The Riverside Christian School administration, faculty, and staff are committed to bringing quality instruction that is Biblically integrated to every classroom. With that commitment comes a responsibility on the part of students to take advantage of the opportunities and apply them diligently to do the best they are capable of doing.

Bible

Spiritual growth is fostered in the elementary students by teaching truths in God's Word and by challenging them to apply what they've learned. Using ACSI's Purposeful Design and ABeka as a supplement to the Bible, younger children learn of God's love and care for the individual and how God uses each student. These truths are expanded using examples from the Old Testament and New Testament heroes in 2nd grade. Third graders study the life of Christ, His death and resurrection, and the history of the early church. The foundations of Bible doctrine is the primary focus for 4th grade students. In 5th and 6th grades students gain a broader appreciation of God's Word through a survey of the books of Matthew and Genesis.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a subject taught to show and reflect that God is a God of order and unchanging character. Math is not simply a tool to solve a problem for man's advancement, but as we study math it gives us information about our Creator to glorify and honor Him. Our spiraling curriculum continuously reviews and builds on concepts, grade by grade. Using instructional materials from ACSI and ABeka, student progress is assessed daily and weekly with the use of daily work, projects, quizzes, and tests. Math concepts are frequently applied to real life situations.

Language Arts

God's Word uses language arts skills, including listening, speaking, creative writing, critical thinking, and grammar to effectively teach students His truths. The language arts curriculum in kindergarten through 6th grade is a spiraling curriculum that builds on the previous instruction. The ABeka instructional materials are supplemented with an intentional emphasis on writing instruction coupled with a myriad of opportunities for students to practice their skills. In the spring, kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders display published works during the annual Creative Writing event. Beginning in 4th grade students use Daily Oral Language for grammar practice and exercises. Formal research reports are introduced and practiced multiple times in the upper elementary grades.

Reading

Riverside Christian School is committed to teaching biblical worldview through reading instruction. Beginning with our youngest students, fundamental phonics-based instructional materials are coupled with a rich environment of children's literature to stimulate and encourage emergent readers. First and second grade students (3rd to be added fall of 2010) utilize SRA/Imagine It as the core reading program. Biblical truths are incorporated into comprehensive instruction that emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and comprehension. The upper elementary grades build on biblical truths and Christian character by adding novels to the Bob Jones basal that supports Christian worldview. Spiritual growth is fostered by comparing and contrasting characters and plots with and without biblical standards and then applying that information to the students' lives.

Social Studies

The primary objective in social studies instruction is to teach the students to see the thread of God's plan for the world through the events and people of history and to evaluate the influence of Christianity on people and events. Preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten social studies instruction is integrated in the comprehensive reading program. Using ABeka as the primary instructional program, 1st graders are introduced to American history as well as many cultures of the world. The 2nd graders learn about the people who built America. U.S. and world geography becomes an emphasis coupled with great Americans and an in-depth study of U.S. history in 3rd and 4th grades. An extensive unit in Washington State history is a major focus of 4th grade. Old world and new world history in 5th and 6th grade complete the elementary scope and sequence.

Science

Elementary science is taught from a Christian viewpoint through the efforts of each individual teacher. Preschool, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and 1st grade science instruction is integraded into the reading program, along with supplemental material from Bob Jones Press. Using Science Horizons from Silver-Burdett, teachers make connections to scripture, point out relationships to science concepts and biblical principles, and lead students in discovery of these principles. The science curriculum builds on previous instruction through a spiral approach. Each grade teaches similar content but with increasing detail and complexity. Teachers often bring in supplemental materials with the objective of making science relevant and applicable to students.

Computer Education

Students in grades 2-6 attend class in the computer lab once per week for up to 40 minutes. Keyboarding and typing skills represent a major emphasis; our goal is that sixth grade students type at least 35-wpm using touch typing with 90% accuracy. Word processing, computer literacy, some basic programming concepts, and computer ethics and etiquette are some of the other broad topics covered.

Physical Education

The body is the physical temple of the Holy Spirit and is the physical means by which we follow God's will. Twice a week students are taught through skill acquisition, games and sports they play, the importance of teamwork, fair play, and respect. The students' physical development and the state of well-being should prepare the students to serve God and others through their actions, and to follow God's plan for their lives.

Art

God created man with both the ability to produce and appreciate beauty. The elementary art curriculum has been established on the basic foundation of the elements and principles of design. Once a week, a specialist introduces elementary students to a wide array of mediums with the objective of helping students recognize God as the supreme artist.

Music

Recognizing that God created us with the ability to make music is the central concept of the elementary music program. Beginning in preschool, elementary students visit the music specialist up to twice a week to learn the fundamentals of music, music history, and performance etiquette. An annual Christmas musical based on the birth of Christ is performed by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. The 4th and 5th grade students present a spring musical based on the life of a Bible character or principle.

Band

Beginning in 4th grade, students may choose to participate in band three times a week. Woodwind, brass, string, and percussion instruments are introduced along with music theory, appreciation and practice. The intermediate band is composed of 5th and 6th graders who wish to further hone, practice, and perform their instrumental skills. Public performances are used to highlight the progress of the students in both band programs.

Library

Elementary students attend a library class once a week. The librarian prepares age-appropriate activities that include stories and lessons in library and research skills. Students are encouraged to check books out of the libary time for their leisure reading and enjoyment.