Academics

In first grade, students develop essential math skills through engaging lessons, hands on activities, and meaningful problem solving. They strengthen their understanding of addition, subtraction, place value, shapes, patterns, measurement, and number relationships. By exploring math in everyday situations, children learn to explain their thinking, approach challenges with confidence, and recognize how mathematical concepts connect to the world around them.

Science

In first grade science, students explore the beauty and order of God’s creation through observation, discovery, and joyful learning. As they investigate plants, seasonal growth, light, sound, and the sky, children learn to ask questions, make predictions, and share their findings. Each experience deepens their understanding of the natural world and their appreciation for God’s wisdom and handiwork.

Social Studies

In first grade social studies, students explore American symbols, responsible citizenship, life long ago and today, and influential historical figures through the lens of biblical truth. As they learn about national traditions and leaders such as George Washington, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr., children reflect on courage, justice, service, and what it means to love their neighbors.

Religion

Through the Enduring Faith curriculum, first grade students grow in their understanding of God’s Word and His love for them. Bible stories, prayer, worship, and classroom discussions help children connect their faith to everyday life. They are encouraged to recognize God’s presence throughout their learning and to reflect His love through kindness, gratitude, compassion, and service to others.

Reading

Our first grade reading program provides engaging experiences that strengthen skills in reading, speaking, and listening. Students expand their knowledge of phonics and sight words while developing greater fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, and comprehension. Through guided reading, storytelling, and class discussions, children learn to identify characters, settings, and important events as they grow into thoughtful and confident readers.

Writing

In first grade, students learn to communicate their ideas through complete sentences, personal narratives, journal entries, and other meaningful writing experiences. Explicit instruction helps children strengthen their spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation while exploring common patterns in words. With regular opportunities to plan, write, revise, and share their work, students develop confidence and begin to see themselves as capable writers.

Math

In second grade, students build a deep understanding of mathematical concepts while developing confidence and strong problem-solving skills. Instruction focuses on addition and subtraction within 100, place value through 1,000, measurement, time, money, data, and geometry. Students learn not only how to solve problems accurately, but also how to explain their reasoning and understand why different mathematical strategies work.

Science

In second grade science, students explore topics in life science, earth science, physical science, and health. They investigate habitats, biodiversity, weather patterns, properties of matter, life cycles, and relationships within the natural world. Through observations and experiments, students ask questions, make predictions, collect data, and communicate their findings as they develop curiosity and a greater appreciation for God’s creation.

Social Studies

In second grade social studies, students explore the events, symbols, leaders, and traditions that have helped shape the United States. They learn about communities and citizenship, including the rights and responsibilities people share within a democratic society. By studying individuals who have made meaningful contributions throughout history, students discover how they can positively serve their own communities and country.

Religion

Through our Christ centered religion program, second grade students deepen their understanding of God’s Word and strengthen their personal faith. They study Scripture from Genesis through Revelation, exploring God’s creation, His promises, and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Prayer, worship, Scripture memory, Lutheran teachings, and opportunities to serve others help students apply biblical truths to their daily lives.

Reading

Our second grade reading program helps students become confident, thoughtful, and increasingly independent readers. Following principles aligned with the Science of Reading, instruction strengthens phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling patterns, fluency, vocabulary, accuracy, and comprehension. Through shared texts, guided practice, and independent reading, students learn to engage with a variety of literature and communicate their understanding with clarity.

Writing

In second grade, students develop their ability to express ideas clearly through narrative, informational, and opinion writing. They learn to organize their thoughts, create complete and detailed sentences, and apply appropriate grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Regular opportunities to plan, draft, revise, edit, and share their work help students become more confident, purposeful, and effective writers.

Math

Students build a strong foundation in multiplication and division while developing fact fluency and flexible problem solving strategies. They also expand their understanding of fractions, time, measurement, and data interpretation. Through hands on activities and everyday applications, students learn to explain their reasoning, think critically, and approach mathematical challenges with confidence and perseverance.

Science

Curiosity and discovery guide students as they explore ecosystems, weather, force and motion, health, and the human body. They develop an understanding of the scientific method by asking questions, forming predictions, conducting experiments, and analyzing their observations. STEM activities encourage collaboration and creative thinking while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and God’s creation.

Social Studies

Through the study of communities past and present, students learn about local, national, and global cultures. Their studies include geography, government, economics, civic responsibility, and influential historical figures. Map activities, research projects, and classroom discussions help students develop a greater understanding of the world and discover how thoughtful citizens can make a positive difference.

Religion

Faith development is woven throughout lessons about God’s love, the life of Jesus, and important stories from the Bible. Students explore Christian values such as kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and service while connecting biblical lessons to their daily lives. Prayer, Scripture memory, worship, and meaningful discussions strengthen their spiritual understanding and relationship with God.

Reading

A variety of literary and informational texts helps students strengthen their comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. They learn to identify main ideas, make thoughtful inferences, analyze characters, and support their responses with details from their reading. Independent practice, group discussions, and collaborative activities encourage students to become engaged, reflective, and confident readers.

