Kindergarten: A developmentally appropriate curriculum is implemented for the kindergarten program. Christian values are taught and are interwoven throughout each day’s activities in an age-appropriate manner. Kindergarten students are introduced to language arts through systematic phonics instruction. Learning centers are used to stimulate interest in discovery and creativity. The students participate in physical education, art, music, Spanish and library each week. The staff has been called of the Lord to serve in teaching young children and interacts with each student with interest, warmth, consideration and affection daily. Kindergarten children must be five years old prior to October 1.

Elementary: Students are taught the core subjects (Bible,language arts, math, science and social studies) in a challenging academic atmosphere. Specialty classes are offered in the areas of physical education, art, vocal/instrumental music, Spanish, computer and library. The lower grades (1-3) offer an introduction to core subjects, including the teaching of mathematical concepts through incremental development and continual review as well as systematic phonics instruction. The upper grades (4-5) offer a continuation and expansion of the core subjects, including the application of skills learned in thinking, writing and appreciating the elements of literature across the curriculum as well as the development of independent learning in preparation for middle school.

Core Essentials is a program used by elementary teachers to teach values so that each student will treat others right, make smart decision and maximize their potential. Through the core essentials program, teachers are incorporating character education into their classrooms. A different value is focused on each month, with children from each class given the character award for that month. Core Essentials is designed to link the home and school together by presenting values that both can agree on. Visit the Core Essentials website for more information (www.coreessentials.org).

Summer Computer Camps take students on a journey beginning with the fundamentals of computers for rising kindergarten students along with using multimedia software to teach video productions skills for the older students. For more information, contact Polly J. Brake at PBrake@gracebc.org.