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The language and literacy component of our TK curriculum covers alphabet sounds and letter construction, correct posture for writing, as well as an abundance of exposure to quality, engaging children’s literature. From books like “The Storybook Bible,” “How to Be a Friend” or “The Carrot Seed,” literature is used as a launching point for integrating subject areas. Children listen, craft, play, and even sing along with the sights and sounds they learn from their time in Language Arts.
Phonics: We teach 71 phonograms (symbols that represent sounds) in the Writing and Spelling Road to Reading and Thinking by the Riggs Institute AKA “Riggs”.
Literature books and read-aloud
Early childhood educators know that learning must incorporate sensory experiences that captivate their students. In math, this looks a lot like game playing and rhymes. Students sing, count, jump and memorize their way through the identification of numbers 1-20 as well as counting by 10’s to 100. Add on the recognition of patterns, simple bar graphs, and the days of the week, followed by ordinal numbers, and your Transitional Kindergartener is well on their way to a solid math foundation in preparation for kindergarten.
Because we believe in an integrated approach to learning that weaves Biblical principles all throughout the day and throughout the subjects, Transitional Kindergarten students are literally immersed in the knowledge that God loves them, values them, and wants a personal relationship with them. Practically speaking, the Bible curriculum covers: Creation, The Birth of Jesus, The life and death of Jesus through the Easter story, several parables of Jesus, the Lord’s Prayer, and selected morning prayers and blessings. As a part of the phonics curriculum, there are 26 Bible Verses memorized and integrated within the lessons of the alphabet letters introduced each week.
History does not take a front seat in the scope of Transitional Kindergarten primarily due to the average TK student’s developmental understanding of “the past.” However, popular holidays and historical figures are covered. Students are also exposed to the ideas and specifics of city, state, and country.
Science lends itself beautifully to the need for hands-on learning at this age. From introductory physical science lessons on light, shadows, and rainbows, to practical lessons on healthy foods and hand washing, Transitional Kindergarteners love their science time! TK students learn about 26 animals that are integrated with the 26 alphabet letters, such as: Alligator for A, Bear for B, etc.
There is also a strong focus on the characteristics and changes within the four seasons. Created with the senses in mind, these lessons might just be the ones that elicit smiles and laughter the most often. A wide variety of topics are covered throughout the year.
In addition to two daily recesses, TK students also enjoy classes by specialists in music, P.E. and Art. TK students will attend two off-campus field trips and participate in several theme days during the school year: Pumpkin Day, Apple Day, Snowman Day, Donuts for Dads, Dr. Seuss Day, Animal Day and Muffins for Moms!
Humanities IV is an advanced study of literature where students carefully read and critically analyze imaginative literature. The course will cover a variety of literature from the 19th and 20th century with an emphasis on modern and post-modern thought. Through the close reading of selected texts, students should deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers; this reading will be accompanied by thoughtful discussion and writing about those books in the company of fellow students.
Humanities IV – History of Ideas: 12th Goethe, the renowned German thinker and writer, once remarked, “He who cannot draw on three thousand years is living from hand to mouth.” The Senior Humanities course will attempt to draw on three thousand years of ideas by chronologically visiting and analyzing significant turning points in the narrative of the West to better understand the world in which we currently play a part. In this section of the course, we will focus on major philosophical and theological ideas, events, and works that have shaped the course of human existence.
AP Calculus AB is equivalent to one semester of college calculus where we extend our knowledge of slope and area from Algebra and Geometry. Students will learn to work with functions graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally while connecting the various representations. Throughout the course, students will learn to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and verify conclusions. Often, students use this discipline to further their study in STEM fields as well as business disciplines.
Advanced Functions & Modeling was developed to satisfy the University of North Carolina’s requirement for a mathematics course beyond Algebra II. As a college preparatory course, AFM will provide students with an in-depth study of modeling and applying functions. This course will include the study of linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometry functions, and an introduction into probability and statistics. A primary focus of this course will be real world investigations and applications.
Precalculus provides a mathematically sound foundation for AP Calculus through rigorous preparation. Students will merge topics introduced in Algebra II and Geometry to extend and refine advanced functions and trigonometric concepts.
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary study including aspects of biology, chemistry, and sociology. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the scientific principles and methodologies necessary to understand the interdependence of the natural world. Students will explore topics including: natural and biogeochemical relationships; ecology and issues of conservation; human effects on the environment; environmental problems within a cultural, social, and economic context, and the development of practices that will help to create sustainable systems and manage resources; Christian responsibility and the context of faith within our personal behavior.
AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the two-semester general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students this course enables them to undertake, as college freshmen, second year work in the chemistry sequence at their institutions or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, the AP Chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses.
Biology II introduces biology concepts and coursework that are equivalent to college-level introductory biology. Topics introduced in introductory biology and chemistry will be explored in greater detail and will be used to generate an advanced understanding of living organisms and their components. This course provides students with enduring, conceptual understandings of modern biology and the content that supports them and extensive experience with the scientific process.
AP Latin
AP Spanish
Honors Greek I
Honors Greek II
Senior Writing (Thesis) is the culmination of a classical and Christian education. It tasks the student with the creation, delivery, and defense of an argument within a topic of his choosing. In winsomely writing, substantiating, and presenting an argument in support of a claim, the senior demonstrates his ability to think critically, reason wisely, speak effectively, and employ not only a variety of skills and knowledge areas gained in previous curricula, but also to share areas of budding interest and expertise outside of the K-12 curricula. In venturing into these self-directed areas of real impact in the world, the senior branches his classical Christian education – his understanding of the nature of man and of God – to other disciplines. It is here that the full beauty of classical Christian education is showcased for the community, and both empowers and prepares the soon-to-be-graduate to apply his abilities to wider spheres.
Students have offerings in Music, Visual and Theatre Arts. To see the full descriptions, visit our Fine Arts page here.
Chapel – every other week
Forum/Dialogue – Every other week, students attend Forum. Designed to sharpen critical thinking skills and provoke meaningful dialogue, high school students are exposed to provocative, often culturally relevant, topics such as: the fairness of minimum wage, NC House Bill 2, and whether or not we can know if we are living in a computer simulation. After attending Forum, students return to class under a guided facilitator to debate these topics (dialogue) through the lenses of both truth and faith. Lively discussion always ensues!
Electives
One of the annual requirements for course enrollment at ӰƵ Academy is that every student must take the equivalent of two full credits of Fine Arts/Electives courses. At least one full credit must be from the Fine Arts list. A single credit can be earned by taking a full-year course or two-semester courses.
Some courses are limited to certain grade levels/genders. During registration, students will be asked to select their top choices and several alternate choices. New electives are added in some years and some electives are given rest for a season and brought back in later years.
SELA (Service and Experiential Learning)
Italy
Humanities III Literature is an interdisciplinary study of historical, philosophical, social, and literary movements in American history from colonization to the present. In this two-semester course, students will be exposed to the complexity of the English language as evidenced in each movement of American literature, and historical context will serve as a structural guide to the study of the literary works. This is also a course that focuses on honing students’ writing skills, as they work to write and revise (and revise again!) various compositions, essays, and formal papers.
AP United States History is an interdisciplinary study of historical, philosophical, social, and literary events and movements in American history from pre-Columbian days to the present. Using chronological and thematic approaches to the material, the course requires students to apply the analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, and comparison and contrast to events in US history. This course exposes students to extensive primary and secondary sources and requires analysis and evaluation of various historians’ interpretations of events.
Precalculus provides a mathematically sound foundation for AP Calculus through rigorous preparation. Students will merge topics introduced in Algebra II and Geometry to extend and refine advanced functions and trigonometric concepts.
Advanced Functions and Modeling was developed to satisfy the University of North Carolina’s requirement for a mathematics course beyond Algebra II. As a college preparatory course, AFM will provide students with an in-depth study of modeling and applying functions. This course will include the study of linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometry functions, and an introduction into probability and statistics. A primary focus of this course will be real world investigations and applications.
Physics provides a conceptually based exposure to the fundamental principles and processes of the natural world. Topics to be covered include basic concepts of motion, forces, energy, heat, electricity, and the structure of matter and the universe. Upon completion, students should be able to describe examples and applications of the principles studied. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations enhance the understanding of basic physical principles and applications.
AP Latin
AP Spanish
Latin IV
Spanish IV
Honors Greek I
Apologetics offers an overview of how to explain and defend one’s Christian faith in today’s postmodern/pluralistic culture. The students will learn how to think using a Christian worldview in order to answer the common questions asked in objection to the truth claims of Christianity.
The student will learn:
Rhetoric II – students learn the history, science, and art of Rhetoric and continue to develop the skill of writing with power and grace. They gain facility in skillful interpretation and analysis of persuasive speeches (written and spoken). Students research, organize, and present information, demonstrating a mature understanding of Classical Rhetoric. They grow to appreciate the gift of communication and the responsibility of its use while they practice and grow in the ability to deliver speeches confidently.
Guiding Biblical Principles of this course:
Communication is a reality that begins with God and is displayed in much of creation. God spoke the world into existence and Jesus is the Word made flesh. He has endowed us with power in our words, too, and we must learn how to rightly wield this power. God intends that man’s thoughts and communications reflect truth, goodness, and beauty.
Students have offerings in Music, Visual and Theatre Arts. To see the full descriptions, visit our Fine Arts page here.