Writing

Young writers develop their skills through narrative, opinion, and informational pieces. They learn to organize their ideas with clear beginnings, middles, and endings while adding relevant details and descriptive language. Through planning, drafting, revising, editing, and feedback from teachers and peers, students gain confidence in expressing their thoughts clearly and purposefully for different audiences.

Math

Using the enVision Math curriculum, students strengthen critical thinking and collaboration through purposeful problem solving. Visual instruction, 3 Act Math activities, and Let’s Investigate lessons help them connect mathematical ideas to realistic situations. Major areas of study include place value, computation, fractions, decimals, measurement, line plots, patterns, angles, and geometry, with an emphasis on understanding concepts and clearly explaining mathematical reasoning.

Science

Hands-on investigations bring science to life through three Carolina science units: Changing Earth, Energy Works, and Plant and Animal Structures. Students model Earth’s layers, examine rocks and the rock cycle, observe how water shapes landforms, and build circuits to investigate energy. They also study plant and animal specimens to better understand how internal and external structures support growth, survival, and function.

Social Studies

Nevada’s geography, history, and government are central to the fourth grade social studies program. Students explore their state through Do Nevada!, videos, field trips, the Nevada History Binder Project, and the Great Nevadan Award. During the Wax Museum Project, each student researches an influential American, writes a report and first person speech, creates a visual display, and presents in character.

Religion

Students deepen their love and trust in God while learning to draw near to Him through worship, prayer, Scripture, and Scripture memory. Lessons explore foundational Bible stories, the teachings and parables of Jesus, and the events of Holy Week. Through Friendzy, a Christ centered social and emotional learning program, students also develop empathy, communication skills, healthy friendships, and wisdom for everyday challenges.

Reading

Through the Wonders curriculum, students strengthen comprehension and literacy skills while reading engaging fiction and nonfiction texts. Instruction develops fluency, vocabulary, close reading, critical thinking, and thoughtful responses to literature. Whole class lessons, small groups, partner work, and independent practice provide meaningful opportunities for students to collaborate, participate in deeper discussions, and support their ideas with evidence from the text.

Writing

Young writers learn to plan, organize, and compose structured five paragraph essays supported by relevant details, examples, and evidence. They develop skills in expository, argumentative, personal narrative, and fictional narrative writing while responding thoughtfully to literature. Through planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, students become more confident and effective communicators who can adapt their writing for different purposes and audiences.

Math

Fifth grade students build upon previously learned concepts as they expand their mathematical thinking and prepare for more advanced coursework. Open ended questions, hands on projects, collaborative activities, and games encourage them to apply strategies and explain their reasoning. Reflex and Frax support fact fluency and fraction skills, while Success Maker provides additional practice tailored to each student’s areas of growth.

Science

Experiments, collaborative projects, and guided exploration help students investigate matter, energy, ecosystems, Earth, and space. They examine how energy moves through ecosystems and explore the relationships among the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere. Through observation, investigation, and discussion, students strengthen their scientific reasoning and develop a deeper understanding of the systems that shape our planet and the universe.

Social Studies

United States history comes to life through virtual field trips, classroom discussions, interactive lessons, and historical simulations. Students examine significant events, influential individuals, and the ideas that have shaped our nation. They learn to consider different perspectives, recognize relationships between cause and effect, and use historical evidence to develop a more thoughtful understanding of the past and its connection to the present.

Religion

Through the study of Scripture, students explore significant stories and teachings from both the Old and New Testaments. Discussions, songs, videos, prayer, and memory verses help them deepen their understanding of God’s Word and connect biblical truths to their daily lives. Opportunities to serve during weekly Chapel encourage students to put their faith into action within the school community.

Reading

Using the Wonders curriculum, students read a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction texts while strengthening essential comprehension and vocabulary skills. Each unit introduces focused strategies that help students analyze ideas, interpret details, and respond thoughtfully to what they read. Teacher read-alouds build listening comprehension, while novel studies give students meaningful opportunities to apply their skills across longer and more complex texts.

Writing

Fifth grade writers compose five or six extended pieces across argumentative, expository, and narrative genres. They learn to develop clear ideas, organize their writing effectively, and support their responses with relevant details and evidence. Regular instruction in spelling, grammar, sentence structure, revision, and editing helps students communicate with greater clarity and prepares them for the writing expectations of middle school.

Art

The Faith Lutheran Academy art program invites students to explore creativity through age-appropriate art history, diverse artistic styles, influential artists, and a wide variety of materials. Instruction incorporates art production, criticism, aesthetics, and history while helping students develop foundational techniques, creative confidence, and thoughtful decision making. Students are encouraged to express original ideas and discover meaningful connections among art, culture, everyday life, and Christian faith.

Kindergarten Through Second Grade

Young artists experiment with a variety of materials, techniques, and creative processes as they strengthen fine motor skills and visual thinking. Our standards-based program encourages joyful expression while introducing the basic elements of art. Students make connections between their artwork, personal experiences, and faith as they begin to describe, interpret, evaluate, and respond to their own creations and significant works from art history.

