Elementary

MCS Elementary School emphasizes providing students with a firm foundation to support a lifetime of academic success. From Transitional Kindergarten to 5th Grade, students experience both spiritual development and academic rigor.

The core academics for Elementary students include Bible, English Language Arts, History, Math, and Science. Students are exposed to a broad range of diverse content enrichment areas including Physical Education, MakerSpace, Technology, Spanish, Music, and the Arts.

ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM

Bible

At MCS, Bible is integrated throughout each subject area to reinforce our biblical worldview. Specific Bible instruction is also a core subject for students in grades TK-8. The Deep Roots curriculum equips Kindergarten through Fourth Grade students with tools and training to build a foundation for their faith. In Transitional Kindergarten, students are introduced to age-appropriate Bible stories, songs, and activities. Fifth-grade students prepare for alignment with the Middle School program by participating in weekly Bible instruction.

Additionally, weekly chapels teach biblical truths, foster character development, and provide opportunities for worship. Our teachers actively incorporate biblical instruction, prayer, and worship into their daily classroom activities.

Science

The Elementary Science Program at MCS supports science instruction for students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. The program includes all of the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and is taught from a biblical worldview. MCS aims to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive science education while comparing and contrasting Christian and secular viewpoints.

To achieve this, students are offered opportunities for three-dimensional learning as outlined in the NGSS, engaging in hands-on experiments and explorations. Inquiry-based, phenomena-driven lessons are conducted using the Five-E Model of instruction, which includes Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate phases.

English Language Arts

MCS employs a research-based approach to reading and writing instruction. English Language Arts (ELA) across all grade levels is aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and follows a formal scope and sequence to ensure the progression of learning in phonics, reading, and writing. The workshop format is used to provide direct instruction, independent and partner work, and small group differentiated instruction.

In Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 5th grade, classrooms focus on the 5 Pillars of Reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, to build a solid foundation in reading. TK classrooms use Zoophonics to engage young pre-readers, while K-3 classrooms utilize Wiley Blevins' "From Phonics to Reading." In the lower elementary grades, students engage in learning through movement, games, partner work, small group instruction, and activities. Upper elementary students analyze nonfiction and fiction texts using comprehension strategies such as inference and participate in partner work, small group learning communities, book clubs, and research projects.

Writing instruction emphasizes the key components of skilled writing: critical thinking, syntax, text structure, writing craft, and transcription. Elementary teachers provide direct instruction in spelling, structure, and the writing process, while allowing students to choose topics of interest to craft narratives, opinions, or expository pieces. Each unit concludes with an opportunity for students to showcase their writing.

Mathematics

Envision Math provides the foundation for mathematics instruction in grades K-8 at MCS. Teachers employ a combination of whole-group teaching, independent practice, and differentiated small group instruction to reach all students. The MCS instructional approach emphasizes the development of a mathematical mindset. Students engage in visual learning, problem-based activities, and real-world applications to deepen their understanding of math concepts and enhance their extended reasoning skills.

Social Sciences

MCS Social Sciences is grounded in the California History-Social Science Framework. Transitional Kindergarten (TK) uses “Let’s Find Out” magazine to support age-appropriate instruction, while Kindergarten through 5th Grade uses SAVVAS California History-Social Science MyWorld, incorporating a biblical worldview and research-based instructional practices. This approach encourages students to view history not just as isolated past events but to understand its relevance by connecting the past to the present.

To deepen content knowledge, primary sources and simulations are used to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and the development of critical thinking skills.

Educational Technology

Educational technology is just one of the many tools that will be used to continually develop MCS students into strong digital age learners and prepare them to be college and career ready.

Therefore, it is the goal of MCS to train students in the wise and appropriate use of digital devices and social media, ensure the privacy rights of all students, maintain academic integrity, and limit disruptions to the learning environment.

Initial Educational Technology instruction is provided in the Elementary Technology and Middle School Educational Technology classes by our Digital Learning Coaches for both the Elementary and Middle School level. These coaches support our classroom teachers with technology integration in their curriculum across all grades and content. Our technology integration will not supplant the teacher or the human interaction that is so essential for learning; it is intended for use as a tool to enhance learning for all children.

In Elementary classes (Transitional Kindergarten through third grade), each grade level has a class set of Apple iPads that are used to enhance the students' learning experience. In our fourth and fifth grade classrooms students utilize a 1:1 device (Apple iPad) which stays in their classroom to be used as an educational tool to enhance their learning experience and prepare them for middle school.

ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM

Apply to MCS

Building a firm-foundation through Christ-centered Education.

Learn More