Elementary

A solid foundation is essential for the construction of a stable and enduring building. In the same way, a solid educational foundation is essential for a life of learning. Grace Christian School’s Kindergarten program provides a strong base - socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually - for a child’s entire education. Guided by Christian teachers, children are encouraged to develop disciplined learning habits, positive social skills, and Christ-like attitudes and values. At Grace Christian School, Kindergarten is the foundation for a Christian education that teaches the heart, builds Godly character and integrity, instills a love of learning, and develops leadership skills.  

Bible (A Beka)
The curriculum includes Bible memory and application of Bible stories and truths. Bible memory includes one verse for every letter of the alphabet (A-Z), and two longer passages, Psalm 139:13-18 (October; You are Special) and Psalm 23 (May; Growing up to follow Jesus). We also have a different Biblically driven theme woven into each month:

• August/September - What Would Jesus Do?
• October - You are Special
• November - Thankfulness
• December - Christmas
• January-May - Young Readers’ Bible/Growing up to Follow Jesus

 

Reading and Language Arts (Saxon)
Developing minds and imaginations to comprehend and communicate in Christ and His word.

• Phonetic Awareness
• Handwriting
• Speaking Fluency and Vocabulary
• Listening
• Frequent Assessing

 

Math (Saxon)
Preparing students to enjoy and appreciate God’s design, order and steadfastness through integrating biblical and mathematical principles.

• Number Skills: sequencing and counting
• Geometry: shapes, measuring and designs
• Movement and song for number formation
• Coins
• Patterns
• Graphing
• Days of the week, months and year

 

Social Studies (Supplemental)
Instilling a love of history through understanding people, places, cultures, and events by recognizing God’s hand in them.

• Community helpers
• Significant historical figures and events
• Presidents
• Veterans and patriotism
• Alaska and Iditarod
• The first Thanksgiving
• Martin Luther King
• Columbus

 

Science (Centers-based)
Marveling at God’s amazing revelation of Himself through the diligent study of His creation.

• Weather and seasons
• Our bodies
• Fire safety
• Five senses
• Magnets
• Animals
• Seeds
• Seashore

 

Co-Curricular
Kindergartners have Art every other week, Physical Education and Library once each week, and Music twice per week. We also have a special time of reading with sixth grade “Book Buddies” once a week. Chapel is attended weekly on Wednesdays.  

First grade at Grace Christian School is both rigorous and Christian based. Students are taught reading and writing with an explicit and systematic phonics approach. Bible instruction is infused throughout the day and is used to build Christian character and integrity.  

Bible (Purposeful Design)
The curriculum includes Bible memory and the application of Bible stories and truths. Bible is infused throughout each day, and we incorporate weekly Chapels on Wednesdays to anchor our Bible curriculum. It teaches that the Bible is God’s word and encourages students to apply their Bible knowledge to their daily lives.  

Reading and Language Arts (Saxon Phonics and Spelling)
Through the rigorous Saxon curriculum, students will develop skills in the areas of phonemic awareness, reading and comprehension, and phonemic coding to assist in reading and spelling.

• Phonemic Awareness
• Fluency
• Handwriting
• Vocabulary Development
• Comprehension
• Writing Skills

 

Math (Saxon)
First grade students will continue with the rigorous Saxon math curriculum.

• Addition and subtraction facts
• Story problems
• Geometry
• Patterns
• Measurement
• Ordinal numbers
• Continued exploration in Time, Money and Fractions

 

Social Studies (Heritage Series by Bob Jones)
Highlights include:

• Bible History
• Martin Luther King and other important historical figures
• Presidents
• Native Americans

 

Science (Bob Jones)
Through the Bob Jones curriculum we engage students in investigating, observing and thinking about the created world.

• Mammals
• Fish
• Insects
• Human body
• Movement
• Teeth
• Seasons
• Space

 

Co-Curricular
First graders attend Art and Library once a week, and Physical Education and Music twice per week. Chapel is attended weekly on Wednesdays.  

Second grade students at Grace Christian School continue learning core principles such as phonics, decoding, as well as silent and oral reading. The goal at the end of the year is to have confident, fluent readers who are comprehending what they read. Games, manipulatives, board work and daily practice sheets are key components in our math program. Methods used for teaching and practicing are direct instruction, partnering and small group learning opportunities. For history and science we use a culmination of learning avenues such as field trips, research, guest speakers and hands on projects.  

