Curriculum

The curriculum is mapped out from kindergarten through grade 12 to ensure that the students follow a logical sequence of learning from one grade to the next. In following the classical tradition, our program is designed to be foundational; students continue to build on information and skills they have learned the previous year. Teachers work together to accent the curriculum and compliment each other's strengths.

We have chosen curriculum for each grade level in every subject area that we believe is challenging and interesting. In many educational settings, once a weakness is found in a publisher, they get rid of it and adopt a new curriculum over and over again without ever strengthening it. We continue to evaluate and change our curriculum as needed, bringing in more effective tools and new methodologies where they may benefit our program. Because of this, our excellent curriculum has continued to grow stronger and stronger over the past thirty years.

Language Arts

Reading: Reading is the single most important skill that a child will learn in school. Our reading instruction begins in kindergarten and is built on a phonics-based approach. An understanding of phonics is the key that enables students to decode words. As decoding skills increase, the primary emphasis is on comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. Students are instructed in specific comprehension strategies in order to improve their understanding of any type of text. In grades K – 2 the reading instruction is individualized so that students are challenged to excel and progress to levels beyond their grade level. In grades 3 – 4 we use a literature-based approach as students grow in their comprehension and vocabulary through analysis of the literature.

Grammar: The Shurley Grammar program used in grades 1 – 4 progressively teaches students to understand all the words in a sentence and how they relate to one another. Students are taught that each part of speech has a particular function within every sentence. Shurley Grammar uses repetition, builds one concept upon another, and teaches students how to perform a critical analysis of entire sentences. These skills are foundational for writing with clarity and precision.

Writing: The writing skills taught build on each other from grade level to grade level. Students are given instruction in poetry, essays, creative writing, report writing, and persuasive writing. We have a young author's fair each spring where every student displays a piece of writing from the school year.

Spelling: The Spalding method used in grades K – 4 is a multi-sensory approach where students learn to spell by saying, hearing, writing, and seeing, thereby using all avenues to the brain. The students memorize 70 phonograms and the letters or group of letters that represent one sound. The students apply their knowledge of phonograms and English rules to analyze and spell the 1,000 most commonly used words in the English language (the Ayre's List).

Lab-based Science

Our lab-based science program is designed to equip our young students to think well and to be compelled by their faith to know science and apply that knowledge in innovative ways. Each grade studies topics in earth science, life science, and physical science. The classroom experiences and the lab are integrated to encourage students to want to know more as they master content, learn the scientific method, and successfully draw conclusions. In kindergarten, our DIG (Discovering and Investigating God’s Creation) is an outdoor science experience which helps students explore God’s creation.

Social Studies

It is important for students to understand the world around them and have a knowledge about historical events and how they impact the world today. Students study cultures in countries around the world as well as our own community, state, and nation. In grades 2 – 12 students spiral through the study of ancient, Medieval, and modern history three times.

Math

Our goal in mathematics is to give the students a solid foundation in skills and knowledge while expanding their critical thinking and problem solving abilities. In grades 1 – 6 we use Saxon as the core curriculum and enrich with problem solving and critical thinking exercises. Saxon is a hands-on mastery-oriented program that introduces and practices new skills each lesson, then gives independent practice on previously introduced skills so the students constantly review concepts. Assessments are given weekly to ensure mastery of concepts.

Math Placement: We are committed to challenging our students to go as far as possible in their math skills and to keep the math instruction at a pace that is appropriate for each student's development. Students in grades 1 – 4 are evaluated at the end of the previous school year and placed in a math class that is the best fit for them, either at grade level or above grade level. All math classes are offered simultaneously so that students can move to the appropriate class for that instructional period.

Bible

Students learn about the grand narrative of the Christian faith by studying the Bible. They study the people, places, and events in the Bible. They are taught a cohesive framework for Christianity and understand where they fit into God’s plan for His people.

Fine Arts

Music: Students learn music theory and grow to enjoy the gift of various forms of music through general music classes and in grades 3 and 4, recorder classes.

Art: Instruction in the elements and techniques of the various media allow every student creative expression as an artist. Art forms explored include painting, ceramics, pastels, drawing, and collage.

Drama: Students increase vocabulary, develop literacy skills, and experience literature through drama. They also gain confidence and composure in front of an audience and learn to present themselves well. In grades K and 1, they perform plays; in grade 2, they present a puppet production; and in grade 4, they perform Shakespeare.

Learn more about Lower School arts at Bear Creek.

Technology

Our coding program in grades K – 6 is designed towards creative computing. All tools used to teach (such as unplugged activities, arts, stories, and games) are design based. Students design creations, personalize them, collaborate with peers, and then reflect on and rethink their ideas. Students create their own projects, bring their own imagination to paper, and then work towards creating it with Scratch.

Students in K – 6 also use the computer as a tool to increase their learning in subjects they are studying in the classroom and to conduct research. In grade 3, keyboarding is taught intentionally. They progress through a series of computer skills and learn many applications including Publisher, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Foreign Language

Songs, games, drama, and other fun activities help students learn vocabulary and grammar in a foreign language. Students study five languages in kindergarten, Spanish in grades 1 – 2, and Latin in grades 3 – 4.

Physical Education

Physical Education is a bi-weekly part of our curriculum.

Field Trips

Each Lower School class takes one field trip each month. The field trips enhance the student learning in a particular area of study by giving them hands on, real life experience.