Bay Pines Lutheran School is dedicated to providing excellence in education for all its students. Our degreed teachers are committed to achieving this excellence by maintaining high academic standards, a safe, disciplined, nurturing environment, and pro‐active home‐school communication. In cooperation with our parents, we will provide the knowledge and experience students need to become responsible and caring family members who will be productive citizens and leaders in the multicultural and technological society of the 21st Century.
Bay Pines Lutheran School offers those subjects commonly taught at the elementary-school level, in compliance with the Florida Department of Education. Curriculum requirements will be met by using textbooks and materials chosen by the staff. In keeping with the philosophy of the school, all subjects are taught in the light of God’s Word. Our academic approach is to prepare children not to just meet the standards set by our state and nation, but to reach their full potential using their God given gifts and abilities.
Our commitment, parents, is to assist you in your God given responsibility to “…bring up children in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Christian education is Christ centered education. The Savior and His love for us are at the heart of all we think, do, and say. Parents and teachers alike have confidence in the Lord’s command and promise which says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The key component in our religion curriculum is the Christ Light series, which presents both Old and New Testament Bible stories in an exciting, colorful, and memorable way. Each lesson has a key truth that is meaningfully discussed and applied to the children’s lives. This comprehensive curriculum gives students a strongly rooted foundation in God’s Word, equipping them to live as children of God.
A clear understanding of the English language is imperative for success in all areas of the curriculum and everyday life. Bay Pines’ language arts curriculum accomplishes this through its integration of reading, phonics programs, writing, spelling, grammar, handwriting, and oral expression in a sequential and developmentally appropriate order.
Students develop a love for reading through phonics-based instruction that incorporates thematic units of high-quality literature, poetry, short stories, and plays. The curriculum emphasizes listening and comprehension skills, while developing the ability to read critically. Novels are used once the children have a firm grasp on the fundamentals of reading. Each classroom has direct library accessibility for assistance with appropriate book selection and checkout.
Students are taught to be proficient writers in a step-by-step composition process that includes phrases, sentences, paragraphs, reports, letters, poetry, journals, and short stories. Grammar is taught and stressed in all writing lessons. Students are encouraged to exercise their free expression in creative writing class.
The spelling component of the curriculum develops the sound/spelling connection in language, provides dictation practice, and incorporates and reviews vocabulary words in weekly units.
Students develop public speaking skills through experiences in show and tell, oral reports, and class presentations.
A thorough mathematics curriculum is critical for success in our ever changing world. The traditional math approach at Bay Pines Lutheran gives students a firm foundation in computation, math concepts, problem solving strategies, and data interpretation. This foundation is constructed through daily instruction and review in a cumulative manner. Ample time is provided to grant individual assistance until the concepts are mastered.
Currently, we have implemented 1-to-1 Chromebooks that help supplement our curriculum goals. The teacher and learner are at the center of our instruction. Chromebooks enable teachers to utilize a blended classroom approach when appropriate to the educational goals. Each classroom is equipped with display/interactive equipment, numerous educational programs, and Internet access that are utilized in a variety of contexts and disciplines. Use of the computer is more regularly incorporated into the curriculum in the upper grades as a way of enriching the overall academic progress.
Our science curriculum leads children to a greater appreciation of the awe-inspiring world that God created for us. By means of textbook investigation, hands on experimentation, special group projects, and technology aided presentations, students discover various aspects of physical, earth, and life science. Special emphasis will be placed on developing skills such as observing, comparing, hypothesizing, predicting, measuring, testing, and interpreting.
The scope of study in the social studies curriculum includes exposure to a variety of social science disciplines: history, geography, civics, current events, economics, world cultures, values and customs, and sociology. Instruction and activities in these areas are structured to help young students develop skills such as critical thinking, decision making, cause and effect relationships, and reading charts, maps, and graphs. This curriculum aspires to give students the necessary tools to be active, well adjusted citizens and leaders in today’s world.
Our music program contains the integrated components of music theory, voice development, and music appreciation. Basic elements such as notation, rhythm, and music terminology prepare the children to read music and explore musical instruments. Vocal skills are developed through pitch exploration, ear training, and daily classroom singing. Students are introduced to famous composers and some of their works. In an effort to showcase the musical talents and accomplishments of our young musicians, several public performances are planned throughout the year. The children’s choir is open for participation for students in third through eighth grade.
Concepts such as line, shape, form, color, pattern, design, and composition are developed in an art curriculum that allows children to express their creativity and discover their talents. Young artists learn to value not only the product, but also the process. The children also enjoy exposure to well-known artists, their unique styles, and classical works. Other goals include development of fine motor skills, improvement of hand eye coordination, and experiences in collaborative learning.
The goals of Bay Pines Lutheran’s physical education program include: instruction in the rules, skills, and strategies of team and individual sports; physical fitness and cardiovascular development; practical experiences in leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship; and development of a positive self-image in a safe, structured environment. Expectations include participation in all games and activities, respect for peers and instructors, proper care of equipment, and cooperation. The P.E. program is designed to enable each child to achieve success while developing an interest in life-long physical activity. Participation in P.E. for students with medical problems or physical limitations will be modified as needed.
Schedule a campus tour or contact us today to see how our private, Christian education can set your child on a path of faith, learning, and community.
