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Core Subjects |
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Language Arts
We believe that the ability to acquire and use language is unique to our humanness and is a special gift from God. Language enables us to relate to and communicate with God, build Christian community, understand the world and act as change agents in it. To fulfill these goals, it is important that our students gain specific skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking. Proficiency in the language arts is essential in all curriculum areas and is the foundation of learning. The language arts curriculum encourages our students to develop a love of reading, and the desire and ability to write well. We use a variety of authors and literary genres in connection with other academic studies or a classroom theme. Our program incorporates:
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 Literature
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Spelling |
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Phonemic awareness & decoding skills |
Vocabulary |
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Writing |
Comprehension skills |
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Grammar
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Listening & speaking skills |
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Math
Mathematics is taught with the understanding that our God created order, precision, and consistency. Through the study of mathematical truths, students gain a greater appreciation of the works of God in His creation. From basic math facts to complex algebraic equations, we want students to see that nothing happens by chance but by an exactness that only God could plan and execute. The math program enables our students to make solid connections between math concepts and their practical applications in our world. We use physical objects (manipulatives) to illustrate concepts in a concrete way. We place great emphasis on problem solving, both individually and in cooperative learning groups.
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Social Studies
Social Studies is the study of the people, places, and times used by God to accomplish His plans. Students learn lessons from the past to see how God's sovereignty has molded and shaped countries and individuals. "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us..." (1 Corinthians 10:11) Our curriculum encourages students to develop a global knowledge and perspective of the world and to appreciate their own Christian heritage and culture. We encourage stewardship over what God has given and a commitment to be involved in His world and its people.
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Science
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) Science is the study of God's creation. Developing working scientific knowledge of the surrounding world and the divine order of creation leads to a greater appreciation and knowledge of the Creator Himself. It is important to learn not only practical knowledge about the world but also that God made everything for a purpose. "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authoritie; all things were created by him and for him" (Colossians 1:16) The curriculum covers life, physical, and earth sciences with emphasis on participating in the scientific process. Students develop an all-important scientific literacy through high-quality, hands-on instruction.
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Christian Education
Christian education is based on the belief that the Scriptures (Old and New Testaments) are the authoritative, inspired and guiding words given by God to assist us in faithful living. "Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) We are encouraged in the Gospels (Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 8) in the Parable of the Sower, to view the word of God like a seed, to be planted and nurtured to life and growth. As we teach the Bible we provide a foundation for knowledge of God's work of redemption and salvation. We also pray that the integration of the Bible into all areas of study will equip students to respond to Christ, grow in faith and obedience, and live lives of service, reflecting glory to God. We introduce Biblical stories, themes and principles beginning in kindergarten. Our intentional developmental progression builds toward a complete and thorough overview by the end of sixth grade.
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Enrichment Subjects |
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Physical Education
Our physical education program focuses on healthy living through nutrition and fitness. Each grade participates in an outdoor P.E. class for two hours each week. We teach basic skills and values, including individual effort, teamwork, success, challenge, sportsmanship and safety. All students in first through sixth grade participate in the Presidential Fitness Program.
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Art
We promote appreciation of various forms of artistic expression and encourage personal creativity in our weekly art classes. We provide exposure to numerous artists and provide opportunities for students to explore different artistic techniques.
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Music
Through our music program we hope to instill a life-long love of music in our students. Children are encouraged to explore, create, and perform. We introduce a range of traditional and classical works. Students become familiar with tempo and pitch, and are taught to identify and perform selected notes in speech and song. The students use numerous instruments to reinforce musical concepts. Beginning in the third grade, students receive concentrated instruction using the recorder.
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Drama
Dramatic studies promote self-esteem and the ability to speak and perform before an audience. Short plays, speeches, singing, and improvisational skits are all used to enrich the core curriculum. Required oral presentations increase in frequency in the higher grades. All students participate in drama and music programs throughout the school year.
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Foreign Language
We introduce students to both the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries for thirty to forty-five minutes each week. We emphasize conversational Spanish in earlier years, and require written work in the upper elementary. Fifth and sixth grade Spanish classes are conducted primarily in Spanish to move students toward conversational fluency. Students also study Greek and Latin roots in the fifth and sixth grades.
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Computers
Students gain general computer competency/literacy through a weekly computer class as well as through continual exposure to computers in the classroom. Second grade students receive personal word processors (Alpha Smarts) for use through the fifth grade. Sixth graders are entrusted with personal iBooks for use in the classroom on assignments and projects.
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