Elementary School
From watching children’s eyes light up as they first learn to read to experiencing the start of lifelong friendships, the elementary years are full of memorable moments. At Sussex Christian School, we provide a safe and nurturing elementary environment where children can thrive as they build an academic foundation and continue learning the love of Jesus and how they fit in His world. We want all students to walk away from elementary school knowing the joy of learning and having the confidence to be successful at school.
What can you expect in elementary school at SCS?
KINDERGARTEN
In Kindergarten, young learners are loved, respected, and encouraged in the classroom and gain the confidence they need for success in a school environment. In addition to learning basic math and foundational reading skills, our kindergarteners learn the love of Jesus and that their purpose is for God. Through field trips, enrichments like library, music, and gym, and time in the Outdoor Learning Center, children are given the opportunity to tap into their natural curiosity and explore new things while still having some time for rest and play.
PRIMARY
The primary grades may be one of the fastest areas of growth for school aged children, both physically and academically. In kindergarten through second grade, a significant portion of the school day is devoted to learning to read. Where additional support or challenge is needed, children spend time in targeted reading groups so that each student is engaged in meaningful work. In the primary years, children are exposed to deeper levels of science and gain literacy comprehension skills that benefit them as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Spiritually, this is the time when students become keenly aware of Christ’s purpose in their lives, and we see many students beginning to profess faith and see themselves as Christians.
Upper Elementary
In the upper elementary years, children gain independence as learners and begin to come into who they are as students. Teachers work with children to encourage them in their gifts and passions and to support them where they need help. At this stage, learning shifts from informational reading to inferential reading, and students begin to interpret ideas and concepts from a Biblical worldview. We teach cursive and keyboarding in 3rd-5th grade to prepare children for their next steps, and we’re proud to provide homework as an extension and solidification of the learning process.
While structure is an important part of the learning environment, we also provide various opportunities to enrich classroom learning with unique projects and academic experiences, and learning formats that take students beyond the desk and chair. Elementary classes often take place in our Outdoor Learning Center, where six different outdoor classrooms provide an engaging learning environment for all subject areas. Children look forward to annual school traditions, like our butterfly project in kindergarten, hatching baby chicks in first grade, Pioneer Week in second grade, and more. In addition, students participate in gym, music, and library classes each week. Recess each day is a highlight for students.
