Elementary Academics
Since opening the Academy doors in 1999, NorthCreek has delivered a distinctly different Christian education through its classical approach, emphasizing mastery of the basics through memorization via poems, songs, and other valuable tools to retain and recall information.
We are deeply committed to training children as Biblical Thinkers, Well Rounded Learners and Lifelong Learners. While rich in language arts and history, which are at the heart of a classical education, NorthCreek Academy has placed a strong emphasis on math and science curriculum as well – ensuring an enriching, rigorous, well-rounded education. Beyond Bible as a course of study, we endeavor to integrate God’s Word throughout the elementary program, weaving the Truth of God’s Word within all subjects.
A weekly Chapel as a school family bolsters the students with hope and truth from God’s Word. In addition, enrichment extensions are essential in our commitment to excellence. Students receive instruction from dedicated teachers in music (choral TK-3rd and instrumental 4th -5th), art, PE, and Latin, which is introduced in first grade. Small class sizes with a 1:22 ratio in 1st -5th classrooms enable staff to truly know and teach our students as we affirm each child entrusted to our care.
Grade Level Distinctives
Transitional Kindergarten
NorthCreek Academy’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program. The TK bonus year focuses on developmentally appropriate, engaging, hands on learning activities that equip a child to thrive in kindergarten the following year. Within the nurturing Transitional Kindergarten environment, attention is given to development of the whole child, including “academic” skills such as letter and number recognition, as well as social and emotional development, language development, attention span growth, the ability to flourish within the classroom structure, and fine, gross, and visual motor skills. The dedicated TK teaching team are committed to supporting our youngest learners as they grow in their understanding of our heavenly Father’s great love for them, building confidence, developing independence, and experiencing the joy of learning with the gift of time embedded in this two-year program. TK students must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025, to be eligible for TK.
Kindergarten
The NorthCreek Academy Kindergarten classroom recognizes that God created children as sponges for learning! We believe young learners can soak up knowledge and we are committed to filling up our kindergarten crew with enrichment and solid curriculum. Our approach at the Academy recognizes that reading, writing, listening, and speaking are interwoven skills. Each element exists in context and in relation to one another and is best learned in unison.
The Classical Christian Trivium paradigm of education highly considers the early school years as foundational to the future successes of a learner. Students are supported by a dedicated teacher in the classroom with a 1:16 ratio along with bonus teachers for music, art, library, and PE. Learning objectives focus on physical, social, personal, and cognitive development in an encouraging environment that fosters a love for education. Our kindergarten program is an academic year designed to give students solid groundwork for budding reading skills and a vigorous introduction to memorizing facts and information through song, memory work, and enrichment opportunities. Students must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2025 to be eligible for NorthCreek Academy Kindergarten.
Curricula Highlights
Bible
God’s Word is the foundation of our Transitional Kindergarten curriculum, and it is integrated into the heart of all that we teach. We begin each school day with prayer, and throughout the day, teachings from the Bible are part of classroom studies, social activities, and discipline. Our Bible-based curriculum encourages students to think biblically as they practice Christ-like values and character traits. Class lessons explore Bible stories from Creation to Christ’s Resurrection and students memorize nine Bible verses, which correlate with our monthly curriculum.
Language Arts
Our phonics-based language arts program is designed to strengthen pre-reading skills with an emphasis on beginning comprehension skills. Students learn letter names and sounds using Zoo Phonics along with training in phonetic relationships to help them blend sounds into words. As students participate in reading and literature activities, they also develop expressive language skills through rhyming and memory work. By creating their own stories, students are introduced to beginning writing skills and early reading concepts. Correct letter formation and proper pencil grip are also emphasized to promote strong writing habits.
History/Social Studies
Students begin the year learning about basic maps and globes, including concepts such as neighborhoods, cities, states and continents. Directions, including left and right; north, south, east and west are learned. TK students are introduced to God’s timeline, along with historical figures, events and holidays. We learn about changes that have occurred in history, and how they relate to us today. Studying history brings insight to our students about God’s sovereign role in history, as well as in today’s world. As part of social studies, students learn about voting and classroom decisions based on voting.
