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ELEMENTARY
The elementary years are full of quick growth and rapid change. Focused on developing
well-rounded individuals with a Christian worldview and providing a solid foundation in the core content areas, the academic program at Heights Christian Schools ensures that students meet and/or exceed grade level standards while at the same time growing in their knowledge of Jesus Christ and the talents and abilities that He has given to each of them.
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Students in Kindergarten through 6th grade benefit from instruction in the areas of:
- Bible
- English Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- History/Social Studies
Exceeding Standards & Recognizing Success
Helping students to identify their God-given talents and abilities, and to use these gifts to honor and glorify God is a top priority at HCS. We strive to help develop these abilities, recognizing each success, big and small, along the way.
Curriculum & Program Details
- Common Core
- Spiritual Emphasis
- K-6 Academics
- Social Emotional Learning
- Accelerated Reader
- Field Trips
Common Core
At HCS, we exceed state and national standards by providing a higher level of learning and content; our standards aim for higher and broader goals, considering the state standards and national standards to be a minimum. As a system, we will routinely evaluate our schools’ academic plan and determine to what degree it matches, exceeds, or falls short of the CCSS. We will prioritize the important standards and ensure that they are being met and/or exceeded. Ultimately, at HCS, we will adhere uncompromisingly to our mission, and will continue to make educational decisions that are consistent with our Christian worldview and our Expected School-wide Learning Results (The Big 5), providing a robust and rigorous academic plan at every level designed to meet the needs of each individual learner within our system.
Spiritual Emphasis
The entire experience at HCS is designed to be a cohesive program that uses education as a vehicle to help students know Christ personally, think biblically, and positively impact their communities for Christ.
In addition to meeting the social-emotional needs of our students, developing a Christian worldview in each of our students continues to be central to our mission. We strive to provide multiple opportunities for student participation in activities that promote spiritual formation and a Christian worldview. In addition to daily Bible instruction, weekly chapel participation, and Biblical integration across content areas, participation in local outreaches via donation drives, Faith in Action projects, and campus-wide activities such as Missions Week and the Matthew 25 Challenge through World Vision International continue to provide a wide range of opportunities for students to view the world from God’s perspective, applying their faith to everyday life.
K-6 Academics
Heights Christian Schools provide a challenging, coherent and relevant curriculum for each student through the implementation of programs and mechanisms that encourage broad participation and clearly stated objectives. We select and implement research-based curriculum that is designed to meet or exceed the state and national standards while also ensuring that it does not conflict with our mission statement and goals as a Christian school. In conjunction with a rigorous academic portfolio, we provide a wide variety of educational enhancements and supplemental materials.
Grade Level Overview
Kindergarten
HCS Kindergarten Students benefit from a full day program including instruction in the core content areas below.
| Subject | Activities & Goals |
|---|---|
| Bible | Using an apologetics-based curriculum designed to cultivate critical thinking, encourage a love for Jesus, and build Godly character, students complete a broad survey of the Bible including stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Throughout the year, students explore familiar Bible stories in the order they occurred starting with the Story of Creation and continuing through to the story of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Visit DeepRoots Bible |
|
English Language |
Through the use of a comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum, students master the identification of both uppercase and lowercase letters and their sounds. Students begin to use nouns, verbs, adjectives, and prepositions correctly, while creating complete sentences using correct conventions, inventive spelling, and an ever-expanding vocabulary. As students explore books and learn to independently read stories, a love for reading is fostered throughout each day. |
| Math | Using math kits packed full of hands-on manipulatives, students explore math concepts each day, always beginning with the development of a concrete understanding and then transitioning to the abstract. Students learn how to recognize, write, sequence, and compare numbers 0-30. Kindergarteners begin to reason abstractly and quantitatively to solve word problems, count & classify objects, explore place value, and both add and subtract numbers through 10. |
| Science | Students explore, investigate, observe, and describe the big world around us as they learn about living and nonliving things, seasons, weather, and the impact we have on our planet. |
| Social Studies | Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, students learn about the community that they live in and its helpers, life long ago, and the amazing country God has given us. |
| Penmanship | Based on more than 25 years of success with the very popular Handwriting Without Tears, this program complements and expands our current curriculum. Writing requires skills that are essential for school; physical, language, cognitive, social, and perceptual. Handwriting Without Tears uses music, movement and multi-sensory manipulatives to teach all the core readiness skills including pencil grip, letter and number recognition, number and capital letter formation, and body awareness. |
First Grade
First grade students at HCS benefit from a comprehensive program including instruction in the core content areas below.
