Elementary School: Program

Academics

Bible

Believing that the Word of God is the anchor of faith and practice for the believer, WCA takes care to select appropriate curricular materials and teach this subject to each student with passion and practical application. Students are taught to know the Bible through a thematic, chronological study of the Old and New Testaments. By incorporating higher thinking skills and encouraging Christlikeness, teachers guide students to trust God and to apply His principles in their everyday lives.

Language Arts: Reading

Building on phonics instruction in Kindergarten, grades 1 & 2 wrap up the foundational skills for decoding. Westlake uses an approach consistent with the research from the National Institute for Literacy and stresses phonemic awareness, phonemes, rimes. The approach also involves systematic and explicit phonics instruction. Fluency and reading comprehension are the primary goals.

The elementary reading program components include word recognition, reading comprehension, vocabulary instruction, literature concepts, study skills, silent and oral reading, and integrated composition. In addition to highly interesting and challenging basal readers, students read a variety of literature selections. As with all subjects taught at Westlake, a biblical world view is emphasized in reading.

Language Arts: Writing and Grammar

Following a consistent five-step writing process, students learn to express themselves in thirty difference writing genre. Grammar instruction is integral, taught as a function of good writing, and includes parts of speech, sentence structure, mechanics, usage, writing skills, study and reference skills, and listening and speaking skills.

Language Arts: Spelling

Designed to complement the phonics instruction and reading program, spelling emphasizes high-frequency words and content words, building confidence in students. Westlake approaches spelling as a critical literacy skill, using strategies such as word sorting by phonetic pattern, developing vocabulary through word study, and using the writing process to compose original stories.

Language Arts: Handwriting

Students are given formal instruction In handwriting up through grade 4. Children learn to print using hands-on materials and developmentally appropriate activities. In grades 1-2, students progress to printing mastery, with lessons that focus on functional writing practice. Using a simple cursive style, children make an easy transition from print in third grade when children have developed appropriate hand-eye coordination.

Mathematics

Westlake teachers take care to stress a biblical worldview in mathematics instruction. The main goal of this program is to teach students to be problem solvers and flexible thinkers who can apply mathematical ideas to a wide variety of situations. In order for a student to be a problem solver, he must fully understand math concepts— not just memorize prescribed steps to get correct answers.
New math concepts begin at the concrete stage (where the students use math manipulatives and modeling), then move to the semi-concrete stage (where the students watch teacher demonstrations or use pictures), and finally progress to the abstract stage (where the students use only numerals). This approach gives meaning to abstract ideas through experiences with real objects and models and tends to make learning more permanent. The scope and sequence of Westlake’s math instruction is consistent with state standards.

Science

Science instruction first of all develops a knowledge of God by (a) inculcating the understanding the God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, (b) identifying the orderliness and precision of God’s creation, and (c) inspiring curiosity, wonder, and appreciation of God’s creation. Science instruction also encourages Christian growth by (a) promoting disciplined and orderly approaches to problem solving, (b) teaching cooperative skills through group activities, and (c) challenging students to be good stewards of God’s creation. Finally, science instruction promotes scientific literacy. Westlake teachers achieve this by (a) establishing foundational science facts and skills for further science instruction, (b) balancing presentation of facts with active participation, (c) teaching processes involved in a scientific method, (d) showing the integration of science into everyday life, and (e) effecting a positive attitude toward science through active participation and relevant discussions.

Social Studies

Westlake teachers take care to stress a biblical worldview in social studies instruction. Teachers use a balanced approach to social studies concepts in conjunction with reading skills, map and globe skills, chart and graph skills, citizenship skills, study skills, research and writing skills, and critical-thinking skills. Primary sources, biographies, literature, and cross-curricular activities help teachers integrate Social Studies across the curriculum. Early grades focus on families and communities. Middle grade students study states and the United States. Upper grade students study world history. Content strands include history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, and technology.

