Accepting applicants for fall 2023 - Request a consultation with our Admissions Team

Elementary School

Grace Academy offers elementary students a wide variety of opportunities to learn in a challenging and supportive environment. Our teachers are well-trained and equipped to help students gain an academic edge.

placeholder_200x200

Elementary Academics

With high standards, students regularly score above grade level on yearly academic achievement testing. The firm foundation of solid skills built on strategic teaching and learning set the stage for continued success as students prepare for the next step in their education.

Students in kindergarten through sixth grade are in self-contained classrooms with opportunities for daily enrichment courses. Teachers enjoy close relationships with all of their students and provide a safe and encouraging environment to foster growth. Students are nurtured and teachers partner with parents to meet individual needs. Homework is a regular part of the program and helps parents to be involved in their child’s education as students practice and refine their academic learning.

Spiritual Development

Grace Academy impacts students by moving them toward knowledge and wisdom: educating from a biblical worldview for this life; evangelizing and equipping for eternal life. Spiritual Development represents half of our mission and includes character as well as behavior. Students are challenged to follow Christ and become like Him. Daily Bible class and weekly chapels are the primary avenues of spiritual training, but the Bible is integrated throughout the curriculum. Likewise, all the faculty are committed to guiding the students toward maturity.

Enrichment Classes

All students in grades Kindergarten through 6th have classes in library, art, music, computers, P.E., and Spanish. These classes are taught by specialists who have special training. Music is especially important to the development of young minds. Students in 4th-6th have the opportunity to participate in the Academix choir where they receive vocal and choral training. We also have opportunities to play in the band beginning with 5th grade with private lessons from our band teacher. For upper elementary students, there are also possibilities to participate in sports such as soccer in the fall, basketball in winter, and track in spring.

1st Grade

Students are engaged in the Bible through a thematic look at the Old and New Testaments with a particular focus on Biblical Worldview. The students study the character of God paying attention to how He cares for us and that He desires a relationship with all people. 

 The students’ learn to develop the understanding of phonics using the following skills and concepts: short vowels, consonants, blends, phonograms, beginning and ending sounds, vowel rules, rhyming words, diphthongs, digraphs,  beginning sentences with a capital letter and ending sentences with a period, compound words, and syllables.  

The students utilize their phonics skills in their reading. They practice reading out loud as well as silent reading with total comprehension. They learn to ask literal, interpretive, appreciative, and critical questions as they read.

Students use the Bob Jones handwriting curriculum, to sharpen their fine motor skills by working on formation, spacing, neatness, and pencil grip. They advance from practicing individual letters to words to complete sentences.

Students use the Bob Jones spelling curriculum which teaches the students to spell word families and basic sight words that support phonetic learning. There is also weekly creative writing, spelling tests, and other activities to enhance spelling.

The students will be able to understand addition and subtraction while using strategies for basic addition facts and related subtraction facts. They will solve more advanced story problems using math drawings and knowledge of math partners. Likewise, students will use a variety of methods and tools to compute, including objects, mental computation, estimation, paper and pencil.

Using the Bob Jones University Press Curriculum, which is a developmental science program, the objective is to teach not only scientific literacy but also knowledge of God and Christian character. Students will be exposed to the wonderful world God has created through looking specifically at air, weather, sun, moon, and stars, roots, stems, leaves, tame and wild animals, fruits and flowers, the human body, motion, and energy.

Music instruction is an important part of our program.  The love for singing and the appreciation of music is emphasized in music class.  They perform concerts each year where they learn to share the “song in their hearts”.  A basic foundation of music and love for music is emphasized.

Computers are a part of our school program, using tools such as educational software to develop familiarity with the computer and keyboarding skills. Progression of these skills is emphasized in each grade level.

In providing a well-rounded program, P.E. is offered one day each week, teaching the students activities that encourage coordination, cooperation and problem-solving as well as plenty of exercise.

Students are introduced to the Spanish language as they begin learning common words and phrases. Lessons emphasize development of vocabulary, listening comprehension and verbal communication skills.

Students are introduced to the world of art as they begin drawing using basic shapes (circle, straight line, rectangle, etc.). They also learn about pattern, texture, and color using a variety of mediums. These skills are developed throughout the years as they create various art projects. Students enjoy their time in this enrichment class.

Students are introduced to elements of the library system, with increasing research skill progression in subsequent grade levels. Students are able to check out books each week. Family members are all welcome to use the library!

2nd Grade

Students learn important Bible doctrines and form their own worldview based on scripture. They focus on application of biblical principles and grow in their ability to discuss and defend biblical truths. Because the Bible is the Word of God, it is the source of all instruction and memorization.

The students learn about the parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, pronouns, and adjectives. They apply this knowledge through their writing, as they learn to put sentences and paragraphs together.

