The Southside Christian Lower School consists of students in second through sixth grades. The core subjects include Bible, mathematics, English language arts, science, and history. Students are academically challenged while being spiritually motivated to become more like Christ and glorify His name. Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Southside Christian Lower School partners with Christian parents to provide an excellent education that is consistent with biblical truth.
The Bible curriculum includes Bible memory verses, catechisms, Bible knowledge, and life application. Second and third graders are taught using ABeka materials, and fourth, fifth, and sixth graders use Bob Jones University Press textbooks. Students are taught that God’s Word is the basis for all wisdom and knowledge. Students attend chapel once each week.
Mathematics is taught using Harcourt textbooks. An emphasis is placed on mastery of basic facts and skills, problem solving, and real world applications. Students are taught that the patterns and principles of mathematics were designed and established by God when He created the world. Galileo said, “Math is the alphabet with which God has written the universe.” Students are taught that mathematics demonstrate God’s orderliness, precision, dependability, infinitude, and systematic character.
English language arts instruction includes reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. Second and third graders receive intense, systematic phonics instruction using the Bob Jones University Press Reading for Christian Schools series. Reading and vocabulary are taught using a variety of reading selections including Bob Jones University Press readers and novels. As students transition from learning to read to reading to learn more advanced passages are introduced. Grammar and writing are taught using Bob Jones University Press textbooks and are incorporated into many cross-curricular projects. Spelling instruction is through the ACSI spelling textbooks. Because of God’s emphasis on the word, both spoken and written, and our emphasis on His nature, it is our desire to train students to become effective communicators of God’s existence, His love for His creation, and His worth to the world.
Science and history are taught using ABeka, and Bob Jones University Press textbooks. Many “hands-on” projects are used to allow the students to experience the basic principles of both science and history in a tangible way. Students attend science lab every other week for additional science enrichment. Students are taught to recognize God’s hand in the creation of the physical world and the development of cultures. An emphasis is placed on the significance God places on each person as an individual. Students are encouraged to fulfill the biblical mandate for citizenship, stewardship, and servant hood in the intricately complex world God created for them.
Co-curricular classes are offered in physical education, music, library, band, foreign language, library science, choir, and computer science to various grade levels. Clubs meet for one hour each month and include a variety of academic and non-academic options for students. Bible Quiz is offered for students in grades three through six. Practice and preliminary quizzes are held after school. Final quizzes are held during chapel. Field trips are offered at each grade level to enhance the curriculum and provide enrichment for students.
Along with the traditional classroom, the lower school offers a multiage classroom experience for children in first through fourth grade. This “one room” school house approach allows teachers to develop and present a non-traditional academic structure, which is developmentally based and individualized for each student.
Southside Christian Lower School employs only Christian teachers who have been called by God to teach. Many teachers hold Master’s degrees. All teachers are certified through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Parents are encouraged to be involved in our Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) program. Parents may volunteer in a variety of ways both in and out of the classroom. SCS encourages parents to be actively involved in their child’s educational experiences.