2009-2010 School Year
All classes meet five days per week
K4 hours: 8:15 – 12:30 (half day) or 8:15 – 2:30 (full day)
TK and K5 hours: 8:15 – 2:30; Elementary hours: 8:15 – 2:30 Afterschool program until 5:30 p.m.
Along with Academics a typical day would include the following:
Pledge of Allegiance
Patriotic Songs
Pledge to the Christian Flag
Pledge to the Bible
Hymms and Bible verses chosen for the month
CURRICULUM – WCA uses primarily A BEKA curriculum. A BEKA has a national reputation as an accelerated quality Christian, academic program. A BEKA has a strong phonics approach to reading. It is a traditional, colorful curriculum where each child has his/her own set of books for all subjects. A BEKA is consumable which means that each student has the liberty to write in the workbook sections of his/her own books. Most of the workbook pages can be torn out and this cuts down on busy work because the students do not have to write down everything from the board. The reading books are excellent in holding the interest of students while teaching grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure and writing. But most importantly, Christian values and morals are woven in the story lines.
In addition to the A Beka curriculum, our elementary students use Christian character training materials from ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). Our fourth and fifth grade students use vocabulary development materials called "Wordly Wise" from Educators Publishing Service.
CHRISTIAN READING CURRICULUM - Stories are more interesting because there will often be a conflict and choices must be made on how to solve the problem. This gives even small children practice early on in making good decisions first through guidance and later for older students through gradual independence. Academic goals set by educators are met through the teaching of A BEKA curricula. Students using A BEKA are often ahead of other students in their grade level because it is such a solid curriculum. A BEKA assures that students have every opportunity to be prepared for national achievement testing each spring. A BEKA is a strong college preparatory curriculum. We do use some ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) for Bible.
Computer Class - Students will have a computer lesson each week. Elementary students learn keyboard and basic computer skills. Younger children will be introduced to learning games in several subjects. Older children will expand their computer skills, learn new vocabulary and enjoy a variety of educational software. Students are exposed to and learn both PC and MAC platforms.
Music Class - Children are introduced to different kinds of music through singing, playing instruments, and related activities. Students will learn a variety of fun, age appropriate songs including Christian, patriotic, popular, and broadway. Tests indicate that traditional music is important not only culturally but academically. Learning songs builds language skills.
Art - In Art class, children are encouraged to show God's love and grace through their gifts in the visual arts. Younger students are allowed to develop their fine motor skills by using various art media such as crayons, paints, markers, and scissors. Seasonal art projects are also done to supplement the curriculum in the classroom. Older students also explore various art media such as different types of paints, oil pastels, crayons, markers, etc. while learning new techniques in using them. The older students also learn about various artists throughout history and the techniques that they used. Art elements such as line, color, perspective are also covered. All students are allowed to use their imagination and to enjoy the gift of art that God has given to each of them.
Physical Education (P.E.) - In P.E., students learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship as well as the following objectives: Safety for physical activity and organized activities; have an opportunity to sample all types of activities; increase stamina, coordination, flexibility and strength and develop an awareness of personal space.
Chapel Service - Chapel is held 30 minutes once a week for all students. It is during this time that students become familiar with the Sanctuary and the behavior required while in it. Chapel services include lessons, prayer, singing, and learn many things useful to life and spiritual development. Kindergarten classes meet in a different chapel service from elementary classes.
Spanish - K4 - 2nd grade is a non-written, non-reading introduction to Spanish as a second language. Spanish will be integrated through art, literature, and music. The focus is on the child's world stimulating interest through body movement, attractive visual aids, and age-appropriate materials. Our curriculum uses methods that teach listening and speaking skills.
Spanish - Grades 3 - 5 - The primary stress is on understanding and speaking Spanish, but reading and writing is introduced. Cultural awareness will be incorporated. Methodology will include verbal, logical, spatial, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and sensory. Students are issued a workbook that compliments the curriculum and reinforces the written aspect of the language through relational exercises, drawings, coloring, and writing.
Class Description
K4: Students must 4 on or before August 31, 2009. This is a five day program for all students. K4 students have the option of half or full day attendance. Half-day students attend from 8:15-12:30, and full day students attend fronm 8:15-2:30. If a parent wishes to change their child from half to full day, they may do so by recommendation from the child's teacher and paying the difference in monthly tuition.