Chapel – every other week
Forum/Dialogue – Every other week, students attend Forum. Designed to sharpen critical thinking skills and provoke meaningful dialogue, high school students are exposed to provocative, often culturally relevant, topics such as: the fairness of minimum wage, NC House Bill 2, and whether or not we can know if we are living in a computer simulation. After attending Forum, students return to class under a guided facilitator to debate these topics (dialogue) through the lenses of both truth and faith. Lively discussion always ensues!
Electives
One of the annual requirements for course enrollment at ӰƵ Academy is that every student must take the equivalent of two full credits of Fine Arts/Electives courses. At least one full credit must be from the Fine Arts list. A single credit can be earned by taking a full-year course or two-semester courses.
Some courses are limited to certain grade levels/genders. During registration, students will be asked to select their top choices and several alternate choices. New electives are added in some years and some electives are given rest for a season and brought back in later years.
SELA (Service and Experiential Learning)
Habitat for Humanity (out-of-town trip)
Humanities II is a study of British literature from the 16th century to the 20th century through the lens of an analysis of “the Heart of Man.” Composition of essays, poetry, and a research paper is also a primary component. Historical context and philosophical ideas will serve as a structural guide to studying the literary works.
European History is an interdisciplinary study of historical, philosophical, and literary issues in Western Civilization from 1450 to the end of the 20th century. Major historical events and literary works are used as a structural guide. A distinctive feature of this course is the evaluation of the intellectual, cultural, political, diplomatic, social, and economic themes within historical time periods. Primary source readings will include influential manuscripts, letters, documents, other forms of prose, and verse of influential as well as lesser-known individuals specific to the time periods.
Algebra 2 is designed to build on algebraic and geometric concepts. It provides further development of the concept of a function. It includes mathematical concepts for relations, functions, equations and inequalities, systems of equations, advanced polynomials, imaginary and complex numbers, quadratics, and includes the study of logarithms. It also introduces matrices and their properties.
Geometry includes an in-depth analysis of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry as they relate to both abstract mathematical concepts as well as real-world problem situations. Topics include logic and proof, parallel lines and transversals, congruence and similarity, relationships of triangles and quadrilaterals, area and volume of polygons, properties of circles, right triangle analysis and basic trigonometry, and transformations using matrices. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills as they relate to logical reasoning and students will learn to construct formal logical arguments and proofs.
Chemistry has a two-fold course objective: one, to instill in each student a love of the discipline so that at the very least, students choose to pursue further science courses and two for each student to gain an understanding and appreciation for the intricate way in which God has created our world. For most tenth graders, chemistry is the first opportunity to explore God’s creation at the atomic and subatomic level. The perfection of our world is astounding when we consider the tiny size of particles and the billions of particles that compose everything we see.
Latin III
Spanish III
Ethics seeks to equip students with the ability live virtuous lives modeled after Christ and informed by Scripture and the Christian tradition.
The student will:
Rhetoric I will focus on using the skills of rhetoric to build a logical, persuasive, and effective oral argument.
Students have offerings in Music, Visual and Theatre Arts. To see the full descriptions, visit our Fine Arts page here.
Chapel – every other week
Forum/Dialogue – Every other week, students attend Forum. Designed to sharpen critical thinking skills and provoke meaningful dialogue, high school students are exposed to provocative, often culturally relevant, topics such as: the fairness of minimum wage, NC House Bill 2, and whether or not we can know if we are living in a computer simulation. After attending Forum, students return to class under a guided facilitator to debate these topics (dialogue) through the lenses of both truth and faith. Lively discussion always ensues!
Electives
One of the annual requirements for course enrollment at ӰƵ Academy is that every student must take the equivalent of two full credits of Fine Arts/Electives courses. At least one full credit must be from the Fine Arts list. A single credit can be earned by taking a full-year course or two-semester courses.
Some courses are limited to certain grade levels/genders. During registration, students will be asked to select their top choices and several alternate choices. New electives are added in some years and some electives are given rest for a season and brought back in later years.
SELA (Service and Experiential Learning)
New York City
Humanities I is an interdisciplinary study of significant historical, philosophical, social, religious, and literary events and movement in Western Civilization through the sixteenth century. In this two-semester course, students are exposed to the history and literature of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome along with European civilizations of the Middle Ages. Historical context will serve as the structural guide to the study of the literary works.
Humanities I is an interdisciplinary study of significant historical, philosophical, social, religious, and literary events and movements in Western Civilization through the sixteenth century. This class recognizes that Western Civilization is not perfect, but “that it manifests so much of the Good, True, and Beautiful whose source is our Creator. It is also the source of its own reformation.” In this two-semester course, students will track a narrative history of the Ancient Western Civilizations of Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome along with early European civilizations of the Middle Ages. As with every generation before us, we must practice prudence through the classical virtue of choosing good from evil. In this class, we will look to the generations of the past to see the ways in which they fulfilled that classical virtue, as well as the ways they failed.
