Curriculum:

Devotional - Each day begins with a hymn and a prayer to remind us that the true teacher is the Spirit and that we can do our own personal best when we seek the Lord's help. Scriptures are read and passages memorized each week to help students look for personal, practical application of specific gospel instruction. The Pledge of Allegiance is also recited each morning to remind us of the blessing of our freedom.

Religious Studies - Each school year focuses on one of the volumes of the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints*. Instructors teach the stories and characters found therein as well as the doctrine. Additional books published by the Church of Jesus Christ, such as Jesus the Christ and Truth Restored, are used to ensure accuracy and expound on gospel principles.

English Mastery - The teaching of English is broken down into orthography, reading, and composition. Orthography is taught using the Writing and Spelling Road to Reading and Thinking a holistic approach to phonics that integrates the teaching of reading, writing, and spelling. This Rigg's/Spalding method is direct, explicit, multi-sensory instruction that teaches through each child's strongest avenue of learning (visual, auditory, motor, or verbal) while simultaneously strengthening the other avenues of learning by building new synapses in each area of the brain. The teaching of reading skills is integrated into every subject. Reading curriculum emphasizes comprehension and vocabulary skills. An individualized supplemental reading program is followed to meet the specific reading needs of each student. Composition instruction and assignments help students learn how to organize and express their thoughts. As students clothe their ideas with words, reflective thinking is sharpened and grammar skills are mastered.

Clear, concise, creative written expression is learned. BrainGym methods are included to help stimulate the mind and connect both hemispheres of the brain.

Literature - Defined as "words of truth and beauty that tell about life", literature is taught so as to elevate the student's mind and heart to love his literary heritage of Christian values. The students' imagination and creative potentials are expanded through studying the great classics. These texts help to develop critical thinking skills and provide a model and inspiration for thinking and writing. Students learn to reason governmentally from inward convictions to outward actions as characters are studied. The world view of "reasoning from the outside in" is refuted when internal Christian characteristics are shown to be the strength from which we can create our lives, rather than external circumstances "causing" bad behavior or poor choices.

Mathematics - Mathematical concepts and computation skills are stressed. Students are trained to interpret and solve mathematical problems. A foundation is established for the other branches of mathematics. Rightstart Math by Dr. Joan Cotter is the curriculum for K-1. Rightstart uses visualization and language rather than counting as the starting point of mathematics. Place value is further emphasized through the Asian math way of number naming. This is designed to teach adding, subtracting, multiplying, money, and other concepts. As with all good manipulatives, children use it less and less as they construct the mental model. Necessary repetition is provided through math games incorporated in the curriculum. Mastery is stressed throughout. BrainGym exercises are included to help stimulate the mind and activate both hemispheres of the brain. Saxon Math is used in grades 2-6.

History - Or: "His Story- The study of Heavenly Father's hand in the lives and events that have shaped the world, from the creation forward." We study the reasons we are here and Heavenly Father's purpose for us as individuals, families, communities, nations. As we teach these significant things the students see God's hand in how He plans, prepares, provides, and protects those whom He has chosen. Students learn that: "Conscience is the most sacred of all property" (James Madison) and recognize this principle as one that enables all great men and women to hold fast to what they believe is right even against overwhelming odds, thus fulfilling their missions. Emphasis is placed on the founding of America. Curriculum developed by the Foundation for American Christian Education (F.A.C.E.) and writings by authorized LDS authors is used.

Geography - Students gain a sense of understanding and purpose for the world. Basic geographic skills are introduced, including the use of maps and globes. Children also learn Heavenly Father's purpose for each continent. This is also a part of the F.A.C.E. curriculum.

Science - Students learn about the world and God's character as revealed throughout natural creation and the laws which govern it. The various disciplines of science are taught through hands-on activities and methods of observation and research. Individuals who contributed to the development of science are also studied.

Leadership - This generation of students will be tomorrow's leaders. Drawing from such texts as Sean Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and Rodger Duncan's Leadership for Saints, lessons are taught on self-esteem, building friendships, resisting peer pressure, the power of righteous influence, and achieving goals by planning the work and working the plan. Etiquette, public speaking, money management, being part of a team, conflict resolution, decision making, and emotional management will also be taught. Defending religious beliefs and the constitution, understanding current events and our political system, prioritizing, fact finding and analysis, community involvement, work ethics, service, and entrepreneurship will be discussed. We will study the leadership characteristics of Jesus Christ, prophets, American presidents, and other inspired leaders.

Art - The goal of the primary art curriculum is to lay a firm foundation for the development of the creative potential within each individual. Students are exposed to the great masters and their masterpieces. A wide range of media and the F.A.C.E curriculum are used in the instruction of basic artistic techniques.

Foreign Languages - Learning a foreign language at an early age develops an aptitude for future language study. Students gain insight into the individuality and unique characteristics of other peoples and cultures. English mastery is increased after exposure to both Romantic and Germanic languages. Students are instructed in the Latin and Greek roots of our language. A more complete foreign language program will be implemented in the second year. Spanish as a second language is introduced beginning in Kindergarten.

Music - Through a variety of activities, students experience and learn to appreciate the many facets of music. Music writing and theory, the great composers, recognition of instruments and movement with song are introduced. Music appreciation and specific songs relating to the curriculum will be taught by the core teacher in the first year.

Physical Education - Classes are designed to strengthen the student's perceptual-motor skills. Physical activities are planned to meet the varying developmental needs within the primary grades. Class instruction focuses on fostering an interest in sports, team play, individual excellence, and sportsmanship. P.E./Recess will be under the direction of the core teacher for the first year.

Testing and Record Keeping - Diagnostic tests by Iowa Basic will be administered each spring. Students will be graded both on personal improvement and how they rank against national standards. Students are required to master each principle before moving on to the next. Students will be placed at their level of ability. Mastery will be monitored daily.

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