The First Grade curriculum integrates national and state standards with developmentally-appropriate concepts. We emphasize deep understanding in all content areas and encourage students to develop critical thinking and analytic skills while working individually and collaboratively.

    Language Arts

First Grade uses the Macmillan/McGraw Hill Treasures Reading Curriculum. Activities focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking. The reading program in First Grade places an emphasis on inquiry and reading for meaning. Phonetic skills shift to include prefixes and suffixes.  Reading in our First Grade has four components: reading aloud, shared reading, guided reading and independent reading. The children are encouraged to express their ideas in written form, utilizing the beginning steps of the writing process. Beginning mechanics of writing and language usage are introduced within the context of daily writing activities.

    Mathematics

The Macmillan/McGraw Hill Mathematics Program emphasizes manipulating objects, seeing patterns and understanding the various uses of quantitative concepts. First Grade students expand their use of symbolic notation as they develop their addition and subtraction skills and learn new mathematical symbols. Story problems, fractions, place value and estimation are introduced, and students build on their skills with telling time, measuring, counting coins and reading graphs.

    Science

In the First Grade science program students learn important science conepts and develop the ability to think critically.  Using beginning experimentation and exploration, the students gain an understading of grouping and classifying. Through investigation and analysis, the students are actively engaged in the process of science as they explore the natural world around them.

    Social Studies

The First Grade social studies curriculum introduces students to their world as they explore their own school, family, neighborhood, and country. Students compare and contrast families and schools of today with those of the past, while discovering the important part natural resources, government, and citizenship play in their lives.  Students are taught skills in history, geography, civics, economics and problem-solving. They develop a sense of belonging through discussions about diversity, tolerance and respect.

    ACSTO Scholarships

Due to generous tax-credit donations made to the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization (ACSTO) by our CCS families and Christ Church of the Acension members, scholarship monies will be available for students who will be attending First Grade at Christ Church School during the 2010-2011 school year. Once your student is enrolled in First Grade at CCS, you may complete and file the ACSTO application. All applications are confidential and must be mailed or faxed directly to ACSTO. The staff and Board of CCS are not involved in the allocation process and will not have access to any of your confidential information. Please consult the ACSTO time line for deadlines and distribution information