As students move into our lower elementary which is comprised of first through third grades, teachers continue to build on and nurture the academic, emotional, spiritual, and social needs from Pre-K and Kindergarten. First through third grade engages students in the learning process and helps them develop critical thinking skills.  Differentiated instruction prompts teachers to adjust their styles toward students’ learning needs. Teachers engage them in the learning process by selecting a style that addresses the needs of diverse students at different learning levels.

In first and second grades, there is a strong reading and phonics program using the A Beka curriculum that sets the foundation in learning how to read in order to get students to read fluently.  From third grade on, students read to learn developing the critical thinking techniques to make connections to other texts, to self, or to the world.  Our Saxon Math curriculum in these three grades uses manipulatives and hands-on activities to teach, understand, reinforce, enrich, and assess math concepts. The Shirley English curriculum incorporates the use of rhythm, repetition, and student/teacher interaction while allowing students to be active participants as each aspect of English is studied and practiced.  Cursive writing begins with our first graders which then continue throughout their education here at ACS.  It is also no surprise that you will see technology being used as a teaching tool in the classroom as well.

There is a strong spiritual foundation to know God and His ways. Teachers incorporate God in every aspect of teaching guiding students to Christ.  Each child is challenged in his/her own ability to reach his/her potential to become the man/woman God has called them to be.  Students also attend chapel twice a month to enrich their spiritual needs.
Our comprehensive Christian curriculum uses texts from:

First Grade

• Bible – A Beka / Bob Jones (used as supplemental)
• Phonics/Language – A Beka
• Reading – A Beka
• Spelling/Poetry – A Beka
• English – Shurley English
• Math – Scott-Foresman/Addison Wesley
• Penmanship – A Beka
• Social Studies – A Beka
• Health – A Beka
• Science – A Beka

Second Grade

• Bible – Bob Jones
• Phonics – A Beka
• Spelling – A Beka
• Reading – Bob Jones
• English – Shurley English
• Math – Scott-Foresman/Addison Wesley
• Penmanship – A Beka

Third Grade

• Bible – Bob Jones
• English – Shurley English
• Math – Scott-Foresman/Addison Wesley
• Reading – Bob Jones
• Spelling – A Beka
• Penmanship – A Beka
• History – A Beka
• Science – A Beka