Students read a variety of literature, learn new vocabulary, and review phonics rules. They grow in their comprehension and fluency by reading both silently and orally.

With phonics-based word lists the students are trained how to spell the words and receive weekly spelling tests./p>

Students use the Bob Jones spelling curriculum which teaches the students to spell word families and basic sight words that support phonetic learning. There is also weekly creative writing, spelling tests, and other activities to enhance spelling.

Students continue working with numbers by counting, comparing, and ordering numbers to 1,000. They will learn addition and subtraction to 1,000 with and without regrouping. Students will be given practical strategies to use while solving word problems including the use of bar models. Additionally, students will measure length, mass, and volume using the metric system and our customary measurement; use mental math skills in addition and subtraction; count and compare money; tell and write time; read and construct graphs; and examine lines, curves, surfaces, shapes, and patterns. Students will learn multiplication and division with 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s, and 10’s.

The students will learn about earth and space, living and non-living things and their habitats, the human body, and motion and energy, from the perspective of a biblical worldview.

Music instruction is an important part of our program.  The love for singing and the appreciation of music is emphasized in music class.  They perform concerts each year where they learn to share the “song in their hearts”.  A basic foundation of music and love for music is emphasized.

Computers are a part of our school program, using tools such as educational software to develop familiarity with the computer and keyboarding skills. Progression of these skills is emphasized in each grade level.

In providing a well-rounded program, P.E. is offered one day each week, teaching the students activities that encourage coordination, cooperation and problem-solving as well as plenty of exercise.

Students are introduced to the Spanish language as they begin learning common words and phrases. Lessons emphasize development of vocabulary, listening comprehension and verbal communication skills.

Students are introduced to the world of art as they begin drawing using basic shapes (circle, straight line, rectangle, etc.). They also learn about pattern, texture, and color using a variety of mediums. These skills are developed throughout the years as they create various art projects. Students enjoy their time in this enrichment class.

Students are introduced to elements of the library system, with increasing research skill progression in subsequent grade levels. Students are able to check out books each week. Family members are all welcome to use the library!

3rd Grade

Third grade students focus on six units of study: God and His attributes, the Fall, Christ, Salvation, Christian Living from a biblical worldview, and End Times. These units explore biblical worldview themes through Old Testament and New Testament stories. Additionally, the book, The Ology, by Marty Machowski, accompanies the curriculum and teaches basic biblical doctrines. Over the course of third grade, students learn songs and hymns that correlate with the Bible truths they have learned, and they memorize passages of Scripture on a weekly basis.

Students continue to work on the essential parts of speech, and they review foundational grammar conventions, including capitalization, punctuation. Students also extend their ability to form and expand sentences through training to think in a logical order. In writing, students focus on developing the foundational paragraph structure, and they use the writing process as they practice writing in a variety of genres. Over the course of the year, students apply learned writing traits (voice, word choice, sentence fluency) to informative, persuasive, and narrative pieces, as well as to friendly letters and poems.

In third grade reading, students review foundational phonics patterns, and they continue to develop their oral fluency, vocabulary, self-monitoring strategies, and comprehension strategies through a guided-reading approach. Students learn to summarize, sequence, compare and contrast, infer, draw conclusions, identify text structures (cause and effect, problem and solution, etc.) and make predictions while reading from a range of literary and informational genres and texts. Additionally, students develop their critical thinking skills and their biblical discernment through teacher-guided instruction, questioning, the application of strategies, and through the completion of a variety of activities before, during, and after reading.

While demonstrating correct pencil and paper positions, the students review proper cursive letter formation and practice by copying various selections.

Through phonics-based instruction, students learn how to spell, syllabize, and read third-grade level words, which are assessed on a weekly basis. Students also practice writing dictated sentences which strengthens short-term memory. Students extend their vocabulary, inference skills, and knowledge of Greek and Latin affixes through a variety of activities. Students also learn to use the dictionary and thesaurus proficiently.

Students will understand math is necessary to problem-solving and be given opportunities to solidify learned skills. Third graders learn foundational skills which are applicable to adult life: place value, addition and subtraction with 4-5 digit numbers, multiplication and division facts to 10, multi-digit multiplication, fractions, time, customary and metric measurement, money, geometry, and decimals.

Students learn about the history of nature, the design of nature, the importance of humans, and the purpose of science and how they are illustrations of God’s wisdom, omnipotence, sovereignty, and benevolence. In earth science, students explore rocks and minerals, soil, and the solar system. In life science, students study plants, cells, tissues and organs, cold- and warm-blooded animals, and ecosystems. Students also have the opportunity to explore physical sciences, where they learn matter and sound, motion and energy, and electricity and magnetism.

Students will learn how God created a world with a variety of environments, and He commanded mankind to fill the world and care for it. They will learn about the culture and beliefs of people around the world, continent by continent. Additionally, students will be taught to learn how to love their neighbors, share the gospel, cultivate God-honoring culture, exercise responsible stewardship, pray for their governments, and contribute to their nations’ economies.