Bible (Purposeful Design)
In Bible, our second graders learn through a variety of Bible stories and non -fiction mini-biographies about God’s sovereignty and unending love for all people. The year begins in Genesis and we study: Creation, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and several Old Testament stories. We conclude the year with the life of Christ.  

Reading and Language Arts (Bob Jones and Saxon)
One of the goals in second grade is to inspire our learners to develop a love of reading and writing. The students will engage in numerous activities:

• Direct instruction
• Reading aloud
• Buddy reading
• Independent reading
• Small group reading
• Book reports and projects
• Oral presentations
• Word work
• Journaling and letter writing
• Dictation
• Decodable readers
• Capitalization and punctuation
• Sentence structure
• Types of writing (letter, journal, report, poetry)
• Vocabulary building

 

Math (Saxon)
Second graders continue to study foundational math facts and skill building. Specific areas of study include:

• Numbers and graphing
• Addition and subtraction
• Place value and patterns to 100
• Money and time
• Two digit addition and subtraction
• Numbers to 1,000
• Measurement
• Geometry and fractions
• Multiplication and division
• Story problems
• Number comparisons
• Temperature

 

Social Studies (Bob Jones)
Second grade students at Grace Christian School dive into how early America was developed. We also celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s contributions to equality. In the spring, we research our nation’s presidents and how they shaped our country. Field trips are also a part of our second grade history experience.  

Science (Bob Jones)
In science, second grade students experience both hands-on and researched based opportunities for learning. Various field trips are also a part of our authentic learning model. Our studies include:

• Biology
• Earth science
• Light
• Matter
• Physics

 

Co-Curricular
Second graders attend Art and Library once a week, and Physical Education and Music twice per week. Chapel is attended weekly on Wednesdays.

Third grade at Grace is the beginning of a new era as students transition from primary to upper elementary. This includes an introduction to textbooks, developing study skills, and fostering habits of independent organization and responsibility to develop college ready scholars. The major milestones tackled in third grade include cursive, multiplication facts, American History, Wax Museum and a Charlotte’s Web novel study. Third grade is the first year for standard academic grades (A-F format) instead of the E, S, N letter grade scale.  

Bible (Bob Jones)
Biblical disciples are developed through intentional Biblical instruction. Areas of focus include:

• Bible Memory Passages
• Creation
• Exodus and the Israelites
• Elijah and Elisha
• Christ’s life, death and resurrection
• Parables of Christ
• Missionary Story: “Escape”

 

Reading and Language Arts (Bob Jones and Step Up to Writing)
Third graders at Grace Christian School are expected to become fluent, independent readers and writers. Areas of focus include:

• Daily required reading
• Reading comprehension (short stories and novels)
• Writing: multi-paragraph pieces, poetry, and sentences
• Grammar: parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, and diagramming
• Phonics
• Spelling

 

Math (Saxon)
Third grade students use a rigorous curriculum to master mathematical concepts. Areas of focus include:

• Addition and subtraction
• Multiplication and division
• Place value
• Time/calendar
• Money
• Fractions
• Story problems and problem solving strategies
• Graphs
• Simple geometry
• Measurement (distance, liquid, dry)

 

Social Studies (Heritage Series by Bob Jones)
Third graders focus on American History through engaging projects intentional study. Areas of focus include:

• Discovering of America through American Civil War
• American History Wax Museum
• American Geography

 

Science (Bob Jones)
Science at the third grade level is exploratory and hands on. Areas of focus include:

• Animal classification
• Plants
• Ecosystems
• Matter
• Sound
• Energy
• Weather
• Solar system
• Skin

 

Technology
Third grade students are introduced to various technological tools. Areas of focus include:

• Guided sessions in the computer lab
• Keyboarding skills
• Introduction to Google Docs
• Academic, computer based applications

 

Co-Curricular
Third graders attend Art and Library once a week, and Physical Education and Music twice per week. Chapel is attended weekly on Wednesdays.  

