Elementary Grades -- K-5
Curriculum and Classes
Bible is our most important subject and we believe that all of the other subjects
find their truth in God’s Word. Our teachers use a variety of methods to teach the
Bible daily. Songs, video clips, power points and object lessons help to make The
Word come alive.
High impact chapel services are held each week. Lively songs and interesting speakers
encourage students in their faith. We’ve heard from Christian clowns, singers, missionaries,
Veterans and puppets! Classes perform for their peers and teachers weekly.
Students have an opportunity to put their faith in action by performing various
Christian service projects throughout the year. In the past, the students have supported
a missionary going to the Philippines, collected nearly $1000 (in pennies!!) for
a church that had burned down, and are continuing to provide the funds to send four
South African students to a Christian School.
The primary grades (kindergarten-second) place a strong emphasis on reading through
a systematic phonics approach. Students are placed in reading groups based on ability
and receive instruction daily. Students also receive regular instruction in grammar,
spelling, and writing. Each grade level reads a biography of a godly missionary/
Christian servant.
Upper elementary (third-fifth) changes more from a learning to read mode into a
reading to learn mode. By this point students are fluent readers and are taught
through whole class instruction. Reading instruction will emphasize the development
of comprehension skills through the use of trade (chapter) books. Each grade level
reads a biography of a godly missionary/Christian servant.
In addition to reading, significant emphasis is placed on writing, spelling and
grammar instruction. Students will have a weekly writing assignment that involves
pre-writing, writing and revising from a variety of topics. Emphasis will be placed
on the practical application of grammar through writing assignments. In fourth and
fifth grades students get excited about writing through a Creative Writing Festival.
Throughout the year students are encouraged to read through our Reading Counts program.
Each quarter they must accumulate a certain number of points through reading books
on the Reading Counts list.
The elementary math curriculum emphasizes the necessary beginning math skills as
well as computations and problem solving skills. Manipulatives and calculators are
used (under direct teacher supervision) to give students hands on instruction so
that they will better understand concepts. Periodically, students learn from a variety
of computer games. In upper elementary, math help classes are available as needed.
Our science texts come from a creationary viewpoint. Students will learn a variety
of concepts from physics, chemistry, biology and earth science throughout their
elementary experience. Practical, hands-on experiments make lessons understandable.
Each grade level completes separate science projects which range from Earth Day
Action to space inventions to underwater creatures.
The elementary history curriculum concentrates on a historical, biographical, and
geographical study of America. In fourth grade students will spend part of the year
studying Virginia history. Throughout the curriculum an emphasis will be placed
on the Christian heritage of our nation.
In addition, emphasis is given to current events and past heroes. Our school honors
noble Americans for Veteran’s Day, Black History Month and 9/11. We have a rich
military and cultural heritage which we celebrate along with the traditional American
heroes. Throughout elementary, students experience a variety of field trips to places
like the Colonial Farm, Jamestown, and Mt. Vernon.
Students receive general music instruction twice a week. Students will learn basic
music theory, music appreciation, rhythm concepts and instrumental experiences.
The music program culminates with a Spring Musical in April or May.
Computer instruction is received twice a week in a computer lab. As students progress
through elementary, an emphasis is placed on Microsoft Office software and culminates
with a working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint.
Twice a week, students look forward to an exciting class that include team sports,
cooperative games, and fitness development (including the Presidential Physical
Fitness Test).
Students gain a foundation in Spanish through games, vocabulary development, and
basic conversation. Our program culminates with Spanish I in eighth grade.
Students have access to the library once a week. Emphasis is placed on our Reading
Counts program. Students may check out books according to their level and then take
a comprehension test on the computer.
Once a week students get to check out books from the library. Throughout the year
they will have books read to them as well as learn proper library etiquette.
Go Crusaders! Each January we take a break from the seriousness of our studies and
remember to thank God for our school. We wear silly clothes, attend pep rallies
and watch our teachers compete in a basketball competition! At the end of the week,
one class wins the coveted Spirit Stick.
Students at Calvary Road Christian School in grades K-8 are required to wear uniforms.
We have developed a flexible uniform policy that allows students some choices of
color and style of clothing. Uniforms may be purchased from Flynn and O’Hara. In
order to avoid confusion we have tried to be as specific as possible in what styles
and colors are required. To have as much uniformity as possible we ask that you
follow these requirements closely, especially if you choose to shop outside the
uniform company. For your convenience we have the uniforms on display and you may
inquire about prices at the school office.
Our students are encouraged to follow school rules each day! When they do they are
rewarded for their hard work. Each classroom has a plan for rules, rewards and consequences.
In chapel each month, those students who have excelled are honored in front of the
entire student body. They even get to attend an ice cream party with the administrator!
Each month, the Elementary students focus on a different character trait. In September
we focus on obedience verses and learn how to obey God/teachers/parents through
real-life application. We believe that Christian character counts and it must be
taught!
Students who will not cooperate with the behavioral code and consistently violate school rules will be subject to additional disciplinary actions that may
include suspension or withdrawal.