Music instruction is an important part of our program.  The love for singing and the appreciation of music is emphasized in music class.  They perform concerts each year where they learn to share the “song in their hearts”.  A basic foundation of music and love for music is emphasized.

Computers are a part of our school program, using tools such as educational software to develop familiarity with the computer and keyboarding skills. Progression of these skills is emphasized in each grade level.

In providing a well-rounded program, P.E. is offered one day each week, teaching the students activities that encourage coordination, cooperation and problem-solving as well as plenty of exercise.

Students are introduced to the Spanish language as they begin learning common words and phrases. Lessons emphasize development of vocabulary, listening comprehension and verbal communication skills.

Students are introduced to the world of art as they begin drawing using basic shapes (circle, straight line, rectangle, etc.). They also learn about pattern, texture, and color using a variety of mediums. These skills are developed throughout the years as they create various art projects. Students enjoy their time in this enrichment class.

Students are introduced to elements of the library system, with increasing research skill progression in subsequent grade levels. Students are able to check out books each week. Family members are all welcome to use the library!

4th Grade

Fourth grade students focus solely on the Old Testament, and they learn how to view the Old Testament books as a single, connected story that lays the foundation for the New Testament. Students learn to read this story in light of the Creation-Fall-Redemption structure of the Bible, and they trace the theme of redemption as revealed in the Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants. Over the course of fourth grade, students learn to use an inductive Bible study approach, they begin to explore apologetics, and they memorize passages of Scripture on a weekly basis.

Students apply English grammar, usage, and mechanics in written and oral communication. They learn to apply the writing process to the composition of opinion pieces, informative texts, narratives, and poetry. Students will learn to use research skills to support the writing process and develop skills in digital and visual literacy. In addition, students will collaborate with peers to articulate ideas and to revise written communication. Finally, students will apply biblical worldview themes on communication to writing, listening and speaking.

In fourth grade reading, students continue to develop their oral fluency, vocabulary, self-monitoring strategies, and comprehension strategies through a guided-reading approach. Students learn to summarize, sequence, compare and contrast, infer, draw conclusions, and make predictions while reading from a range of literary and informational genres and texts. Students also learn to become proficient in the use of the dictionary, glossary, and the internet as they develop their vocabulary study skills. Additionally, students develop their critical thinking skills and their biblical discernment through teacher-guided instruction, questioning, the application of strategies, and through the completion of a variety of activities before, during, and after reading.

Good handwriting is an essential skill – a form of expression and communication. Because handwriting is a complex process that requires a coordinated effort of nearly five hundred muscles, instruction has begun in the earliest ages and continues through the sixth grade. Handwriting lessons are designed to reinforce concepts taught in Heritage Studies, science, writing and composition and Bible. Student worktext aims not only at teaching the basic handwriting skills but also at developing Christian attitudes and values. Many lessons contain Bible Truths and are designed to reinforce concepts in above mentioned subjects.

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Fractions and Decimals are all included in BJU Mathematics. Each lesson in the student’s Worktext includes both a teacher-guided page to reinforce skills taught in the lesson and an independent practice page. The Worktext pages help assess students understanding and retention of foundational skills in order to determine where individual help or additional practice in needed. STEAM lesson pages appear at the beginning of each chapter to serve as a preview to generate student’ interest.

Students will understand math is necessary to problem-solving and be given opportunities to solidify learned skills. Third graders learn foundational skills which are applicable to adult life: place value, addition and subtraction with 4-5 digit numbers, multiplication and division facts to 10, multi-digit multiplication, fractions, time, customary and metric measurement, money, geometry, and decimals.

Through inquiry, experimentation, and project-based learning, students learn to study and explore God’s creation. Using the Socratic method, students are taught to ask insightful questions to discover, analyze, and discuss scientific concepts in the fields of earth science, biology, motion, and electricity. An emphasis on STEM helps refine students’ academic skills, and a strong focus on science-to-faith- connections helps students build a biblical worldview of creation.

Fourth grade History involves heritage studies as part of a developmental social studies program used to teach history, geography, economics, and culture skills, as well as knowledge of God and Christian character. History is the record of the past acts of God and humans on the earth from Creation to the present. It records mankind’s attempts to live out the Creation Mandate in a fallen world. It focuses on a small but important part of this study-the United States and the country’s interaction in world events. History is an account of good and evil, of great advances for God’s work of redemption, and of human sin and suffering.

Music instruction is an important part of our program.  The love for singing and the appreciation of music is emphasized in music class.  They perform concerts each year where they learn to share the “song in their hearts”.  A basic foundation of music and love for music is emphasized.

