Lake
Center’s elementary education program teaches all
subjects with a distinctly Bible-based worldview. Instructed by highly qualified
and compassionate teachers, students are taught the
fundamental subjects: reading, writing, math, language,
social studies, and science. Additionally, students
begin learning Spanish as a second language at an early
age. This prepares our students to be active
participants in the culturally diverse world they will
inherit after their primary education is complete.In addition to the core curriculum, students at LCCS
engage in a multitude of co-curricular activities that
enhance their normal classroom experience. All grades
enjoy weekly physical education, computer, art, and
music classes including band, choir, and orchestra.
Throughout the school year, students are offered special
opportunities to challenge themselves through speech
meets, spelling bees, music festivals, math olympics,
geography bees, creative writing competitions, art
fairs, and science fairs.
A Tour of the Elementary Program
By Sheryl Roberts - Elementary Principal
I have had the wonderful privilege of
giving many families their first tour of LCCS as they
explore the options of Christian education for their
students. As families enter our halls, the mission
statement of the school is clearly visible - “Lake
Center Christian School assist Christian families and
their churches in equipping students for lifelong
learning and service for Christ. LCCS offers an
accredited K-12 education which is centered in Jesus
Christ.”
As we start down the hall, I share that
we want LCCS to be a nurturing environment for young
lives to grow in as opposed to an institutional setting
where individual differences are often passed over. From
the carpeting on the floors to the learning groups
sitting in circles, students are encouraged to feel at
home at LCCS. Controlled talking is encouraged as
friendships grow and students learn kind interaction
with each other.
Helping Hands
We are truly blessed with an educational
staff that continues to learn and grow. They seek to
Biblically integrate principles into their lessons,
differentiate learning, and use multisensory teaching
methods to present learning that meets the various
learning styles of our students.
Faculty and staff gather in a lounge
where they can eat lunch and take breaks while a recess
monitor and lunch monitors supervise the children.
This allows teachers to return to their classrooms
refreshed and ready to teach.
We have a health aide available on a daily basis for the occasional
boo-boo and supervision of medical conditions and
medications.
There are 20-40 parent volunteers in the
building daily at LCCS supporting the learning
environment. This open door policy enriches the
classrooms and models learning for all students.
Classroom Structure
Most of our classrooms are full with 25
students per teacher. LCCS offers two sections of each
elementary grade. LCCS offers a full-day Kindergarten program as well as a half-day morning program on a daily
basis. In Kindergarten and 1st grades, there
are aides daily in each classroom.
For every 100 students, a Wing Tutor is
available to assist with instruction in grades 1-6. This
person is a certified teacher with experience working
with special needs. They are available in each
classroom during the math and language instruction for
students on adjusted learning plans.Beginning in 3rd grade, LCCS uses the
team teaching approach to education. One of the grade
level teachers teaches the math and social studies,
while the other teaches the reading and language. They
each teach their own science and Bible. The students in
grades 3-6 actually have both teachers and move between
the two classrooms. This approach allows the
teachers to be better prepared and gives the students
opportunity to interact with two personalities as they
learn.
LCCS also uses
informal clustering for math and language while keeping
completely integrated homerooms beginning in 3rd grade. Students are given the
opportunity to pretest before certain units of
instruction. Those students who already understand the
majority of the material are placed in a cluster group
that will have enriched or accelerated lessons for that
unit. The concept is that every student has the right to
learn something new every day.
Electives and Extras
Starting in 5th grade, students have the
opportunity to participate in band and choir during a
study hall period. In 6th grade, they can also join Art
Club and help paint one of the wonderful murals in the
halls of LCCS.
All elementary grades have the
opportunity to take Spanish classes, physical education
classes, music classes, and computer twice a week.
Art and library are once a week. Daily recess is
scheduled through 6th grade. Students may elect to
participate in Chess Club, Orchestra, music lessons,
elementary choir (TRIBE), SEARCH, and Discovery as their
interests and needs allow.
As we complete the tour of Lake Center's
elementary school, I remind parents that LCCS is a tool
for parents to use to train their children in the way
they should go. We do not take the place of parents, nor
do we take ownership of their children. We are available
to assist them, and in many cases, we pray that we are a
tool that makes their job easier. Click here for information and pictures of one of our Kindergarten classes.