| Subject | Activities & Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| Bible | Using an apologetics-based curriculum designed to cultivate critical thinking, encourage a love for Jesus, and build Godly character, students in first grade focus on the Old Testament from Creation to the Promised Land. Class favorites include learning about the Tower of Babel, Jacob and Esau, the Life of Joseph, and the Parting of the Red Sea. Visit DeepRoots Bible | |
|
English Language Arts |
Through the use of a comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum, students in first grade work hard to become fluent readers, expert decoders, and developing authors. They learn to summarize, infer, and comprehend grade-level text. They begin to identify point of view, genre, main idea, and supporting details in stories read together. Becoming independent writers is a skill our first grade students develop as they practice writing narratives, reports, and opinion pieces using grade-appropriate conventions, newly learned spelling patterns, and an ever-expanding bank of high frequency words. | |
| Math | Using math kits packed full of hands-on manipulatives, students explore math concepts each day, always beginning with the development of a concrete understanding and then transitioning to the abstract. Students learn how to solve addition and subtraction equations, compare two-digit numbers, interpret data on charts and graphs, tell time, identify attributes of 2D and 3D shapes, and measure. They further develop an understanding of place value and learn to use multiple strategies to solve multi-step word problems. | |
| Science | Students explore, investigate, observe, and describe the needs of plants and animals, weather patterns, and how materials change with time. | |
| Social Studies | Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities and taught from a distinctly Christian worldview, students learn about the rules and laws of our country, the different places people live, our country’s rich history and its symbols, different cultures, and both goods and services. |
Second Grade
Second grade students at HCS benefit from a comprehensive program including instruction in the core content areas below.
| Subject | Activities & Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| Bible | Using an apologetics-based curriculum designed to cultivate critical thinking, encourage a love for Jesus, and build Godly character, students focus on the New Testament. Favorite units include Jesus Calming the Storm, Jesus Walking on Water, The Miraculous Catch, the Birth of Christ, and The Message of Salvation. Visit DeepRoots Bible | |
|
English Language Arts |
Through the use of a comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum, second grade students focus on strengthening their comprehension skills and ability to summarize, infer, and identify components of a story such as its genre, the author’s point of view, the main idea, and supporting details. Students learn how to determine whether something is a fact or an opinion and further strengthen their use of language conventions and their own public speaking skills as they write expository text, narratives, and friendly letters and then practice publicly sharing their work with their peers. Students also receive instruction and practice in cursive writing, with an emphasis on neatness, correct formation, and legibility. |
|
| Math | At every level we begin with helping students develop a concrete understanding of mathematical concepts using hands-on manipulatives and then transition to an abstract understanding and application. In second grade, students learn multi-digit addition and subtraction strategies, numerical patterns, and beginning geometry skills. Lessons include measurement, counting money, telling time, and solving complex word problems requiring the use of these skills. | |
| Science | Through hands-on learning labs and interactive lessons, students explore, investigate, and observe plant and animal life cycles, magnetism, and forces and motion. | |
| Social Studies | Reading maps, exploring goods and services, comparing life now and long ago, and learning about the role of government at the local, state, and federal levels are the focus of social studies instruction in second grade. |
Third Grade
Third grade students at HCS benefit from a comprehensive program including instruction in the core content areas below.
