Primary School
Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade
Kindergarten
In Kindergarten, we begin building the foundation blocks for learning, with a focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Our phonics-based program teaches correct pencil grip, manuscript form, consonant and short vowel sounds, three-letter word formation, consonant blends and long vowels/silent e. Our students also learn common sight words.
Our kindergartners begin using a copybook, which is an exercise consisting of copying sayings, maxims, Scripture, and poetry in the student’s best handwriting. Copybook is an important step in developing good penmanship, punctuation, and spelling.
In mathmatics, our students begin with number recognition and formation, counting, time, calendar, measurement, and money. We focus on mastery of addition facts through the 7 family and subtraction through the 6 family.
In Christian Studies, our students listen to and discuss Bible stories from Creation to Moses, and they memorize scriptures and prayers. We seek to instill virtue, toward wisdom, and teach a manner of the week school wide.
Our students learn about where they live: their city, state and country. They begin building a knowledge of the natural world.
A well-known composer and piece of music as well as an artist and art masterwork are introduced weekly. Students create art projects based on the style of the artists and artwork they are learning. They also participate in a choir.
First Grade
In first grade, we continue to build on the foundations laid in kindergarten.
First graders read children’s classics such as Little Bear, Caps For Sale, The Story About Ping, and Billy and Blaze,and demonstrate individual reading progression with speed, fluency, and expression. Students learn to write all letters in cursive using the correct formation and are introduced to parts of speech. They recognize and use correct punctuation and capitalization.
In Christian Studies, first graders understand and discuss Bible stories from the entrance to Canaan through the end of the Old Testament. They memorize Scripture verses and the Doxology.
Students continue to learn about the United States: holidays, presidents, symbols, and history. They are also introduced to basic mythology and world cultures. First graders continue to learn about the natural world, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants and weather. They weekly learn about a famous art piece and classical music piece, while creating their own art projects and participating in a choir.
Second Grade
In second grade, students finish their study of phonics. Second graders read The Courage of Sarah Noble, Little House in the Big Woods, and Mr. Popper’s Penguins. They master writing in complete sentences and have weekly spelling word lists and tests. Second graders begin their study of Latin. They learn 125 vocabulary words as well as memorizing prayers and sayings in Latin.
In mathematics, students exhibit mastery of addition and subtraction facts while solving more complex addition and subtraction problems and learning about multiplication.
In Christian Studies, second graders understand and discuss New Testament Bible stories and key characters while memorizing verses, the books of the Old Testament, and the twelve tribes of Israel.
Students memorize all the US presidents by name and order and gain familiarity with US government and laws, historic Americans, and the Revolutionary war. They are introduced to world geography. Second graders master characteristics of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and the planets within our solar system. They learn about stars, rocks and minerals, weather, migration, the water cycle, and the respiratory system. Second graders continue to learn about famous art pieces and artists, classical music pieces and composers, and poems and poets.
