Subjects Bible Following the Association for Christian Schools International (ACSI) Elementary Bible Series curriculum, students in the lower elementary grades focus on the familiar stories of the Old and New Testaments and the character traits of well-known Bible heroes. In the upper elementary grades, students study the life of Christ, God’s Church, Biblical doctrine, and survey the Old Testament with a focus on the choices (good and bad) of various Biblical characters to encourage students to make wise choices. Math The Pearson curriculum, enVisionMath, provides the students with organized topical lessons that present concepts step-by-step. Within the differentiated curriculum are purposeful, sequential illustrations and practices that encourage students to interact with each concept to develop independent problem solving skills. Using the enVisionMath curriculum as a foundation, an Accelerated math class is offered for those students who have demonstrated exceptional math ability and also meet class criteria. Language Arts Through the language arts program, students develop the ability to read, write, speak, and listen. Since the development of reading skills is foundational in the elementary grades, the basis of PTCS’s reading instruction is differentiation. Teachers spend one-on-one time with each student to carefully assess individual strengths, needs, and interests. This information is used to plan instruction that is tailored to each individual student. Through individual and small group instruction, students read multiple books each week that are “just right” for them and practice literacy skills, share reading responses, and read together. Science Students gain knowledge and understanding of the world around them with the FOSS (Full Option Science System) modular curriculum. Through guided investigation with materials and concepts matched to their intellectual development, students actively explore concepts within the strands of life, earth, and the physical sciences. Scientific reasoning and technology are integrated in each of the science strands as students learn to observe, communicate, compare, organize, relate, and infer. Computer Skills Through access to the computer lab at the Pui Tak Center, students practice basic and intermediate computer skills, efficient typing, and Internet safety procedures in an effort to prepare them for an increasingly technological world. Mandarin Chinese All students starting in Junior Kindergarten study Mandarin. In Junior Kindergarten it is taught two times per week with an emphasis on speaking. In Kindergarten through eigth grade, Mandarin is intensively studied four class periods per week. Students learn to speak, read, and write through a variety of methods to address various learning styles. Social Studies/Geography/History Throughout the elementary school years, students investigate the world and the people and cultures within the world in which they live. Students develop a geographic framework to explore how land features, climate, and resources impact people and cultures. Students develop historical thinking through studies of timelines and the lives of historical figures. Emphasis on citizenship concepts are integrated throughout the elementary school curriculum along with an understanding of the necessity of rules, laws, and the purposes of local, state, and national governments. Fine Arts The study of Fine Arts is integrated throughout the regular curriculum and is also offered as an elective at various times throughout the school year in the After School Enrichment Program. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of materials and techniques matched to their interests. Physical Education (P.E.) In PE class, students build body and space awareness, develop locomotive skills, and work on overall fitness through individual physical activities and team sports. Students are encouraged to develop healthy exercise habits and a life long desire for fitness.