| Subject | Activities & Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| Bible | Using an apologetics-based curriculum designed to cultivate critical thinking, encourage a love for Jesus, and build Godly character, students focus on the Old Testament. Class favorites include the stories of Balaam and the Talking Donkey, Rahab Hiding the Spies, The Life of Saul, Wilderness Wanderings, and the story of Jacob and Rachel. Visit DeepRoots Bible | |
|
English Language Arts |
In third grade, students shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Through the use of a comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum, students focus on sequencing, comparing and contrasting story elements, drawing conclusions, determining cause and effect, and deciphering fact from opinion. Daily writing experiences strengthen student writing and public speaking skills further develop as students routinely present their own writing to their peers. | |
| Math | Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are skills taught and repeatedly practiced in third grade. Students use these skills to solve complex problems, including both whole numbers and fractions, and begin to explore area and perimeter while further strengthening their understanding of measurement, estimation, and place value. | |
| Science | Through hands-on learning labs and interactive lessons, students will explore, investigate, observe, and describe the solar system, energy, chemical reactions, and animal adaptations and habitats. | |
| Social Studies | The study of Native Americans and the westward movement helps to set a foundation for the study of California’s history the following year. |
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade students at HCS benefit from a comprehensive program including instruction in the core content areas below.
| Subject | Activities & Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| Bible | Using an apologetics-based curriculum designed to cultivate critical thinking, encourage a love for Jesus, and build Godly character, students return to the New Testament and study Acts and the Early Church. Class favorites include learning about The Great Commission, The Conversion of Paul, Paul's Arrest & Trial, and Romans Road to Salvation. Visit DeepRoots Bible | |
|
English Language Arts |
Reading with expression, sequencing, comparing and contrasting story elements, drawing conclusions, and exploring cause and effect are key features of the comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum at this level. Students further develop their own vocabulary and language skills as they participate in genre studies and the reading of class novels. Writing skills are strengthened as students spend time writing every day with an emphasis on correct grammar usage, spelling, composition, vocabulary, sentence structure, creativity, and organization. | |
| Math | By fourth grade, students have learned the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and are asked to apply these skills to increasingly complex equations and word problems. Students are introduced to long division and spend much of the year exploring fractions and decimals, area and perimeter, angles and symmetry, measurement, equivalents, and conversions. | |
| Science | Through hands-on learning labs and interactive lessons, students will explore, investigate, observe, and describe energy, ecosystems, biomes, rocks, minerals, and the effects of weathering and erosion. | |
| Social Studies | The great state of California and its rich history including the establishment of the 21 Missions and the Gold Rush, as well as its government and statehood are all studied in fourth grade. |
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade students at HCS benefit from a comprehensive program including instruction in the core content areas below.
| Subject | Activities & Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| Bible | Using an apologetics-based curriculum designed to cultivate critical thinking, encourage a love for Jesus, and build Godly character, students jump back into the Old Testament and study the Divided Kingdom. Fifth grade class favorites include the study of Naomi and Ruth, Samson, David, Esther, and the Holy Trinity. Visit DeepRoots Bible | |
|
English Language Arts |
Through the use of a comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum, students will learn to identify theme and point of view and will continue to explore story elements as they read and engage in class discussions surrounding what they have read. Students will focus on the use of precise language & domain specific vocabulary as they spend time writing every day. Correct grammar usage, spelling, composition, sentence structure, creativity, and organization are taught, reviewed, and reinforced. | |
| Math | Students further develop their understanding of place value and utilize addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills to solve equations and problems containing decimals, fractions, and mixed fractions. Students will learn and use the order of operations and begin to explore algebraic concepts at this level. | |
| Science | Through hands-on learning labs and interactive lessons, students will explore, investigate, observe, and describe the Earth, Space, and the properties of matter. | |
| Social Studies |
In fifth grade, students study United States History from the colonization of America to the 20th century. At this level the emphasis is not on rote memorization of facts but instead on the analysis of facts, making connections, and drawing comparisons as they study the foundation of our great country. |
Sixth Grade
Sixth grade students at HCS benefit from a comprehensive program including instruction in the core content areas below.
