Preschool Curriculum

The National Association for the Education of Young Children has stated in their position on good teaching practices for four and five year old students that ... "Young children learn by doing."  The best preparation for academic success is a wealth of hands on experiences covering a diverse subject matter.  Our preschool curriculum is based upon this premise.  We want to be sensitive to the developmental stages of young children and provide the types of learning opportunities that will stimulate and challenge them.  All too often undo pressure is placed on children to achieve academically when they should be  exploring rather than studying. This approach will not include premature emphasis upon academic, pencil / paper activities.   The "Details" link will provide you with a complete overview of the course from September through June.

Kindergarten through Sixth Grade Curriculum

Our foundation for all of the following disciplines is God’s Holy Word.  God has provided instruction in how we are are to conduct ourselves in every aspect of life.  At Valley Christian School we are committed to seeking God in all areas of life. Valley strives to be faithful in developing a curriculum with a goal of meeting the expectations that God has provide in the Word.  The "Details" link provides a brief spiritual ideology which outlines the journey that we will  be leading your children along.   

Bible

We attempt to teach God’s Word at each grade level as is developmentally appropriate for that age.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16,17

Language

Language includes the crucial areas of writing, listening, and speaking. The Bible has much to say about these subjects. The ability to write, listen, and speak are a gift from God. Each is a powerful tool to communicate with God and others. Our choice of text is Write Source, a writing based approach to grammar and the other necessary skills of communication.

And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.
Exodus 31:18

So the Lord said to him, “who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, or deaf…? Have not I the Lord?
Exodus 4:11

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 15:1

Reading

It is God’s plan that people should be able to read well. He saw to it that His message was written, so people could read it and know for sure what He said. God commands us to read His word. Christ expects us to read and understand the Scriptures.

Mastering the skill of reading enables us to know eternal life:

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
I John 5:13

The entrance of your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119;130

Mathematics

God cares about numbers. God has at various times. commanded men to count, measure, and record their findings. God is concerned that we be accurate and orderly in our use of weights, measures and numbers.

Valley Christian School currently utilizes Everyday Math.

“Mathematics has a consistent foundation and framework because the God who created and upholds is consistent.”
John M. Kraus

Science

Discovery Works is a hands-on investigative approach to science. Students apply the scientific method and then go to the textbook to compare their findings with research. We discuss the world view and compare it with scripture. In God’s Word lies the truth:

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.
Psalm 19:1-2

But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you: or speak to the earth, and it will teach you: and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:7-10

Various field trips accompany this curriculum. Students may visit the aquarium, the insectariums, a hospital, the zoo, the museum of natural history, Churchville Nature Center, Morris Arboretum, a planetarium, the Franklin Institute, or the Weller Center. The "Details" link will provide information related to grade level Curriculum of Science.

Social Studies

McGraw Hill publishing company offers a complete study in history, geography, social institutions, and government in grades one through six. God expects us to learn from a knowledge of history. He has a plan He is carrying to completion. History is our record as that plan progresses.

For ask now concerning the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether any great thing like this has happened, or anything like it has been heard. Did any people ever hear the voice of God speaking…as you have heard, and live? Or did God ever try to…take for himself a nation from the midst of another nation…according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt…?
Deuteronomy 4:32-34

Physical Education

Physical size and ability are mentioned many times in Scripture. David’s mighty men fought valiantly, David himself was skillful with a bow, and Saul and Jonathan are described as being swifter than eagles and stronger than lions. Games and athletic competition provide pictures of the Christian life. Paul describes the athlete as running for a goal ...

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as on who beats the air: But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
I Corinthians 9:24-27

Self-discipline is essential to win and obedience to the rules of the game is required. Physical activities are a useful tool in developing Christian character. Our goal is to use this avenue to bring glory to our Savior ...

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
I Corinthians 10:31

Art

Creation is God’s artwork and a demonstration of his love for us. He made objects that were pleasant to the sight. He saw everything that he made as good. God offers instruction and enjoyment from his creation. Man has the ability to create and appreciate art as he is made in God’s image.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork Psalm 19:1

Click on "Details" to explore the ways in which children at Valley explore the wonderful gift of art.

Music

Scripture speaks of singing and instruments in heaven. The earth sings praises to our Lord. Christians are commanded to sing:
 

Be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:18, 19

Heather Greenwood in, “Why Include Music in the Christian School Curriculum?”
sets forth the following values of music in a Christian school:

• To give enjoyment
• To help children achieve successes
• To encourage participation and social development
• To develop self-discipline
• To teach communication without words
• To create a sense of serenity
• To teach discernment
• To acquaint with other cultures and historical periods
• To bring glory to God

Technology Curriculum

Valley Christian School classrooms are equipped with computers to be used by students and teachers on an as needed basis. They are a tool to enhance the various subject areas. A high speed DSL line provides internet access to grades kindergarten through six. Students may do research, word processing, or build skills through a variety of software.

The school also has a portable wireless computer lab that can be used in each classroom. Keyboard instruction is given to grades one through six during one period each week for one semester.

Foreign Language

…And the Lord said, Indeed the people are one and they all have one language...let us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech… the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.
Genesis 11:1-9

God’s creation of many languages was used to protect us from uniting against God. However, we as Christians have a command to “GO therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing…Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”
Matthew 28:19, 20

“Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.”
Acts 7:22
Moses aptitude with language was obviously beneficial during his time in Pharaoh’s palace.

How important is the study of language?

Charles V used to say that ‘the more languages a man knew, he was so may times more a man.’ Each new form of human speech introduces one into a new world of thought and life.
---Roger Ascham, 1515-1568

Preschool through six grade study Spanish.

Northeastern Music Program

Band instruction is offered through the Northeastern Music Program to students in grades four to six. Winter and spring concerts are held each year. Mr. Derrick Banks has been with us for seven years as our band director.

The Enrichment Club

The Enrichment Club offers a variety of activities that students may participate in after school for a nominal fee. Cooking, beginning violin, art, and sign language were offered in the spring of 2003.

Montgomery County Reading Olympics

Montgomery County Reading Olympics offers students the opportunity to read forty-five books during the fall and winter. In the spring students compete with county public and private schools to answer questions and earn points for their teams. VCS has been a participant in this program since its inception five years ago.

MidAtlantic Christian School Association Spelling Bee

VCS participates in the MidAtlantic Christian School Association Spelling Bee held each spring in Lancaster and in the Intelligencer Regional Spelling Bee held in this area.