Academics

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Welcome

We know that as you explore Kindergarten options for your child, many questions can arise. At Calvary Christian School we encourage you to ask us these questions in order to learn about the rich programs we offer and determine if Calvary Christian School is the right fit for your child. It is our desire to offer the very best environment to nurture academic and moral growth in our students and support them as they adjust to a full-day school experience. We dedicate ourselves to providing balanced Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs that challenge and nurture each student's physical, academic and social development. 

Students in Kindergarten will be part of a community of 21st century learners that focuses on literacy development, early foundational mathematics' skills, experimentation in our state-of-the-art elementary science lab, physical education, Bible, technology, foreign language instruction, and fine and performing arts.  Kindergarten students work with an experienced lead teacher and assistant teacher, providing an incredible 10-to-1 teacher-student ratio. Our teachers deliver a challenging curriculum, but dedicate themselves to building strong relationships with students in the process. In addition, Kindergarten students learn how to be productive and cooperative in an environment specifically designed to nurture their individual and collective gifts. 

Much like our Kindergarten, TK students participate in a dynamic elementary school program, complete with elementary-aged enrichment opportunities, designed to challenge and nurture students as they begin their Elementary School journey.  Our TK program is specifically designed to be an Elementary School experience while still preparing students developmentally, socially and academically, to be proactive learners in their subsequent Kindergarten year. Our smaller TK class with up to 16 students with an experienced lead teacher and assistant teacher provides many opportunities for individual attention and learning. In addition our TK students benefit from being part of the Elementary program as they enjoy classes in physical education, Bible, technology, foreign language instruction, and fine and performing arts.

We look forward to meeting you and highlighting the amazing people and programs that differentiate Calvary's Kindergarten programs. Please reach out with any questions you may have. May God bless you as you discover the best educational journey for your child.

Sincerely, 

Erin Ahders
Elementary School Head

A Message from Our Elementary School Head

Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten Academics in a Private School Setting

From the very beginning of Elementary School, Calvary Christian School is committed to developing children in all areas of life – academically, physically, and spiritually. By nurturing a strong community on our campus, new students are welcomed with care as they lay the foundation for their educational years. Through our developmentally academic program, we are committed to providing extensive enrichment classes, a nurturing environment, small class sizes, and extra-curricular activities that foster whole-child growth in our students.

In Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten, students are instructed in core subjects, as well as an array of enrichment classes such as art, music, drama, foreign language, technology, and physical education. These students have full access to our state-of-the-art facilities, including complete computer and science labs, a beautiful sanctuary, a deluxe artificial turf sports field, and fine and performing arts studios. We also recognize that the first years of Elementary School and the transition to a full-day program can be an profound transition for many families, and therefore the kindergarten classes have their own play yard where they can play, discover and grow alongside children their own size.

As we are committed to modeling Christian values and academic excellence among our school community, the opportunity for strong relationships among our students, staff and parents is top priority. We are passionate about what we do, and we know that it is in the best interest of our students to have parents as active partners in their educational journey.

Homework

Homework in the first years of Elementary School is intended to reinforce and strengthen skills taught in class. In many cases, parents may need to give assistance.

Approved time allocations for assigned homework based on the average student are as follows:

Transitional K 10 minutes of family reading
Kindergarten 15 minutes, four nights a week

Grading

Students are assessed in academic proficiency as well as work habits and personal development. In Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten, students are assessed on individual achievement and proficiency, based on Calvary grade-level expectations for academic achievement (a numeric system outlined below), in addition to work habits and personal development grades.

Grading Scales

List of 2 items.

  • Academic Grading Scale

     
    3Student is meeting grade-level expectations.
    2Student is approaching grade-level expectations.
    1Student is having difficulty meeting grade-level expectations.
  • Work and Personal Development

    EExcellent
    GGood
    NNeeds Improvement
    UUnsatisfactory

Field Trips

Beginning in Transitional Kindergarten, Calvary seeks to provide students with field trip opportunities that enrich our academic and spiritual goals and inspire greater interest in learning and service. Over the years, students enjoy educational experiences such as aquariums, the science centers, and historic locations that directly relate to classroom studies. Additionally, students in each grade level take community service field trips connected to their ministry of service.

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN
Heal the Bay Educational Program, Santa Monica Pier

KINDERGARTEN
Fire Station 69 in Pacific Palisades 
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark
Noah's Ark Exhibit at the Skirball