Curriculum

 

Developmental Kindergarten (DK)

This level is developmentally appropriate for the child who is four years old or just turned five at the start of the school year. The program is activity-oriented while introducing the structure and rigors of a formal classroom setting. As a first step into scholarship, the student notebook is introduced and students begin formal steps towards reading through the Sound Sensible® program.   Seeds of scholarship are sown in every academic subject in an inspirational manner.

 

Highlights of the DK year include:

  • A science unit on farm animals with a trip to Long’s Park.
  • Studying the life and works of Beatrix Potter and many of her stories, including the Peter Rabbit tales.
  • A study of Mother Goose rhymes including a dress-up day of characters from the rhymes.
  • Memorizing a verse from the Bible representing each letter of the alphabet.
  • The use of art and drama to enhance studies in the rudiments of every subject, including the biblical foundation of each.
  • School Technology Programs® brings the use of technology directly into the classroom curriculum.
  • Key field studies include visits to the Hand’s on House, That Fish Place, Oregon Dairy, Long’s Park, and Funk’s Family Farm.

 

Academic Kindergarten (AK)

This level is appropriate for those students who are five years old through early six years of age developmentally at the start of the school year. The program is still activity-oriented, but more emphasis is placed on paper and pencil activities and structured seat work. The student notebook is expanded and built upon as a tool for scholarship. The Writing Road to Reading© literacy program is introduced at this level.  Students expand their phonetic awareness and segmentation in preparation of beginning to read; many children learn to read before completing academic kindergarten.  Additionally the seeds of scholarship are sown in every academic subject to inspire a love of learning and appreciation for God’s hand in all we do.

 

Highlights of the Academic Kindergarten year include:

  • A science unit about mammals and reptiles with a trip to ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA.
  • Studying A.A. Milne’s literary classic and children’s favorite, Winnie the Pooh.
  • A strong, character-building emphasis by learning the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5).
  • An exciting look at the five senses.
  • Learning about our neighborhood and the solar system.
  • School Technology Programs brings the use of technology directly into the classroom curriculum.
  • Key field studies include visits to Hershey Zoo and Chocolate World, The North Museum, Long’s Park, Lancaster County Park, Kitchen Kettle Village, and Cherry Hill Orchard.

 

Lower School (Grades 1 through 5)

The main academic focus of the lower school is on literacy and mathematics.  The strong phonics emphasis of the Writing Road to Reading© program, the Accelerated Reader system, and the Shurley Grammar© methods form the foundation upon which reading fluency and comprehension are built.  The Saxon Math program provides an incremental, cyclical approach to learn math concepts.  Bible class focuses on key Bible heroes and their godly character traits.  History class traces the hand of God in America’s history as well as a study of ancient civilizations.   An introduction to the Spanish language is given in grades 1 – 5.  The study of Latin begins in grade 4.  The curriculum is enriched with inspirational classical literature, such as Hans Brinker, The Secret Garden, and Little Women.

 

The School Technology Programs brings the use of technology directly into the classroom curriculum.  Students participate in rich field studies that enhance their learning, and they may also experience activities both within the school and in partnership with other schools that sharpen their skills in mathematics and oral presentation.