Lower School

(Grades K-5)

1. Overall Focus

Lower School at TCA cultivates curiosity, creativity, and Christlike character through a rigorous yet balanced educational experience. Students are immersed in a learning environment where excellence is paired with rhythms of rest, and where the love of learning is nurtured. Each child is known, loved, challenged, and equipped to grow in wisdom, confidence, and service—joyfully anticipating each day as an opportunity to learn well, love deeply, and lead boldly as royal sons and daughters of the King.

2. Key Skills & Outcomes

  • Spiritual Formation

    • Develop a personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, worship, and integrated spiritual practices

    • Learn and apply biblical truths to daily life decisions and relationships

    • Grow in gratitude, humility, courage, and servant-heartedness

  • Academic Foundations

    • Mastery in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies

    • Deep critical thinking through discussion-based lessons and hands-on projects

    • Integration of a biblical worldview in all subjects, revealing God’s truth and design

    • Cultivation of intellectual curiosity and a genuine love for learning

  • Communication, Leadership & Character Development

    • Practicing responsibility, initiative, empathy, and teamwork

    • Development of public speaking and presentation skills:

      • Early grades: show-and-share, reading aloud, project sharing

      • Upper grades: presenting research projects, storytelling, classroom speeches

    • Opportunities to serve as chapel helpers, class ambassadors, and big buddies for Early School students

    • Developing resilience and a growth mindset rooted in Christ-given identity

  • Real-World Readiness & Life Skills

    • Financial Literacy: Early money management concepts (saving, giving, budgeting basics)

    • Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Introduction to innovation, simple business concepts, and creative problem-solving

    • Trade Skills Exposure: Hands-on activities introducing construction basics, tool use, and real-world applications

    • Health & Wellness: Physical health, nutrition, emotional intelligence, and social well-being

    • Technology & Digital Citizenship: Responsible use of devices and online platforms with wisdom and safety

  • Portfolio-Based Learning

    • Students build yearly portfolios showcasing growth, mastery, creativity, and spiritual reflections

    • Includes writing samples, math projects, STEM builds, art pieces, public speaking recordings or reflections, and personal spiritual reflections

    • Used for student-led conferences to demonstrate learning journey, strengths, and next goals

3. Enrichment Programs

  • Bible & Chapel: Bible integration + weekly chapel worship and teaching

  • Music: Dedicated music teacher fostering musical literacy, worship skills, and creativity

  • Visual Arts: Art teacher leading exploration of various mediums with connections to faith and academics

  • Physical Education (PE): Developing fitness, teamwork, healthy habits, and Christlike sportsmanship

  • Organized Sports (4th/5th Grade): Competitive opportunities with other private schools fostering teamwork and school spirit

  • Spanish: Foundational vocabulary, cultural appreciation, and conversational exposure

  • Innovation Lab / STEM: Design thinking, coding, robotics, maker projects for creativity and problem-solving

  • Library & Literacy Extension: Lifelong reading habits, research skills, and literary appreciation

  • Outdoor Classroom & Garden: Nature exploration, stewardship, science integration, and farm-to-table concepts

  • Leadership & Service Programs: Big Buddy Program, class jobs, Chapel Acolytes, grade-level service and kindness projects

  • Entrepreneurship Workshops: Business fairs, product design showcases, and micro-venture projects

  • Trade Skills Modules: Guest experts, tool-based projects, career exposure activities

  • Speech & Debate Enrichment: Age-appropriate public speaking, storytelling, respectful discourse, and persuasive speaking skills

4. Implementation of Key Distinctives

  • Christ-Centered: Biblical truths integrated in every subject, shaping hearts and minds for God’s purpose

  • Spiritual Formation: Devotionals, prayer, worship, and character formation practices

  • Integrated Curricula and Whole-person Development: Cross-disciplinary connections revealing God’s order, creativity, and truth

  • Experiential Learning: Active, hands-on projects, Innovation Lab explorations, outdoor learning, and portfolio demonstrations

  • Balanced Rigor with Rhythms of Rest: High standards with deep support, paired with rhythms of rest and playful discovery to sustain flourishing

  • Innovative Programs & Enrichments: Spanish, STEM, Entrepreneurship, Trade Skills, Speech & Debate, Arts, PE, and Outdoor Classrooms

  • Real-World Readiness: Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, trade exposure, digital citizenship, and public speaking skills

  • Leadership Development: Buddy programs, class jobs, service projects, speech opportunities, and public presentations build confident servant leaders

  • Authentic Community: Classrooms are safe, joyful communities where each child is known, loved, and thrives