In Art class, our students learn the creative process from the birth of an idea to the completion of the final product. Students experience a variety of media and techniques. The curriculum builds on previous instruction by adding new skills during each elementary year. Every skill level has a more complex set of objectives and prepares students for future art opportunities. This course provides one more opportunity for students to experience Biblical integration during the school day as the art teacher can freely reference Scripture while discussing the project of the day. For example, Jeremiah 28:6 states, “Behold like clay in the potter’s hand, so you are in mine.”

At CCS, we establish the Bible as the foundation of truth (John 17:17) in developing a Christian worldview that will influence, impact, and be integrated into all academic areas, as well as the student’s personal life (Hebrews 4:12). The explanation and memorization of Scripture helps students grow in building a faith and trust in the Lord. Bible accounts and application stories challenge students to live a Godly life through the examples of Biblical characters. Prayer is an important part of Bible study. Through daily prayer, students are encouraged to develop and strengthen their own relationship with the Lord.

Although formal assessment is not administered for previous instruction from one grade level to another, the scope and sequence within the curriculum itself is designed to prepare students to know and apply the Word of God. Assessments are gathered through oral discussions, questions and answers, written practice, and tests, as well as through student presentations, journaling, storytelling, drama, drills, and games.

Higher order thinking skills are developed in Bible through discussion, drama, and roleplay. Students are challenged to judge between good and evil and right and wrong. Discussions include comparing and contrasting ideas and thoughts, determining cause and effect, and making evaluations. Journaling provides a means of reflection, expression, and application of each student’s understanding of the character traits, as well as a venue to share what is learned in weekly chapel services.

Christian principles are taught as the foundation for the communication of ideas and concepts in history. Classroom instruction emphasizes patriotism and develops an appreciation of the Christ-like qualities in the people who played an important part in our rich American history. Students are encouraged to become responsible citizens who participate in the community. Higher level thinking skills are developed mainly through roleplaying, discussions, journaling, and essay questions. In addition, students are asked to compare and contrast ideas, make evaluations, and discuss the cause and effect of historical events. Social Studies/History themes are integrated into the Language Arts program in preschool K4 through grade 3. Texas history is studied in grade 4, and United States History is studied in grade 5. 

In our math curriculum, students are reminded that God is the Creator of order and absolutes. Christian principles and Biblical truths are embedded in the design of each lesson.

Our math curriculum is manipulative-based and vertically integrates skills and state standard concepts throughout the grade levels. The Singapore method is the foundation for our math instruction. A strong sense of numeracy and critical thinking is developed through concrete/pictorial/abstract processing. Resources for math enrichment are available and implemented at every grade level. 

Authentic assessments include observation, participation, ability of the student to use strategies s/he has learned in order to solve a problem, as well as communication through explanations and journaling. Students are required to write original word problems and written explanations, as well as demonstrate specific skill proficiency on quizzes and tests.

Emphasis is placed on music as a God-given expression of praise and worship. Students learn to appreciate all types of music. They learn the means and motivation for the use of music in the Bible.

Various methods of instruction, such as vocal, instrumental, and rhythmic are implemented. Along with the fundamentals of music, students learn the importance of individual and group praise, artistic performance, and excellence in accuracy and quality. Multiple music performances are presented throughout the school year across all grade levels. These include various seasonal programs, as well as events which highlight particular grade levels. Musical Theater is implemented in grades 4 and 5, and the school year concludes with a Broadway-style show.

Christian values are modeled and practiced daily in our elementary physical education classes. One of the program’s strengths is its emphasis on varied instruction in small and large groups, as well as individual and whole group activities. In addition, a variety of activities — individual sports, team sports, and recreational events — provide all students the opportunity to succeed in their area of interest. A knowledgeable and experienced staff with sufficient resources and equipment instructs and assists each child to promote health and wellbeing.

