Lower School Academics

The curriculum is designed to provide a Biblically centered, challenging program taught in an age-appropriate manner. Consideration is given to the development and nurture of the whole child - spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

In 1994, ACA began integrating Core Knowledge into its curriculum. Core Knowledge is a consensus-based curriculum that provides a detailed listing of specific knowledge in kindergarten through fifth grade. The Core Knowledge Sequence was developed to provide students with a robust wealth of information that will link them to the vast accomplishments of Western Civilization and also allow them to build, broaden and deepen their future learning.

The Lower School Course of Study

BIBLE: Using the ACSI Bible program, alongside the Scriptures exposes students to the study of the most important book in the world- the Bible. Included in this course of study is a comprehensive memory program that instructs students in the memorization of key scriptures. A weekly chapel program is an added dimension to the Bible curriculum.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Language Arts consists of Reading, Language, Spelling, Vocabulary, Composition and Handwriting. The Open Court HEADWAY and RISE programs dominate the reading, along with a selected list of great stories, novels and poetry that are read at each grade level. The Open Court Reading program places a strong emphasis on phonics as a foundation to reading. In addition to Open Court, the Academy uses other resources, such as ACSI Spelling, Wordly Wise for vocabulary, Houghton Mifflin in some language classes and Zaner-Bloser in handwriting.

MATH: The Lower School uses Saxon Math. Saxon mathematics is taught through incremental development of concepts and continued practice.

SCIENCE: The primary grades use teacher-made units, which allow for the introduction of science vocabulary and concepts as well as opportunities for experiential learning to reinforce the units. Grades 3-5 use science texts published by Concordia Press.

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY: This course of study emphasizes the study of geography and history. In addition to the use of maps for geography, students are exposed to the history of great civilizations and other important historical events. Use of the Core Knowledge scope and sequence and other resources allow first graders to study Ancient Egypt, second graders to learn about Ancient Greece, and third graders to explore Ancient Rome along with other topics. Fourth graders become acquainted with NC history and geography, while fifth graders focus on U.S. history.

In addition to the above courses, which form the core of the Lower School curriculum, students have classes in physical education, art, music, computer and library.