In the Grammar School at Riverbend Academy, we most importantly cultivate our students to love Christ, love others, and grow in Christian virtue. In that context, we equip them with the tool of being able to gain and master knowledge for themselves through becoming at home and skilled in language, including extensive use of imitation and memory. Through this process we instill a love of learning with joyful wonder and lead the students to lay a strong foundation upon which to build in key areas of learning, including Bible, mathematics, history, science, literature, and writing.
Reading
At Riverbend Academy, we want our students to love reading. In kindergarten, our students gain a phonetic foundation. Reading fluently with growing comprehension, is built on this foundation through the grammar years. They begin reading chapter books in 2nd grade, books like Little House on the Prairie are enjoyed and experienced through hands on field trips. The Chronicles of Narnia and Pilgrim’s Progress are some examples of literature that are filled with allegorical spiritual truths that help cultivate the students’ virtue and wisdom. Many great books in the grammar years are explored and shared through creative projects and reenactments.
Latin
Riverbend grammar students begin the study of Latin in the 3rd – 5th grades. They have Latin instruction twice a week. The students find it fun as they sing songs in Latin and chant jingles. The purpose of Latin study in the grammar years is to prepare them for later Latin studies that will connect them to the cultural heritage of western civilization. This early study in Latin also blesses them with benefits of understanding roots of English words, understanding concepts of English grammar, and studying romance languages more easily.
Math
Math is a beautiful language of immutable truth that was written by our Creator. It is a universal language that teaches us so much about God! He is a God of order and truth! The goal in the grammar years is to be solid in the foundations of math. We unashamedly memorize math facts and build fluency. We want the students to have a good number sense as well. Hands on manipulatives help the students visualize and comprehend math concepts in the grammar years as well. Our teachers make sure our students have a solid and strong foundation that can be built upon in the upper grades.
Science
We use Bob Jones science curriculum at Riverbend. Science and Biblical truth are absolutely compatible. We teach science thorough a thoroughly Biblical lens. The Bible is clear that creation around us points us to our Creator. The children are given many hands-on experiments to discover truth!
Grammar and Writing
In first grade, Riverbend Academy students begin learning English grammar using the Shurley English curriculum. This curriculum builds this knowledge through fun chants, jingles, songs, and question/answer flows. The children love to get up and move to show off their grammar knowledge! Here at the Academy, we use IEW to teach good writing skills. The students enjoy reading good writing and mimicking that writing in their own words. As they get older, they can use this knowledge to form their own independent and creative writing.
Music and Music Theory
Riverbend Academy grammar school students have two music classes each week. Beginning in kindergarten, all students begin learning music theory and practice through singing, movement, and using ORFF instruments. Our students also love learning about classical music and composers in different time periods.
Our students also enjoy an opportunity to be part of our musical conservatory. Students may take drum, violin, or piano lessons. The conservatory students have two recitals in a school year.
Fine Arts
Our students are taught to love what is beautiful. Art is a wonderful way to cultivate this love for beauty. Our lower grammar students enjoy art classes once a week and upper grammar twice a week. Students learn about artists from different time periods and their techniques and mediums used.
Another form of fine arts is theatrical arts. The Academy is well known for wonderful plays and musicals! Many of these performances involve grammar students! We are blessed with talented and educated drama and music teachers at Riverbend Academy.
Physical Education
God created our body. We are to glorify Him with it! Our lower grammar students enjoy instructed PE classes twice a week and upper grammar once a week. During these classes the students are taught wide range of movements to help with coordination, strength, and athletic skills. The students learn teamwork and good sportsmanship too. Also, all grammar classes daily enjoy 30 minutes of outdoor recess. This is a great time to move and socialize with their classmates.