The elementary program (Grades 1-5) builds on the established elementary foundation and provides more advanced training in essential middle school subject areas. Students are encouraged to establish responsible, independent work skills and ethics and to develop time-management skills. Students learn respect and compassion for their classmates. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous extracurricular opportunities AAA offers to middle grade students.
Grade 1
The Grade 1 program lays the foundation for a successful elementary school experience. Essential first-grade reading skills take center stage, supported by Writers’ Workshop, spelling, vocabulary, and phonics instruction. Our mathematics curriculum is enriched with practice drills to strengthen math facts and engaging songs that reinforce core counting skills. Science, social studies, physical education, outdoor education, and music round out a well-balanced curriculum. Socially, first graders continue to grow in their understanding of teamwork as they participate in group activities and learn to collaborate with their classmates.
Grade 2
The Grade 2 program continues to build on the strong academic and social foundation developed in first grade. A strong emphasis is placed on language arts and mathematics, with instruction designed to deepen reading fluency, strengthen writing skills, and reinforce essential math concepts. Hands-on materials and interactive activities help bring learning to life, allowing students to explore, problem-solve, and engage with new ideas in meaningful ways. Shared classroom responsibilities and jobs foster independence and collaboration, giving each child opportunities to contribute to the class community while receiving individual support tailored to their developmental and learning needs.
Grade 3
The Grade 3 program transitions students from the primary grades into the middle grade environment. Curriculum demands are increased with a strong continuing emphasis on language arts and mathematics. The Pathways reading program and the Writers’ Workshop provide the foundation for the language arts curriculum. Through individual work and group activities students learn responsibility – personal, academic, and social. Through the I Am God’s Kid! program, students experience positive reinforcement from their peers that they are truly God’s kid. Caring for classroom pets is an exciting integral part of the third grade experience.
Grade 4
The Grade 4 program encourages students to experience school by actively participating in the learning process. A positive, uplifting classroom environment enables students to reach their individual potential, develop a strong sense of responsibility, demonstrate Christianity, and make strides in their academic growth. Establishing a solid academic foundation and developing responsible work habits in preparation for middle school are major goals of fourth grade.
Grade 5
The Grade 5 program helps students become active, engaged learners, building on the skills and knowledge that have been learned in the early elementary years. Students are encouraged to think critically, be creative, and show respect for God, self, and others. The manner of instruction – motivation, grouping, pacing, reinforcing, and re-teaching – is determined by the teacher in order to meet individual student needs. Expectations are modified or expanded to meet student needs and abilities. Field trips and outdoor school provide hands-on learning to reinforce classroom curriculum.
Enrichment Activities – Elementary
Grades 1-2 use tablets within the classroom to augment classroom instruction and provide additional practice for reading, math, and other curricular areas. They also receive music instruction twice a week.
Grades 3-5 receive computer and music instruction twice a week. The music program provides exploration of various musical media. Grade 5 are a part of beginner band.
During the elementary years, an enriched math track allows students who excel in math to move ahead in their math instruction. All math classes in Grades 3-6 are scheduled at the same time of day so that students may cross grade lines to receive math instruction that is most in line with their skill set.
For all elementary grades, musical highlights of the year include the annual Christmas program and spring concert performances. Students participate in Physical Education daily, and also enjoy an extended outdoor education once a week.