Algebra I provides a formal development of the algebraic skills and concepts necessary for students to succeed in advanced courses. It includes mathematical concepts for operations with rational numbers and expressions, analyzing and solving linear equations and inequalities, data analysis, probability, statistics, exponents, proportions, and polynomials.
Geometry includes an in-depth analysis of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry as they relate to both abstract mathematical concepts as well as real-world problem situations. Topics include logic and proof, parallel lines and transversals, congruence and similarity, relationships of triangles and quadrilaterals, area and volume of polygons, properties of circles, right triangle analysis and basic trigonometry, and transformations using matrices. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills as they relate to logical reasoning and students will learn to construct formal logical arguments and proofs.
Biology is the study of living things. The course is an introductory study of life processes and organisms. Students will explore topics including ecological connections and cycles; cell structure, division, respiration, and other processes; genetics, inheritance patterns, and evolution; and organism classification, anatomy and physiology. The course uses a combination of lecture, discussion, field activities, projects and laboratory activities to communicate to students. Laboratory activities, including dissections, allow students to apply the skills of observation and analysis to concepts covered in class.
Latin II
Spanish II
Logic is the art and science of reasoning and is normally divided into two broad divisions: formal logic and informal logic. Logic II focuses on formal logic and will look at deductive reasoning in the abstract. This means that we will primarily analyze how arguments are put together – their form or structure – rather than their content or substance. This follows an intuitive and natural order when evaluating arguments: we must know what an argument is (its structure) before deciding whether we find the argument persuasive (a decision involving structure and content).
Students have offerings in Music, Visual and Theatre Arts. To see the full descriptions, visit our Fine Arts page here.
Chapel – every other week
Forum/Dialogue – Every other week, students attend Forum. Designed to sharpen critical thinking skills and provoke meaningful dialogue, high school students are exposed to provocative, often culturally relevant, topics such as: the fairness of minimum wage, NC House Bill 2, and whether or not we can know if we are living in a computer simulation. After attending Forum, students return to class under a guided facilitator to debate these topics (dialogue) through the lenses of both truth and faith. Lively discussion always ensues!
Electives
One of the annual requirements for course enrollment at ӰƵ Academy is that every student must take the equivalent of two full credits of Fine Arts/Electives courses. At least one full credit must be from the Fine Arts list. A single credit can be earned by taking a full-year course or two-semester courses.
Some courses are limited to certain grade levels/genders. During registration, students will be asked to select their top choices and several alternate choices. New electives are added in some years and some electives are given rest for a season and brought back in later years.
SELA (Service and Experiential Learning)
Local Service
This class is a component of the interdisciplinary Humanities curriculum. The course includes the study of elements of fiction in novels which illustrate imperialism, totalitarianism, democracy, revolutions, and propaganda. The course also includes instruction in persuasive writing.
8th Grade U.S. History surveys the history of the United States, from the original settlers to the Civil Rights Movement. From primary and textual readings, students will be exposed to the complexity of American History and will be challenged to think and write with care. Through primary and textual readings, students will be exposed to many cultures, traditions, and historical events that continue to shape our country today.
Algebra I provides a formal development of the algebraic skills and concepts necessary for students to succeed in advanced courses. It includes mathematical concepts for operations with rational numbers and expressions, analyzing and solving linear equations and inequalities, data analysis, probability, statistics, exponents, proportions, and polynomials.
Use numbers to represent quantities up to 20
Physical Science is intended to provide a conceptual and laboratory foundation for subsequent courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Basic scientific inquiry, including the metric system and measurements, unit conversions, significant figures, graphing, and relationships between variables are taught. These skills will be used throughout the remainder of the course topics, including forces and motion, energy and heat, the chemistry of matter, electricity, magnetism, waves and light.
Latin IB
Spanish
New Testament Survey is designed to explore the narrative of God’s redemptive work through His Son in the New Testament. The students will systematically walk through the story of the New Testament, from Jesus and His Gospel ministry to the Acts of the Apostles, and the Epistles to the church.
Logic is the art and science of reasoning and is normally divided into two broad divisions: formal logic and informal logic. Logic I looks at some elements within each type. Regarding formal logic, we examine some famous argument forms within propositional logic. Regarding informal logic, we look at the difference between arguments and nonarguments, how to structure a well-crafted argument, how to diagram arguments in prose in order to discover important logical relationships between statements, and various informal logical fallacies that appear all too often in public and political debate.
Middle School students are exposed to Studio Art, Choir, and Theatre. To see the full descriptions, visit our Fine Arts page here.
