Elementary Program

The Bible serves as the basis for biblical studies in the elementary school.  Students experience the Word of God as the big story of Creation, the Fall, Redemption, and Fulfillment.  Through hearing and reading the Bible narratives, students begin to experience God’s power, wrath and mercy.  They understand the Bible as the history of salvation in Jesus Christ, a history through which God calls them to repentance, faith and discipleship.  Memorizing scripture when students are ready to commit verse to long-term memory instills a passion of God’s Word in their hearts.

English Language Arts is an incredibly significant gift of God and therefore learning is intended to help students use language creatively and with integrity to glorify God and serve others.  English Language Arts includes the study of spelling, grammar, writing, reading/literature and speaking/listening.  Students are taught phoneme awareness, systematic and explicit instruction in the code system of written English, daily exposure to a variety of texts, as well as incentives to read, vocabulary instruction, comprehension strategies and frequent writing.

The study of mathematics intends to deepen the students’ understanding of God’s creation and faithful upholding of the world through orderly mathematical patterns, laws and structures embedded in His creation. It is the curriculum philosophy that mathematics instruction should build on prior learning.  New learning is presented in increments, with time provided between increments for practice.  Mathematical strands of numbers/operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and applications are integrated throughout the year rather than taught in isolated units.

Science in the elementary program centers on the acknowledgement that the world in which we live belongs to God, who created and upholds it.  Through scientific inquiry students are drawn to see the amazing complexity and orderliness of God’s world. 

The study of history leads students to see how God acts providentially in history, and continues His redemptive work through His Holy Spirit until Christ returns.  Students learn skills to locate, evaluate, and interpret; to understand cause and effect; and to draw conclusions concerning human activity in the past.

Fine Arts in the elementary program fosters students to explore their artistic abilities as gifts from God who wants to be glorified through artistic and musical expression.  Through art class, students learn to appreciate art through experience and creation, and are nurtured to unfold their potential through creating works of art.  Music instruction nurtures students to perform music and learn in a more formal way about the principles of composition and style.  Private instrument instruction is available.

The goal of physical education at the elementary level is to obtain optimal health in order to serve God and others in a meaningful and obedient manner.  Physical education fosters motors skills and cooperation and leadership skills. The curriculum guides students to foster individual growth and participation in sports as a supportive team member.