Elementary School
A comprehensive curriculum is delivered to students through hands-on activities and well-planned lessons in a caring environment. Teachers nurture the unique gifts of each child helping him/her understand God's integral role in His world.
Art
Using a variety of media the art program teaches specific skills and allows children to express their creativity. PK and K receive art instruction one session per week for one semester. Students in grades 1-5 receive art instruction one session per week for the full year.
Bible
JCS uses curriculum materials provided by Christian Schools International (CSI) for their Bible instruction. The CSI program uses Bible memory and a thematic approach to teach our students the Old and New Testament as it applies to the Christian life.
Computers
In addition to progressively building skills necessary for the 21st century workplace, the computer program includes ethics in the use of software and internet. Two computer labs with state of the art software and filtered and supervised access to the internet are available to all students.
Library
A love for reading is developed through fun events and book sharing. Instruction in library skills is provided for all grades.
- Accelerated Reader Program
- The Accelerated Reader Program is a computerized reading program used in grades 4-8 in which students read books and take tests on those books. It is a tool that we use to reinforce comprehension skills and create an enthusiasm for reading. Students accumulate points as they read based on their test scores, providing direct feedback to the student and teacher on the student's reading progress. Accelerated Reader has proven to be a highly motivational tool, as the students become very successful readers by practicing reading daily. An Accelerated Reader Test List is published at the beginning of each year listing the tests and books that we have available in our library.
Math
The Everyday Math series is used to develop math and problem solving skills. Students are engaged in hands-on activities that help them understand the various mathematical concepts. The Everyday Math series is set up as a spiral curriculum to help students master concepts as they continue through the program.
Music
General music is taught to students in grades PK and K once per week and twice per week to students in grades 1-5. Second semester fourth graders receive instruction on the recorder. Band and orchestra are offered to students beginning in the fifth grade.
Physical Education
Students progress through five skill levels in grades PK- 3 and transition to more exposure to team sports in grades 4 and 5. PK and K students receive instruction once per week. Students in grades 1-5 receive instruction twice per week.
Reading
The Houghton Mifflin reading series is used in grades K-5. This 4- blocks program teaches students that reading is a fundamental process of communication. Students explore various reading strategies that aid in comprehension of text. The reading process includes the communication of the author's intent, thought, and mood to the reader. The teacher at Jenison Christian School guides students through the reading process and helps them develop appropriate responses to the written text.
Writing
Jenison Christian teachers are committed to good writing in all subject areas. To help achieve this goal, all teachers are trained in 6-trait writing and using this and other techniques, they strive to meet state standards.
Science
Using a balance between hands-on activities and study from the text, teachers provide instruction in areas of physical and life science.
Spelling
In addition to the spelling experiences included in the reading program, students work through a master list of grade appropriate spelling words.
Social Studies
A variety of resources are used at different grade levels to learn about the history of God's world. Civics and economics are introduced in the elementary years. Map skills are also taught to students in the area of social studies.
Next: Middle School Curriculum