Middle School (6th-8th) Guidelines
Curriculum Objectives
Instructional Program
The success of each individual student is our objective. The Bible, God's Holy Word, is the foundation to our curriculum. We hold that all truth is God’s truth, and that the Bible is relevant to all life and learning. The curriculum itself is challenging and we are committed to building strong study habits in our students.
At the junior high level, students are provided with a safe and positive environment which encourages them in their education. They are provided with many opportunities for a solid foundation. Positive adult Christian role models help students develop in their growing relationship with the Lord.
ABeka Publishing Company texts provide a solid foundation in the basics of Language Arts and History. The language text is strong in phonics and grammar. But we also expect that students will be able to excel in writing and supplemental materials are used to prepare them well. We utilize texts from the Bob Jones Publishing Company for literature as well as Harcourt Brace for math. Instruction is biblically integrated.
Bible - The Bible is taught as a regular subject at all grade levels. The curriculum exposes students to the stories and great truths of the Bible in a non-sectarian way. Curriculum is chosen that will help students grow in their Christian faith and character. All students are expected to have a New International Bible. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” Romans 1:16.
Language Arts - Language Arts is more than grammar usage. The goal is to prepare well rounded communicators. During the Language Arts class time the students gain proficiency in reading, writing, speech, poetry, spelling, and critical thought. They learn to prepare essays showing their ability to reflect and project their ideas.
Math - A practical approach to basic arithmetic and its everyday relevance to life is taught from throughout the junior high. Our seventh grade math curriculum is blended with pre-algebra. The highest level of math is Algebra II.
Science - Students learn to explore and discover the wonders of God’s great creation through our stimulating textbooks, field trips, experiments, and projects. “Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth Thee.” Nehemiah 9:6.
Social Studies - Students become aware of their Christian heritage in history, geography, government, world civilization, and culture through this program. The establishment of our country as "One Nation Under God" is the theme of our Social Studies program.
Technology – Elementary students have access to a well equipped computer lab. It is staffed by a part-time teacher who works with individual students and classes. Elementary students learn needed keyboarding skills, Microsoft Windows(tm), and MS Office(tm) software familiarity. Some grades also experience guided online research, using the internet to gather relevant information for current homeroom class assignments. Computer stations are monitored, and internet accessibility is filtered to assure undesired sites are blocked from student view.
The Arts - All grades take part in many art activities that help them discover and develop their creative talents. Art is part of the classroom experience. Part of our future plans are to strengthen our art program.
General music and music appreciation are stressed in the lower elementary grades. Instrumental music begins in 4th or 5th Grade and continues on through junior high. Some choose band, and others love to sing. The junior high band and choir periodically attend the Association of Christian Schools International Musical. This has been a wonderful experience for the students to play or sing in larger groups and learn from the adjudicators. Students in band and general music classes perform twice during the school year.
Some junior high students take on the added responsibility of joining the worship team for chapels. They have their own band and worship leaders.
Physical Fitness - PE is a requirement for seventh and eighth grade. It is an elective for high school in ninth grade. CKA provides a well rounded program. Students develop the skills of physical fitness and conditioning, while learning sportsmanship and athletic skills.
Mr. Gilman, our athletic director, makes physical fitness fun through games and calisthenics. He makes sure students run and get their heart pumping. Laughter is part of the program too. Other fun skills such as juggling, unicycling, and double Dutch jump roping are also taught. The students enjoy his energy. His enthusiasm for physical fitness is contagious.
Our Circus - The whole school looks forward to the annual spring Circus event. The gym is transformed into a "Big Top" atmosphere. Bleachers are set around the perimeter and families of all ages come to enjoy watching the students perform. The smell of popcorn permeates the school and laughter is heard everywhere.
Mr. Gilman, our Ringmaster, sets the tone with his flashy cloths and wild antics. Excitement is in the air. Students show off the many new talents learned by Mr. Gilman in PE. They unicycle, juggle, stand on their heads, and climb high to the rafters on the big rope.