Technology

Equipping students with the necessary skills for the 21st Century is a focus at Calvary Baptist School. Technology is integrated into daily instruction using interactive whiteboards, iPads, and classroom computers. In addition, students in every grade level (including Preschool) utilize the school’s new computer lab to learn keyboarding skills, research topics of study and develop mastery of various computer programs.

In addition to technology-integrated lessons, Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math are used to strengthen key skills for students in grades K-8. This progress monitoring software provides a formative assessment of the student. Using the assessment results, teachers are able to monitor both the quantity and quality of reading and math skills by their students throughout the school year. Both programs provide teachers with valuable diagnostic information, including alerts regarding students who are at risk.

Curriculum and Instruction

Calvary Baptist School offers a diverse, comprehensive curriculum designed to develop critical thinkers and problem solvers. Through technology-integrated lessons, teachers are able to provide an engaging learning environment for their students. They utilize instructional practices that include direct instruction, meaningful class discussion that stimulate higher order thinking skills, and hands-on activities using manipulatives.

Preschool

The Calvary Baptist School pre-kindergarten program offers students an opportunity to develop important skills such as cooperative play and following directions within a classroom setting. Through activities and games, learning centers, and individual and group interaction, preschool children are introduced to reading and math in an engaged learning environment.

Reading

Using A Beka reading curriculum, pre-kindergarten focuses on reading readiness: letters and sounds; concepts of print (letters join to make words; words on a page have meaning); deriving meaning from written language.

Math

Similarly, the A Beka math curriculum used in pre-kindergarten focuses on math readiness: patterns, counting, and number concepts (recognizing written numbers and association of written numbers with amounts, such as four items is represented by the figure 4).

Bible

Developing and supporting students in their growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is an intentional focus in all grades. Using the Purposeful Design curriculum, students are taught biblical truth through motivating and engaging Bible lessons. Each day, students spend time praying, reading God’s word, and focusing on important stories of the Bible. Memorization of verses is incorporated in all grades.

Elementary (K-5th)

Reading

The A Beka reading curriculum, a phonics-based program, is used in grades K-3 to teach students long and short vowel sounds, consonant sounds, blends and special sounds. As students progress, they continue to review and apply phonics rules, and begin to focus on strategies that good readers use. Teachers utilize strategies such as shared reading, guided reading, and read aloud using authentic literature.

In grade 4-5, Mosdos Press Literature Series is used as a comprehensive reading curriculum that incorporates various genres of study. Intellectual probing, analysis, a respect for language, and the weighing of ethics and values are key elements in the program. In addition to the reading series, authentic literature is incorporated into daily instruction through the use of literature circles.

In grades 2-5, students also utilize BJU Literature / Language Arts, a program that provides direct academic vocabulary instruction to develop the critical link between vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Math

The A Beka Math program is used in grades K-5. Aligned to national standards, A Beka Math provides students with concrete, tangible examples of new concepts and engages students in the problem-solving and application process.

Science

Using the Purposeful Design curriculum, students in grades K-5 learn key concepts within units of study. These units include life science, physical science, earth and space, and the human body.

Social Studies

Bob Jones University Press curriculum is used to teach social studies in grades 1-5. Students in 1st grade learn about United States history from Native Americans to the Plymouth Colony, including early civics and government topics. In 2nd grade, students study concepts related to geography, economics, and culture, within the context of American history during the Colonial period. The 3rd-grade curriculum explores the story of America from the framing of the Constitution through the days of the Wild West.

In 4th grade, students learn about United States history from the beginning of America through World War II, as well as detailed studies of the regions of the United States. In 5th grade, students learn American history, from the invention of the automobile in the late 1800s through the inauguration of President Obama in 2009.

Bible

Middle School (6th-8th)

Reading

The Mosdos Press Literature Series is used in Middle School as a comprehensive reading curriculum that incorporates various genres of study. Intellectual probing, analysis, a respect for language, and the weighing of ethics and values are key elements in the program. In addition to the reading series, novels are used to engage students in critical analysis, meaningful discussions, and activities.

Middle school students also utilize BJU Press English, a program that provides direct academic vocabulary instruction to develop the critical link between vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Math

Middle School students are taught key mathematical concepts using Bob Jones University Press curriculum. Grade 6 students develop problem-solving skills in preparation for algebra, while grade 7 students cover math concepts such as decimals, number theory, fractions, and an introduction to algebra and geometry. In grade 8, students utilize a pre-algebra text that extends foundational concepts in preparation for high school courses.

Science

Using the Purposeful Design curriculum, 6th-grade science covers units in life science, physical science, earth and space, and the human body. Key topics in 6th grade include heredity and genetics, states of matter, geology, and the interaction of the body’s systems. Bob Jones University Press curriculum is used in 7th grade to introduce students to the scientific method and apply it in life science. Students investigate topics such as botany, anatomy, zoology, microbiology, and ecology. 8th-grade students use the same curriculum to explore earth science as they study scientific models, meteorology, geology, and oceanography.

Social Studies

Bob Jones University Press curriculum is used in 6th-8th grade to teach geography, map skills, history, economics, culture, and government. In 6th grade, students study the history and culture of ancient civilizations like Egypt, China, Israel, Greece, Africa, the Mayas, and the Roman world. The 7th-grade curriculum continues with World Studies, engaging students in the study of empires, cultures, Christianity, world religions, and trends of the emerging 21st century. 8th-grade students will take a deeper look at the American Republic, including a historical account of the nation through the present day, as well as examine the distinctiveness of American values and government. In addition to the history curriculum, current events are integrated into daily instruction for all Middle School students.

Bible

Developing and supporting students in their growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ continues in the Middle School grades to be an intentional focus of the Bible curriculum. Each day, students spend time praying, reading God’s word, and focusing on important stories of the Bible. Memorization of verses is incorporated in all grades. In 6th grade, the Purposeful Design curriculum is used to teach biblical truth through motivating and engaging Bible lessons. Grades 7-8 utilize the Bob Jones University Press curriculum. 7th-grade students explore Jesus Christ’s earthly life and ministry, while the 8th-grade curriculum cover Old Testament history and personal character development.