centered worldview.

Interested families can find out more about tuition and financial assistance on the school’s website: www.dunkirkcca.org. Financial aid may be available to those who demonstrate financial need by completing a financial aid form. Other discounts offered at CCA include: muti-child discounts, children of full-time pastors, children of those in active duty in the military, and children of active first responders. Families can also apply for the Bison fund, whose mission is to broaden educational opportunities for Western New York children by helping more families afford the cost of private K-12 schools.

Students and families can schedule a tour of CCA by calling the school at 716.366.6634 or sending an email to: secretary@dunkirkbaptist.org.