Kindergarten
Children must be at least five years of age by September 1st to enter Kindergarten. For some students, preferably 5 and a half years of age. The Kindergarten Program is a 5 full-day schedule. Children will be tested to determine Kindergarten readiness skills prior to acceptance into the Kindergarten program. It is required that students complete a year of pre-Kindergarten or preschool prior to entering Kindergarten. Our learning environment welcomes all students to grow, learn, and worship the Lord together. All academics are taught in accordance with a Christian worldview from Christian curriculum such as Purposeful Design Publications and Abeka.
Bible – Purposeful Design
The Kindergarten Bible curriculum is designed for students to see God as the source of strength. Students will be encouraged to both worship and admire Him. Biblical life principles are taught in each weekly lesson. Kindergarten Bible is taught five days a week. By year’s end, students learn and grow in their understanding of the Gospel from a range of stories from the Old and New Testaments.
Language Arts – Purposeful Design
The Kindergarten Phonics, Language, and Reading program builds phonetically line upon line and precept upon precept, laying a strong foundation for emerging readers. By mid-year or earlier, students will begin to read simple words. The program also incorporates building basic sight words, high-frequency words, vocabulary, oral fluency, grammar, phonics skills, and literature studies. We understand our God is a God of communication and it is through the reading process that we will come to understand His Word, the Bible. The combined Phonics, Language, and Reading program is taught 5 days a week. By the year’s end, students will demonstrate a knowledge of short and long vowels, blends with consonants, reading short stories, high-frequency and sight words, vocabulary words, and grammar concepts.
Mathematics – Purposeful Design
The Kindergarten mathematics program lays a foundation for developing both math skills and concepts. Skills are developed through hands-on learning and real-world application. Concepts are stressed through the use of manipulatives and learning through play. Children will recognize God as a God of order and reason through the application of mathematics in Creation.
Writing and Penmanship – ABEKA
The Kindergarten Penmanship Curriculum is designed to enable students to effectively communicate using the written word. Penmanship is correlated very closely with the Reading, Phonics, and Language Curriculum. Penmanship is taught the entire year. By the year’s end, students will demonstrate knowledge of the proper formation of all upper- and lower-case letters, printing their first and last names, and writing simple sentences using phonics skills.
Social Studies/ Science – ABEKA
We teach about our community and the world around us that God has created.
Specials Classes
Kindergarten students will also attend the following special classes on a weekly basis:
- Chapel
- Art
- Library
- Music
- Physical Education
- Computer Lab
- Spanish
Grades 1-5
Lower Elementary Grades 1-5 Overview
At Rhema Christian School we build strong readers by using a curriculum geared to encourage critical thinking skills while being supplemented with WordlyWise vocabulary, Merrill Phonics, SRA Reading Skills Builders, and Accelerated Reader. We use Four Square Writing to strengthen students’ written communication. The ABeka curriculum is biblically integrated.
We use enVision Math along with Math Facts in a Flash (computer practice and assessment).
We use ABeka Science and Social Studies curriculum supplemented by various sources to create academically rich programs with a Biblical worldview.
We use Purposeful Design/ACSI Bible curriculum.
The Multiple Intelligence approach is used to teach in all areas.
Students also participate and compete in a regional speech meet.
First Grade
In first grade we build upon the strong foundation that was laid in Kindergarten to produce independent readers through a clear understanding of phonics, sight words, daily reading and writing activities.
Students are taught addition and subtraction up to a sum of 18 through hands-on manipulatives that facilitate interactive and meaningful learning. Base ten skills, measuring, money, and time are also taught.
Students study God’s creation in Science and learn about people, places and cultures in Social Studies.
Second Grade
Second grade reinforces basic skills while continuing to build on the students’ educational foundation. One of our goals in second grade is to increase reading fluency and comprehension. Students eagerly learn cursive writing in second grade.
Biblical principles are integrated across the curriculum. Good character and the fruits of the Spirit are strongly emphasized. Students memorize monthly Bible verses and learn the books of the Bible through song. Our history books teach geography skills and lay a strong foundation for patriotism and Christian citizenship.
Second grade math curriculum includes: numbers and operations (addition and subtraction plus multiplication and division), problem solving, algebraic concepts, measurement, geometry, data analysis and probability.
Third Grade
By the end of third grade, each student is expected to know all of the multiplication tables, be able to identify the parts of speech, use punctuation correctly, and write an eight sentence paragraph. They are expected to have mastered their phonics skills and integrated them with specific reading skills.
The third grade Bible curriculum is centered on Jesus, His teachings, and the New Testament. We teach the eternal impact of the Gospel on our lives. It is our hope that each child will willingly give their hearts to Christ and live an obedient life in service to our Creator.
Fourth Grade
Our spiritual goal in fourth grade is to grow in understanding of God’s attributes and His purpose for us and the creation He has made, and to increase our repertoire of memorized Scripture.
In math, we develop deeper conceptual understanding through extended problem solving activities in multiplication and division. The students will sharpen their computation skills in math and expand their knowledge of math concepts through problem solving and open-ended activities.
More complex creative writing assignments allow students to utilize and hone their language skills. In fourth grade we study the writing process, how to brainstorm, edit, and complete a written work of which to be very proud. We apply these new skills through an in depth study of Pennsylvania. The students will then wrap up the school year by writing and publishing a hardbound storybook, which they will share at an “Author’s Tea” for family and friends.
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade is a transition year. Many of the academic goals and practices prepare students for junior high. Reading is shifted in the second semester from a standard fifth grade reader to classic novels.
Besides teaching grammar, creative writing is taught and includes students writing a research paper based on a famous person in history.
Science highlights include the LEEP experience. In the fall students attend an overnight camping trip where they learn about our God created world through immersion and interaction. Students also participate in the junior high science fair.
In history, we complete an eastern hemisphere country project. Students study their assigned country in depth and the project cumulates with a food festival.
In keeping with preparing fifth grade students for the rigor of Rhema’s junior high program, math is taught by the junior high math teacher. Classes consist of 5 regular math classes per week plus math lab.
In fifth grade students are given the opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior or to renew their relationship with Him. There is an emphasis on the Old Testament and the faith of the prophets. Students are taught that God’s love is unconditional, but they are to strive for Christ-likeness.
Art
As God is the great creator (James 1:17 TLB) and as we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27), we are therefore creative beings, possessing creative abilities. Our goal in the art program is that students would be able to understand that God is the great creator and that students would glorify God through the study and process of making art, recognizing their talents and develop them according to God’s purpose. Our curriculum focuses on a number of themes including: looking at objects that can be called art, art forms, media, elements of art, and principles of design, art criticism and the creating process. Students explore various medium including pencils, pastels, resist, charcoal, paints, clay, collage, origami, paper sculpture and wire sculpture. Students are encouraged to rely on God as they build on their natural talents and learned skills to become better observers of God’s creation and better able to communicate their ideas and feelings (Philippians 4:13).
Music Program, Grades 3-6
Music is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. At Rhema Christian School, grades 3-6, we emphasize the uniqueness and importance of this gift in several ways. In grades 3-6, students learn to read basic treble clef notes using instruments like the recorder and percussion bells, and each year builds upon the previous year in musical literacy skills. We study great composers like Beethoven and Mozart and celebrate the uniqueness of their amazing musical gifts as a reflection of the genius of our Creator. Students also focus on singing in various genres of music, including contemporary Christian, jazz, folk, classical and songs in various languages. Overall, students at Rhema in grades 3-6 learn to appreciate and enjoy the gift of music as given to us by our loving Creator, who shows us a unique side of Himself through music.