Covenant Christian Academy, CCA, integrates a variety of methods and materials for teaching our children according to Biblical principles and the ancient wisdom found throughout Scripture. Our teaching and curriculum integrates best educational practices including multi-sensory learning, differentiation, and
real-life applications and assessments.
At CCA, we take a balanced literacy approach to teaching literacy. The primary goal of a balanced literacy program is to help all students become independent, fluent readers. Balanced literacy is not merely a philosophy but rather a cohesive approach to teaching literacy. A balanced literacy program incorporates many reading strategies to meet the varying needs of all students. Some of the components of the approach include, phonemic awareness and direct phonics instruction, independent reading, guided reading, shared reading, writing and word work. This approach will help students develop the fluency and comprehension that proficient readers possess. In addition, students will be exposed to a variety of quality, age-appropriate literature.
In secondary classes, various texts and classic literature selections will be used to teach grammar, writing, and reading. Students will enjoy reading classic literature with a variety of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction that will build character and encourage Christian ideals, spiritual values and higher level thinking. We believe that a great literature-based curriculum will move students toward cultural literacy and provide the foundation for a broader understanding of history.
History is taught by integrating that which is recorded in the Bible with that which is not, in a format that properly orders and systematically builds a strong historical foundation in students’ minds. An understanding of God’s plan of salvation for the world and His sovereignty throughout history provides the backdrop for a deeper understanding of a Biblical worldview.
Science is taught as an exploration of God’s creative design throughout the universe that will give students an understanding of the God-ordained order and physical laws found in the natural world. Life sciences, earth sciences, space science, physical science, chemistry and technology are explored systematically and variously throughout all academic levels. Hands-on experiential learning is a vital part of the science curriculum. CCA teaches from an explicit creationist position, however the age of the earth is considered a secondary issue. The current curriculum promotes a young earth perspective, however the academy will not disparage other creationist viewpoints.
Math is presented as a continuum of skills and conceptual mastery. In the primary grades (K-5), we use Right Start Math which is a unique curriculum that uses the AL Abacus, a specially designed two-sided abacus that is both kinesthetic and visual, as its primary learning tool. Children develop visual strategies as they use this manipulative. The back side of the AL Abacus teaches place value to the thousands. Through a variety of hands-on manipulatives and math card games, students are provided with interesting and varied repetition for mastering facts and concepts which minimizes worksheets and flashcards. This unique hands-on program de-emphasizes counting, uses visualization of quantities, and provides strategies (visual pictures) for learning the facts. Understanding and problem solving are emphasized throughout the curriculum. For secondary classes we use Prentice Hall to continue the mastery of higher level math concepts.
Most curriculum selected is taught from a decidedly evangelical Christian perspective. We are committed to teaching a sound Biblical worldview throughout all academic disciplines. We also seek to establish a global perspective on social, environmental, political, and humanitarian issues that help prepare students to become world citizens with a broad view of the Great Commission and a proper response to the Lord’s command of worldwide ministry.
We firmly believe and support that parents are first and foremost responsible for their children’s education. The partnership between parent and Christian educator, which is the hallmark of CCA, is a trust relationship based on a mutual desire to honor the Lord Jesus Christ in all that is taught to our children. May He be lifted up and glorified by every aspect of our educational program.