Overall Philosophy

At New Heights School, we are committed to educating the whole child by addressing the academic, social, physical and spiritual needs of each student. We believe that a Christian education should enable the learner to develop a God-centered worldview that will allow him to follow Christ while living in the world He created. We seek to develop in each child a life-long love of learning and an ability to think critically while using God’s Word as their reference point. We take an integrated, holistic approach to learning, which allows students to make connections across all subject areas. Our curriculum choices reflect our desire to develop a well-balanced program of study, taking into consideration state standards, research-based best practices and the needs of our students. Our instructional materials have been carefully chosen from a variety of sources to utilize the best teaching tools available. We believe that all instruction should be appropriate for each student’s age, stage of development and individual learning styles. We believe that on-going student assessment, both formal and informal, should be used to determine the effectiveness of our instructional materials and strategies. Modifications and adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure the success of our students.

Bible:

Philosophy:

At New Heights School, we believe the Bible is the Word of God, inerrant and authoritative. “All scripture is God breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Tim.3:16) We therefore teach the Bible as God’s revelation to man as we strive to learn more about Him and live lives obedient to His Word. It is our desire that seeds of God’s truth may be planted in their hearts and grow into a mature and fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ.

Curriculum:

In the early grades, students are instructed in learning the truths of God’s Word through teacher read-alouds where characters, ideas, themes, and applications are discussed. Later when students can read the Bible independently, the students will be directed in inductive bible study and teacher-led instruction. In all grades, students will learn to worship God in song and prayer and memorize scripture so that God’s Word may “be hidden in their hearts” (Psalm 119:11). Students will also memorize fundamental truths of the Christian faith, the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the books of the Bible.

Reading/ Literature:

Philosophy:

Since God has chosen to reveal himself through the written word of the Bible, it is imperative that we are able to read fluently, comprehend, analyze, and interpret what we read. At New Heights School, we strive to develop students who can not only read well but also have a passion for reading quality literature.

Curriculum:

Our classrooms are literature-rich environments in which students can develop an understanding and appreciation for language. Explicit phonics instruction and phonemic awareness activities are used in the early grades to strengthen decoding skills and guide students towards independent reading. Reading skills are integrated throughout all subject areas to help students derive meaning and make connections to their own lives. Our “core” program consists of quality children’s literature, poetry, and appropriate informational texts, and certain grade leveled basal texts. Students will interact with this “core” through teacher read-alouds and shared reading, guided reading groups, self-directed literacy centers, and independent reading.

Writing/English:

Philosophy:

Language is a precious gift by which God communicates knowledge of His works and will, as well as a necessary means of communication among men. At New Heights School, we want our students to develop a deeper understanding of language, appreciate quality writing, and have the necessary tools to write effectively.

Curriculum:

In order for writing to be effective, it must first be legible. We use an occupational therapy based program to develop excellent penmanship in a way that is developmentally appropriate and engaging for the child. We equip students with the skills and rules of proper English grammar. Students will be given time for personal expression in writing and write in a variety of genres across all subjects. Since reading and writing are reciprocal processes, students will become excellent writers through explicit teacher modeling and the reading of quality literature.

Mathematics

Philosophy:

The study of Mathematics guides students in an understanding of the complexity, order, and design of God’s wondrous creation. Students will be encouraged to develop mathematical reasoning through problem solving, exploring patterns and relationships, and utilizing hands-on manipulative based activities.

Curriculum:

In the early grades, students are introduced to mathematical concepts through concrete objects. Abstract symbols are gradually introduced when students begin to grasp these concepts. Drill and memorization will be used to master basic facts at appropriate grade levels. Students are not expected to master a skill the first time it is introduced, but to develop mastery after repeated exposure to and practice with the concepts. Specific areas of focus include Numbers and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis/Probability.

Science

Philosophy:

Our Science program is based on the truth that God is the Creator of all things. We believe it is essential for young students to learn about the world God created from a Biblical perspective. We expose our students to the evidence of intelligent design that points to God, our intelligent designer. We seek to develop in students a thorough understanding of inquiry, the scientific method, and process skills that will prepare them for upper-level science.

