The Preschool Program is founded on the belief that children achieve social and cognitive development through play in a structured, supportive environment steeped in Christian beliefs. The preschool emphasizes social development and readiness activities both as preparation for kindergarten and as the foundation of enthusiasm for learning in the years ahead. Active learning is basic to the program, with many hands-on learning experiences. Materials are readily accessible to work with and explore.

Teachers facilitate planning and decision-making as the children develop and build on their own interests and strengths. Sharing ideas, participating in activities and problem solving with peers and adults help to develop communication and emphasize cooperation. Each week the children meet with specialists for music, art, library, computer, Spanish or French, and physical education. A rest period is included.

Full-Time Preschool

Part-time Preschool (not available at Bloomington Campus)

The full-day kindergarten program provides an enriching Christian environment with ample daily time and facilities for students to experience a wide variety of activities in academics and socialization.

Language Arts
Developmentally appropriate reading readiness is taught under a rich umbrella of literature through the SRA Open Court Reading language arts curriculum. Children apply a phonetic approach to learning beginning sounds, and how sounds make words. Daily journal time encourages the expression of imagination through letters, words, and illustrations. Opportunities are also provided for the development of speaking skills. Once a week children visit the school library and check out books after a library skills session.

Mathematics
The McGraw-Hill mathematics curriculum helps kindergartners develop an understanding of abstract concepts in a concrete manner. Through the use of manipulatives, students learn the concepts of graphing, patterns, number concepts to 100, money, measurement, beginning addition and subtraction, time, basic geometry, and problem solving.

Bible: Conveying the love and goodness of God is the primary goal of the Christian Schools International Bible curriculum. Through stories of God’s working in the lives of Old and New Testament people, students learn to recognize God’s work and His plan in their own lives. All Lower School students and teachers meet together weekly for a chapel service.

Social Studies/Science
Themes throughout the school year provide the framework for multi-faceted, integrated experiences in several curricular areas. Science themes from the Silver Burdett curriculum include weather and seasons, the five senses, animals and their habitats, plant life and environmental awareness. All Lower School students are encouraged to participate in the annual Science Fair. Social studies units begin with self and expand through community, state, country and global awareness. These include exposure to geography, celebrations around the world, and historical events and people. An in-depth study on the continent of Australia provides a geographical and cultural focus.

Language Arts
In the SRA Open Court Reading language arts curriculum, initial reading instruction relies on the teaching of sounds and the blending of these sounds into words. Students use this knowledge to build reading and writing skills. Balanced instruction combines extensive reading of both predictable, patterned texts and quality literature. The Rebecca Sitton spelling methodology is introduced in first grade. Students also learn early editing skills, grammar, and how to write a report.

Mathematics
Using the McGraw-Hill mathematics curriculum, math concepts are integrated into an experience-oriented curriculum. The topics of numeration and counting, operations and relations, data analysis, geometry, measures and reference, rules and patterns, and money are covered continuously throughout the first grade year.

Bible
Conveying the love and goodness of God is the primary goal of the Christian Schools International Bible curriculum. Through stories of God’s working in the lives of Old and New Testament people, students learn to recognize God’s work and His plan in their own lives. Learning activities include flannel graphs, memory work, role-playing, storytelling, and discussion. All Lower School students and teachers meet together weekly for a chapel service.

Social Studies
Using the Nystrom geography program, students learn and practice introductory map and globe skills. Social studies topics emphasize families, neighborhoods, and communities, as well as historical biographies and current events. An in-depth study on the continent of Europe provides a geographical and cultural focus.

Science
First grade students explore science concepts using a hands-on, experienced-based approach. Monarch butterflies are raised by students from eggs to mature butterflies as part of a life science insect unit. Physical science topics include the solar system and magnetism. All Lower School students are encouraged to participate in the annual Science Fair.

Language Arts
Using the SRA Open Court Reading language arts curriculum, students learn phonics, comprehension, critical evaluation and the application of ideas. There are many independent and group opportunities to develop reading skills. The English program has strands covering grammar, punctuation, word usage, and sentence construction. The writing process is emphasized, including fiction and non-fiction. Handwriting skills learned in first grade are reinforced. Spelling skills, concepts, and patterns are taught using Rebecca Sitton Spelling Sourcebooks, which emphasize high frequency words, proofreading, dictionary skills, and word mastery.

Mathematics
The McGraw-Hill mathematics curriculum uses number theory, manipulatives, and computation skills to reinforce math concepts learned in earlier grades (place value, simple addition and subtraction). Students advance in learning new math skills including two-digit addition and subtraction, measurement, and fractions. Problem solving is emphasized using the self-paced program of Techniques of Problem Solving (TOPS) cards.

Bible
Conveying the love and goodness of God is the primary goal of the Christian Schools International Bible curriculum. Students study Creation through Kings and the Prophets in the Old Testament, and Jesus’ birth, ministry, teachings, death and resurrection in the New Testament. Through stories of God’s working in the lives of Old and New Testament people, students learn to recognize God’s work and His plan in their own lives. All Lower School students and teachers meet together weekly for a chapel service.

Social Studies
Using the Nystrom geography program, students learn locations of continents and oceans, land and water forms, components of flat map projections, and map-reading skills. Social studies topics include Native Americans and Pilgrims, American Presidents, the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. The continent study in second grade focuses on the geography and culture of Africa.

Science
Using the Discovery Works Science curriculum, students explore the concepts of interaction among living things, states of matter (solids/liquids/gases), and changes over time. Instruction is based on frequent demonstrations, student projects, and hands-on activities. All Lower School students are encouraged to participate in the annual Science Fair.

