Elementary School at CCS
The elementary years are foundational for establishing the Biblical Worldview that Christian education provides. The elementary program (grades 1-5) at CCS is life-building, mind-stretching, heart-growing, and fun! A school-wide Bible memory program starts at the elementary level with age-appropriate passages assigned throughout the academic year. Bible instruction occurs at every grade level with the opportunity to integrate biblical truth and apply biblical principles in various settings and disciplines throughout the school day.
Elementary students experience a comprehensive literacy program with the integration of language arts including phonics, and differentiated word study, guided reading, and book studies. Differentiated instruction in math with a focus on conceptual understanding and mastering the basic facts challenges students at every level. Grade and age-appropriate instructional practices in science and social studies are presented at each elementary level emphasizing hands-on projects and student-created presentations and projects.
Elementary teachers look for ways to encourage multi-age interaction and cooperative class experiences. In the late winter, the elementary participates in the experiences and festivities of Jr. Cougar Week. This is an educational and fun-filled week of themed school spirit days, special learning, projects, and activities in Bible, science, and/or social studies for first through fifth grade. The week concludes with Jr. Cougar Carnival Jr. Cougars big and small.
Elementary "Specials"
To help our Jr. Cougars begin to explore and discover their God-given and unique gifts, talents, and interests, elementary academics K-5, are complemented by specific instruction in art, music, Spanish, and physical education. Third through fifth grade students also receive computer instruction. Each elementary music class strives to bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by participating and performing in the annual school-wide Christmas program. Additionally, fourth and fifth grade students, along with Jr. Cougars in second and third grades as supporting musicians, enjoy presenting a musical or concert each spring.
Through our Music Conservatory, students have the opportunity to take individual or small-group instrumental lessons before, during, or after school. A melodious school band is an offering available for interested instrumentalists. Several instrumental performances are scheduled during the school year for students to demonstrate and share their musical talents and abilities.
Other extra-curricular activities for elementary students could include sports clinics, Science Explorers, and Bible Club along with possible additional offerings unique to each academic year.
A school-wide field day at the end of the year provides the students with the opportunity to have a blast and to practice physical skills developed throughout the year as well as experience some God-honoring, positive, and friendly competition.
Elementary Chapel
Elementary chapels are an elementary highlight and favorite! Chapels are held twice a month and provide unique and age-appropriate worship experiences for Jr. Cougars in kindergarten through fifth grade. These special worship times are led by the music teaching team, the high school or middle school worship teams, and the elementary Jr. Cougar Worship Team.
Chapel is also a time for the students to listen to kid-friendly presentations of God’s Word, to hear how God is working in and around them, as well as a time for them to be challenged in their personal walk with the Lord. This spirit-filled teaching time can be led by local pastors, special chapel guests, administrators, teachers, or the students themselves.
Elementary Mission and Service
Each year the elementary students join together for a school-wide missions and service project. The project supports a missions or Christian agency and creates a connection to the people or agency that is the recipient of the project, allowing the students to see the results of their efforts. This project may take the form of collecting money or supplies for a mission agency but is not limited to these efforts.
Past projects have included raising money to purchase llamas for South America and large Bible pictures for missionaries to use while teaching villagers in New Guinea; buying soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste at a special store on campus to send to Senegal with a doctor who is an alumnus of CCS; providing over 100 pairs of water shoes for campers attending the Camp at Old Mil; and recently providing a variety of bulk snack options and water bottles for the littles and bigs at The Bridge Academy in Coatesville.
Individual classes have a mission and service focus within the classroom as well. Opportunity for hands-on service and sharing is an important component of this focus. Teachers may choose to have their students participate in a variety of mission and service opportunities that will enhance the classroom curriculum. These opportunities may include reaching out to a classmate who is ill or a family with a particular need, putting together boxes for Samaritan’s Purse, or undertaking special projects throughout our community and on campus.