Other
Character Education – every other week
Chapel – every other week
SELA (Service and Experiential Learning)
Washington, DC
Grammar is a course designed to provide critical building blocks for successful writing and speaking. In this course, we will engage in the systematic study of grammar, building on the lessons learned in the sixth grade Humanities course.
7th Grade World History will provide students with a survey of the major events that took place in the Western world between the Middle Ages and the modern era, including changes in thought, art, and culture. Through primary and textual readings, students will be exposed to many cultures, traditions, and historical events that continue to shape our world today.
Math 7 is designed to reinforce arithmetic skills, and focus on mastery of the concepts necessary to be successful in future mathematics courses. This course includes an introduction to Pre-Algebra concepts such as variable recognition, algebraic symbolism, simplifying expressions, formulas and single variable equations, and solutions to elementary equations. Students will develop good mathematical study skills and learning strategies as an integral part of this course.
Pre-Algebra is designed to further prepare a student to transition to both Algebra and Geometry. Topics include tools for algebra and geometry, algebraic expressions, and integers, solving equations and inequalities, decimals and fractions, exponents and roots, factors, ratios, proportions and percentages, linear functions and graphing, and basic area and volume.
Use numbers to represent quantities up to 20
Life Science is an overview of living systems and covers cells and cell functions, genetics and inheritance, human body systems, ecology, and the diversity of living things on the planet. Students will be exposed to the characteristics, processes, classification, and interactions of living things. Students will be involved in general learning skills of observation, reasoning, analyzing data, various experimental techniques and communication.
Latin
Old Testament Survey is designed to explore the narrative of God’s redemptive work through the nation of Israel and give students an introduction to the Bible as a cohesive story that speaks into our modern- day lives.
our Fine Arts page here.
Other – Semester Courses:
Grammar is a course designed to provide critical building blocks for successful writing and speaking. In this course, we will engage in the systematic study of grammar, building on the lessons learned in the sixth grade Humanities course.
Technology I gives students a basic knowledge in using computers and related technology. Students will learn and practice proper typing skills throughout the course. While the course will be largely project-based, there will be some direct instruction regarding basic computer hardware, internet safety and etiquette, and basic computer skills.
Character Education – every other week
Chapel – every other week
Grammar is a course designed to provide critical building blocks for successful writing and speaking. In this course, we will engage in the systematic study of grammar, building on the lessons learned in the sixth grade Humanities course.
Technology I gives students a basic knowledge in using computers and related technology. Students will learn and practice proper typing skills throughout the course. While the course will be largely project-based, there will be some direct instruction regarding basic computer hardware, internet safety and etiquette, and basic computer skills.
Character Education – every other week
Chapel – every other week
SELA (Service and Experiential Learning)
ӰƵ intentionally approaches the unique place sixth grade plays in a student’s development. Sixth graders are caught between childhood and adolescence, and as such, ӰƵ has designed a program that fosters positive growth during these pre-teen years. Sixth grade is a hybrid experience where students rotate through three academic classrooms instead of one self-contained class. This approach helps students prepare for Upper School where they will switch classes for every subject. This facilitates a seamless transition between the Lower and Upper School by bringing in new elements of the Upper School while maintaining the foundation of the Lower School.
The Language Arts are comprised of four key elements: grammar, writing, literature, and public speaking. Teachers work purposefully to integrate these elements whenever possible. Exceptional literature pieces present students with quality content to analyze, absorb, and enjoy, while a strong grammar program focuses on building the foundational skills necessary for clear, thoughtful writing.
Sixth grade student literature selections include, The Bronze Bow, The Golden Goblet, Robin Hood, and The Hobbit.
Students are taught one grade level above their current grade. They are presented with a series of daily lessons, each followed by a set of 20-30 problems. Each problem set reviews lessons that have been previously taught as well as practicing new skills. Continual practice allows fundamental skills and concepts to be reviewed throughout the year. As a result, students achieve a deeper understanding and successful retention of the material. This is an important bridge year, taking the student from the emphasis on calculation in lower elementary to a more applications-based approach to prepare them for higher levels of mathematical thinking.
Incoming Sixth Grade students should know:
Mathematical language related to the four basic operations (e.g. factors, product, dividend, divisor, quotient)
Place value through hundred trillion
How to use a number line
How to use the coordinate plane (x-axis and y-axis, quadrants, locating a point using coordinates)
GCF (Greatest Common Factor) and LCD (Lowest Common Denominator)
Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Fractions
Basic conversions – ounces to pounds, inches to feet, feet to yards, cups/pints/quarts/gallons, and prefixes for meter/gram/liter (kilo to milli)
Long division
Multiplication facts 0-12
Classification of Quadrilaterals (trapezoid, etc.)
