Elementary Curriculum 2010-2011

Reading

CAC believes that a solid foundation of reading skills is needed for a successful, well-rounded education. Thus, reading is a major portion of our day in elementary school, directed by MacMillan McGraw-Hill as our basal foundation. Our classes use Accelerated Reader beginning in the first grade, and use Saxon Phonics in kindergarten through second grade, in addition to our regular reading series.

English / Language Arts

Going hand-in-hand with reading is our English and language arts curriculum. CAC uses both the language arts portion of our basal reading system and the Shurley English curriculum. Shurley English is another spiral curriculum created to inspire students to have fun, while learning the mechanics of the English language. Using rhymes, jingles, chants and question-answer flows, students quickly learn and comprehend all parts of a sentence. Sentences are then structured into paragraphs and creative writing. We use the Little Rock Writing Project curriculum for third through sixth grades.

Mathematics

Mathematics is another important part of our curriculum each day. Saxon Math is a spiral curriculum used at CAC from Pre-K through sixth grade. Each lesson is revisited many times during the year to ensure success in learning key concepts. These foundational concepts produce a secure learner, willing and eager to tackle any new problem to be solved.

Bible

Being a Christian school, CAC uses the Bible as a cornerstone of our curriculum. In addition to chapel, Bible is taught daily, with an emphasis on creating followers of Christ. We strive to teach each child to think and to act as Christ would. Our curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade is Biblical Choices. Sixth graders study the book of Luke, focusing on the life of Jesus.

Science

Beginning this year, CAC has adopted the MacMillan McGraw-Hill science curriculum that is aligned with our reading series and our Full Option Science System curriculum. CAC uses the FOSS science kits to instill a continued love of exploration. These kits are taught with a hands-on approach, allowing each child to be actively involved in the learning and exploring process of science.

Social Living / Social Studies

Beginning in Pre-K and continuing through third grade, we incorporate the teaching of social living skills. Primarily through thematic units, our students are exposed to the world around them. They develop a sense of community first and expand to the world beyond. Fourth through sixth graders study a combination of history, geography and economics. Our curriculum covers ancient civilizations to current events, including American and Arkansas history. Map skills are taught at each grade level.

Fine Arts

Art and music are purposefully incorporated into the elementary curriculum at CAC. Each teacher spends time in these areas, usually in connection with a theme or unit being studied.

Physical Education

Physical education is also a part of the overall development of each student. Students participate in the President's Physical Fitness Program every year and progress is monitored and noted in each child's records.