Prerequisites for K4 include: prior preschool attendance for one year at least 3 days a week, a completed evaluation filled out by the child's preschool teacher, and a screening by WCA. The K4 program is an advanced academic program that is best suited to students with a basic foundation of skills learned from being in a group setting. Our K4 program is a strong foundation and is highly recommended for students that will enter our Kindergarten program. Using the A Beka curriculum, readiness and pre-reading skills will be taught. During the first semester this will include a review of basic preschool skills such as color, shape, number and letter recognition; small and large motor skills; listening skills; and following directions. Students will practice writing letters of the alphabet, learn to recognize and write their first name properly, and learn many phonics sounds. Phonics blends will be taught once single sounds are mastered. Students may begin to read once they have displayed the appropriate reading readiness skills. Students will learn to print lower and upper case etters as part of their writing curriculum. These involves fine motor skills and visual motor planning.
Transitional Kindergarten: (TK) Students must turn 5 on or before August 31, 2009. TK is a full day class. Students should have completed a four year old program at least three days per week. Many Kindergarten skills are taught in TK. The TK class is very important because a good number of children, while ready to excel in several areas, may need more time in one or two areas. Sometimes a child can be ready academically but not developmentally and/or socially for Kindergarten. Some children need the “gift of time” and have an additional year to grown, and need more practice with their fine and gross motor skills before beginning more formal writing. Developmentally, it is so vital to have children start out at a level that is challenging enough but not overwhelming. TK helps some children that are shy and need more social skill training to build self esteem. We will integrate several Christian curriculum with learning centers, music, art, and many hands-on activities. TK students will learn fun, age-appropriate poems, Bible verses, Bible stories and learn values and morals through our Amber Lamb series. Children learn through different learning styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) as students experience a combination of styles. We use A Beka Christian curriculum. We encourage learning through group participation and repetition. We offer your child this “gift of time” while still growing and learning in a secure, loving, joyful Christian environment. Occasionally, WCA four year old teachers may recommend some of their students to TK. This recommendation will be based on the TK criteria listed above.
Kindergarten: Students must turn 5 on or before August 31, 2009. Kindergarten is a full day accelerated academic program where A Beka and other selected curriculum is used. Kindergarten students will be taught A Beka phonics and will learn to read. Daily reading is an important part of the curriculum, both during the school day and at home. Reading comprehension is also an important aspect of the reading curriculum. Students develop writing skills through writing, reading and illustrating short stories. Creative writing skills are practiced by students by writing and illustrating their own thoughts on specific topics. Sounding out and spelling words is also an important part of the curriculum. Teacher assessments are completed several times per year to assess each student’s progress. In order for a student to be successful in A Beka Kindergarten, he/she should be able to follow directions, quietly listen to a story, follow classroom rules, and be able to remain seated for 15-20 minutes for an academic activity. It would be to your child’s advantage if he/she knew all letters of the alphabet and their sounds, which are taught in our K4 program. Kindergartners use learning games to reinforce concepts taught in class. Academics also include Bible, math, social studies, science and critical thinking. A Beka Science is based on God’s week of creation. Students will learn monthly Bible verses, poems, hymns, as well as participate in centers and hands-on activities to reinforce academic concepts being taught.
Elementary First through Fifth grades: Students should have successfully completed the previous grade level. Elementary students use the complete A Beka curriculum as well as ACSI character training materials. Elementary students begin cursive writing in first grade. Beginning with grade two, students will use their own NIV student Bibles as part of their daily Bible curriculum. All elementary students are required to take an annual achievement test which is administered in the spring of each school year. We use the Stanford Achievement Test, a nationally scored and ranked exam. Students coming to WCA from other schools where different curricula is being taught may experience a period of adjustment while they become familiar with the A Beka materials they will be using. A student who has not had experience with phonics or cursive writing may need extra practice to reach the goals necessary to have a successful transition to studying the A Beka curriculum. The A Beka math curriculum is approximately one year ahead of what is taught in public schools. Students who have been good students at the time of admittance to WCA are likely to be successful in our program as well. Another important aspect of our elementary program is to teach independence, leadership, and instill Christian values and morals. Through a solid Christian elementary education, we hope to instill Biblical teachings and values that will remain with each child through middle school, high school, and into adulthood.
