If I don’t live in the same neighborhood as Arrows, can my kids still attend? 

Absolutely!  You are not limited based on where you live.  

Is transportation provided?

Transportation is provided from the following school districts: Altoona Area, Bellwood-Antis, Cambria Heights, Hollidaysburg Area, Penn Cambria, and Spring Cove.

Do you have to go to church at Center City to go to Arrows?

No. We have students from various churches. 

Can I schedule a tour?

Yes.  Please schedule a tour here.

What is the average class size / student to teacher ratio? 

Our max classroom size is 15, but our sweet spot is 12. Currently, our average class size is 9.4.

Can you bring a water bottle to class?

Yes, of course!  We all need high-quality H2O!

Do you have snack time?

Yes

What is the school uniform?

Students wear Arrows branded apparel. We open up the apparel online store a couple of times each year for families to place orders.

What sets Arrows apart? 

Arrows Christian Academy stands apart by combining a strong biblical foundation with a focus on holistic education that prepares students for their God-given purpose.

Our unique "Path to Purpose" program integrates academic excellence with life skills such as leadership, financial stewardship, fitness, nutrition, outdoor adventure, and faith-based entrepreneurship.

We emphasize mentorship and discipleship, where teachers model and instill character while guiding students in a supportive, Christ-centered environment.

Additionally, our commitment to outdoor adventure, entrepreneurial leadership, and community engagement—such as our Gospel Hill Park project—cultivates a sense of purpose and service in every student, making Arrows not just a school, but a transformative experience for lifelong impact.

At Arrows, we go beyond academics to support families on a deeper level, recognizing the vital role parents play in their children’s success. We host Parent University nights where parents and staff share a meal, engage with relevant parenting topics, and then break into small groups to support, encourage, share practical tips, and pray for one another.

Our goal is for Arrows parents to feel equipped and connected, knowing they’re not alone in the parenting journey but surrounded by a community dedicated to helping their families flourish with the knowledge, wisdom, and support they need.

What does Arrows Christian Academy believe from a faith perspective?

Here is our statement of faith.

Is the school environment safe and supportive?

Yes, the school provides a safe and supportive environment by maintaining a secure, locked facility during school hours.

All staff are thoroughly vetted with background clearances and trained in emergency procedures, ensuring both physical safety and a nurturing atmosphere for students to thrive. 

What are the strengths of an Arrows education?

The strengths of an Arrows education are rooted in our commitment to glorifying God in all we do and equipping students to know His presence and hear His voice.

Our Path to Purpose journey uniquely prepares students with a holistic education that integrates a biblical foundation, life skills, and leadership development.

We emphasize strong communication skills—reading, writing, and speaking—while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

Additionally, the collaborative partnership between home and school ensures that families and educators work together to nurture each child’s academic, spiritual, and personal growth, providing a well-rounded education that inspires students to live out their God-given purpose.

How does the school's curriculum integrate faith with academics? 

The curriculum at Arrows Christian Academy integrates faith with academics by providing a robust biblical foundation that informs all subjects, ensuring that students view learning through the lens of a Christian worldview.

One of the areas of our Path to Purpose is Biblical Foundations. The Apostle Paul wrote that “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).”  Students memorize key scriptures through songs at chapel and during daily devotional times.

Our chapel services are twice per week where we worship the Lord together and hear an encouraging biblical message.

Prayer is also common in classrooms where students learn how to pray for each other and matters that are important to them. 

What opportunities are there for extracurricular activities and socialization?

Many of our current students are athletes, musicians, and artists.  We do have electives for those who love the arts.

For athletics, there are many community-based programs available for students.

Here are some athletic opportunities our students take advantage of:

• Football: Altoona Football League (AFL)

• Basketball: Central Blair Rec, All Day Hoops, JMC league, Cross-town Basketball League

• Volleyball: Horseshoe Volleyball Club, Central Blair Rec

• Wrestling: Altoona Youth Wrestling, Young Guns Wrestling Club

• Swimming: Blair YMCA Sharks

• Baseball: T-ball, Little League, Teener League

• Hockey: Galatic Ice’s McDonald’s League, Altoona Trackers

We do provide two athletic programs custom to Arrows. With a name like ‘Arrows’ of course, we have an archery team! 

Our archery team competes on a state and national level each year. 

We also have a running club where students train and build up to running a 5K.  

How does the school prepare students for future academic and career success?

Arrows prepares students for future academic success by fostering strong foundational skills in communication—reading, writing, and speaking—while integrating critical thinking and problem-solving across all subjects.

Our discipleship-based approach to teaching encourages students to take ownership of their learning, develop self-discipline, and grow in wisdom, preparing them to excel in higher education.