Computers are a part of our school program, using tools such as educational software to develop familiarity with the computer and keyboarding skills. Progression of these skills is emphasized in each grade level.

In providing a well-rounded program, P.E. is offered one day each week, teaching the students activities that encourage coordination, cooperation and problem-solving as well as plenty of exercise.

Students are introduced to the Spanish language as they begin learning common words and phrases. Lessons emphasize development of vocabulary, listening comprehension and verbal communication skills.

Students are introduced to the world of art as they begin drawing using basic shapes (circle, straight line, rectangle, etc.). They also learn about pattern, texture, and color using a variety of mediums. These skills are developed throughout the years as they create various art projects. Students enjoy their time in this enrichment class.

Students are introduced to elements of the library system, with increasing research skill progression in subsequent grade levels. Students are able to check out books each week. Family members are all welcome to use the library!

5th Grade

Students are engaged in the Bible through a thematic and chronological look at the Old and New Testaments with a particular focus on the application of biblical principles. Because the Bible is the Word of God, it is the source of all instruction and memorization. The students also study the heroes of the Christian faith and historic hymns.

Students continue to extend their understanding of all the parts of speech as well as the proper use of punctuation marks. They continue to develop their writing through learning Six-Trait writing, expanding sentences, developing paragraphs, and writing book reviews.

In fourth grade reading, students continue to develop their oral fluency, vocabulary, self-monitoring strategies, and comprehension strategies through a guided-reading approach. Students learn to summarize, sequence, compare and contrast, infer, draw conclusions, and make predictions while reading from a range of literary and informational genres and texts. Students also learn to become proficient in the use of the dictionary, glossary, and the internet as they develop their vocabulary study skills. Additionally, students develop their critical thinking skills and their biblical discernment through teacher-guided instruction, questioning, the application of strategies, and through the completion of a variety of activities before, during, and after reading.

Good handwriting is an essential skill – a form of expression and communication. Because handwriting is a complex process that requires a coordinated effort of nearly five hundred muscles, instruction has begun in the earliest ages and continues through the sixth grade. Handwriting lessons are designed to reinforce concepts taught in Heritage Studies, science, writing and composition and Bible. Student worktext aims not only at teaching the basic handwriting skills but also at developing Christian attitudes and values. Many lessons contain Bible Truths and are designed to reinforce concepts in above-mentioned subjects.

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Fractions and Decimals are all included in BJU Mathematics. Each lesson in the student’s Worktext includes both a teacher-guided page to reinforce skills taught in the lesson and an independent practice page. The Worktext pages help assess students understanding and retention of foundational skills in order to determine where individual help or additional practice in needed. STEAM lesson pages appear at the beginning of each chapter to serve as a preview to generate student’ interest.

Students will understand math is necessary to problem-solving and be given opportunities to solidify learned skills. Third graders learn foundational skills which are applicable to adult life: place value, addition and subtraction with 4-5 digit numbers, multiplication and division facts to 10, multi-digit multiplication, fractions, time, customary and metric measurement, money, geometry, and decimals.

Through inquiry, experimentation, and project-based learning, students learn to study and explore God’s creation. Using the Socratic method, students are taught to ask insightful questions to discover, analyze, and discuss scientific concepts in the fields of earth science, biology, motion, and electricity. An emphasis on STEM helps refine students’ academic skills, and a strong focus on science-to-faith- connections helps students build a biblical worldview of creation.

Fourth grade History involves heritage studies as part of a developmental social studies program used to teach history, geography, economics, and culture skills, as well as knowledge of God and Christian character. History is the record of the past acts of God and humans on the earth from Creation to the present. It records mankind’s attempts to live out the Creation Mandate in a fallen world. It focuses on a small but important part of this study-the United States and the country’s interaction in world events. History is an account of good and evil, of great advances for God’s work of redemption, and of human sin and suffering.

Music instruction is an important part of our program.  The love for singing and the appreciation of music is emphasized in music class.  They perform concerts each year where they learn to share the “song in their hearts”.  A basic foundation of music and love for music is emphasized.

Computers are a part of our school program, using tools such as educational software to develop familiarity with the computer and keyboarding skills. Progression of these skills is emphasized in each grade level.

In providing a well-rounded program, P.E. is offered one day each week, teaching the students activities that encourage coordination, cooperation and problem-solving as well as plenty of exercise.

Students are introduced to the Spanish language as they begin learning common words and phrases. Lessons emphasize development of vocabulary, listening comprehension and verbal communication skills.

Students are introduced to the world of art as they begin drawing using basic shapes (circle, straight line, rectangle, etc.). They also learn about pattern, texture, and color using a variety of mediums. These skills are developed throughout the years as they create various art projects. Students enjoy their time in this enrichment class.

Students are introduced to elements of the library system, with increasing research skill progression in subsequent grade levels. Students are able to check out books each week. Family members are all welcome to use the library!