Lower School

All subject matter is presented from a biblical worldview, which is based on the infallible Word of God, the Logos. As a result, it becomes the foundation of everything said and done. An authentic Classical, Christian education is more about "preparation" of students to engage and transform secular culture than it is about "protecting" or sheltering them from it. We desire to be committed to preparing students to become discerning Christian thinkers- thoughtful believers who take their seats at the world's intellectual table.

In contrast with an education that is steeped in humanism, a biblically-centered education seeks to teach students to think about the world as God would have us to think about the world- we call it "thinking with the mind of Christ." It also focuses upon equipping students with knowledge and wisdom, urging them to use what they learn to fulfill our school's mission to be "Christ-centered leaders."

The overarching goal for Providence's language arts program is to prepare our students for understanding and communicating God's Word effectively and wisely. To accomplish this goal, students receive heavy instruction in the foundational concepts of phonics, spelling, and grammar. They are also engaged in oral narration and recitation of poetry, copying great thinkers and writers. Furthermore, beautiful books at every level are at the core of our language arts program and used for enjoyment as well as to provoke deep thought and discussion of ideas. Some lower school favorites include The Boxcar Children, The Little Pilgrim's Progress, Where the Red Fern Grows and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In order to communicate eloquently, our students begin formal writing in 1st grade with, which is built upon in subsequent grade levels. These courses train our students to think rationally and creatively, who will one day have the pleasure of joining in the Great Conversation. It is a joy to explore the beauty of language through God's scope!

In keeping with our biblical worldview instructional approach, science is presented with the belief that God is the creator of all things. His creation is an expression of His love for us and a gift to be explored. We desire for our students to be in awe of God's great works through the study of biology, earth science, chemistry, and physics by conducting hands-on investigations, contemplating His design, and observing demonstrations of scientific concepts.

Lower School Science Cycle (1st-5th)

Biology (1st & 5th)

Earth Science & Astronomy

Chemistry

Physics

Thought by most to be a neutral subject area, our approach to teaching math emphasizes that it is not independent from God. He holds everything together and has demonstrated that He is a God of order, precision, and consistency. Students will learn characteristics of God that point to the truth and order set by our Creator.

Providence uses Saxon Math, an incremental approach to teaching mathematics, through 6th grade. While a new concept in introduced every day, already introduced concepts are constantly reviewed. Lower school math encourages hands-on learning by incorporating the use of manipulatives and problem solving. At its root, Saxon develops fact fluency through strategies and mental math.

Our belief that God is the ultimate ruler of history steers our teaching to include Him in every aspect of time. God is in control of the past, present, and future ask has a redemptive, perfect plan for this fallen world. Each student will learn how they fit into this plan as He is the author and finisher of our faith.

We use stories to make history come alive in our classrooms and maps to familiarize ourselves with the world at large. A wide variety of narratives and perspectives are visited, coinciding with great literature, music, and carefully-chosen art projects that relate to the era that the student is studying.

By learning Latin vocabulary and phrases at a young age, students will have a greater understanding and command of the English language which is important to be able to effectively spread the good news of the gospel, comprehend vocabulary, and to approach science.

Lower school students attend Latin class twice a week, which builds a foundation for the deepened intensity of instruction that occurs in our upper school. Students are actively engaged using multi-sensory approaches such as, music, chants, flash cards, and games.

God created us to be instruments with the ability to sing and make music. Additionally music is an important part of worship and praise to God; Psalm 150 eloquently exclaims, "Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.  Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals."

Our youngest students explore rhythm, scripture put to music, study and use instruments, and move during every class.

Our 3rd-5th graders explore the lives and music of classic composers and are introduced to music theory using musical instruments: bells in 3rd grade, recorders in 5th, and glockenspiels in 5th.

God created us in His image and has given us the ability to be creative in music, art, and drama to name a few. Students will see that their talents are a gift from God and will be encouraged to use them for His glory. We encourage students to use art as a response of praise to God and in service to those around him.

Lower school students explore and imitate masters such as Monet and Picasso using a variety of mediums, textures, and colors. Students end the year with an art show for friends and family that is sure to impress.

Currently, we offer Spanish, Sewing, Keyboarding, Physical Education, STEM, and drama as enrichment classes for lower school students on Fridays. We uphold the belief that students' minds and souls benefit from their bodies' opportunity to be healthy and active.