Elementary

Kindergarten is designed to help our students build on their prior knowledge and experiences. When you enter our classroom you will see children smiling, happy, engaged and learning. We believe that our students can best acquire knowledge with a curriculum that is appropriate for their age. Our emphasis is helping them form concepts, acquire foundational skills and form positive attitudes towards school and learning as we build on the curriculum year by year. The class consists of 24 students with a teacher and a full-time assistant.

First Grade is full of learning and lots of fun! It’s an exciting time in their lives as they being making strides in their academic skills, in their social skills and communication skills. They begin having a sense of independence and self-confidence. Our first graders are engaged in instructional and hands-on activities, whole group reading, literacy centers, small guided reading groups, independent reading, writing stories, journaling, math centers, science investigations, learning Bible verses. Our teachers work closely with the students in developing a sense of academic responsibility, becoming more articulate about their knowledge, becoming independent readers, as well as writing stories that are more detailed. By the end of the year, our students are more confident in their capabilities as thinker and learners.

Second Grade is a year of growth and building on what they have learned in First grade. Their gross and fine motor skills improve, they are less egocentric, and social interactions are more complex. We set the stage for independent thinking, independent problem solving, and they begin to appreciate difference of opinions. Academically, we challenge them to apply their knowledge in making connections to their learning and hypotheses. They will deal with concepts of time, space, and are encouraged to represent their understanding in complexed detailed writings.

Third Grade is a real transition for students and sometimes parents. We expect the students to become more independent. The students make a giant leap in all areas of development. There is an increase in stamina, memory and physical abilities, as well as their fine and gross motor skills. This allows the students to manage a full curriculum. There is an attitude of caring and respect for each other that emerges in this grade. When you walk into the classroom you will see relaxed students engaged with their teacher. They are willing to take risks, explore new territories and invest more of themselves in all aspects of learning. Reading instruction includes both whole groups lessons and small cooperative group activities. The emphasis on writing continues with reports, projects, and more creative writing. We expect more from our students this year.

Fourth Grade is a time when students begin to become extremely aware of boy/girl differences. A year that students are concerned about the issues of rules and fairness. This year the students need to feel secure, confident and comfortable with themselves. They must be able to negotiate and compromise. The students have an emotional maturity that allows them to take responsibility for their own learning. We pursue projects, make inferences and organize information. In this classroom you will see structure, which will help them develop a sense of personal, academic and social responsibility. Every student will have an iPad, which is incorporated into their curriculum.

Fifth Grade can be a difficult year for students. It’s a time the student begins wrapping up their days of elementary and begin preparing for middle school. They are challenged academically more than they have been in their elementary career. The students gain poise, become more alert and clear- minded. Our focus is creating opportunities in the class for our students to grow, make progress, learn both individually and cooperatively. Students will change classes for core classes in preparation for middle school. Every student will have an iPad, which is incorporated into their curriculum.