Everything is new for the elementary student. From the wonder of reading their first word to the satisfaction of completing a long division problem. SBCS teachers strive to come along each student, nurturing abilities, strengthening weaknesses and guiding in knowledge and truth. Our teachers are our school’s greatest strength. They carefully tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of each class.
The math curriculum from Kindergarten through Fifth grade follows the Harcourt Expressions series. The method of approach is a spiral which introduces the concept and then fills in greater detail as the year progresses. The repetitions of material in increasing difficulty serves to cement the mathematical concepts and ensure that each student will have the material presented in a manner which suits their style of learning. In addition, the lower grades incorporate music in the learning process.
The language arts program takes the student from learning the D’Nealian manuscript through extensive writing and poetry appreciation. Reading often integrates with other subjects so that students learning about California History may read Island of the Blue Dolphins and students learning about wilderness ecosystems in science will read Sign of the Beaver. Teachers utilize the Step-up-to-Writing method and writer’s workshop to ensure excellence in writing.
Social studies begins in the lower elementary years with a focus on understanding the family and community as it relates to citizenship and what constitutes a healthy society. In the later elementary years the curriculum turns its focus to California and American History. Using the History Alive! curriculum as well as numerous trips makes history relevant. Trips start locally with our great museums and places of government and include in the upper elementary trips to Sacramento and La Purisima.
We continue our hands on approach with Scott Foresman Science. SBCS teachers believe that science is learned best not just by reading, but by doing. Students participate in hands on activities that bring science to life and deepens their understanding of how things work. Students visit the UCSB Chemistry Lab as well as beaches, parks and Santa Cruz Island.
The remainder of the daily schedule includes Bible, PE, Music, Library and Art. To learn more about these subjects, please explore the Christian Values and Enrichments tabs of this section.