Lower School

The language arts curriculum in grades 1-3 is comprised of Orton-Gillingham for phonics and spelling instruction. Emphasis is placed on reading and comprehending classical literature. Classical literature provides a rich context for discussing good versus evil and highlighting virtuous conduct. Shurley grammar supports the study of grammar.

Fifth grade initiates a more advanced study of English grammar. Fifth grade students compare and contrast Latin and English grammar. This comparison increases their understanding of the structure of language. 

Mathematics is taught in a balanced, practical way. Concepts are taught and experienced through concrete means, such as the use of hands-on manipulatives. As students master concepts on a concrete level, they then memorize the basic computation facts. Mastery of basic math facts promotes mathematical fluency in the higher grades. Students are challenged to demonstrate mastery of mathematical knowledge through applied problems and critical thinking. Heritage uses Math in Focus, Singapore math, for Kindergarten – 5th grade to ensure continuity and consistency with math.

The Veritas History program is used for grades 1-8. Lower School studies are as follows:

First Grade
Creation through the Fall of Rome

Second Grade
St. Augustine through John Knox, Scottish Reformer

Third Grade
Prince Henry the Explorer through the Missouri Compromise

Fourth Grade
The Monroe Doctrine through Modern Day

Fifth Grade
Minoan Culture through the end of the Roman Empire

Appropriate historical songs are taught in each class as a means of facilitating students’ grasp of key periods of history. These songs provide “hooks” that enable students to recall more quickly the flow of history. Abstract concepts of history are often difficult for young children to understand. To help young students learn history, Heritage uses biographies as well as “living” books covering the lives of historical figures. This enables students to become familiar with the lives of men and women during the time periods being studied.

Nature Study comprises the core of the science curriculum for PreK-2nd grade. The study of nature helps children to develop all of their senses and trains them to observe, count, classify, interpret, draw, and record. These skills form the basis for the future study of science, history, and the visual arts.

Science is taught in grades 3-5. The curriculum explores:

Third Grade
The Human Body

Fourth Grade
The Solar System

Fifth Grade
General Science

All lower school students are exposed to classical musicians and their works. Students are taught to listen and to hear discriminately in order to begin to understand musical ideas. They also learn to sing, as accurately as possible, and to develop a working knowledge of musical notation.

Lower school students learn many elements of art such as: shape, line, color, and texture. In addition, students are introduced to the use of different mediums: clay, tempera paint, watercolor, charcoal, and crayon. The time periods studied in Art align with the periods studied in History. These are as follows:

First Grade
Egyptian and Roman designs

Second Grade
Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic Artwork

Third Grade
From Renaissance Art to the Impressionists

Fourth Grade
From Post-Impressionism through Modern Art of the 20th Century

Fifth Grade
Greek, Roman, and Early Christian paintings, drawings, and mosaic

The goal of Physical Education is to prepare students for a lifetime of healthy living while training them in activities that will inspire as well as equip them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Heritage believes that the athletic and physical training, in which students regularly participate, will produce lifelong results by strengthening their bodies, minds, and character through discipline, skills acquisition, consistent practice, self-control, and teamwork.

The computer is a tool. As with any tool, it has its appropriate place and usage. Heritage recognizes the benefits of such a tool and actively encourages its use by teachers during classroom presentations and by students in upper grades for research and writing assigned papers. Heritage also recognizes that computers have their deficiencies as well, including, but not limited to, passive learning. Heritage begins to instruct students formally in keyboarding, basic computer and Internet use in 6th grade. 

Weekly Chapel is planned and implemented to inspire students to learn the joy and importance of worship. Chapel takes place every Friday morning for all students in grades 1-5. Parents and guests are encouraged to participate.

Heritage students attend churches representing a wide variety of worship styles, from liturgical to traditional to contemporary. Chapel aims to enable students to become better worshippers no matter what their families’ denomination or style of worship may be.

The Chapel experience is a fundamental and distinctive part of Heritage education. Its purpose is to provide the spiritual overtone that should guide students’ decision-making in their daily lives.

• Spelling Bees
• Math Olympics
• Creative Writing Contests
• Art Festivals
• ERB Standardized Testing
• The National Latin Exam

Heritage offers various clubs that complement the core curriculum of the school and allow students to pursue increased understanding and competency in a variety of interest. Club offerings vary from quarter to quarter and are offered to PreK-5th grade students.

Students in grades 1-5 select a specific service project that they will complete during the school year and present as a project report to their classmates in the spring.

The Bible curriculum in grades 1-6 utilizes the Walking with God and His People series distributed through Christian Schools International.

Each curriculum in grades 1 through 4 begins with the study of a New Testament epistle, challenging students to find ways they can live their faith in Jesus Christ.

The 5th grade curriculum focuses on God’s covenant promises.