Grammar School

At the center of our entire curriculum is the Bible. The Bible unifies all knowledge and is the standard by which we judge all things. At BCS, we partner with parents in the spiritual formation of their children. In the Grammar School, the emphasis is placed on basic Biblical stories and facts, and the forming of godly habits (virtue). Grammar school students in all grades memorize and recite Scripture, study key people and events from Creation to Revelation, and learn how those people and events not only connect to form the story of redemptive history but also point to the Lord Jesus Christ.

History in the Grammar School helps students cultivate imagination and wonder by combining the Music of history (tuning the heart by knowledge of facts, people, and stories) and Gymnastic (visceral, physical experiences). A student of History in the Grammar School should be able to see himself as a participant in the stories of redemptive history, his cultural inheritance, nation, community, and family that all intertwine and can be traced back to Creation. A student of history will be rooted in Piety and understand how God’s sovereignty and immanence manifest in the outworking of events, in the roles of often-flawed people that shape those events, and by evaluating the adherence to God’s word by individuals and groups throughout history. The goal of BCS Grammar School History, therefore, is to develop a student’s imagination, wonder, and piety while learning about the people and events that shaped our world.

We use the Well Ordered Language curriculum which provides for a multi-sensory approach to learning spelling, writing, and reading. This gives the student several neural avenues through hearing, moving, seeing, and doing. Students learn to build words with phonics and decode phonemes all while practicing writing letters in cursive to hone their fine motor skills in creating beautiful writing.

Beginning in Junior Kindergarten, students learn not only the basics of language—letter formation, phonics, etc.--but also how God has given us language as a means to know Him, worship Him, and communicate to one another. BCS students study spelling, writing 
mechanics, and grammar so that they may learn to communicate clearly and appreciate beautiful writing. They also develop strong written communication skills by working through 
a series of writing exercises, the progymnasmata, to imitate good writing while practicing the basic elements of effective composition

Reading is a foundational skill of the Trivium and students begin learning phonics in the earliest grades. By third grade, students are expected to transition from “learning to read” to 
“reading to learn.” Content for reading is dictated by grade and age level considerations, quality of writing, and redemptive themes. Students, therefore, read a variety of nursery rhymes, fables, fairy tales, myths, legends, and stories and novels from other fictional genres. 
Not only are works selected for their formative qualities, but also their literary qualities. BSC students, therefore, learn to tell good stories as well as read and write them. 

Mathematics is one of the pillars of a truly liberal arts education. Therefore, BCS places a priority on learning mathematical concepts and problem-solving. By the end of Grammar School, students will have developed a working knowledge of 
number sense, whole numbers, fractions, the four operations, and other mathematical 
concepts. In addition to math concepts, students will learn strategies to approach problem solving. They will learn how to apply model drawing to problems, explain their thinking, and deepen their reasoning skills.

The study of Latin is essential to classical, Christian education for a number of reasons. It is the foundation of our own language (mastery of Latin vocabulary drastically increases the knowledge of English vocabulary, especially in sciences). Its grammatical structure helps us think more clearly and understand the grammar of English. Some of the greatest works of Western literature were written in Latin and students are enabled to encounter these great works directly without the need for translators. In the Grammar School, students begin by learning basic vocabulary in grades 4-6 before they begin their study of formal grammar which will continue through 8th-grade.

BCS firmly believes that God is revealed through his creation. As such, science is approached as an encounter of the wonderful, beautiful world God has created for us to enjoy and know Him. Students work through the Apologia science sequence, which is aligned with the Six Days of Creation. Thus, through observation, drawing, activities, notebooks, and learning and practicing the scientific method, students grow in knowledge and wonder of all aspects of God’s creation, including botany, sea life, animal life, astronomy, basic physics and chemistry, and the human body. 

Play is an essential part of our development as embodied creatures, and we must learn to properly use and enjoy our bodies. Grammar School Physical Education courses help students maintain balance between body and soul by exercising the physical body. Grammar School students work on basic coordination, balance, conditioning and flexibility. Moreover, physical education also helps prepare students to be ambassadors for Christ by developing character by learning to submit to rules and authority, developing teamwork and leadership skills, and growing in the fruit of the Spirit within the context of competition

The visual (fine) and performing arts are an essential component of classical, Christian education. We are made in the image of God, who is the Master Artist. As such, the creation of and enjoyment of beauty is indispensable to us fulfilling our human nature. Students learn the foundations of music theory and performance in the lower grades and build on them to learn to sing in harmony and parts in Upper Elementary. They also learn proper stage decorum and teamwork. 

Grammar School students learn that art is literally everywhere, from the design of our handheld phones to masterpieces on the walls of famous art museums to the smallest flower or blade of grass in God’s creation. Students learn to observe and accurately represent objects around them, growing in perseverance and learning to push themselves to produce better work as they try, fail, and try again. Art brings much pleasure to the soul and God, the First Creator, has given us art as another way to marvel at his creation and worship Him.