Our students routinely score one full grade-level higher than average on national standardized tests. We recognize that, in order for a student to take a leadership role in the vocation of their calling, they must be intellectually prepared for the task.

Beyond the fundamentals of grammar and mathematics, we offer a variety of classes, including Spanish, Music, Art , Physical Education, Outdoor Education, and Innovation.

We expect our students to work hard in and out of the classroom, but we do not expect them to work alone. Our staff of talented, certified instructors nurture and guide the students through the process of learning. With a low 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio, each student is able to receive the individualized attention they need to succeed.

Shepherd Christian School is proud to be a member of Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Nazarene International Education Association (NIEA).

ACSI Position Statement on the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI)

Shepherd Christian School believes in educating our students for life. With strong teachers, lower class sizes, and a safe and secure learning environment, we strive for greatness that builds our student's education foundation. Shepherd Christian School provides all of our students opportunities to succeed in the classroom with more than just a textbook.

Language Arts (Reading, Spelling, and Writing)

• Lower School (K-4th Grade) will use a mixture of Open Court Curriculum from McGraw Hill Publishers and HD Word curriculum to cover reading, writing and spelling in the classroom.

• Lower School (K-1st Grade) will build their knowledge of Phonics with the Abeka Curriculum

• Upper School (5-7th Grade) will use a mixture of Sadlier's Grammar Curriculum and Evan-Moor Writing to take their writing skills to the next level. Our Upper School grades will also use reading of novels in the classroom to strengthen comprehension, group discussions, and critical thinking.

Math—

Lower School (K-4th Grade) will be introducing Reveal Math curriculum from McGraw Hill Publisher. Math learning thrives on exploration, conversation, and reflection. The Reveal Math program built on contemporary academic research and designed so all your students can succeed in mathematics.

Upper School (5th-7th Grade) will also be introducing Reveal Math curriculum from McGraw Hill Publisher. This program is based on the latest research on how students learn best—through productive struggle, rich tasks, and mathematical discourse and helps students master skills through powerful explorations, rich technology, and timely and insightful differentiation opportunities.

Social Studies—

Lower School (K-4th Grade) will be introduced to the Heritage Studies curriculum from BJU Press Publishers. Heritage Studies offers clear opportunity to see how God has had His hand on human events to establish His kingdom. Students have the opportunity to study the lives of historical figures and learn how they either failed or succeeded in following God's standards.

Upper School ( 5th-7th Grade) will continue on with the Heritage Studies curriculum from BJU Press Publishers. This curriculum allows students to explore history from a biblical vantage point and will equip students to analyze and evaluate critical world events from a biblical worldview.

Science—

Both Lower and Upper School grades meet their grade level standards with exploring science through STEMscopes. STEMscopes has a flexible approach to learning that allows students to make real life connections.

Bible—

Shepherd Christian School would like to welcome our Community Chaplain, Ashely Kuhn to our building. Pastor Ashley will work hands on with students to offer support in building their faith, providing encouragement and guidance in real life situations, and share her passion in ministry with students and teachers with bible classes. Welcome Pastor Ashley!

Lower School (K-4th Grade) will engage in daily bible studies using Purposeful Design Bible Curriculum from ACSI. This curriculum is for every student to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, developed and nurtured by engagement with the Bible in this series

Upper School (5th-7th Grade) will continue their knowledge with the bible and strengthening their faith. This curriculum covers answers to the “big questions” about God, the universe, human beings, truth, and morality and allows students to compares and contrasts the key tenets of Christianity to Islam, naturalism, and new spirituality.

Handwriting—

Our Lower School (K-3rd Grade) use Zaner-Bloser curriculum to build their handwriting skills in both manuscript and cursive writing.

Spanish—

SCS is excited to start our new Spanish program, Viva Spanish to both Lower and Upper School grades. Weekly lessons will allows key foundation and growth for our students to build their fluency in a second language.

Technology—

Our Technology Special is being retitled to Innovation. This is not just a name change but a total refocus on the Special class. Innovation is part of a much bigger initiative to ensure our students are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.

Testing

• Both Lower and Upper School Grades will track their growth in Math and Reading by taking MAP testing. MAP Testing occurs three times during the school year and gives insight to students learning and growth throughout the year.