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Academics/Elementary School

Growing Spiritual Leaders.

We set the stage for our students to step into a bright future.

Through development in their walk with God and academics, our students learn how to become lifelong learners and leaders. In our elementary school, they watch and learn from older students and prepare to take the torch as they graduate into middle school.

Our teachers lead their students by caring for the whole-person.

We believe learning is most effective when it goes beyond academics and includes personal and spiritual growth as well. We incorporate foundational Biblical truths into our curriculum and classrooms that teach our students how to grow and defend their faith. Prayer, praise, and Scripture are integrated into their everyday lives.

Combining academics with the arts.

At GCA, our students learn across disciplines to develop a wide range of understanding and knowledge. From social studies, to science and math, to art and music, your child will develop skills in a variety of areas and discover their unique, individual gifts and strengths. Scroll down to learn more about our Elementary Curriculum.

Curriculum and Specialized Instruction

Curriculum

  • Bible
  • Mathematics
  • Writing
  • Phonics/Spelling
  • English
  • Reading
  • Handwriting
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Special Instruction

  • Art
  • Library Skills
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Technology
  • Family Groups
  • Chapel

Elementary Activities

  • Field Trips
  • Grandfriends Day
  • Music Concerts
  • Service Projects
  • Math Olympics
  • Science Week
  • Spirit Week
  • Book Fair
  • Spiritual Renewal Days

Elementary Athletics

Our elementary students have the opportunity to participate in our Little Lions Athletic Programming such as Soccer, Basketball, and Cheer as well as summer sports camps.

Elementary School Curriculum

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"My husband grew up in a Christian school, and really wanted our children to have the same opportunity. I had to be convinced, but I am fully committed in that decision now. The academics are amazing and her ability to stand firm in her faith makes me grateful that she can attend. In Kindergarten, Eva learned a valuable lesson to not give into fear. We are so thankful she has carried that in her heart!"

– Bethany Malloy, Parent

"We love the family atmosphere at GCA. Christ is very important in our own lives and we wanted that for our children so that when they grow older, they will always have that with them. We are so happy that GCA teaches the same values that we teach at home."

– Jamie Mills, Parent

"There is so much that we love about GCA! We love that his education is Bible-Based and how much the teachers love and care for their students. Ronny's prayer life has grown as a kindergartener and I am so grateful for the faith foundation he is learning from studying the Bible."

– Ronda Graham, Parent

FAQ

Do you teach common core?

Controversy and confusion surrounds the use of “Common Core,” which continues to create more questions than answers. Common Core is not a curriculum. Because GCA teaches with a Biblical Worldview in all academics, GCA could not and should not adopt any secular standard as a single source for instructional standards. Today, Ohio schools use Ohio’s Learning Standards which were created to “Identify what students should know and be able to do.”  These standards “explain the knowledge and skills Ohio students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 need to have” and “emphasize skills like critical thinking and problem solving — qualities most sought by today’s employers.” Thankfully, as a private Christian school, GCA is not legally mandated at this time to adopt any state standards, including Common Core.

As a private Christian school, we consider a large variety of resources when developing a scope and sequence for instruction and curriculum materials, and at the heart of all of those materials remains our most important resource, the Word of God. Academic rigor has always been part of GCA’s mission, and as we reviewed the proposed educational standards, we were affirmed in our belief that in many areas our standards exceed those outlined in both the Common Core and Ohio’s Learning Standards.  As a result, we teach what the student needs, not what a specific textbook dictates — always aligning our classroom instruction with the Bible and a Christian Worldview.

Do you provide After School Care?

We offer After School Care for all students K-12 from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. More information about our After School Care options along with pricing can be found HERE.

Do you teach cursive?

Yes, we teach cursive letter formation starting in second grade.  Students in third grade continue practicing cursive, and by the midpoint of third grade, students are writing their assignments in cursive.

What does homework look like at this level?

At the elementary level, homework should be limited in the early years and increase with grade levels.  Typically, elementary students may have reading and/or math homework nightly, at a minimum.

Do your students take a Bible class everyday?

As we believe this is an important part of Christian education, Bible is considered a core subject and is taught every day. In addition to chapel one day per week, the K-12 classroom experience also includes Biblical integration into each academic subject on a daily basis. Elementary students have a weekly Bible study led by some of our high school students called Family Groups.

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