Elementary School
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KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten is a truly transformative period in a child’s life. A large portion of what a child learns in kindergarten will help them grow not only as a scholar but as a person. Students learn citizenship, self-control, independence, and problem-solving skills that they will take with them throughout their lives. Our kindergarten language arts curriculum focuses on building a strong literacy foundation, including mastery of letter-sound relationships and recognizing high-frequency words by sight. Students are given many opportunities to interact with and respond to text, building their confidence and proficiency in reading. In math, kindergarteners build fundamental numeracy skills by using manipulative to count with accuracy, put numbers together, and take numbers apart. Competency in these skills help kindergarten students transition to adding and subtracting within 10. As scientists, students learn to use their 5 senses to observe the world around them. They explore the needs of plants and animals, and the different habitats they live in. Kindergarten students can name and give examples of solids, liquids, and gasses. They can state that sound, heat, and light are all forms of energy. In social studies, students learn about their community, their country, and the role they play as responsible citizens.
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1st GRADE
First grade students at Key Point continue to build upon the foundation of literacy and numeracy skills acquired in kindergarten. They are given opportunities to be independent and take charge of their learning, as well as to work collaboratively with their peers. Students add various strategies to their toolbox for decoding unknown words, building the confidence needed to read grade-level text with fluency and expression. First grade writers focus on capitalization, punctuation, and spelling as they begin with forming coherent sentences and build up to writing short paragraphs. By the end of the year, students will count, read, write, and order numbers from 0-100. They will also compare numbers using the symbols for less than, greater than, and equal to. First graders can use several different strategies to add whole numbers with a sum of 20 or less and subtract from a whole number 20 or less. Mathematicians will also learn to measure, analyze data, and tell time to the hour. In social studies, students delve further into American History as well as the contributions of famous Americans from the past and present. As scientists, scholars discover the engineering and design process through exciting, hands-on activities. They become better citizens as they learn about Earth’s natural resources and are challenged to do what they can to conserve them.
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2nd grade
Our second grade program our students gain the confidence and skills to be independent learners. The second grade language arts program offers an engaging year of reading and writing across the curriculum. Students learn to summarize, research, publish and present their ideas. Cursive handwriting is practiced as students work to master the art of beautiful writing. The second grade social studies curriculum expands on students’ understanding of people in the community, government and geography. In math, students learn to understand place value and number relationships in addition and subtraction and begin to explore simple concepts of multiplication. They also learn to identify quantities with appropriate units, and classify relationships between shapes. The second grade science program encourages students to apply the skills of observation, prediction, and communication of content using precise scientific vocabulary.
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3rd grade
The third grade program further develops the skills and strategies necessary for reading and understanding texts independently while nurturing their interest in a variety of literature. Now solid readers and writers, third graders take on a bigger challenge of communicating what they know and want to share. Third grade reading emphasizes four strands of comprehension: general understanding, interpretation, reader/text connections and understanding of content. Throughout the writing process, students are given the opportunity to plan, draft, revise, edit, and share their writing with others. Cursive handwriting is practiced as students work to master the art of beautiful writing. In math, students continue to develop an understanding of spatial relationships and geometry, data collection and analysis, patterns, classification and algebraic thinking. They also further their understanding and application of the number system by working with larger numbers in both addition and subtraction as well as develop their understanding of multiplication. In science, students learn and apply skills of observation, prediction to communicate their understanding of content. Students express their ideas and findings through discussions, drawings, charts, graphs and writing. In social studies students learn about communities around them and their geography. They learn about how people in communities work together and create economies. Students also get a glimpse of communities long ago and delve into the government and history of the United States of America.
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4th grade
In fourth grade, students gain confidence in working independently and learn study skills that help them to further explore and understand their learning. Our fourth grade literacy program continues the development of skills and strategies necessary for reading and understanding complex text independently. During the year, students read a wide variety of literature in both fiction and nonfiction including, narrative nonfiction, fables, biography, informative nonfiction, and autobiography. They begin to acquire new vocabulary through reading and use reading as a tool for learning in content areas. In fourth grade, students learn to write opinion pieces, informative essays and narratives. They continue to polish their skills as writers as they learn to edit, revise and publish their writing. In math, students continue to develop numerical understanding as they practice solving problems with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They use number sense to solve multistep word problems and interpret data. They also extend their understanding of fractions and measurement.In social studies, fourth grade students explore regions, industries and government of the United States. In science, students learn to apply both the scientific method and engineering design process as they engage in hands-on learning.