Math
Teaching our TK students about numbers, shapes and patterns also provides opportunities to demonstrate the order and design in God’s creation. As part of their math lessons, students learn about one-to-one correspondence and are taught to count and recognize numbers to 100. At this learning level, various hands-on activities are used to give students opportunities to explore and understand the foundation of concepts. Over the school year, students learn about patterns, graphing, matching, and sorting and simple math operations.
Science
Science gives students an opportunity to explore God’s world through hands-on activities. Using an interactive curriculum, students investigate the weather and seasons, plants and insects and animal homes and habitats. Early level science skills are taught, including creating a hypothesis and documenting the results. And, when our TK students learn science by experiments and cooking, students often get to eat their science projects! As our students gain science knowledge, they also are gaining an appreciation of the wonders of the amazing world God has given to them.
Social Skills and Dramatic Play
The Transitional Kindergartener is in training as our youngest NorthCreek knight. Students are encouraged to listen, reply, use manners, and engage as learners. The TKers develop patience and awareness through daily interaction with their classmates as they play and explore. Playing is a critical part of the TK classroom and for child development. The dramatic play center hosts a new theme each month where students can pretend, imagine and be creative. Through play we promote higher level thinking, problem solving, taking turns, growing friendships, self-regulation and language development.
Bible
Bible is an integral part of the entire kindergarten curriculum as we strive to place God’s Word at the center of all that is taught. Each day begins with prayer, and principles from the Bible are part of our classroom studies, our social activities and our discipline. Our Bible curriculum encourages students to think biblically and to practice Christ-like values and character traits. We explore stories from Creation to Christ’s Resurrection. Kindergarteners participate in Bible memory verses which correlate to our weekly Chapel lessons.
Language Arts
Our kindergarten reading program is phonics- based with an emphasis on vocabulary development and beginning comprehension skills. Kindergartners learn letter names, sounds and how to blend sounds together to read words. Students develop a basic sight-word vocabulary, read short stories, and participate in oral reading and literature activities. The development of expressive language through oral language experiences is a highlight of our program. Our kindergartners experience rich literature and thematic units, including fun dress-up days. The literature is expanded through monthly author studies which include Laura Numeroff and H. A. Rey. Students are introduced to foundational writing skills, with instruction in basic punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure. Training in sound-symbol relationships and developing spelling skills occurs in this foundational year. Correct letter formation and proper pencil grip are also established for strong writing habits.
History/Social Studies
Students begin the year learning about maps and globes, including oceans and continents. We “build” a neighborhood, complete with houses, to learn about community and transportation. Directions, including left and right; north, south, east and west are learned. Kindergartners also learn about the various holidays and why we celebrate them. We gain knowledge about our first and sixteenth presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and we study many other great leaders while observing Black History. We study Ancient Egypt, the many changes that have occurred in history, and how they relate to us today. This study brings insight to our students about God’s sovereign role in history, as well as in today’s world. Biblical truths from God’s Word, as well as the book, The Story of the World; are used in this study of ancient civilizations.
Math
Students are taught to recognize God’s order and design in Creation through numbers, shapes and patterns. At the kindergarten level, various hands-on activities are used to explore and understand each concept. Students learn about sorting, geometry, patterns, positions, numbers to 100, tables, graphs and fractions, addition and subtraction, money, time, measurement, place value with ones and tens and how to count by 2s, 5s and 10s.
Science
The science curriculum is interactive and inspiring for the students, giving them an opportunity to explore God’s world through many hands-on activities. We investigate various types of trees and leaves. The process of wood is followed as it travels from the tree to the factory, and into our lives. We learn about the creation of small animals by way of comparing and contrasting them, discovering their parts and learning how to handle God’s animals gently. Kindergarten students gain knowledge and appreciate the wonders of the amazing world God has given us.