Physical Education

Each elementary class has physical education twice each week. Understanding that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by his Creator and that the believer’s body belongs to God, Westlake helps students understand their responsibility to take care of the body. Program goals include honoring God in all things, strengthening physical fitness and endurance, developing coordination and agility, promoting team work, developing skills for and understanding of specific sports, and demonstrating good sportsmanship.

Music

Each elementary class has music twice each week. Using a carefully grade program, the music teacher develops ear training, music reading skills, understanding of theory, compositional skills, singing skills, and appreciation of various historical genres of music. Students are given opportunities for performance.

In addition to the general music program, students in grade four and above may choose to participate in the band program.

Fine Arts

Instrumental Music

Westlake Christian Academy’s band program is recognized for excellent instrumental music performances in area churches and in the community at large. Students from WCA’s band program perform not only for school functions, but also for churches and in other settings throughout the community. Our goal as a department is to honor God with excellence in the performance of quality instrumental music and to encourage lifelong participation in music.

• Beginning Band – Qualified Westlake and home school students in grades four and up may take the music aptitude test to determine readiness for our Beginning Band program. Beginning Band is for students in their first year of playing a band instrument. Students typically receive one 30 minute group lesson and one full band rehearsal per week, held during the school day. Students in Beginning Band finish the first year by performing in a Spring Beginning Band Concert. (Download/Print) Beginning Band Requirements
• Intermediate Band – Qualified Westlake and home school students in their second year of band participation who have successfully demonstrated skills above the Beginning Band level make up the Intermediate Band. Students typically receive one 30 minute group lesson and one full band rehearsal per week, held during the school day. The Intermediate Band performs at the Christmas and Spring Concerts. Qualified students may perform at solo and ensemble contests held in the spring semester. (Download/Print) Intermediate Band Requirements

General Music Instruction

All elementary students receive two music classes each week during which they learn the basic elements of music, including musical symbols and notation. Depending on grade level, students learn to play bells and simple wind and percussion instruments. Integral to their instruction are music appreciation, music history, ear training, and music theory. Additionally, elementary students perform in winter and spring concerts.

Visual Arts

Westlake Christian Academy seeks to provide students with a positive opportunities to develop as a creative individual. God’s attributes are most clearly understood as the student perceives similarities between his own creative abilities and the work of God’s hands (Psalm 8:3-4). Art instruction is integrated into the classroom experience in grades one through four. Students in grades five and six receive a class in art for a semester each year.

Because God is a God of order, students can learn rules that will help to develop their creative processes, as well as their confidence, self-worth, and sense of responsibility. Respect for materials and respect for others can also be developed. Students can see the importance of creating. They can learn about design elements and learn to appreciate the beauty of all creation as they come to know God as the Creator of the universe–the Master Designer in his power and majesty. They can use the Visual Arts as means to communicate God’s truth to a fallen world.

SOAR

Westlake offers reading instruction for students from Kindergarten through 8th grade who struggle with phonics, fluency, and reading comprehension. This program is open to our students as well as the home-school community and includes AIMSweb benchmark testing. Using the Wilson Reading Program, SOAR offers solid, research-based intervention designed to help students achieve success in this vital area of learning.

Soar students work at Westlake with a certified special education instructor for three 45 minute lessons per week. The instructional session runs during the school year. There is a cost for the program as well as a placement test. For more information, contact the school office.

All S.O.A.R. forms can be found on our documents page.

Athletics & Extra Curricular

Elementary Athletics

Westlake offers interscholastic sports for boys and girls beginning in grade five. Girls may also participate in cheerleading for basketball at that grade level. Homeschool students who enroll for at least one course at WCA may join WCA sports teams.

Fall

5th/6th Grade Girls Volleyball

Winter

5th/6th Grade Boys Basketball
5th/6th Grade Girls Basketball

Sports Physicals

All students participating in sports must have a current physical on file with the Athletic Office in order to participate in a sport — that means practice too! You may download the appropriate form below. (ALL students entering 6th grade need a complete physical exam before the first day of school. For those students, the complete physical exam will also fulfill their sports physical requirement.)

» See Forms