Additionally, our Path to Purpose program equips students with practical skills, such as leadership, financial literacy, and self-awareness, ensuring they are academically confident and holistically prepared for the challenges ahead.

We prepare students for career success by cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset through hands-on learning experiences, outdoor adventures, and faith-based leadership training.

Our focus on collaboration, communication, and real-world application of skills ensures that students graduate with the ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive in any career path, guided by a strong sense of purpose and integrity.

What are the tuition costs, and are financial aid options available?

Yes. Check out our admissions page where you’ll find all that information.

What is the relationship between Arrows and Center City Church?

Arrows Christian Academy is a ministry of Center City Church, operating under the church’s authority. Center City Church is not merely a building but a congregation of God’s people, described in Scripture as the body of Christ and the bride of Christ, with Christ Himself as the head.

As a ministry of the church, Arrows does not function independently but is church-led, guided by the authority of the elders. These elders are responsible for the doctrine and direction of both the church and the school, providing spiritual oversight and governance. Center City Church supports Arrows through prayer, financial investment, and a shared commitment to advancing God’s kingdom through Christ-centered education. 

Will my kids be pressured to ‘get saved’ or ‘be filled with the Holy Spirit’ or ‘speak in tongues’? 

For a detailed explanation of our beliefs, please refer to our statement of faith. While some might assume that, as a Christian school, we focus solely on theology all day, that’s not the case.

However, we do not shy away from intentionally teaching about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of God’s Spirit as part of a biblical worldview.

We also firmly believe that putting one’s faith in Jesus is a deeply personal decision, one that should never be forced or pressured.

Arrows is located in the downtown district of Altoona.  Will my kids get to play outside? 

Yes, your kids will have plenty of opportunities to play and be active.

Every grade participates in gym classes, which are held at local parks during nice weather and at an indoor gym during inclement weather to ensure consistent physical activity.

Additionally, as an outdoor adventure school, we schedule days throughout the year to visit local state parks where students explore, hike, fish, boat, picnic, and learn outdoor skills.

We’ve also adopted Gospel Hill Park as part of our World Impact project. This park, located near our school, is not only a space we enjoy regularly but also a project where our students are actively raising funds to renovate and improve it, combining outdoor activity with meaningful community involvement.

What specialty teachers are available to help students in need?

Our reading specialist, Mrs. Katie Nixon, is exceptional at helping students develop their reading and literacy skills.

For other subjects, such as math and science, our teachers work closely with students to create individualized plans tailored to their specific needs, ensuring they receive the support necessary to succeed. 

Do you accept students with special needs?

We strive to support all students to the best of our ability, but we do not currently have specialized programs or staff dedicated exclusively to students with significant special needs.

However, we do have a reading specialist on staff to assist students who may need additional help with reading and literacy skills.

We recommend discussing your child’s specific needs with us to determine if our school is a good fit for them. 

How do teachers continue growing their craft? 

Our staff embodies the spirit of lifelong learning, continuously pursuing growth both inside and outside the classroom driven by their passion for education and personal development.

While this pursuit stems from an intrinsic hunger rather than obligation, we also provide structured opportunities for professional growth.

Throughout the school year, teachers participate in scheduled professional development days to collaborate, share insights, learn from experts, and refine their skills.

Additionally, we invest in their development by attending an annual education conference at Grove City College, ensuring they stay inspired and equipped with innovative strategies to enhance their craft.

What is the school's stance on discipline and character development?

Our school’s approach to discipline and character development is rooted in our character code, known as the "Arrows Way," which emphasizes four guiding principles: Show Honor, Play Fair, Have Courage, and Take Care.

These values shape our school culture and serve as a foundation for cultivating character in our students.

We believe that character is formed through intentional guidance and discipleship. Our teachers play a vital role in this process, serving not just as educators but as mentors who disciple their students. 

We also recognize the influence students have on one another. Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

While peer interactions often strengthen character, we also see conflict as an opportunity for growth. Instead of avoiding or merely punishing conflict, we teach students to resolve it biblically through principles like repentance, forgiveness, empathy, reconciliation, and clear communication.

Our handbook provides clear and thoughtful guidelines for discipline, ensuring consistency and fairness, and we are happy to share it with any prospective family interested in learning more.

Through this intentional approach, we aim to correct behavior by shaping and molding students' hearts. 

Will Arrows expand into the former corporate headquarters of Reliance Bank?

Possibly. As the school grows, we will need more space and Reliance Bank has graciously chosen to donate their building to Center City Church.

Will Arrows start a high school?

It’s possible, but right now, our focus is on Kindergarten through 8th grade.

If there is a question you have that we did not answer, please reach out to us here.