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5th grade
In fifth grade, students learn that successful readers comprehend texts by reading fluently, strategically and accurately. Students learn that accomplished readers read a wide range of literature and respond in personal, interpretive and critical ways throughout the acquisition of advanced vocabulary. Fifth grade students use the writing process independently to produce written work through the process of planning, drafting, revision and publishing. They display an increasing mastery of sentence structure, word choice and mechanics in their writing. In math, students enhance their ability to problem solve and contrive logical reasoning. Students are encouraged to articulate their thoughts and use appropriate mathematical vocabulary, as well as show their work during the problem solving process. The fifth grade science program ensures that all students understand how science influences their lives. Students engage with the scientific process through exciting laboratory investigation and class discussion. In social studies, students explore history using timelines that begin with ancient civilizations, move through medieval and renaissance periods, and conclude with United States history and government. Geography lessons incorporate the study of earth science, politics, and economics.
At Key Point Christian Academy, we combine an innovative curriculum, with daily physical education classes, and an organic meal program, to create what we believe is the highest quality education available for our students.
We have structured our kindergarten through 8th grade academic program around the high-quality Common Core State Standards.
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Mathematics For a deep conceptual math understanding that combines problem-based learning with visual learning, our academy implements the enVision mathematics K-5 math curriculum. This curriculum supports effective delivery of the Florida State Standards in mathematics through a clear understanding of math concepts with visual models and scaffolds in every lesson. Our teachers use a research-based instructional approach, aided by visual models, student-centered projects, and personalized learning to support our students.
Science In support of student inquiry, engagement and the opportunity to actually “do” science, our academy uses the elevate Science K-8 science curriculum. This program starts with real-world, observable phenomena like weather, robots, and space travel to encourage student questions, problem solving and engineering solutions through inquiry, hands-on investigations, and evidence. This curriculum fuels interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and encourages students to work like scientists and engineers through problem solving and creative solutions.
Accelerated Reader Key Point Christian Academy at First Miami Presbyterian Church uses the exciting and motivating reading program titled, “Accelerated Reader” (AR). Students read a book, take an AR Quiz, and get immediate feedback on their reading skill progression. Teachers get reliable reports on reading comprehension, vocabulary, literacy skills, and more. Teachers can set personalized goals for each student and easily monitor progress towards goals.
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Language Arts In support of student development of strong reading and writing skills, our school uses the rigorous myView Literacy curriculum. This comprehensive English language arts and reading program for grades K-5 offers a wide range of high-quality text, and strong daily opportunities for reading, writing, speaking, and listening aligned to Florida State Standards. With an engaging and interactive digital platform, results-driven instruction and exceptional differentiation, myView Literacy empowers students to reach their fullest potential as critical thinkers and independent learners in reading and writing disciplines.
Social Studies Aiming to provide our students with an engaging and foundational experience and understanding, our school utilizes the myWorld Interactive K-5 social studies curriculum. Through the stories of the intriguing people, exciting places, and fascinating events that make social studies relevant to their lives, students gain a global perspective. Students also learn the information and skills they need to become informed, participating citizens who consider diverse points-of-view, use critical thinking skills, and are active in their communities. Lessons additionally apply practice in the inquiry process, additional practice in reading and writing, and involve the use of collaboration and communication skills.
IXL IXL provides online integration of skills practice taught across all content areas. IXL allows teachers to pinpoint areas that require additional support to master. Additionally, IXL provides personalized skill recommendations for each student that help fill gaps of knowledge and encourage students to take control of their learning. Each problem shown to students provides immediate feedback for mistakes with detailed explanations. IXL challenges students, builds confidence, and provides supportive instruction in a fun and meaningful way.