Order of Operations
How to use a ruler, protractor, and compass
Improper fractions and mixed numbers (and converting between)
Dividing and reducing fractions
Ratio word problems
Students develop a love and reverence for God’s Word as they study Colossians, the Parables, and the book of Acts. They also explore the setting of God’s Story through chronology and His promises. They also explore the New Testament letters.
Sixth grade students study ancient world civilizations from Mesopotamia to the Middle Ages. A cyclical approach to history is woven throughout a student’s years at ӰƵ so that every three years or so students repeat historical eras while going deeper into the subject as they age. Attention is also given to the geography of the areas studied.
Historical studies include:
Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Greece
Roman Republic
Lower Middle Ages
Ancient India
Ancient Africa
Sixth grade students spend their year exploring Earth and Space. They engage in labs and large-scale projects to further their understanding of the scientific method and the principles of science. The topics include Rocks &Minerals, Weather and Climate, Our Universe, Plate tectonics and mapping, and The Scientific Method and Theory.
Great attention is given to hands-on learning, experiments, guest speakers, and field trips. Students participate in PE, Art (with a Middle School teacher), Latin, and Music (with a Lower School teacher). On Wednesdays, 6th grade participates in Lower School Chapel and a special 6th grade Character Education class (boys with male staff, and girls with female staff). In lieu of Character Ed, 6th grade may participate in Lower School Assembly for special events.
Sixth grade students are eligible for Middle School athletic teams.
Students entering fifth grade are eager to learn and have fun. Using classical methods such as memory work, songs, chants, and Socratic question and answer, students enjoy learning in a way that includes all learning styles and suits the fifth grader’s age and disposition.
At this stage of a student’s development, we focus on the four key elements of Language Arts: grammar, writing, literature, and public speaking. Teachers work purposefully to integrate these elements whenever possible. Exceptional literature pieces present students with quality content to analyze, absorb, and enjoy, while a strong grammar program focuses on building the foundational skills necessary for clear, thoughtful writing. As students work towards writing a Research Paper, they learn the 8 parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. Some of the literature selections the students read include:
The Silver Chair
The Queen’s Smuggler
The Spy for the Night Riders
Soft Rain
The Sign of the Beaver
Moccasin Trail
Students are taught one grade level above their current grade and are introduced to new concepts in small increments, and then do a daily review of all concepts learned to that point.
Concept and skill development through hands-on instruction and practice:
Multiplication and division facts (0-12)
Understand mathematical language related to the four basic operations (e.g. factors, product, dividend, divisor, quotient)
Place value through hundred trillions
How to use a number line
How to use the coordinate plane (x-axis and y-axis, quadrants, locating a point using coordinates
Understanding GCF (Greatest Common Factor) and LCD (Lowest Common Denominator)
Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Fractions
Basic conversions – ounces to pounds, inches to feet, feet to yards, cups/pints/quarts/gallons, and prefixes for meter/gram/liter (kilo to milli)
More practice with long division – many students still struggle at the beginning of the year
More practice with long division – many students still struggle at the beginning of the year
Memorize (within 3-second response) multiplication facts 0-12
Classifying Quadrilaterals (trapezoid, etc.)
Order of Operations (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally)
How to use a ruler, protractor, and compass
Improper fractions and mixed numbers (and converting between)
Dividing and reducing fractions
Ratio word problems
Students develop a love and reverence for God’s Word and specifically explore and study the main themes of 1 Peter, the book of Daniel, and the Sermon on the Mount.
Students in fifth grade start the year studying the eras of the Renaissance and the Reformation, and then transition to American History, focusing on Westward Expansion and the Civil War.
Capstone experiences include:
Living Wax Museum
Civil War focused field trip to Pamplin Park in Petersburg, VA
In fifth grade, emphasis is placed on physical science where students study:
Energy
Energy
Electricity
Forces in motion
Matter
Waves
The last quarter of the year switches gears as Life Science takes a front seat when students learn about cells and human body systems.
In addition to one daily recess, fifth grade students also enjoy classes taught by specialists in music, Latin, P.E., and art.
The fourth-grade program focuses on reading and studying literature and reading to learn from textbooks and resource materials. Reading comprehension strategies and skills are reinforced, and students receive training in fluency and expression. Good literature is also used to inspire a love of reading and enable students to become thoughtful, critical readers who are learning how to apply biblical principles to what they read.
Some of the literature they read are Wright Brothers, Prince Caspian, Door in the Wall, Phoebe the Spy, and Jr. Great Books. Students also focus on the linking verbs connecting predicate nouns, complex sentences, dependent and independent clauses, and 5-paragraph essays.
Students are taught one grade level above their current grade. Students learn foundational concepts through songs, rhymes, and hands on activities, including:
Addition and subtraction with regrouping – whole numbers
Multi-digit multiplication – whole numbers
Long division – whole numbers
Addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators
How to simplify fractions
Students should be able to:
Have a working knowledge and speed in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts (1-12)
Multiply 2-digit by 2-digit numbers
Students develop a love and reverence for God’s Word as they:
Understand the literary, cultural, and geographical dimensions of the Bible
Recall people and places from the Old Testament stories of Israel in the time of the Judges until the exile.