Fourth grade is such a great age. Just like “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man,” (Luke 2:52) such is the growth taking place in this age group of children. The physical, emotional, developmental, social, and spiritual growth at this age is immense. One of the best parts of the fourth grade experience is the emphasis put into shepherding the kids to develop their “own” faith life. Modeling for them and letting them experience time spent in the Scriptures and with their God in prayer alone and with their peers is a focal point of their spiritual journey throughout the year. Seeing the students start to apply their memory verses to their lives, not just say them and forget them, is an amazing sight. It is a joy watching them grow from concrete to more abstract learners and thinkers in a classroom filled with intentional biblical integration and a variety of learning styles being met. Seeing students grow socially and develop relationships with their peers, despite differences and disagreements, too, is heart-warming. Fourth grade is a pivotal year and it is with great pride the fourth grade teachers passionately seek to disciple and teach each uniquely individual student.  

Bible (Bob Jones)
Fourth grade Biblical disciples are developed through intentional Biblical instruction. Areas of focus include:

• Memory curriculum
• Attributes of God
• Bible study and prayer
• Christmas and Easter
• Contentment
• Christ and His people (Acts the Church)

 

Reading and Language Arts (Bob Jones, A Beka, and Step Up to Writing)
Grace Christian School fourth graders are offered a rigorous reading and language arts curriculum to strengthen their academic skills. Areas of focus include:

• Basal reader
• Novel units
• Read alouds
• Report writing

 

Math (Saxon)
Fourth grade students will continue with sequential and rigorous mathematical instruction to develop critical thinking skills. Areas of focus include:

• Review of addition and subtraction
• Money
• Clocks
• Place value
• Multiplication
• Division
• Fractions
• Decimals
• Measurement (standard and metric)
• Problem solving
• Daily fact practice
• Operation
• Algebra exposure
• Geometry
• Probability

 

Social Studies (A Beka)
A Biblical worldview is developed as fourth grade students study American and Alaskan history and geography. Areas of focus include:

• American Revolution
• Government
• Westward Expansion
• Civil War
• Alaska Studies Unit

 

Science (Bob Jones)
Through hands on activities and explorative learning, students will develop a Biblical and scientific understanding of God’s creation. Areas of focus include:

• Living things
• Forces and machines
• Plants
• Water and oceans
• Human body (digestive, bones and muscles)
• Science Fair Project

 

Technology
Fourth grade students are encouraged to safely explore digital tools for the purpose of gaining knowledge. Areas of focus include:

• Guided sessions in the computer lab
• Keyboarding skills
• Continued instruction in Google Docs and academic, computer based applications

 

Co-Curricular
Fourth graders attend Art and Library once a week, and Physical Education and Music twice per week. Chapel is attended weekly on Wednesdays.

Fifth grade is a rigorous and exciting academic program that focuses on preparing students for independent learning in the middle school grades. Study skills are emphasized throughout the fifth grade curriculum, particularly test-taking strategies, outlining, mapping, and memorization techniques. Students are introduced to a variety of genres as they delve into novel unit studies. Literary elements such as figurative language, author’s tone, theme and conflict are emphasized in reading. The writing process is enhanced by routine instruction in grammar, language mechanics, spelling and word building. As a culmination to the fifth grade language arts program, students will write, illustrate and publish their own fiction stories. In mathematics, students are expected to be fluent in their basic math facts and growing math vocabulary. Comprehensive math instruction extends their computation and reasoning skills. In social studies, students study ancient civilizations and world geography, where they create their own landform maps, design a Mesopotamian game, and complete an Egyptian project. In science, students focus on ecology and how to be good stewards of the earth God has created. Not only will students learn about the scientific method, they will plan design, and present a science fair project.  

Growing Responsibility and Leadership
Fifth grade is a journey of independence and responsibility. As students enter the door of their classroom on the first day of school, they embark on this exciting journey by organizing the tools that will help them be successful scholars. New homework policies are established, parents step back and loosen their control, and fifth graders are now expected to grow in independence, to take ownership of their actions, and to be responsible citizens of the classroom. The development of leadership is evident through student led participation in chapel, devotions, morning announcements, Jr. Teacher-Assistant training, Book Buddies, Speech Meet, Spelling Bee, Math Olympics, Geography Bee, and classroom presentations.  

