​Chestnut Ridge Academy’s Debate Club participated in an end of semester debate on December 7, 2020. The topic of the debate was “All US citizens should serve in the military for one year when they are 18 years old.” Arguments for the affirmative and the negative were given. Affirmative arguments included giving our country an advantage if we were ever attacked by a foreign enemy, creating healthier citizens by putting everyone through boot camp, and teaching young adults responsibility. The Negative arguments cited the 13th Amendment of the US constitution, as well as tax increases to support such an endeavor, and long term psychological effects that could have an impact on society as a whole. The final resolution for the debate was for the Negative.
“Debate is a good exercise in public speaking and critical thinking skills” said Patti Hunt, Founder of Chestnut Ridge Academy and Debate Club coach. “Students are challenged to think and prepare arguments for a given topic. Sometimes they may not agree with a topic, but will have to argue for it with poise and integrity.”  When students were asked what they feel they have gained from being part of the Debate Club, Kaitlyn Lyon said she learned how to use resources other than Google to do research. Harold Canada said, “I believe I gained the ability to speak publicly without nervousness.” He went on to add, “I was truly able to learn the ability to argue a topic with respect and without it becoming a heated argument full of yelling.” The judges for the evening were Robyn Arnold, Brittany Maynard, and Carrie Robertson.
This is Chestnut Ridge Academy’s first year to sponsor a Debate Club and their goal is to participate in a Mock Trial in the spring.
Debate Club members who participated in the debate were – Affirmative Team: Kylie Laverghetta, Shannon Jean, Alden Golden, Timothy Lyon and Harold Canada. Negative Team: Garett Golden, Sarah Dye, Tessa Miller, David Owen, and Kaitlyn Lyon.

Chestnut Ridge Academy’s office is closed for the holiday.
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We are reachable by phone at (931)227-7391
You are welcome to call with any questions you may have or to set up an appointment during this time.
 
Our regular office hours will resume January 4, 2021.
 
Mondays 9am to 1pm
Wednesdays 9am to 4pm
All others by chance or by appointment
 
We wish you a safe and blessed Christmas holiday.

Congratulations to Chestnut Ridge Academy student, Jeremy for his winning entry to the Lions Club Peace Poster contest. This year's theme was Peace Through Service.

Due to state restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic, the start to our co-op was delayed this year. While we continue to take necessary precautions, we are able to get together for learning and fun with old friends and new friends. At this time, our co-op is full. If you would like more information about classes and/or to be put on the waiting list, contact our main office.

Finally! Our yearbooks for the 2019-20 school year are in! We were able to gather at a local park to visit old friends, make new friends, enjoy ice cream from Chunky Monkey and recieve our yearbooks. 
This is an annual event so we look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

It's Graduation Week at Chestnut Ridge Academy! We are thrilled to celebrate this wonderful milestone with our graduating seniors. Last night was our Senior Recognition Night. Graduating seniors received cords, sashes and medals that recognized academic achievements, community service contributions and leadership roles.
Aaron Lyon, homeschool almni (Class of 2019), started off the evening with an opening prayer. Patti Hunt then gave some welcoming remarks and cords, medals and stoles were presented. Andy Lyon, Vice President of the CRA Board and Marriage and Family Therapist at Stonebridge Family Counseling, gave the closing remarks and concluded the evening with a blessing on our graduates. 
Chestnut Ridge Academy's graduation ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 20. Due to COVID 19 safety procedures, attendance at this event is by invitation only. A livestream video will be posted on our Facebook page.