Curriculum

Philosophy

The preschool’s philosophy of integrating Biblical principles in to all areas of the program is first accomplished by hiring committed Christians to teach in our program. Both campuses strive to offer a program that challenges the preschooler to learn by experience; socially, emotionally, spiritually and cognitively. In the preschool years a child develops a concept of himself and others, patterns of feelings and behavior that underly all of his later experiences.

Goal

Our goal is to frame an environment and program consistent with the highest standards which will allow each child opportunity to develop at their own rate of speed. Teachers are careful to incorporate activities that enrich all areas of development. We believe a hands-on multi sensory approach is the best method of insuring that all children are challenged and enriched.

Curriculum

The preschool curriculum is tailored to fit the developmental level of the three to five year old child which includes our Bible curriculum. Bible lessons are taught regularly, but also integrate biblical principles in to every aspect of the curriculum. The children see Christian living through the example of their teacher and the director. They also learn that Christ can be a part of the math lesson, the science lesson and outdoor play.

Daily schedule

The daily schedule for each classroom includes large group activities, small group activities, individual time with the teacher and a time for choice activities. The length of time designated for large group events varies according to the age level of the class and the overall personality of the group. The day also includes quiet and down time allowing children space to be alone and process their own thoughts.

Classroom environment

Classroom environment is intentionally designed to foster the best learning environment possible. A wide variety of materials and equipment are used to introduce multiple levels of complexity and difficulty and are routinely rotated. Teachers are trained to be keen observers of the children in their classroom. They also solicit input from the parents concerning the individual needs of the child. Assessments and parent/teacher conferences aid in accurately providing appropriate curriculum content.

Samples of Curriculum Used:

• Zoo Phonics
• Math Their Way / Box It Bag It Math applications
• Mary Rice Hopkins Bible Curriculum
• ACSI Bible Curriculum

The Baymonte teaching staff selects the curriculum materials we use on an ongoing basis. We follow the State of California Educational Framework for the primary content of the subjects we address. Most of the textbooks we select are state approved texts. Each classroom teacher integrates Christian values into his or her lessons. The following are the textbooks we use in each subject as a basis for our curriculum:

• Bible | ACSI
• Math | McGraw
• Science | F.O.S.S.
• Grammar | Easy Grammar
• Writing | Step up to Writing
• Spelling | Zaner Bloser
• Social Studies  | Pearson
• Reading | McGraw Hill, selected novels

All elementary students receive P.E. instruction two times per week from our P.E. specialist. On the other three days the classroom teacher does P.E. Each elementary class receives music instruction two times per week during which students receive vocal instruction and are taught to read music. Fifth grade students may also elect to have instrumental instruction. Each classroom has one or more computers and each student has weekly time in the Library Media Center where they receive instruction in library usage and research skills. They will also receive hands-on computer/technology instruction.

Our school takes the investment in curriculum very seriously. Each year we adopt new curriculum for a different subject area. The teaching staff is actively involved in the selection of all curriculum materials. We follow the State of California Educational Framework and Content Standards for the primary content of the subject area content. Most of the textbooks we select are state approved texts. Classroom teachers integrate biblical truth and Christian values throughout the curriculum.

Textbooks

The following are the textbook publishers we use in each subject as a basis for our curriculum:

• Bible Positive Action for Christ
• Math Prentice Hall, McDougal Littell
• Science Prentice Hall
• Grammar Easy Grammar, Prentice Hall
• Writing Step Up to Writing
• Social Studies Houghton Miflin, Glencoe
• Reading Prentice Hall, selected novels

Physical Education

Middle school students participate in a regularly scheduled physical education class. They also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular sports with other Christian schools in the Bay Area Christian Schools Athletic League.

Foreign Language

All middle school students receive Spanish instruction approximately two times per week (it alternates with Physical Education). The middle school offers a wide variety of electives.

Events

Our middle school students have the opportunity to participate in the ACSI Speech Meet, ACSI Spelling Bee, Santa Cruz County Math Contest and the Santa Cruz County Science Fair.