Place major events in chronological order on a timeline
Locate and identify important places on a map of the Holy Land
Locate and identify important places on a map of the Holy Land
Know how to locate books and verses in the Bible
History and geography are integrated to support the student’s natural curiosity about the world and his or her place in it. The focus will be on fostering spatial sense, comprehension of the physical processes that shape human life and civilization, the relationship between place and culture, and a comparison of cultures. Students will study North Carolina state history and the American Revolution. Students research and present on a Notable North Carolinian, enjoy Narnia Day, and visit the NC State Capital and Old Salem.
Students will engage in scientific thinking and actions that will foster a love for God and His creation through the study of Earth Science, Space, and Technology.
In addition to two daily recesses, 4th grade students also enjoy classes by specialists in music, Latin, P.E., and Art. They also celebrate theme days and field trips throughout the year.
Students entering third grade are eager to learn and have fun. Using classical methods such as memory work, songs, chants, and Socratic question and answer, students enjoy learning in a way that includes all learning styles and suits the third grader’s age and disposition.
The third-grade Language Arts program shifts from guided reading and leveled readers to reading and studying literature and reading to learn from trade books. Students learn reading comprehension strategies and skills and receive training in fluency and expression. They view a variety of different reading genres as they learn that books are written for different purposes.
Some of the books they read are E.B. White selections, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Students also focus on the parts of speech, direct and indirect objects, and capitalization and punctuation.
Students are taught one grade level above their current grade. Students learn foundational concepts through songs, rhymes, and hands on activities, including:
Mastery of addition and subtraction facts – (0-20)
Mastery of multiplication facts (0-9)
Counting by multiples of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (ex: 7, 14, 21, etc.)
Identifying coins and their value (penny, nickel, dime, quarter). Basic decimals.
Basic regrouping with addition and subtraction
Expanded form (1,245: 1,000 + 200 + 40 + 5)
Time concepts (30 minutes = one- half hour; 60 minutes = one hour; 60 seconds = one minute)
Making fractions from models or pictures
Know the months of the year
3rd graders will learn about individual Old Testament Bible characters to see how God’s people and their leaders were interlinked in the plan for salvation. They student Genesis to Joshua in the Old Testament and Matthew in the New Testament. Students recognize the Bible as God’s inspired and inerrant Word, recognize God’s faithfulness to His promised to Israel and the church throughout time, and locate and identify important places on a map of the Holy Land.
History and geography are integrated to support the student’s natural curiosity about the world and his or her place in it. The focus will be on fostering spatial sense, comprehension of the physical processes that shape human life and civilization, the relationship between place and culture, and a comparison of cultures. Students will interact with the material through projects, stories, poetry, reenactments, pageants, and writing as they study Vikings, Explorers, the Middle Ages, the Thirteen Colonies, and US Geography.
Students will engage in scientific thinking and actions that will foster a love for God and His creation through the study of Life Science specifically in the Animal Kingdom and plants. 3rd graders also learn about and monitor the ӰƵ Academy Bluebird Trail in the Spring.
In addition to two daily recesses, 3rd grade students also enjoy classes by specialists in music, Latin, P.E., and Art. They also celebrate two theme days during the year: Charlotte’s Web Day and Narnia Day.
Students entering 2nd grade are eager to learn and have fun. Using classical methods such as memory work, songs, chants, and Socratic question and answer, students enjoy learning in a way that includes all learning styles and suits the 2nd grader’s age and disposition.
The language arts, including, reading, spelling, grammar, and writing are treated as an integrated subject. Improved fluency, speed, accuracy, and comprehension of reading materials are the main goals. Students continue mastering the 71 phonograms, read chapter books and write 2-point paragraphs, friendly letters, thank you notes, and diagram simple sentences.
Students are taught one grade level above their current grade. Students learn foundational concepts through songs, rhymes, and hands on activities, including:
Use numbers to represent quantities up to 100,000
Read and create bar graphs, line graphs and pictographs
Tell time
Addition and subtraction facts to 18
Add and subtract fractions
Identify whole, halves, thirds, fourths, and eighths
Division facts up to 10
Show change for $1.00, $5.00, $10.00
2nd graders will learn about individual Old Testament Bible characters to see how God’s people and their leaders were interlinked in the plan for salvation. They will learn the purpose and importance of the Bible, be able to place Biblical events in chronological order, do an Old Testament overview, and in in-depth look at Jesus’ ministry. They will memorize and recite scripture from the Old and New Testament.
