ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM

Mathematics
Students in first – sixth grade use the Sadlier – Oxford Math series. It builds mastery in critical progressions of concepts that are essential for students’ mathematical knowledge. Students learn to think critically and solve problems through the application of the mathematical concepts. Elementary mathematics also emphasizes the most basic concrete skills and concepts including facts, fractions, decimals, percents, and basic geometry.

Language Arts
Students in the first and second grades receive Language Arts instruction using the Reading Street series. It is organized to promote language acquisition and concept development. Reading Street provides a balance between fiction and nonfiction for all grades. Students are gradually introduced to more nonfiction as they learn to process informational text. First and second grade, students build oral language through concept vocabulary. The language and vocabulary in the texts are connected, this connection helps students build knowledge and read for meaning. Students learn to apply their learning through writing practice. Students also receive instruction in skills including grammar, usage, and spelling which are all integrated in Reading Street’s language arts program.

Students in the third through sixth grades will move to literature-based learning. Through literature-based learning students will be able to develop a rich vocabulary, critical thinking skills, back ground knowledge, comprehension, and strong listening skills. Literature-based instruction will help to develop the students into skilled readers as well as good writers, preparing them for the college or career of their choice.

Handwriting
First through third graders receive formal instruction in penmanship. Manuscript printing is taught in kindergarten. In keeping with revised national standards, second grade students are introduced to cursive writing during the first semester, and will continue cursive writing practice throughout the second semester of second grade. National standards require cursive writing proficiency by 5th grade.

Science
First – sixth grade students use the Nancy Larsen interactive science curriculum. This curriculum implements the National Science Education Standards. Students learn science terminology and vocabulary as well as key concepts. Demonstrations, hands-on activities, and review are featured throughout the texts. The Harcourt series includes content application to the state of Mississippi. Students in the third through sixth grades will also have a daily STEM class in their schedule. Through this class students will develop a deeper understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Social Studies
First grade students learn basic social studies concepts through their weekly units. Second – sixth grade students receive instruction using the Harcourt Horizons series. Second and third grade students learn basic knowledge about our country, patriotism, and maps. Fourth grade students learn about states and regions of the world and have a semester unit of study on Mississippi. Fifth graders learn about US history with an emphasis placed on the Civil War and the fifty states and capitals. Sixth graders study world history with an emphasis on ancient countries and map skills. The social studies curriculum is aligned to meet the standards developed by the National Council for the Social Studies. Our Social Studies curriculum is supplemented by the weekly current events magazine, Scholastic News.

Discovery Program
Discovery is a program for intellectually gifted students at SA. Students in the third – sixth grade who qualify may participate in this weekly program. Units have been developed to extensively study topics of interest to the students, such as rain forests, mythology, car crash physics, the Middle Ages, and the Westward Expansion. Students also learn to use programs such as Power Point in making presentations.

ENRICHMENT CLASSES

(Each class has 35 minutes of instruction weekly.)

• Art – Grades PreK- 6

• Band – Grades 5-6 (optional)

• Computer – Grades K-6

• Library – Grades PreK-6

• Music – Grades PreK-6 (Recorder – 4th grade, second semester)

• Physical Education – Grades PreK – 6

ELEMENTARY EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Swim Team – Grades 1-6

• Pee Wee Football and Cheer – Grades 5-6

• Pee Wee Basketball – Grades 5-6

• Elementary Chorus – Grades 3-6

• Girls Bible Study (WOW)– Grade 6, Girls

• Boys Bible Study (The Squad) – Grade 6, Boys