| Subject | Activities & Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| Bible | Using an apologetics-based curriculum designed to cultivate critical thinking, encourage a love for Jesus, and build Godly character, students explore the New Testament learning from Jesus, the epistles, & the book of Revelation. Students study the book of revelation and the End Times and participate in multiple inductive Bible Studies throughout the year studying Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, James, and 2 Peter. Visit DeepRoots Bible | |
|
English Language Arts |
Through the use of a comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum, students will learn to analyze literature and will continue to explore story elements as they read and engage in class discussions surrounding what they have read. Students will focus on using precise language & Domain Specific Vocabulary in their writing as well as the correct use of grammar, strong organization, and varying sentence structure. | |
| Math | Students will explore functions & probability, integers and rational numbers, decimals and fractions, dependent & independent variables, algebraic expressions, absolute value, and geometry. Students enrolled in 6th grade at the Bluefield campus will be enrolled in the math track that best meets their unique needs, varying in both pacing and rigor. | |
| Science | Through hands-on learning labs and interactive lessons, students will explore, investigate, observe, and describe the Earth's atmosphere, thermal energy, weather & climate, cell theory, body systems, traits, & genetics. | |
| History | Sixth grade studies will learn about and explore the rich history of ancient civilizations. They will learn about the Mesopotamian Empires, the history of Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. |
Social Emotional Learning
At HCS we are proud to partner with Friendzy to proactively teach God's design for friendship alongside the five-core competencies of Social Emotional Learning all through the lens of Scripture.
Friendzy places an emphasis on building a healthy school culture that creates a safe environment for learning by teaching the five-core competencies of social-emotional learning to students in K-8th grade. These competencies include self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness and relationship skills.
Teaching friendship skills supports students in managing their emotions, improving their ability to set and achieve positive goals, feeling and showing empathy for others, maintaining positive relationships, and making responsible decisions.
Watching as my students learn how to become a good friend has been so rewarding. It is a skill that is just as important to teach as math, writing, and reading.
- Miss Sanchez, Elementary Teacher
Accelerated Reader
Students in grades 1-6 participate in the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. At the start of the year, students are assessed by their classroom teacher to determine their independent reading level. Students are then encouraged to select a book (from the school library or public library) within their level and read it at their own pace.
Each quarter, teachers work with students to set an AR point goal that is challenging yet attainable. After reading each book, students take a quick comprehension quiz online and earn AR points. Each book read is worth a certain number of AR points and each point earned gets students one step closer to meeting their quarterly point goal.
Students can look up AR book levels and point values by going online to ARbookfind.com
Home Connect
Parents can monitor their child’s reading progress by viewing their child’s scores and AR points through Home Connect. You will need your child’s AR username and password, which can be obtained from your child’s teacher. Home Connect Login
Field Trips
Field Trips
Students in grades K-6 participate in multiple off-campus field trips during the school year. These trips encourage learning outside the classroom offering students with the chance to explore and discover through hands-on explorations, investigations, and experiences. Examples include Discovery Science Center, Great Grandfather's House, Whale Watching, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, LA Zoo, Sawdust Factory, JPL, Riley's Farm, and much more.
On-Campus Assemblies
In addition to participating in a handful of off-campus excursions each year, each grade level also participates in one on-site assembly where experts in the community bring their expertise to us. Examples include Bubble Mania, Walk Through Presentations, Discovery Science Dissections and Learning Labs, and much more.
Extended Field Trips
Extended field trips are educational in nature, and designed to enhance student learning by providing hands-on opportunities planned in conjunction with the curriculum. Well planned and well chaperoned, the special trips extend the students’ learning beyond the classroom, and provide unique bonding opportunities with classmates.
Extended special trips include San Diego (3rd), Sacramento (4th), Outdoor Education (5th and 6th).