Third Through Fifth Grade

Students work with an expanding range of materials and techniques as they refine their artistic and problem-solving skills. They explore meaningful subjects, symbols, and ideas to communicate personal expression and faith while studying art from different cultures and time periods. Every student has opportunities to share work through Seesaw or a digital gallery and participate in the annual Lutheran Fine Arts Festival.

The Faith Lutheran Academy library strengthens classroom literacy through exposure to diverse genres and frequent opportunities to check out books. Physical books remain at the heart of the program, encouraging both academic growth and reading for enjoyment. Lessons align with grade level literacy standards, connect biblical truths to students’ lives, and provide appropriate support and challenge as children develop into confident, lifelong readers.

Philosophy, Mission, Vision, and Goals

Our library provides a welcoming, child friendly environment where students can explore books, discover new interests, and experience the joy of reading. The collection is organized into Fiction, Nonfiction, and Everyone picture book sections, with clear categories that help students locate materials independently. Comfortable seating and a growing selection of books make the library an inviting place where every child can find something meaningful to read.

Kindergarten Through Second Grade Standards

Younger students learn how to care for books properly and identify important features such as the title, author, illustrator, publisher, and copyright date. They become familiar with the organization and call numbers of the Everyone section, learn to distinguish fiction from nonfiction, and practice locating each area of the library. Students are also introduced to notable authors and illustrators of children’s literature.

Third Through Fifth Grade Standards

Older students learn to identify and use features such as the table of contents, glossary, index, and appendix. They develop an understanding of how fiction and nonfiction collections are organized and use reference tools to locate information. Exposure to a wide range of authors, genres, and topics helps students broaden their interests, strengthen research skills, and make thoughtful reading selections.

Supporting Developing Readers

Students who find reading challenging benefit from choosing materials that fit both their interests and the time available. During shorter reading periods, picture books, graphic novels, magazines, and newspapers can provide meaningful and enjoyable practice. Chapter books are often best enjoyed when students have enough time to follow the story, remember important details, and become fully engaged without regularly stopping in the middle of a chapter.

Music

At Faith Community Lutheran Academy, students develop musical understanding through singing, movement, instruments, creative expression, worship, and performance. Music classes provide a welcoming environment where children strengthen confidence, cooperation, and artistic skills while discovering the joy of making music together. Students also have meaningful opportunities to share their gifts through school performances and worship experiences.

Kindergarten Through Second Grade

Young musicians build foundational skills through singing, movement, rhythm games, storytelling, listening activities, and instrumental exploration. Students practice keeping a steady beat, matching pitch, recognizing rhythm, using musical vocabulary, and reading early notation. Singing games, percussion instruments, creative play, and music from different cultures and styles help children develop coordination, curiosity, and a lasting appreciation for music.

Third Through Fifth Grade

Older students expand their abilities through vocal instruction, music literacy, instrumental study, ensemble performance, composition, and music history. Learning experiences may include recorder, ukulele, handbells, percussion, and choir. Participation in concerts, worship services, and the annual elementary musical allows students to strengthen teamwork, creativity, stage presence, and confidence as they grow into expressive and capable musicians.

Physical Education

The Faith Lutheran Academy physical education program gives students across all elementary grade levels opportunities to be active, build confidence, and develop a positive attitude toward physical fitness. Age-appropriate instruction encourages participation, cooperation, sportsmanship, and healthy movement. Activities are designed to support each child’s physical and social development while helping students discover enjoyable ways to remain active throughout their lives.

Kindergarten Through Second Grade

Younger students are given regular opportunities to move, explore, and develop confidence in a supportive environment. Physical education experiences encourage children to practice foundational movement skills, follow directions, participate safely, and work cooperatively with classmates. Engaging activities help students strengthen coordination, body awareness, and healthy habits while learning that physical activity can be both rewarding and fun.

Third Through Fifth Grade

Older students practice and refine movement skills while strengthening physical fitness through the SPARK curriculum, which stands for Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids. Activities emphasize active participation and may include volleyball, recreational games, Olympic events, flying disc activities, bowling, badminton, dance, and other fitness experiences. Inclusive lessons promote teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, leadership, and personal growth while minimizing time spent waiting for a turn.

Spanish

Faith Community Lutheran Academy incorporates elements of the Sonrisas Spanish curriculum to introduce students to both language and culture. Along with foundational vocabulary, children explore the foods, holidays, customs, and traditions of Spain and Latin America. Through engaging lessons and cultural experiences, students develop an appreciation for the Spanish language and the diverse communities in which it is spoken.

Kindergarten Through Second Grade

Young learners begin exploring Spanish through guided conversations, calendar activities, songs, games, and creative projects. Students practice useful vocabulary related to colors, greetings, clothing, family, and other familiar topics. Repetition and interactive learning help children grow comfortable hearing and speaking Spanish, while art activities provide meaningful connections to the cultures and traditions they study.

Third Through Fifth Grade

Older students build upon their previous knowledge as they expand vocabulary and strengthen conversational skills. They learn to use infinitive verbs to express likes and dislikes and practice communicating through speaking, writing, and interactive games. Cultural studies and related art activities deepen their understanding of Spanish speaking communities while encouraging greater confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm for language learning.