Our Developmental Movement program addresses the particular growth needs of our youngest Warriors. Students in K4, K5 and 1^st grade attend Movement class multiple times per week. This program addresses core strength, muscle development, motor skills, balance and coordination to build both the body and mind. Targeted activities are designed to build skills and abilities which enhance focus, stamina and behavior in the classroom.

The English Language Arts & Reading curriculum provides a comprehensive program built on Social Studies, History and Science themes. All aspects of Language Arts are included: reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, grammar and composition. Biblical truths are integrated through stories, poetry, plays, parables, fables and classic literature. As students improve their fluency in reading and comprehension, they are better prepared to read and understand the written word including the Bible.

To improve the reading program, benchmark assessment tools are utilized several times during the school year. This aids the teacher in determining reading levels and provides a basis for planning instruction. A “guided reading” classroom model allows teachers to work closely with students to address their individual reading instructional needs while other students work independently or in small groups in literacy centers.

The English Language Arts & Reading program includes authentic learning activities such as journals, various genres of creative writing, literacy centers, reader’s theater, games, character studies, book reviews, the Accelerated Reader program, peer conferencing and teacher/student conferencing. The writing process is introduced in early grades and is refined throughout the elementary program via creative writing experiences.

Science is taught from a Christian worldview. Students consistently examine scientific knowledge through the lens of God’s Word. As students identify the orderliness and precision of God’s creation, they develop a disciplined approach to problem-solving, as well as experience spiritual growth. Students develop higher-order thinking skills in science through observation, gathering data, comparing, classifying, and making inferences based on observation.

Students learn the scientific process and experience it through projects and experiments in the classroom. An open and interactive atmosphere in the classroom allows each student the freedom to express their thoughts. Students learn to evaluate and question their observations. Students are encouraged to apply the analytical problem-solving skills they learn in science to other academic disciplines as well. Student learning is assessed through projects, experiments, rubrics, testing, and teacher observation. 

God has blessed His creation with the ability to speak and understand many languages. As students learn to appreciate God’s gift of the Spanish language, and learn to hear and speak it consistently, they should also develop a desire to use this skill and experience in God’s service. Students learn to communicate in Spanish using the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. They benefit greatly by gaining knowledge and understanding of Hispanic cultures and by making connections with other subject areas.

Instruction is differentiated with attention to various learning styles including, but not limited to, reading, writing, singing, art, and conversation. The scope and sequence is appropriately implemented according to each child’s age and level of study. Students in kindergarten K5 through grade 5 attend Spanish instruction each week.

Cornerstone Christian Schools is committed to a STEM emphasis in our curriculum. This unique approach focuses on curricular and extra-curricular activities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Our elementary students are engaged in challenging STEM opportunities within their classrooms and through enrichment programs. All K5-3rd grade students rotate through a 4-H STEM class which focuses on topics such as Horticulture, Junior Master Gardening, Aquatic Science, Entomology, Animal Science, and Robotics. 4th and 5th grade Warriors will have 4-H opportunities available within their classroom curriculum. STEM opportunities include 4-H STEM rotation activities, hands-on activities within the classroom and specials classrooms, classroom iPad integration (K4-1), laptop computers (2-5), competitive math and robotics teams, 4-H competitions in many areas for students in 3rd-5th grade, and other enrichment opportunities.

Technology education is imbedded in the regular classroom via instructional technology and technology-driven student product. All elementary classrooms are equipped with one-to-one technology, so each student works with a device suitable to his/her level. Students in preschool K4, kindergarten K5, and grade 1 use iPads in the classroom. Students in grades 2 through 5 use laptops. Teachers utilize a variety of applications, programs and digital curriculum tools and enhancements to engage the students in technology-infused lessons. In effort to function in a “paperless” environment, much of the traditional student product is created and submitted in a digital format.

Students are introduced to and educated in Microsoft applications and utilize its numerous functions to navigate the school day. Digital citizenship, Internet safety, keyboarding, tech integration, and application are addressed in the classroom through supporting computer programs.