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 experience. The essential first grade reading skills are presented through the Pathways reading program, Writers’ Workshop, and VoWac phonics. Mathematics concepts are enhanced through the use of manipulatives and practice drills. Science, social studies, physical education, and music round out the curriculum. Socially first graders mature in their understanding of teamwork through participation in group activities.
Grade 2
The Grade 2 program introduces students to their first structured classroom experience. Strong emphasis is placed on language arts and mathematics. Hands-on materials, such as manipulatives, puppets, classroom pets, and shared classroom responsibilities/jobs are used to facilitate learning and to provide individual attention to specific developmental and learning preferences. Memory verses, Bible stories, and sacred music round out the second grade curriculum
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 Spanish and Music instruction twice a week. Musical highlights of the year include the annual Christmas program and Strawberry Festival performances. Students participate in Physical Education daily.
Grades 3-5 receive computer, Spanish, and music instruction twice a week. The music program provides exploration of various musical media. Grade 5 are a part of beginner band. Musical highlights of the year include the annual Christmas program and Strawberry Festival performances. Students participate in Physical Education daily.
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.
