Elementary Curriculum

Bible/ Chapel

Students begin the school day with either a Bible class or corporate Chapel time. This year our entire school will be taking a “Great Adventure” through the books of Genesis through Joshua. They also attend a weekly Leadership class to promote character education with Biblical principles. This year, Mrs. Forehand is focusing on lessons of leadership from Bible Heroes.

Reading/ Language Arts

Our teachers implement reading instruction that embraces both phonics and whole language techniques. Teachers collaborate across grade levels to form reading groups that meet the student at his/her level. Enrichment teachers assist with reading instruction and assessment. Accelerated Reader is also used to promote recreational reading. The Daily 5 is used in 1st -3rd grade classrooms to enable students to become independent readers. Teachers use Wordly Wise and Words Their Way to enhance student vocabulary.

Math

Our teachers use the Math in Focus Program in K-4th grades which emphasizes hands-on activities and critical thinking skills. It is based on the Singapore concept of math instruction utilizing mental math practice, problem solving activities, and reading for comprehension. In 5th grade, they use the Math Connections curriculum.

Science/ Social Studies

Teachers use hands-on, interactive activities and cooperative projects to teach Science and Social Studies. The Interactive Science curriculum from Pearson is used because of its emphasis on laboratory experiments and technology integration.

Enrichment

Students attend Enrichment classes every day ---P.E. three times and music, library, art, and leadership once a week. On Fridays, students occasionally have the opportunity to participate in music ensembles and book clubs. 

Technology

Teachers regularly integrate technology in learning through the use of Promethean Boards, the Computer Lab,  and Ipads. 5th graders have a weekly Ipad Lab.

Assessment

NCS incorporates the following assessment tools to track student progress: Stanford Achievement Test (once a year in 2nd grade), TCAP testing (in April for 3rd-5th grades), STAR Reading Assessment(4 times a year), DIBELS Language Arts and Math (3 times a year)

Co-Curricular

Fine Arts

NCS Elementary Students may take part in two full dramatic productions per year. Additionally, music lessons are available for students after school.

Scouting

NCS is blessed to have an active Cub Scouts troop and Girl Scouts troop meeting on campus.

Flight Club

Beginning in the 2nd nine weeks of the school year, students who need extra help in basic skills and students who can be pushed ahead of their grade level standards will be invited to join our Flight Club. Once a week, students will meet after school to participate in fun, educational activities that meet their academic needs. The NCS Flight Club believes that all students can soar academically.

Field Trips

Elementary students participate in at least one field trip per semester. Past field trips have included the Nashville Zoo, dramatic performances at TPAC, the Frist, and Honeysuckle Hill Farm. Every Spring, the fourth grade class takes a long day trip to Memphis or Huntsville. In the fall, the 5th grade class will take a trip to Birmingham to correlate with their reading of The Watsons go to Birmingham. In the Spring, the 5th graders will attend “School in the Wild” at 4H camp. A two night trip spent hiking in the woods and learning about wildlife.

Athletics

In the summer, NCS students can attend athletic camps for football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, and track and field. During the school year, young ladies are invited to be Junior Cheerleaders. Parents of NCS students regularly form teams to play in the West Nashville Sports League. 

Enrichment Programs

The Nashville Christian School Enrichment Program strives to enrich the learning experience for all students by exposing them to a variety of subjects outside of the traditional core curriculum. Our current Enrichment classes are Music, P.E., Art, and Leadership. Students attend Art and Leadership once a week, Music twice a week, and P.E. two to three times a week. Additionally, in the mornings, our Enrichment teachers partner with Math and Reading classroom teachers to further challenge students who are mastering the material while attending the needs of those who need remediation.

Art / Teacher: Fran Sexton
The first few weeks will begin with an underwater theme. Each grade level will be assigned a project using tempera, water color, marker, and crayon. Following this project, each class will begin studying:

• Color (primary, mixing, shading, tint, etc.)
• Lines
• Design processes

Leadership / Teacher: Marsha Forehand
This course will cover the ABCs of Leadership:

• A – Armor of God
• B – Bravery (We will also talk about bullying)
• C – Confidence
• D – Discipline
• E – Encouragement
• F – Forgiveness G- Godliness

Activities will include reading the Bible about each topic, art and object lessons, service projects, and Bible centers. We will also keep journals.

Library / Librarian: Kathy Overbay
All elementary students will come to the library on Monday. Kindergarden and 1st graders will be allowed to check out two books. They will get a new book if they return the one they have on Monday. We will be learning that all books have a special place to be in the library and how to find a particular book. During this time Mrs. Overbay engages the students with special activities.

Music / Teacher: Joey Boone
Music classes focus on three areas:

• History
• Theory
• Singing

In history, we will focus on the works of different composers. In theory, we will introduce notes, rhythm, and beat. Singing will focus on vocal techniques of age appropriate song selections.

Physical Education / Teacher: John Crosby
Students attend P.E. twice a week. This nine weeks several classes will be focused on:

• Aerobic exercise
• Static stretching
• Teamwork games
• Ball passing and catching
• Following a set of specific rules through game play.