Elementary Grades Kindergarten-6th

In grades Kindergarten-6th grade, we use a traditional closed classroom teaching environment, using A Beka Book materials as our main curriculum. Children participate in music, art and gym each week. It is our goal to have parent involvement in our students’ academic development.

The ministry of Christian schools is to lead students to Christ and teach them Bible truths, Christian character, and traditional subject matter. With a traditional, Christian approach to education, A Beka Book supplies Christian schools with the materials they need to reach and train students for Christ. A Beka Book's experienced writers and researchers conduct primary research in their fields to provide superior knowledge from a Christian perspective. Coordinating teacher materials assist teachers in presenting lessons that are lively, memorable, and Christ-centered.

Your Child's Education

Your elementary student will have a well-rounded education at BCA. Curriculum includes classes in math, language, history, science, Bible, music, spelling, physical education, art and writing. Each class enjoys field trips, participates in school special events and service projects, Christmas concert and more.

BCA has a history of outstanding academic achievement. We attribute this to several key components of our daily school life:

Chapel and Bible

Elementary students in grades kindergarten-sixth grade participate in chapel every last Wednesday of the month. Each week features a guest speaker. We place a strong emphasis on the Bible. We teach Bible classes every day. Included in this is not only a Bible story, but songs, hymns and the memorization of Scripture.

Kindergarten

Our kindergarten program at BCA places emphasis on Reading and Phonics. During the year, your student will be taught to recognize upper and lower case letters. They will also learn the individual letter sounds, which will include both long and short vowels as well as consonant sounds and blends. They will be working from phonics charts that cover the 52 phonics rules. One thing that is exciting to the student is that reading begins even before they go through the entire alphabet.

We also have a strong emphasis on Numbers. The student will be taught to recognize numbers 1 to 100 by one’s, two’s, five’s, and ten’s. In addition, they will be taught to tell time, count money and learn basic addition.

Because of the extensive nature of the academic areas taught, we believe it is best for the student to be 5 years old by early fall. If their birthday is after that, it might be better they enrolled in Kindergarten the following fall. This will help them develop academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the Academy’s faculty and administration.

Achievement Testing

Each year our students participate in achievement testing. Our students consistently score higher than the national average. Our 2009 student scores ranked as:

Kindergarten	94th percentile, 1/2 year ahead compared to the national average
Grade 1	82nd percentile, 1/2 year ahead compared to the national average
Grade 2	54th percentile, 1/4 year ahead compared to the national average
Grade 3	54th percentile, 1/4 year ahead compared to the national average
Grade 4	70th percentile, over 1 year ahead compared to the national average
Grade 5	80th percentile, 1 year ahead compared to the national average
Grade 6	80th percentile, over 2 years ahead compared to the national average

NYACS Fine Arts Competition

Each spring, we participate in the New York Association of Christian Schools Fine Arts Competition. This state-wide competition allows our students to utilize their talents in the area of fine arts in a competitive environment. The winners can advance to the National Competition every April.

Music

Elementary students at BCA recieve general music classes where they learn how to better appreciate and understand music through fun-filled activities such as music listening, movement excercises, rhythm instruments, and games. Comprehensive piano and instrument lessons are also available.

Instrument/Voice Lessons and Band/Choir
Students will receive weekly lessons and have the opportunity to participate in group activities such as band and/or choir (These groups will be determined based on students’ interest). Students will also learn valuable social/life skills such as teamwork, respect, diligence, and responsibility. Students will be graded through cooperation, participation and achievement and will receive musical instruction through:

• Music listening
• Movement through music exercises
• Rote Song Learning (Learning by mimicr.)
• World music (music of different countries)

Instrumental instruction available in:

• Band Instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon,
• Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet/Cornet, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, Percussion
• Orchestra strings: Violin, Viola, Cello
• Others: Piano and Voice

Awards and Honors

Each year various awards are granted to students who have fulfilled the standards and requirements set down for academic recognition. We encourage all students to participate in Christian service and to present a Christian testimony in all areas of their lives. Annual awards include:

Character Recoginition Awards
• Disciple Award
• Most Improved Student
• Nehemiah Award

Academic Recognition Awards:
• Scholar Award
• Scripture Memory Award

Perfect Attendance Recognition

Honor Roll

School Supply Lists

	2011-2012 School Supply Lists