Curriculum

Classroom instruction will combine the best of traditional and contemporary teaching methods and will be classical in content. The standard courses in reading, mathematics, history, geography, natural sciences, language arts, foreign language studies (Spanish and Latin), physical education, fine arts, Bible, and the catechism will form the core educational program. The curriculum will also be supplemented with a variety of extracurricular activities designed to enhance students’ learning and school experience.

Biblical truth will be integrated throughout the curriculum and will form the basis for the student’s development of a Christian world and life view. The Bible will provide the frame of reference for the entire academic program. Reading will be at the core of the academic program. Particular attention will be given to the development of the reading skills in grades kindergarten through fourth grade. The reading program will be phonetically structured, and students will be taught a variety of skills needed to assist them in becoming successful readers. In kindergarten and first grade, the curriculum will be supplemented with various phonetic based computer programs. In all grades, literature will be introduced at the level appropriate to student’s cognitive development. Students will be exposed to various literary genres designed to deepen their understanding and appreciation of good literature and to foster a love of reading. Students will also be taught to recognize and critique the philosophical assumptions, conceptual recommendations, and core values of a literary work in light of a biblical worldview. Emphasis will be placed on traditional grammar, vocabulary development, spelling, and handwriting, enabling students to better express themselves in oral and written communications. Foreign and Classical languages (Latin) will round out the language arts program. Latin is an important part of the language program because more than half the words in English are derived from Latin.

Mathematics skills are also of primary importance in the academic program. Beginning in kindergarten, numbers will be an integral part of the student’s study. Special emphasis will be placed on the facts of math and on their application. Enrichment mathematics and competitions such as Math Their Way, Math Superstars, Math Olympics, Math League and Math Counts will further enhance the mathematics program. In science, students will study the laws of God in nature and how man uses them. Students will learn that we are commanded by God to exercise dominion by caring for and developing the riches of creation. The science curriculum will be based on a strong conceptual framework and a well-defined teaching strategy that focuses on hands-on science education. Research shows that students learn best by doing; an activity-centered program promotes curiosity, encourages students to ask questions, and helps them to develop the skills and confidence to find the answers. Students will learn to love science, and the knowledge and skills they obtain will serve them well in other classroom disciplines and throughout their lives. History and geography will be taught in all grades. Each teacher will also use the society in which students live to introduce them to God’s created order as it finds expression in the home, church, school, state and culture. Students will be taught to interpret history in light of God’s sovereign providence as well as to understand the secondary forces (e.g., geopolitical, economic and religious) that shape human history. Students will be taught that music and the arts are gifts given by God and are to be studied and enjoyed for His glory. The philosophies of music and art will be taught, as well as the skills, to recognize and appreciate excellence in the fine arts. Physical education will be used to teach students to respect, develop and care for their bodies as temples of the Lord. Computer technology will be used to enhance and supplement curriculum in grades 3 through 5. Applications will include the Accelerated Reading Program and other modern application programs. Excellence being the hallmark of the entire academic program, our school will encourage and expect each student to maximize his or her God-given gifts.

McGraw-Hill - SRA’s “Imagine It!” curriculum materials will be used to teach language arts in grades K - 5.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Saxon math curriculum materials will be used to teach math skills in grades K - 5.

Bob Jones University’s Heritage Studies curriculum materials will be used to teach history lessons in grades 2 - 5.

Abeka’s “God’s World” curriculum materials will be used to teach science lessons in grades 2 - 5.

Teachers will not just “teach the book,” but will develop lesson plans which integrate biblical truth into each lesson. The goal is to develop a biblical worldview in each student, one which informs every area of learning and life.