Principles

1. We believe that the Word of God is the foundation for learning and understanding.
2. We believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.The world belongs to God.
3. We believe that faith and learning cannot be separated, but are uniquely integrated.
4. We believe that the home/school/church form a partnership through which children, who are image bearers of God, are nurtured. The primary function of the school is to educate.
5. Our curriculum is teacher directed rather than textbook/workbook directed. Our teachers are committed Christians and well-trained, professional educators. They are entrusted with the curriculum and are responsible to teach and present material from a Christ-centered perspective, even when using secular materials. We use whatever materials best fit our curriculum and are of the highest quality and research base. This currently leads us to incorporate a blend of Christian and secular materials, though Christian materials are given preference whenever possible.

Technology: Adopted in 2000
Networked laptop sets are available for class use. Classes use the laptops at least one time per week. There are also desktop computers available in each classroom. 24/7 internet access is available in all classrooms, computer lab and in the library. Access is carefully filtered and monitored. Intro to computer begins at the K level, hand position keyboarding begins in 2nd grade, and by 4-5 grades, students learn desktop publishing and basic multimedia presentation skills.

Spanish: Adopted in 2008

Spanish is taught in grades K-4. The classes meet twice a week for 30 minutes a class. Total Physical Response to Storytelling is used in the classroom which follows the Hola Ninos curriculum. Spanish will be added to 5th Grade curriculum in the Fall of 2011.

NEW in the Fall of 2010: Spanish Immersion Program for Kindergarten and Preschool

Special Services:
A building resource room program provides alternative instruction and academic support for students who have learning differences or are behind. Reading is the primary target of resource room support. Other special needs support services are provided through Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS). Federal Title I program support for students who live in KPS district is available in-building. Students testing two or more grade levels behind in any area qualify for support. Building aides (and some volunteers) are used extensively for tutor support. Due to funding limitations Kalamazoo Christian Schools do not offer a special education program.

Standardized Testing: Adopted in 2005 Grades 2-5
The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test is administered in fall and spring of each school year in grades 2-8. This test is a state-aligned computerized adaptive test that accurately reflects the instructional level of each student and measures growth over time.
* Identifies the skills and concepts individual students have learned.
* Diagnoses instructional needs.
* Monitors academic growth over time.
* Makes data-driven decisions at the classroom, school, and district levels.

Curriculum Brochures:
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade