ACADEMICS

Qualified, caring teachers are the heart of Calvin's program. Smaller class sizes allow our teachers to develop personal relationships with their students. Each student is a person who bears God's image and has a place in His plan. Calvin strives to develop children's gifts through instruction, extra-curricular activities and service.

Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 8 Curriculum Philosphy and Essential Questions

Philosophy for Bible:
Through our Bible curriculum, it is our intention to teach students God's nature and character as revealed in God's inspired Word and the life of Jesus Christ, the One and Only Savior. It is our prayer that students will acknowledge God as sovereign and ruler of the universe. God's desire is that students will come to a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. In response, students will live a life of service that exemplifies love for God and their neighbor.

Essential Questions for Bible:
Who is God?
1. What are His nature and character?
2. How does God reveal Himself?
3. What are God’s plans for His world and people?

What are our roles as God’s people?
1. How do we grow spiritually?
2. How do we demonstrate that we are God’s people?

Philosophy for Language Arts
Language is a gift from God that reflects both His creativity and order. As with all of God's gifts, at Calvin Christian School we should use language to glorify Him and serve others. We recognize that sin has corrupted our communication with God and our neighbors. Therefore, as image-bearers of God, we aim to promote enjoyment, discernment, and analysis in reading, writing, and oral communication.

Essential Questions for Language/Writing:
1. How does your Christian faith affect the way you use language to communicate?
2. Why is proper writing/spelling/handwriting/grammar important in learning how to communicate?
3. How does our use of language reflect God’s creativity, order and harmony in His creation?
4. Why is understanding language an essential and important tool for communicating in our/God’s world?
5. How can words be powerful?
6. As a Christian, why is it important to use discernment and evaluation in your writing?

Essential Questions for Reading:
Overarching:
1. How does reading equip you to be an academically prepared Christian disciple?
2. Why is it important to develop strong reading skills/habits as a Christian?
3. Why do we read?
Comprehension:
1. Why is it important to understand what we read? (Kindergarten – grade 3)
2. How does understanding what you read broaden your insight on what you are learning? Kindergarten – grade 8)
3. What techniques are particularly helpful to you so that you can comprehend and understand what you have read?
Oral Reading:
1. When you are reading aloud, why is it important to read clearly, loudly, accurately, and with expression? (Kindergarten – grade 8)
2. How will reading aloud with fluency and accuracy help you to express yourself? (Grades 4 – 8)
Vocabulary:
1. How will learning new words help you become a better reader? (Kindergarten – grade 3)
2. How does clarifying and analyzing word meaning help you become a better reader? (Grades 4 – 8)
Genres:
1. Why should we be exposed to a variety of literature? (Kindergarten – grade 3)
2. Why is it important to read and interpret a variety of literary works/genres? (Grades 4 – 8)
Spelling/Phonics:
1. Why is it important to develop strong phonics and spelling skills? (Kindergarten – grade 3)
2. Why is it important to develop and use strong spelling skills? (Grades 4 – 8)
Discernment:
1. As a Christian, why is it necessary to use discernment in your reading? (Kindergarten – grade 8)
2. How does God’s Word help you discern what is right or wrong in your reading? (Grades 4 – 8)

Philosophy for Mathematics:
The Math curriculum at Calvin Christian School seeks to enhance our understanding of God and His world. Because our unchanging God created an orderly world, math is taught with order and precision to reflect God's majestic design. Our teaching of math prepares students to function in the world by solving real life problems so they can fulfill their calling to serve Christ in God's Kingdom.

Essential Questions for Mathematics:

1. Why is mathematics important?
2. How does mathematics enhance our understanding of God and His world?
3. How does mathematics reflect the orderliness of God and His creation?
4. Why is the understanding of mathematics an important and essential tool for functioning in the real world?
5. How does mathematical problem solving prepare students for solving real life problems?
6. What are numbers and how do they relate to each other?
7. How are numbers useful in society?
8. How are patterns essential to mathematics?
9. How is measurement essential to mathematics?

Philosophy for Science:
The science program at Calvin Christian School involves developing an appreciation of God as Creator. We believe that as we learn about God's creation, we are able to learn a bit more about God Himself. Our study of science is an important part of our role as stewards of Creation. As we grow in our knowledge of science, we are better able to care for His created world.

Essential Questions for Science:

1. How does science help us have a greater understanding of God and His truths?
2. What are the relationships among and within life science, physical science and earth science?
3. What is the role of change in science?
4. What is the difference between the Christian and secular view of science?
5. What is our role in the area of science?
6. What methods do we use to learn about creation?
7. How are problems solved?
8. In what ways do we use science?

Philosophy for Social Studies:
Calvin Christian School Social Studies curriculum is the study of God's cultural mandate that Christians are called to carry out. Teachers instruct students to recognize their roles, responsibilities, and relationships at the local, regional, and global levels. We acknowledge God's sovereignty in this broken world. We teach students to gain insight and knowledge from the interactions that have occurred and do occur within diverse environments. We teach students this world is not ours, but His.

Essential Questions for Social Studies:

1. What unites Christians to the global community?
2. What role should Christians have regarding the diversity in the world?
3. What do Christians learn from interactions (positive and negative) that occur within different environments?
4. Differentiate between needs and wants, and identify our Christian responsibility to the global community.
5. What is our Christian responsibility to God’s world?
6. How do we recognize that this world is not all about us?

Philosophy for Fine Arts Program:
We acknowledge that all humans are image bearers of God and are therefore called to create. Students at Calvin Christian School are taught to evaluate content, recognize quality, and appreciate ability when exposed to various forms of art. They are also trained in the skills and techniques that allow them to produce meaningful works that edify God and communicate meaning to their audience.

Essential Questions for Fine Arts:

1. What is art? What is quality?
   
2. How do the elements and principles of art shape the work?
   
3. Who are artists that teach and inspire us?
   
4. Why create?
   
5. What makes art an essential part of life?
   
6. How does your Christian faith affect how you produce and study art?
   
7. How does your role change as you are: creator, performer, viewer?

Philosophy for Physical Education:
At Calvin Christian School physical education is rooted in the truth that our bodies are temples of the Lord. Students, at their various levels of ability, will use their bodies and minds to participate in a wide range of activities in the classroom and the gym. Physical education classes will teach students to honor God through fitness, sport, and personal and social conduct. These skills can then be used for a life of service in God's Kingdom.

Essential Questions for Physical Education:
1. How is faith expressed through physical education?
2. Why do I have to take care of my body?
3. Why did God create game and sport?