Language Arts
Literature-based reading is the foundation of the SRA Open Court Reading language arts curriculum in third grade. Two anthologies and grade-appropriate novels provide opportunities to practice reading skills. Students develop comprehension, study skills, basic grammar, and expanded vocabulary in the context of reading and writing. Students enlarge their research writing and creative writing skills, and learn the Zaner-Bloser cursive handwriting method. Spelling skills, concepts, and patterns are taught using Rebecca Sitton Spelling Sourcebooks, which emphasize high frequency words, proofreading, dictionary skills, and word mastery.

Mathematics
The McGraw-Hill mathematics curriculum builds on math concepts learned in earlier grades, progressing into multiplication and division, problem solving, place value, borrowing across zeros, and regrouping. Students advance in learning new math skills as they continue to master math facts.

Bible
Conveying the love and goodness of God is the primary goal of the Christian Schools International Bible curriculum. Through stories of God’s working in the lives of Old and New Testament people, students learn to recognize God’s work and His plan in their own lives. In third grade, study focuses on Creation, the Patriarchs, Exodus and the Wilderness experience, the Promised Land, and Judges. All Lower School students and teachers meet together weekly for a chapel service.

Social Studies
“Our Communities,” a Macmillan/McGraw-Hill curriculum, forms the basis of third grade social studies. Students explore the people, history, governments, cultures and resources of communities. Map skills learned in earlier grades are expanded using the Nystrom geography program to include map scale, legends, grids and landforms. The continent study in third grade focuses on the geography and culture of South America.

Science
The science curriculum combines units in life science, physical science, and earth science. Topics include the life cycle of plants, weather, inventors and inventions, and simple machines. Hands-on activities applying the scientific method are incorporated throughout the curriculum. All Lower School students are encouraged to participate in the annual Science Fair.

Language Arts
The SRA Open Court Reading language arts curriculum is supplemented in fourth grade by independent reading and novel studies. The Accelerated Reading program is used throughout the year. The curriculum incorporates grammar, word structure and usage, sentence building, vocabulary, study skills, composition, and literature appreciation. Writing is emphasized in a variety of forms, including poetry, paragraph development, creative fiction writing, and research reports. Spelling skills, concepts, and patterns are taught using Rebecca Sitton Spelling Sourcebooks, which emphasize high frequency words, proofreading, dictionary skills, and word mastery. Communication skills, such as public speaking, are fostered during the year across the curricular areas.

Mathematics
Basic computational skills in all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) are mastered. The McGraw-Hill Mathematics curriculum also includes units on measurement, data and graphing, geometry, place value, and fractions. Critical thinking skills are developed through daily and weekly problem solving activities.

Bible
Conveying the love and goodness of God is the primary goal of the Christian Schools International Bible curriculum (Record of God’s Nation). Students study an overview of the Bible, and the lives of Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, Daniel and Esther. Events leading up to the Divided Kingdom and the Return are also explored. Through stories of God’s working in the lives of Old and New Testament people, students learn to recognize God’s work and His plan in their own lives. All Lower School students and teachers meet together weekly for a chapel service.

Social Studies
Students focus on American history, learning about the early peoples and cultures of North America, European exploration and colonization, the Revolutionary War and the birth of a new nation, and U.S. history until the Civil War. The Macmillan/McGraw-Hill’s Our Nation curriculum is the basis of fourth grade social studies, and the textbook content is completed in fifth grade. Mastery of the 50 states and capitals, and the continents, is required. Student projects, field trips, and special speakers enhance the learning. The continent study in fourth grade focuses on the geography and culture of North America.

Science
The Discovery Works science curriculum used in fourth grade integrates units in life science, physical science, and earth science. Topics include animal behavior and habitats, astronomy, measurement and experimentation. The Foss program is used to study magnetism and electricity. Hands-on activities applying the scientific method are incorporated throughout the entire Science curriculum. All Lower School students are strongly encouraged to participate in the annual Science Fair.

Language Arts
Language arts is a literature-based curriculum. The reading program has three components: an anthology concentrates on comprehension, literature and vocabulary skills; book studies develop comprehension, vocabulary and critical thinking skills, as well as tying into social studies; reading rate and comprehension are the focus of a third program. Independent reading is stressed, with students reading and testing on individual levels. Grammar, writing skills (stories, reports, and poetry), handwriting, and listening and speaking skills are emphasized. Spelling skills, concepts, and patterns are taught using Rebecca Sitton Spelling Sourcebooks, which emphasize high frequency words, proofreading, dictionary skills, and word mastery.

Mathematics
Using the McGraw-Hill mathematics curriculum, students develop advanced computational skills in all four operations (addition subtraction, multiplication, division). Additional units include decimals and fractions, geometry, measurement, and problem solving.

Bible
Conveying the love and goodness of God is the primary goal of the Christian Schools International Bible curriculum. Fifth grade students study the Pentateuch, the Psalms, and the New Testament. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are emphasized in the study of the four Gospels. Through stories of God’s working in the lives of Old and New Testament people, students learn to recognize God’s work and His plan in their own lives. All Lower School students and teachers meet together weekly for a chapel service.

Social Studies
Students continue their focus on American history from fourth grade, beginning with the Civil War and continuing through the present day. Topics include the Civil War and slavery, westward expansion, industrialization, immigration, World War I, the Depression, World War II, the civil rights movement, and current events. The Macmillan/McGraw-Hill’s “Our Nation” curriculum is the basis of fifth grade social studies. In addition to American history, the continent study in fifth grade focuses on the geography and culture of Asia.

Science
Life science is emphasized in selected units from the FOSS and Discovery Works science curricula. Topics include oceanography, cells, microbes, scientists and the scientific method. A three-day field trip in the spring to the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Northern Minnesota enhances the environmental emphasis of the science curriculum. All Lower School students are encouraged to participate in the annual Science Fair.