Bible (Purposeful Design)
Through daily devotions and prayers, students begin to take ownership of their faith with Jesus Christ as their personal savior, recognizing His leading of their lives, and applying His teachings in their personal lives. Students develop the H.A.B.I.T (Have a set time, Ask God, Be still and attentive, Investigate Scripture, Take time to understand) of spending a daily quiet time in God’s Word. Chapel is a particularly uplifting experience as the students spend time as a school worshiping together through songs, readings, guest speakers and activities. The Bible curriculum includes a study of both Old and New Testaments, heroes of the faith, and application stories. God’s Word is set in their hearts as students memorize key Scripture verses each quarter, as well as reviewing the books of the Old and New Testaments. Students examine the cycle of sin, repentance, and forgiveness as it occurs in the Old Testament stories. Opportunities arise to support high school mission trips through donations of supplies, the preparation of materials, and specific prayers for each mission and student. Specific Areas of Study:

• God’s Judgement and Grace
• My Body, God’s Temple
• Building Godly Character
• Being Holy
• Obedience
• Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Mini Units

 

Reading and Language Arts
(Purposeful Design Spelling, Bob Jones, Easy Grammar, and Novel Unit Studies) The Language Arts curriculum is comprised of several elements including spelling, reading, writing, and grammar. Fifth graders work on understanding and practicing good writing habits. Several book reports are assigned throughout the year, as well as a variety of writing forms. Reading objectives include fostering an enjoyment and appreciation of reading, developing higher level thinking skills, and building skills needed for lifelong learning. Students use a variety of reading strategies to comprehend informational text, formulate higher level thinking techniques, and participate in group discussions about text. In reading, students study a selection of novels from the following: The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth Speare, The 21 Ballons by William Pene du Bois , The Bridge by Jerri Massi, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, The Cay by Theodore Taylor , and The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. Students use their experience from reading to enhance their biblical worldview. In addition, public speaking continues to be fine-tuned, cumulating in the ACSI Speech Meet in February. Specific areas of study include:

• Grammar-parts of speech
• Study and Reference Skills
• Verbs- types and tenses
• Fact or Opinion
• Language Mechanics
• Pre-writing and Writing Strategies
• Context Vocabulary and Decoding Skills
• Types of Writing- (fables, descriptive, expository, persuasive, reflective, compare/contrast, poetry)
• Literal and Inferred Meaning
• Editing Skills
• Greek and Latin Roots
• Prefixes and Suffixes
• Reading Across Genres
• Main idea, Setting, Plot and Climax
• Public Speaking
• Author’s Point of View and Voice
• Literary Elements
• Figurative Language

 

Math (Saxon)
Saxon math is a solid, highly-structured curriculum. The instructional program is consistent, comprehensive, fast-moving, and engaging. Daily math facts dirlls, mental math strategies, problem-solving techniques and algorithms are part of the instruction. Math Club is offered to students who wish to enrich their knowledge base and to explore upper level math concepts and problem solving. ACSI Math Olympics is a competition that challenges students who are sold in their computation and reasoning math skills. Specific areas of study include:

• Sequencing and Patterns
• Rounding of Rational Numbers
• Math Expressions
• Algorithms
• Fraction, Decimal, Percent Equivalents
• Fraction Computation
• Decimal Computation
• Order of Operations
• Writing Equations
• Averages
• Graphing Data
• Number Lines and Integers
• Math Vocabulary
• Powers
• Basic Geometry
• Coordinate Plane

 

Social Studies (A Beka Old World History and Geography)
The study of ancient history begins with the creation of Adam and Eve, and continues through the Old World to show what man has done with the time God has given him. Students are exposed to the ancient and modern worlds through Christian eyes. Appreciating the developments and inventions of each culture allows students to see how God has blessed the progress of mankind. The study of geography includes an appreciation of the world God has created as well as an understanding of how the geography of a region affects its development in history. Some of the fun activities include creating their own island, Latin Day, and designing their own coat of arms. Specific Areas of Study:

• Ancient Mesopotamia
• Ancient and Modern China
• Ancient and Modern Middle East
• Ancient and Modern India
• Ancient Egypt
• Ancient Rome
• Ancient Greece
• Types of Government
• The Middle Ages
• Missionaries/Christian heroes
• Continents and Oceans
• Bodies of Water
• Mountains, Deserts, Rainforests
• Landforms
• Climate Zones, Savannas
• States and Capitals

 

Science (Bob Jones)
Fifth grade students learn to decipher between a humanistic worldview and a Biblical worldview of science. Students learn about the nature of God through reading the biblical-based text, class discussions, activities, guest speakers, field trips, and experiments. After the scientific method is learned and practiced, students will plan, design, and present a science fair project. Students put their knowledge of ecosystems to practice, as they participate in their Kenai Fjords Jr. Explorer’s Program in Resurrection Bay. Specific areas of study include:

