Kindergarten
The elementary program begins in kindergarten with both full-day and half-day options providing a nurturing environment that addresses the needs of the whole child. Emphasis is given to core content areas including a phonetic based reading program, mathematics, handwriting and Bible. The full-day program includes opportunities for extended activities and additional classes with specialists such as Physical Education and Music.
Grades 1-3
The primary grades continue the strong emphasis in language arts including phonetic instruction in reading, spelling, handwriting, speech and writing skills. The addition of the computer based, Accelerated Reader program, allows teachers to address a variety of reading levels while giving attention to both comprehension and fluency. Daily instruction in mathematics includes the use of manipulatives to develop knowledge of basic number facts and mathematical procedures. Additional classes include science, social studies/history, physical education, music, art, and weekly Spanish classes. Students enjoy investigating God’s world through a variety of science activities in first grade including Pumpkin Day, hatching butterflies, and working with liquids and solids. Second grade students delve into the Arctic biome through their study of penguins and by tracking the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Third grade students look forward to a year filled with musical productions including a fun look at the life of Christopher Columbus and concluding with a salute to the fifty states in their Nifty-Fifty production.
All content areas are taught from a Christian Worldview and give opportunities for students to understand what the Word of God has to say about history, science, literature, math, etc. In addition, Bible is a core subject at all grade levels and includes regular scripture memory work.
Grades 4-6
Language Arts continues as a key element of the day as skillful teachers develop activities that assist students in reading for information, while still improving fluency, speed, and comprehension. Writing skills are strengthened through a variety of activities including creative book reports, essays, research papers, and creative writing. The addition of instruction in grammar and diagramming sentences strengthens both speaking and writing skills. Students continue to strengthen math skills and number sense through the regular instruction of mathematics. Bible and scripture memory remain a core subject area with the goal of seeing students grow in their knowledge of the Word of God as well as their love for the Lord and obedience to His commands. Additional classes include, science, history, physical education, music, art, and weekly Spanish classes.
Technology plays an increasing role at all grade levels. Smartboard technology has provided a tremendous resource for interactive instructional techniques in the 5-6th grade classrooms. Teachers are able to integrate a variety of internet resources and technology into their daily instruction. Students and teachers also make use of our high-speed, networked computer lab that includes fire-wall safety features. Instruction is provided in keyboarding, word-processing skills, and responsible use of the internet for researching information.
Students remain with their primary classroom teacher for the balance of the day but will change classes for science and history, allowing teachers to specialize in one area for their grade level. Fourth grade students look forward to celebrating what they have learned in history with their production of Mary In Historyland and capping off their oceanography unit with an overnight experience at the Minnesota Zoo, Sleeping with the Sharks and Dolphins. Understanding and using math skills while enjoying a Minnesota Twins game has become a favorite field trip of 5th grade students. They also enjoy celebrating the end of the school year with a trip down the Minnesota River. Science field trips in 6th grade extend the classroom units and provide wonderful hands-on opportunities including a visit to Flying Cloud Airport and the opportunity to fly a small plane, as well as building and launching rockets.
Junior High: Grades 7 & 8
Classes in Jr. High transition from self-contained with one primary teacher to departmentalized with several teachers allowing for specialization in the content areas. Core subjects include Bible, Language Arts, Math, Science, History and Spanish. Additional classes include physical education, music, and art.
Students give focused attention to strengthening Bible study skills through instruction in inductive study techniques. Small study groups allow these young men and women to be mentored by Godly teachers who have a heart for Jr. High students as well as a contagious love for the Lord. In addition, one semester each year is devoted to strengthening their Biblical Worldview thinking through the Lightbearers curriculum published by Summit Ministries.
Several options are available for students in math. Pre-Algebra or Algebra are options for seventh grade students, while Algebra or Geometry are available for eighth grade students. In addition, students with a strong math aptitude are encouraged to participate in the ACSI Math Olympics competition and/or the MathCounts team which meets as an extra-curricular activity after school to prepare for local and state competitions.
Technology skills are integrated throughout the content areas. Language Arts will include instruction in Word-processing skills and Power Point presentations, math and science will focus on using graphs, charts, and Excel spread sheets, Bible, History and Spanish will extend student learning through internet research and media presentations, and Art will utilize elements of design in classroom activities. All Jr. High classrooms are equipped with Smart-Board technology and have access to a high speed, networked lab that includes fire-wall safety features.
Extended learning activities include several service projects assisting at Franklin Graham’s, Operation Christmas Child warehouse, and Feed My Starving Children assembly plant. In addition, seventh graders enjoy studying and learning to care for God’s creation at a three-day Christian environmental camp. Eighth graders cap off their time at Chapel Hill Academy with an 8-day history trip to the East Coast. Students visit historical sites that they have studied as well as see first hand the evidence of our nation’s Christian foundation.