History and geography are integrated to support the student’s natural curiosity about the world and his or her place in it. The focus will be on fostering spatial sense, comprehension of the physical processes that shape human life and civilization, the relationship between place and culture, and a comparison of cultures. Students will interact with the material through projects, stories, poetry, reenactments, and writing. They will study the ancient kingdoms of Rome, Africa, and India. They will study World Geography.
Students will engage in scientific thinking and actions that will foster a love for God and His creation through the study of weather, the Solar System, dinosaurs, and insects.
In addition to two daily recesses, 2nd grade students also enjoy classes by specialists in music, Latin, P.E., and Art. They also celebrate two theme days during the year: Ancient Roman Day and Insect Day.
Students entering first grade are eager to learn and have fun. Using classical methods such as memory work, songs, chants, and Socratic question and answer, students enjoy learning in a way that includes all learning styles and suits the first grader’s age and disposition.
The language arts, including phonics, reading, spelling, grammar, and writing are treated as an integrated subject. 1ST grade students master the sound/symbol relationships of 71 phonograms and employ that knowledge during authentic reading and writing experiences.
Students are taught one grade level above their current grade. Students learn foundational concepts through songs, rhymes, and hands on activities, including:
Use numbers to represent quantities up to 1000
Tell and show time
Money values and making change
Addition and subtraction facts 0-12
Identify polygons
Identify polygons
Identify and create lines of symmetry
Use a calendar to identify dates, days of the weeks and months
Read and make simple graphs
1st graders will learn about individual Old Testament Bible characters to see how God’s people and their leaders were interlinked in the plan for salvation. They will learn the purpose and importance of the Bible, be able to place Biblical events in chronological order, and memorize many key passages.
History and geography are integrated to support the student’s natural curiosity about the world and his or her place in it. The focus will be on fostering spatial sense, comprehension of the physical processes that shape human life and civilization, the relationship between place and culture, and a comparison of cultures. They will study the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Aztecs, Mayans, Greece, China, and Japan.
Students will engage in scientific thinking and actions that will foster a love for God and His creation through the topics of animals and physical science.
In addition to two daily recesses, 1st grade students also enjoy classes by specialists in music, Latin, P.E., and Art. They also celebrate two theme days during the year: Chinese New Year and Folk Tale Day.
Students entering Kindergarten are eager to learn and have fun. Using classical methods such as memory work, songs, chants, and Socratic question and answer, students enjoy learning in a way that includes all learning styles and suits their age and disposition.
Kindergarteners will develop the important skills of phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, alphabetizing, handwriting, and reading fluency through explicit and systematic instruction.
Phonics: We teach 71 phonograms (symbols that represent sounds) in the Writing and Spelling Road to Reading and Thinking by the Riggs Institute AKA “Riggs”.
Literature books and read-aloud
Students are taught one grade level above their current grade. Students learn foundational concepts through songs, rhymes, and hands on activities, including:
Use numbers to represent quantities up to 20
Identify coins and values
Write number sentences
Identify repeating shape patterns
Compare and order lengths
Name and order days of the week and months of the year
Organize data for a picture graph
Solve addition and subtraction story problems
Addition and subtraction facts 0-10
Kindergarteners will learn about God through the lives of major characters throughout the Bible. Stories and lessons highlight biblical doctrines, scriptural principles, and character traits. Activities such as, scripture memorization, music, prayer, and role-playing will help students comprehend and apply Biblical truths. Students will memorize key passages as well as Bible verses that correlate with weekly lesson plans.
Students engage in the basic understanding of the history of the United States that helps provide a foundation for later study. Focus is on basic geography, symbols, holidays, and important people.
Students memorize a speech containing facts about a US President and present the oration dressed as that President. Students sing: This is My Country and a song that has all the Presidents in order. It is the biggest production of the year!
Kindergarten students will engage in scientific thinking and actions that will foster a love for God and His creation through the topics of plants, insects, animals, climate, and weather.
In addition to two daily recesses, Kindergarten students also enjoy classes by specialists in music, Latin, P.E., and Art.
Adopt A Senior
Each Kindergarten class ‘adopts’ seniors from our Upper School each year. The seniors play at recess, eat lunch with the class, read to the class, and spend time with students in many other ways. In turn, the kindergarteners will seek to bless their seniors through cards, prayer, attending games/concerts, and many other ways
Kindergarden
Each class tends a garden bed behind the Lower School building, working with their hands to explore God’s creation.
Nature Walks
ӰƵ’s campus has 38 acres of beautiful land for classes to explore. Kindergarteners walk the trails on the cross-country course, explore the low ropes course, and sit by the lake.
Class Mascot – Tar/Lexi/Stripes
Students are responsible for the mascot’s care over the weekend and get to record their adventures with their tiger cub. They send in pictures and present to the class.