• Minerals and Rocks
• Fossils and Dinosaurs
• Biomes
• Interactions in an Ecosystem
• Changes in an Ecosystem
• Sound and Light
• Matter
• Energy and Heat
• Respiratory System
• Circulatory System

 

Technology
Fifth grade students are encouraged to safely explore digital tools for the purpose of gaining knowledge. Areas of focus include:

• Guided sessions in the computer lab
• Keyboarding skills
• Continued instruction in Google Docs and academic, computer based applications

 

Co-Curricular
Fifth graders attend Art and Library once a week, and Physical Education and Music twice per week. Chapel is attended weekly on Wednesdays.

Sixth Grade at Grace is a time of developing leaders and students who exhibit responsibility in both academia and spirituality. It is a year of growing and stretching. We bridge the gap between elementary and junior high/high school. Growing in areas of organization and independence are both integral to our program. We also encourage our sixth graders to reach out into the community by being actively involved in ministry to needy people in our community, by sending teams bi-weekly to the Downtown Soup Kitchen to serve those in need. Sixth graders at Grace also lead worship and mentor kindergarten buddies during our elementary chapel. By building a community of leaders, they are set up for success in the coming years. The culmination of the year is our Sixth Grade Outdoor Education experience, where we work together with school, home and church to build lifelong learners that are independent and ready to face each challenge with confidence. Our sixth graders are working on mastery in their core subjects Our classes are separated by subject. The students switch classes each class period to better prepare them for middle school and to provide greater mastery in these subject areas. Students are allowed the opportunity to play in a band or choose a smaller ensemble which includes choral and rhythm instruments.  

Bible (Purposeful Design)
Sixth graders use Bible verses for memory and reflection. We engage students in worship, daily prayer, Bible study and actively reading the Word of God. We put an emphasis on application of scripture to daily life choices which enhances the integrity driven culture of the classroom. We also engage in gender specific Bible studies weekly allowing more focus on the unique needs of developing teens as they step into this next challenging phase of their lives.  

Math (Saxon)
Math lessons focus on integrating strands with incremental learning through distributed units of instruction. All lessons include review, instruction of new concepts, guided practice, independent practice with review and applied learning of new concepts. Math instruction groups are differentiated to provide a greater level of success and mastery for all learners. Specific areas of content covered throughout the sixth grade school year include the following:

• Number and Operations
• Algebra
• Problem Solving
• Geometry
• Measurement
• Data Analysis and Probability

 

Language Arts (Bob Jones)
Sixth Grade language arts involves an integration of writing, speaking, listening, and reading. All students will read fluently at grade level or higher. They are expected to think critically about the four novels that are read in sixth grade. Students will use well-written text to improve personal writing skills. Each student’s spelling and vocabulary will be increased both by learning the Latin and Greek roots and better understanding the use of phonemes in the English language. Students will practice proper punctuation throughout all subject areas, they will develop basic skills for writing good paragraphs and excellent sentences. Descriptive, expository, persuasive, compare contrast, poetry, and creative writing will all be practiced during this year. Conventions, including editing and rewriting skills are addressed daily. Students are encouraged to use technology as a tool to increase writing and research skills in order to be better prepared for both learning and leading in the 21st century.  

Social Studies (A Beka)
We study the exploration and development of the western hemisphere from creation until the present. Student will be able to identify major countries, land and water formations, and understand the development of North America. They will deepen their understanding of the concepts of democracy and freedom in relation to the development of United States as a country. They will also be able to identify the influences of God and freedom of religion in the progression of the western world.  

Science (Bob Jones)
Bob Jones University science curriculum focuses on developing a knowledge of God, promoting scientific literacy and developing scientific processing skills. The units covered during the sixth grade school year include:

• Cells & Classification
• Animal Classification
• Heredity and Genetics
• Nervous System
• Plant and Animal Reproduction
• Immune System
• Stars
• The Solar System

 

Technology
Sixth grade students are encouraged to safely explore digital tools for the purpose of gaining knowledge. Areas of focus include:

• Guided sessions in the computer lab
• Keyboarding skills
• Continued instruction in Google Docs and academic, computer based applications

 

Co-Curricular
Sixth graders attend Art and Library once a week, and Physical Education and Music twice per week. Chapel is attended weekly on Wednesdays.