Our Language Arts program includes reading, writing, grammar, spelling, oral and written English, and literature. XCS seeks to develop in students a foundational understanding and appreciation for the English language. A shift will occur, as students move from elementary to middle school; from "learning to read" to "reading to learn". Students will be exposed to a diversity of literary works and genre - some quite challenging - exploring various themes, moral lessons, and spiritual applications. Students will practice a variety of writing styles, concentrating on developing, organizing, and expressing their ideas in a creative and effective manner. By the conclusion of eighth grade they possess an age appropriate grasp of the structure, diversity, and beauty of the English language.
An Academic Content Standard (ACS) is a statement that describes what the students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade level.
Language Arts ACS
Spelling & Phonics ~ Riggs Institute, Beaverton, Oregon
Reading ~ Developed internally based on "How to Read a Book" by Mortimer Adler
Grammar & Writing ~ The Shurley Method, Shurley Instructional Materials, Inc. Cabot, Arkansas
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The mathematics course of study is based on Saxon Math curriculum. Saxon utilizes the incremental development of concepts and skills, and the continual review of those concepts/skills over an extended period of time. One of the primary goals of XCS is to equip our students with the knowledge they will need in the future, therefore we want our students to attain a high level of achievement in mathematics. Our math curriculum is rigorous enough to fully prepare our students to have success and the confidence to take on challenging courses in high school math and science. We offer our students the means to correctly solve real life problems by mastery and application of the requisite concepts and skills.
An Academic Content Standard (ACS) is a statement that describes what the students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade level.
Mathematics ACS
Saxon Math: Saxon Publishers Inc. Norman, Oklahoma
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The Social Studies curriculum is based on the premise that everyone is part of the world and history. The goal is for students to grasp how geography and events in history impact their lives, culture, and the world. Students will understand how they can learn from history, in order to avoid past mistakes, in the present and future.
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Our Science curriculum help students develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of the natural (empirical) world; foster an understanding of the nature of science, the development of science processes, the principles of science, and the connections between the Physical, Life, Earth, and Space sciences. Our aim is to prepare students to use the appropriate scientific processes and principles in making personal decisions; enable students to engage intelligently in public discourse about matters of scientific and technological concern; and increase their future economic productivity through the use of scientific knowledge, understanding, and skills in their careers. Students will be able to apply scientific knowledge and processes to individual and societal issues.
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The Middle School Health curriculum is for students to learn, in light of God's perspective, various current health topics relevant to adolescents. Helping students to think critically about these issues will enable them to begin to make wise choices related to a wide range of topics now, and in the future.
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The Bible curriculum is developed internally for grades Kindergarten-5. See the Year at a Glance for details.
Grade 6 The Life and Letters of Paul
Grade 7 The Life of Christ
Grade 8 Spiritual and Cultural Studies
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The goal of our Physical Education program is to provide students with a vision of the importance of physical activity in their lives, the skills needed to lead a healthy lifestyle, and bi-weekly opportunities to cultivate this vision and develop skilled in a fun, supportive atmosphere. A multi-activity approach will be used to give students a chance to participate, learn skills and strategies, and knowledge of individual and team activities.
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The goal of our art program is to help students understand and use the four elements of art: line, color, shape, and texture and to apply the principals of design: repetition, pattern, balance, proportion and emphasis to what they create. The curriculum is developed to build on skills year to year within this framework. Our lessons are developed to guide and challenge students to translate their visual observation into two or three-dimensional forms. We expose students to a variety of media and give them opportunities to explore and develop their visual expression. Art History, Careers in Art, and Art Criticism theory are incorporated into the program to give students broad exposure to art and a basis for critiquing works of art. We start from the premise that visual art is a form of communication, a means of personal expression, a visual record of history, and a means to create beauty. These four outcomes of visual art are included in the art education curriculum.
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The mission of the Music Department is to provide all students with an appreciation of music, including the skills to read, perform, and enjoy many types of music. The Kodaly (kō dī) philosophy of teaching is implemented in the elementary grades. Beginning in 5th grade, the students have the opportunity to participate in concert band. The middle school curriculum for general music helps students understand the music they enjoy. In addition, the students learn to play a variety of instruments. Girls in the middle school may also participate in the Girl’s Ensemble. This performing group exposes students to a wide variety of music styles, as well as, teaching them correct vocal technique.
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