Faith Christian Academy focuses on the introductory grades, K5-3rd, to provide the academic basics for all future learning. The intense phonics approach from Abeka is the cornerstone of this academic development. This approach to reading is proven to increase reading ability. Success in reading translates to success across all academic spectra. Each student is graded in phonics through all four years of early childhood learning, grades K5-3rd. Students also begin reading groups in kindergarten and continue them through third grade. We realize that all students do not learn to read at the same moment in time, but we find that the Abeka phonics program meets the educational needs of the overwhelming majority of our pupils.
The Abeka cursive writing program enhances the phonics program and begins in the 1st grade. Educational studies indicate that efforts in teaching phonics, reading, and cursive writing complement one another. Again, cursive writing does not usually begin until the 3rd grade in the public schools (depending on the area) but you will be impressed by the manual dexterity of your students as they develop proficiency in this skill. The academic result is the positive educational impact on reading proficiency that results from teaching phonics, reading, and cursive writing interactively. The teaching of numbers and math begins in K5 with the mastery of counting from 1 to 100 by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s. Students at FCA continue to grow in math during these early years as they add math facts, math combinations, money recognition, telling time, and other arithmetic and basic algebraic applications of numbers.
Lower elementary students, K5-3rd, also receive instruction in Bible, spelling, history, science, art, music and Spanish to round out their academic day. Loving and consistent discipline radiates throughout the classroom. Repetition and project base learning are vital parts of the daily activity. Students have age appropriate homework that is designed to reinforce their daily learning and develop parental involvement in their learning process.
Fourth grade students enter their academic world with concrete educational abilities compared to the pre-concrete abilities of their younger counterparts. At FCA, we approach the upper elementary years, 4th-5th, with a concentrated focus on verbal comprehension as well as vocabulary development, and a concentrated focus on mathematical problem-solving, as well as mathematical procedures. Curricular materials from Bob Jones Press are integrated during these years to increase the cognitive approach to learning and critical thinking.
The academic difficulty increases noticeably as the student’s progress through the upper elementary years. Many educators believe the transition from 3rd grade to 4th grade is the most difficult academic transition for students. The homework load increases through these years, and 4th-5th grade students must develop study skills to be proficient on various forms of assessments. Help classes are incorporated as needed. Yearly achievement tests give ongoing feedback for the success of our academic goals and objectives.
Bible is the foundational subject for all of our educational philosophy. Students have Bible class every day and chapel once a week. Each class receives music instruction designed to enhance the worship of our Savior. Private music lessons are available at an additional fee should the parent want to child to participate. These lessons will be done throughout the school day to provide convenience of schedule for the parents.
Philosophy of Curriculum
The curriculum at Faith Christian Academy is chosen with much prayer and research. Nothing is to be presented to the students that could undermine their faith. Genuine truth is God’s truth; therefore, every subject taught must have biblical principles at its core.
Christian education is an alliance of the Christian home, the Bible-believing local church, and the school. It is the purpose of Faith Christian Academy to assist the home and the church, never to usurp their authority. We must provide a support structure that helps to form and nurture vibrant Christian citizens.
Philosophy of Teaching and Technology
Faith Christian Academy places a high importance on the academic success of each student. We have a balanced approach to the complete education of the child and have developed a strategic use of curriculum that exposes each student to varied pedagogical perspectives. Technology is incorporated into each classroom, but we take the focus away from the technology itself and place it directly on the learning and teaching it facilitates.
FCA blends the approach of traditional education with modern technology to prepare students to succeed spiritually, physically, and academically.
- Christ‐centered curriculum
- Abeka, Bob Jones Press, Positive Action For Christ
- Computer Education beginning in the 3rd Grade
- Spanish Education begins in K5
- E-textbooks used in High School and Middle School classes
- iPads integrated into High School and Middle School classes
- Digital and Traditional Assessments in 6th-12th grades
- Phonics‐based reading program that starts in 4 year old Kindergarten
- College Preparatory Program
- Strong Emphasis on the Basics
- Achievement Test Results are above National and State Norms