Bible
First graders focus on the many gifts provided for us by God. Highlights of our Bible lessons include Creation, our families, friends, possessions, Jesus Christ and God’s care for us. Devotions, prayer, and scripture memorization are hallmarks of our daily routine. Biblical truths directly from God’s Word are interwoven throughout our curriculum. Christ-like values and character traits are emphasized in the classroom, as well as on the playground. Weekly chapel lessons, journal responses, and discussions help us grow in our understanding of the Lord.
Language Arts
Key elements of this program include rich literature, reading strategies, poetry appreciation, writing instruction and many opportunities to practice oral sharing in front of classmates. First graders will develop into fluent readers, phonetic and sight word spellers, and budding writers. Some of the books we explore together in class include Frog and Toad, Keep the Lights Burning Abby, Lily and Miss Liberty, and Coming to America. Book reports are introduced to encourage reading and a love for books. Training in D’Nealian handwriting is given for penmanship development that results in a strong foundation for cursive. This exciting academic year introduces Shurley English which uses rhythm, repetition and jingles to teach grammar concepts. Through a well-rounded, cross-curricular language arts program, students in first grade are given tools to help them reach their God-given potential and, to thrive.
History/Social Studies
Everyday life is contrasted and compared in different times and places around the world as we emphasize geographical connections on historical events using maps and relationships to the timeline. In first grade, we study Ancient Greece and Rome in order to recognize that while some aspects of people, places and things change over time, God remains the same. We identify valuable contributions made by these ancient civilizations that we continue to use today. In “HIS”-story, students learn that God has perfect plans for each of us as seen throughout the generations.
Math
To build a solid mathematical foundation, first grade math implements direct, systematic instruction, hands-on manipulatives and independent practice. We help students develop conceptual understanding, math competence, and confidence in numerical operations. Multiple strategies are used to develop number sense and problem solving. Students become budding mathematicians, as they investigate data, graphs, money, time, geometry, measurement, fractions and probability. Over the course of the year, addition and subtraction facts are memorized to 12, and doubles facts to 18.
Science
Science is a time of hands-on investigation and discovery. Our units include: Solids and Liquids, Air and Weather and Plants and Animals. As they work together, students have the opportunity to explore and observe the world that God has created. Fascinating lessons both excite and train young, scientific minds to uncover God’s designs and students record these findings with illustrations. For students, highlights of the year include their discovering how things are made, at our annual “Take Apart Shop” and presenting their own inventions at the “First Grade Invention Convention.”
Bible
As we explore Finding God’s Promises in the Bible this year, second graders use the book of Exodus to study the life of Moses. In this study, the promises of God are evident, as the Israelites and their leader see both victory and tribulation as they learn to trust God. One theme of importance in our curriculum is encouraging our students to “conform to the image” of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28). A strong emphasis is placed on character development, with lessons that encourage the students to make wise decisions for themselves.
Language Arts
Our program focuses on reading strategies, writing, and opportunities to share orally in front of the class to help them continue developing reading fluency and comprehension skills and Shurley English’s jingles and repetition makes learning grammar, sentence structure, and writing mechanics exciting. Formal spelling instruction continues, using patterns established in first grade and the eager second graders also refine D’Nealian printing as a introduction to cursive letter strokes. Book reports introduce students to a variety of genres (fiction, biography, and fantasy). Throughout the year, we also integrate several core literature books in class which include: The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo, Flat Stanley, Molly’s Pilgrim, The Knight at Dawn, and The Courage of Sarah Noble.
History/Social Studies
We begin the year with our Family Ties unit, learning about family trees, traditions, and where our ancestors are from. We study Earth, Our Home, where students learn geography skills by studying maps, using a compass rose, and identifying the seven continents. Students also learn about the major forms of land and types of water found on earth. The Working World helps students learn about factories, flow charts and trading goods. Second graders delve into the timeline of history through study of the Middle Ages. By travelling back to medieval Europe and Asia students learn about these different civilizations as we recognize that, while time changes, God is the same throughout all of our world’s history.
Math
Second grade science is an enjoyable year as students investigate, observe, record, and discover God’s creation. Intriguing and active lessons in our FOSS Curriculum are fascinating and engaging for the students, as they train their young minds to uncover God’s design, order and creativity. Our science units include: Pebbles, Sand and Silt, Balance and Motion, and Insects and Plants.
