Lower School Curriculum
Grades 3-6 continue to reinforce the important academic and social skills emphasized in primary school:
- Quality written work completed in a timely manner
- Legible penmanship and accurate spelling
- Speed and accuracy in arithmetic
- Reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition
- Memorization of poetry and Scripture
- Appropriate classroom behavior
- Discipline and self-control
- Good manners and respect for adults and classmates
Students learn from well-designed materials, high-quality content, and teacher-directed lessons. Classrooms are quiet, disciplined, and orderly, with minimal visual distractions. Students are motivated to work and learn because they are led by knowledgeable, enthusiastic teachers. Students work hard and are rewarded every day with breaks for physical exercise, music, art, and review games. Students in grades 3-6 are carefully prepared for the reading of classic literature and history, and for advanced math and science which begin in the Upper School in grade 7.
For the traditional curriculum:
- For English, spelling, and math, the Mennonite publisher, Rod and Staff, produces traditional textbooks that provide uncluttered pages and clear instructions.
- The science curriculum develops the observational skills that lie at the heart of the scientific endeavor. Students study mammals, invertebrates, insects, vertebrates, birds, plants, and tree identification.
- The very best in English literature and poetry are taught in depth using Memoria Press study guides.
- In American/Modern Studies students focus on states, capitals, and world geography in grades 3-5, and American history in grade 6.
For the classical curriculum:
- Latin – Students memorize the complete Latin grammar and a Latin vocabulary of about 800 words.
- Classical Studies – Students study Greek myths and Greek, Roman, and Medieval history.
- Christian Studies – Students learn all major Bible stories and memorize more than ninety of the most memorable and poetic verses of the King James Bible.
Third Grade
| Subject | Materials |
| Latin | Prima Latina |
| Arithmetic | Rod and Staff Arithmetic 3 |
| Literature | Farmer Boy, Charlotte’s Web, The Moffats, A Bear Called Paddington, Poetry for the Grammar Stage |
| Grammar/ Penmanship/Spelling/Composition | Introduction to English Grammar, New American Cursive III, Spelling Workout D, All Things Fun & Fascinating |
| Classical/Christian Studies | D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, Christian Studies I |
| American/Modern Studies | States and Capitals |
| Science | World of Mammals |
| Music/Art | Various |
| P.E. | Physical Fitness and Childhood Games |
Fourth Grade
| Subject | Materials |
| Latin | Latina Christiana |
| Arithmetic | Rod and Staff Arithmetic 4 |
| Literature | The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Heidi, Lassie Come-Home, Poetry for the Grammar Stage |
| Grammar/Spelling/Composition | English Grammar Recitation I, Spelling Workout E, Classical Composition: Fable |
| Classical/Christian Studies | Famous Men of Rome, Christian Studies II |
| American/Modern Studies | Geography I |
| Science | Book of Insects |
| Music/Art | Various |
| P.E. | Physical Fitness and Childhood Games |
Fifth Grade
| Subject | Materials |
| Latin | First Form Latin |
| Arithmetic | Rod and Staff Arithmetic 5 |
| Literature | Adam of the Road, Robin Hood, King Arthur, The Door in the Wall, Poetry for the Grammar Stage |
| Grammar/Spelling/Composition | English Grammar Recitation II, Spelling Workout F, Classical Composition: Narrative |
| Classical/Christian Studies | Famous Men of the Middle Ages, Christian Studies III |
| American/Modern Studies | Geography II |
| Science | Book of Birds, Exploring the History of Medicine |
| Music/Art | Various |
| P.E. | Physical Fitness and Childhood Games |
Sixth Grade
| Subject | Materials |
| Latin | Third Form Latin |
| Arithmetic | Saxon 7/6 |
| Literature | The Hobbit, The Bronze Bow, Anne of Green Gables, The Trojan War, Poetry for the Grammar Stage |
| Grammar/Spelling/Composition | English Grammar Recitation III, Spelling Workout G, Classical Composition: Chreia/Maxim |
| Classical/Christian Studies | Famous Men of Greece, Christian Studies IV |
| American/Modern Studies | The Story of the Thirteen Colonies and The Great Republic |
| Science | Book of Trees, Exploring the World of Biology |
| Music/Art | Various |
| P.E. | Physical Fitness and Childhood Games |