Curriculum

Christian Faith and Living ~ Word of God 

We believe that God's Word is:

  The means by which God brings people to faith in Christ as their Savior
  The continuing motivation for living a life of faith-born love to God's glory
  The means by which we continually nurture each other to grow in saving 
      faith and to live a sanctified life

Portions of the Bible are arranged in the Christ-Light Lutheran religion curriculum so that students will learn about God's plan of salvation in a planned, sequential way that is appropriate to their developmental stage.  

Communication Skills
Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening

Christ has given his people the command to "go and tell," which gives Christians a unique motivation for honing communication skills. Our students will be empowered to lead and influence others by the way they organize and present ideas. We will foster this ability through a balanced literacy program which emphasizes:

  High-quality print and non-print materials across many genres
  Nonfiction inquiry and research, beginning in kindergarten
  Systematic, weekly documentation of reading progress in the crucial 
     early grades
  In-depth instruction in reading comprehension strategies, using authentic 
     and challenging texts
  Intentional instruction in the connections between sounds and spellings
  Careful attention to student progress in spelling, standard English usage, 
     and penmanship
  Writer's workshop: students plan, sustain, and revise work over time  

Mathematical Skills

Society needs people who have number and spatial sense, who are competent using and interpreting data, and who can use appropriate technology resources to solve problems. We also recognize that training in mathematics has important end results in mental discipline and character development: objectivity, the ability to reason, and familiarity with order and exactness. Students will develop five important abilities set forth in the Nevada Mathematics Standards:

  The knowledge of basic mathematical facts and relationships and the 
     ability to perform computations;
  The ability to make sound estimations and to make sense of number relationships;
  The ability to read, interpret, and create graphs, tables, and charts;
  The ability to make geometric observations, measurements, and constructions; 
     and
  The ability to understand the effective, appropriate and efficient use of models 
     and mathematical tools, including calculators and computer technology.  

Scientific Reasoning

An educated Christian should understand basic scientific principles to make informed decisions and to appreciate the many physical blessings God has given us. We will study all six strands of scientific work emphasized in the Nevada Science Standards:

  Physical science
  Life science
  Earth and space sciences
  Environmental science
  The nature and history of science
  Scientific inquiry: processes and skills

However, our students will develop a keen awareness of the limitations of science as a human endeavor, subject to the same sin-blemished results as any other intellectual activity. We will lead our students to this awareness by engaging them in real science. In the BSCS Science Tracs program, students actively develop concepts, inquiry skills, and problem-solving skills by "doing science" and "doing technology" through a sequence of developmentally appropriate activities. The hands-on work will be supported at all times by a comprehensive student resource book.  

Social Studies

Christian students need to appreciate the complexity and diversity of human experience if they are to address human needs with the Gospel. Beginning in kindergarten, our students will explore thematic strands of study outlined by the National Council for the Social Studies. Some of these include geography, government/civics, economics, world culture, and current events. American and world history will be taught through all of these different social science disciplines. 

Technological Proficiency

Our students will use available technological tools, including computers and the internet, in a variety of contexts and disciplines. A computer lab and teaching staff allow for weekly small group instruction.

Foreign Language

Learning a second language is an important tool in communication. Studying a foreign language also enables the student to better understand the structure of the English language. Beginning at the kindergarten level, Spanish is taught to our students.

Art Appreciation

Through the study of art and music, we will lead students to develop their God-given gifts of imagination and creativity. Students will be encouraged to use their artistic talents for personal and corporate worship, individual expression, and God-pleasing recreation.  

Physical Education

Physical education should be an enjoyable and satisfying experience for every child. Our school will help students develop an optimum level of health and to acquire the knowledge and attitude to maintain this well-being throughout life. Physical education will also provide our students practice in kind Christian conduct.