Curriculum:

These skills will be taught through comprehensive, sequential instruction, hands-on experiments, and memorization of scientific facts and laws. Areas of study include Life Science: Plants, Animals, Environment, Human Body; Earth Science: Meteorology, Geology, Astronomy; Physical Science: Motion, Sound, Matter, Electricity, Light, and Heat. Students will conduct investigations in which they will collect and analyze data and communicate their findings using scientific language, reflective of their findings in the creative power of God.

Social Studies

Philosophy:

At New Heights School, we believe that God is the Sovereign Lord over human history and through study students will see the hand of God throughout history and across peoples and places. It is our goal to encourage students to assess the events of the present and past from a biblical world view and then make judgments for the future that are honoring to God.

Curriculum:

Students are given a strong foundation in history, geography, law and economics through our literature-based Social Studies program. In the early grades, students will gain an appreciation for the amazing diversity of peoples and places in God’s creation. Starting in first grade, history will be taught in chronological order. Our Social Studies scope will cover Ancient History, Medieval Times, Renaissance and Reformation, South Carolina History, and American History. Students will learn key names, dates, and places as well as map skills as they develop an historical time-line. History comes to life for students through biographies of people who have made lasting contributions to our world and, most importantly, God’s Kingdom. While our Social Studies program is based on the fundamentals of the Christian faith, we encourage older students to sharpen their Christian worldview by contrast with false ideas illustrated in literature. Students will read historical fiction, biographies, and informational text along with teacher read-alouds and instruction to develop an understanding of God’s direction and purpose in the course of human events.

Foreign Languages

Research has shown that elementary aged students have an increased capacity for learning foreign languages. Our foreign language program seeks to take advantage of this “window” by providing students with instruction in Spanish and Latin. The Spanish program starts in First Grade and continues through Third, immersing students in basic vocabulary and conversation. Our Latin program begins in Fourth, training students in Latin grammar and vocabulary. We chose Latin because it not only gives students a foundation for future language studies, it also aids in their study of English grammar and logical thinking

Computers:

Given our technological society, it is important to instill a fundamental understanding of computer concepts and applications in our students. Our youngest students (Grades 1-3) experience technology as a vital part of learning, as the computers are used primarily to enhance and complement topics that the students are learning in their classes. Math, geography, science, reading, computer art, and logic are areas that are coordinated with the classroom teachers, along with a basic introduction to computer usage. The upper grades (4-6) follow a technology curriculum that includes units on computer art, keyboarding, word processing, multimedia project development, spreadsheets, and Internet research skills, as well as academic game simulations in support of curriculum. In addition to these curricular topics, students will be taught to respect and care for the equipment as good stewards of the materials which have been provided for them. They will also be taught principals of sharing, teamwork, and encouragement as they work collaboratively on applications and projects.

Course Schedule K5-6th

Subject	K5	1^st	2^nd	3^rd4^th	5^th	6th
Phonics/Spelling	Christian Liberty Press Phonics	Christian Liberty Press Phonics A Beka Spelling	A Beka Spelling	A Beka Spelling Teacher created lists Wordly Wise Vocabulary	A Beka Spelling/Teacher created lists Wordly Wise Vocabulary	A Beka Spelling/ Teacher Created Lists Vocabulary from Greek and Latin Roots
Grammar	-------	Language Lessons 1	Language Lessons 2	Language Lessons Level 3/4	A Beka	A Beka
Bible	Biblical Character Traits	A Beka	A Beka	Precept- Teach me to pray, study the Bible	Precept	Precept Genesis
Math	ACSI	ACSI	ACSI	ACSI	ACSI	ACSI
Writing	6+1 Traits of Writing	6+1 Traits of Writing	6+1 Traits of Writing	6+1 Traits of Writing	6+1 Traits of Writing
Science	Teacher Developed	ACSI	ACSI	ACSI	ACSI	ACSI
Handwriting	HWT	HWT	HWT	HWT	HWT	-----------
History	Introduction to World Cultures	World History I Ancient Cultures	World History II Middle Ages- Renaissance	American History I Exp1oration- Civil War	American History II Reconstruction- Present	World History I Ancient Cultures
Foreign Language		Spanish	Spanish	Spanish	Latin	Latin

Reading All grades will use trade books and teacher read-alouds to teach reading fundamentals and an appreciation of quality literature.

ACSI= Association of Christian Schools International HWT= Handwriting Without Tears