The curriculum at Faith Lutheran School seeks to enrich the mind and enlighten the heart through the timeless truths of God’s Word. Faith’s curricular framework is balanced and comprehensive. Its design promotes cognitive growth in all of its objectives, activities, strategies, and resources. The curriculum takes into account the wide range of learning styles of its students, offering flexibility to remediate the struggling student while at the same time enrich the gifted learner. The Faith Lutheran student will be fully equipped with the tools needed to succeed in and out of the classroom.
The foundation of Faith’s religion curriculum is the study of the Bible. Old and New Testament stories are read, meaningfully discussed and applied to the children’s lives. This experience gives students a strongly rooted foundation in God’s Word equipping them to live as children of God. Students in grades 5-8 have catechism two days each week. Catechism is an in depth study of the Ten Commandments, Baptism, Holy Communion, Lord’s Prayer, Apostle’s Creed, and Keys and Confession. The religion curriculum for students in grades 7-8 also includes topical Bible studies, Christian apologetics, and a study of world religions. Memorization skills are enhanced as all students commit to memory Bible passages. Every Friday morning the student body gathers for a school chapel in the church sanctuary. Parents and friends are invited to join the students for chapel. To review Faith's Religion curriculum, click here.
A clear understanding of the English language is imperative for success in all areas of the curriculum and everyday life. Faith Lutheran’s language arts curriculum accomplishes this through its integration of reading, phonics programs, writing, spelling, grammar, and oral expression in a sequential and developmentally appropriate order. To review Faith's Language Arts curriculum, click here.
A thorough mathematics curriculum is critical for success in our ever-changing world. The traditional math approach at Faith gives students a firm foundation in computation, math concepts, problem solving strategies, and data interpretation. This foundation is constructed through daily instruction and review in a cumulative manner. Ample time is provided to grant individual assistance until the concepts are mastered. The math program is experiential in nature and employs manipulative and real life situations to build mathematical knowledge. Students in the middle school who demonstrate above-average aptitude in mathematics will be placed into an accelerated math program.
The development and use of modern technology continues to evolve and shape our lives. Technology is a God-given tool that can enhance student learning. Faith is committed to incorporating technology into its classrooms and curriculum. Currently each classroom is equipped with a Smartboard. Students have access to computers for safe and secure online research and project construction. Our teachers strive to incorporate technology into lessons and student projects.
We believe science, an ever-changing body of knowledge, is the investigation and appreciation of God’s ordered creation. Our science curriculum allows children to see the wisdom and skill of our Creator. Unit lessons include the following four domains: physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, engineering, technology and applications of science. Through hands-on-learning the students will be actively engaged in experiments, projects and presentations. These opportunities use practices such as observing, comparing, hypothesizing, predicting, measuring, testing and interpreting for a better understanding of the world our Lord created. To review Faith's science curriculum, click here.
The scope of study in Faith’s social studies curriculum includes exposure to a variety of social science disciplines: world cultures, values and customs, history, geography, sociology, current events, economics, and civics. Instruction and activities in these areas are structured to help young students develop skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, cause-and-effect relationships, and reading charts, maps, and graphs. This curriculum aspires to give students the necessary tools to be active, well-adjusted citizens and leaders in today’s world. To review Faith's social studies curriculum, click here.
Faith’s music curriculum contains the integrated components of music theory, voice development, and music appreciation. Basic elements such as notation, rhythm, and music terminology prepare the children to read music and explore musical instruments. Vocal skills are developed through pitch exploration, ear training, and daily classroom singing. Students are introduced to famous composers and some of their works. In an effort to develop and use God-given musical talents, students have the opportunity to perform vocally and instrumentally throughout the year. Band and individual piano lessons are also offered for a fee. To review Faith's music curriculum, click here.
Concepts such as line, shape, form, color, pattern, design, and composition are developed in an art curriculum that allows children to express their creativity and discover their talents. Young artists learn to value not only the product, but also the process. The children also enjoy exposure to well-known artists, their unique styles, and classical works. Other goals include development of fine motor skills, improvement of hand-eye coordination, and experiences in collaborative learning. Faith’s Fine Arts Fair also allows children to receive recognition for their favorite “masterpieces.”
The goals of Faith’s physical education program include: skill development, instruction of sport specific rules, strategies of team and individual sports, physical fitness and cardiovascular development, practical experiences in leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship, and development of a positive self-image in a safe, structured environment. Expectations include participation in all games and activities, respect for peers and instructors, proper care of equipment, and cooperation. The P.E. program is designed to enable each child to achieve success while developing an interest in life-long physical activity. Participation in P.E. for students with medical problems or physical limitations will be modified as needed. Children in grade 7 will also receive certification in CPR and the use of the AED taught by qualified instructors as part of the overall P.E. curriculum.
Faith Lutheran School recognizes the value of recess for all students in grades K-8. Recess provides a mental break from academic studies and promotes physical fitness. The following recess guidelines have been established to promote student safety:
1. Recess is supervised by a teacher and/or teacher aide at all times.
2. Children are expected to participate in recess activities unless a written excuse is sent by a parent, guardian, or doctor.
3. Playground and athletic equipment is to be treated with care and respect.
4. Rough and dangerous play is not allowed.
5. Students will not be allowed outside for recess if the air temperature or wind chill temperature drops to or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.