Mastery beats the calendar
Moving on at the end of a unit whether or not a child understood it is how gaps are made. We move on when the skill is solid.
Academics
What we teach, and why
A mastery-based, Christ-centered curriculum organized in three grade bands. Here’s what your child will learn in each subject, and a few opinions we hold strongly.
Foundations · K–2Builders · 3–5Explorers · 6–8
Scope & sequence
Subject by subject, band by band
Because classes are multi-age and mastery-based, students work at their level within each band.
Mathematics
MathematicsMath is the language of an orderly Creator. We want students fluent, not just finished.
Foundations · K–2
- Counting and place value to 1,000
- Addition & subtraction fluency within 20
- Time, money and measurement
- Hands-on manipulatives every day
Builders · 3–5
- Multiplication & division fluency
- Fractions, decimals and percents
- Area, perimeter and volume
- Multi-step word problems
Explorers · 6–8
- Ratios, rates and proportions
- Integers and expressions
- Pre-algebra to Algebra 1
- Geometry and statistics basics
Reading & Language Arts
Reading & Language ArtsStrong readers become strong thinkers. We start with systematic phonics and end with great books.
Foundations · K–2
- Systematic, explicit phonics
- Decodable readers, then read-alouds
- Handwriting
- Oral narration
Builders · 3–5
- Literature circles and novel studies
- Grammar in context
- Paragraph to five-paragraph essays
- Spelling through word study
- Cursive handwriting
Explorers · 6–8
- Classic and modern literature
- Persuasive and research writing
- Public speaking and debate
- Typing and digital citizenship
Science
ScienceScience explores the world God made. We learn it by doing it, with our hands and our questions.
Foundations · K–2
- Seasons, weather and Kansas skies
- Plants, animals and habitats
- Our human bodies
- Nature journaling
Builders · 3–5
- Earth science and geology
- Space
- Weather
- The scientific method, start to finish
Explorers · 6–8
- Life, physical and earth science rotation
- Lab reports
- Science & Portfolio Showcase projects
- Creation, design and ethics discussions
History & Social Studies
History & Social StudiesHistory is His story. Students learn where they came from and how to love their neighbors well.
Foundations · K–2
- Family, community and Derby
- American holidays and heroes
- Maps and globes
- Kansas symbols
Builders · 3–5
- Kansas history
- U.S. history and geography
- Government and citizenship
- Timeline projects
Explorers · 6–8
- Ancient to modern world history
- Church history
- Civics and the Constitution
- Current events with a biblical lens
Bible
BibleEvery student should know the whole story of Scripture and where they fit in it.
Foundations · K–2
- Bible stories, Genesis to Revelation
- Memory verses weekly
- Prayer and worship
- Fruit of the Spirit
Builders · 3–5
- Old and New Testament surveys
- Books of the Bible
- Scripture memory challenges
- Serving others
Explorers · 6–8
- Apologetics basics
- Life of Christ and Acts
- Spiritual disciplines
- Missions projects
Our take
Six things we believe about teaching
Every school has a philosophy. Here’s ours, in plain English.
Cursive is worth it
It builds fine motor skills and reading fluency, and your kids will be able to read historic documents and Grandma’s letters.
Screens are tools, not babysitters
Adaptive programs help us personalize practice. They never replace a teacher, a book or a conversation.
Portfolios and report cards
A report card shows where your child stands. A portfolio of real work shows how they got there. You get both.
Multi-age is a feature
Teaching a younger student is the best way to master a skill, and learning beside older students raises the bar.
Homework should be light
Reading together at home matters more than worksheets. Families need evenings too.
Come see a school day for yourself
Tours take about 30 minutes. Bring your questions and your kids. Shadow days are welcome in both tracks.