Science
Science is a time of hands-on investigation and discovery. Our units include: Solids and Liquids, Air and Weather and Plants and Animals. As they work together, students have the opportunity to explore and observe the world that God has created. Fascinating lessons both excite and train young, scientific minds to uncover God’s designs and students record these findings with illustrations. For students, highlights of the year include their discovering how things are made, at our annual “Take Apart Shop” and presenting their own inventions at the “First Grade Invention Convention.”
Bible
The third-grade Bible curriculum is designed to strengthen the students’ understanding of the Bible. This course includes biblical values that the students can apply to their own lives. We focus on the fruit of the Spirit and godly character traits. These values are learned through studying the lives of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel and Ruth. Monthly Bible verses enhance our in-class curriculum, and correlate with our chapel program.
Language Arts
We continue to learn about grammar, sentence structure, and writing mechanics through Shurley English. Composing a correctly formatted paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting facts and details and a conclusion, is learned and applied through publishing several pieces including a “how-to” essay, a persuasive essay, a biography report, and an animal report. Along with practicing cursive, we develop reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary through our literature anthologies and spelling curriculum. Monthly book reports give students an opportunity to learn about different genres including biographies, historical and realistic fiction, and mysteries. Throughout the year, we read several core literature novels, which correspond to our curriculum. These books include Mr. Popper’s Penguins, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Charlotte’s Web.
History/Social Studies
Students study communities past and present, along with a classically based study of American history. This study, which spans from King James through the Lewis and Clark Expedition includes a Revolutionary War unit, in which great Americans including George Washington, William Penn and Benjamin Franklin are studied. Each January, students learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his peaceful commitment to change the world. These studies set the foundation for more in-depth American History studies in fifth grade and junior high. In addition, students learn basic map reading skills including map parts such as compass rose, legend, map scale and titles. A walking field trip to Shadelands Ranch provides students a chance to explore the people and places of our local history.
Math
The third-grade mathematics curriculum includes the information, skills and concepts required by California’s state standards. The curriculum encompasses place value, money and time, addition and subtraction, multiplication concepts, geometry and measurement, division concepts, data and probability, fractions, decimals, and multiplying and dividing greater numbers. Mastery of multiplication facts is a goal. Students practice problem solving and critical thinking skills through multi-step word problems.
Science
The hands-on FOSS Science Curriculum enables us to explore science in exciting ways. The curriculum covers foundations for understanding adaptations in physical structure or behavior. Students enjoy learning about plants and snails, but crayfish are our favorites. We visit the local Ruth Bancroft Garden for a up close experience with God’s creativity in plants. Experimenting with flashlights, mirrors and reflective light helps them learn about the relationship between energy, matter, and light that has a source. Study of the patterns and movements of the sun, moon, and stars culminates with a trip to a planetarium. Third grade science provides opportunities to understand more about our amazing Creator, as students see His order, logic, and creativity in units which include, Structures of Life, Matter and Energy, and Sun, Moon, and Stars.
Bible
As we seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and grow in our knowledge of Him, we dig into Scripture to see what God has to say. We study the life of Christ in the Gospels and learn about the Holy Spirit in the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles. We end the year learning about the life of Paul and his missionary journeys through studying his Epistles and the book of Acts. Each week, we hide God’s Word in our hearts by memorizing and reciting scripture, which helps us walk in a manner that brings God glory.
Language Arts
Developing writing skills is a key component of our Language Arts program. Writing an essay about a California mission gives students an opportunity to focus on research, note-taking using key word outlines, forming paragraphs with topic sentences, supporting details, and clinchers. Creative writing is explored through Native American myths, first-person narratives, and poetry! For each writing assignment, students apply the grammar, sentence structure, and writing mechanics that they learn through the Shurley English program completing their final draft in cursive. Students also learn keyboarding and basic computer skills through various assignments, including a PowerPoint presentation on a missionary. Reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary are developed using our literature anthologies and spelling curriculum. Students learn about different genres including biography, fantasy, historical and realistic fiction, mystery, and more, through monthly book reports. We also read several core literature novels in class, which correspond to our history curriculum. These include: Island of the Blue Dolphins, Little House in the Big Woods, By the Great Horn Spoon!, Patty Reed’s Doll, and Sarah, Plain and Tall.
History/Social Studies
In social studies, we explore and discover our home state of California, as well as learning how it fits into the big picture of the United States. As we learn more about California’s history and geography, we are better able to understand the state we live in, how it came to be a part of the United States, and how it continues to grow. In addition, we get to see some of the sights for ourselves through trips to John Muir’s Martinez Home and Muir Woods, Mission San Francisco de Solano, Old Sacramento and the Railroad Museum, Sutter’s Fort and the Capitol, as well as Columbia State Historic Park!
Math
Fourth-grade math is a time to pull together the basics we have already learned and to build on this foundation. Over the course of the year, we master our multiplication facts, tackle double-digit multiplication, and become experts in long division! Students also acquire many problem-solving strategies such as making tables/lists, using logical reasoning, working backward, using diagrams and graphs, finding patterns, and more. In addition, we begin to work with geometry, decimals, fractions, and yes, even algebra, and we learn why these skills are important.
Science
Fourth-grade science is an exciting time of investigation and discovery. Students conduct hands-on experiments, while making predictions and observations, and thinking critically about the way the world around them works. This helps them to learn about our amazing Creator, and to see His order, logic, and creativity as they study units on Solid Earth, Magnetism and Electricity, and Environments.
Bible
Fifth graders survey the Old Testament with the purpose of using various study methods to glean its truths and to apply these truths to their own lives. The goal this year is for the students to have a more in-depth, personal study of Scripture. Our Bible curriculum allows students to practice what they learn with real life scenarios using role playing and discussions. As part of these studies, students create special-focus projects for Christmas and Easter, including writing their own devotions to share with their families.
Language Arts
Developing effective writing skills and competent oral communication are key components of our fifth-grade language arts program. While we continue to learn about grammar, sentence structure, and other writing mechanics through using Shurley English, a major focus this year is in writing thoughtful responses to the reading. Students continue to practice their researching, note-taking and composition skills, culminating in their state report and monthly book reports. In language arts, students develop their reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary through the use of literature anthologies. Core literature novels fifth graders read include, Call it Courage, Across Five Aprils, Sign of the Beaver, The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, The Bronze Bow, Number the Stars, and Clay Marble. As part of their language arts work, fifth graders continue to practice their keyboarding skills.
History/Social Studies
Fifth grade history begins with a review of geography and a quick overview of Native American cultures. This is followed by a chronological study of exploration, colonization, the fight for independence, westward expansion, and immigration. Students will complete chapter reviews and produce chapter summaries to chronicle main ideas. Weekly geography packets reinforce prior learning and introduce new facts and concepts through the use of world maps and legends. Included worksheets afford students the opportunity to practice map skills. There will be special projects and days related to the following studies: Colonial Life, The Civil War, and The States.
Math
In fifth grade, the concepts of fractions and decimals will be further developed, and students will use all four operations with these number types. There will also be an increased emphasis on algebraic thinking. Other topics that are studied include: statistics, geometry, measurement, probability, percents, and proportions. Special attention is given to critical thinking, problem solving, and mental math. Your fifth grader will not only learn to value math, but will also become a confident problem solver and learn to reason and communicate mathematically as well.
Science
FOSS (Full Option Science System) utilizes a strong, hands-on approach to the world of science. Fifth grade science units include: Living Systems, The Water Planet, and Mixtures & Solutions. Each FOSS unit is composed of numerous investigations, complete with a variety of science labs which are constructed in a small learning group environment. Throughout their study of science, the students investigate the world around them as they deepen their understanding of God’s creation. During the school year, students also participate in special activities including field trips and a weather station project. These activities are designed to expand their understanding of the fifth-grade science curriculum.