| Private Kindergarten and First Grade |
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Private Kindergarten and First Grade - Helping You Make the Right Choice!
Your child is now at the age where you must decide whether to send them to public school or to a private school, such as Pierce. We recognize that the decision is difficult as there are many good options out there. We are in an area surrounded by exemplary public elementary schools with excellent teachers and good reputations.
So why should you consider paying for a private school when the public schools are available? Here are some reasons we believe you should consider:
1. Christian Foundation
The most important reason to consider our program is that we openly teach the Christian faith in our classrooms. Pierce is not affiliated with any church or denomination, but we teach God’s Word simply as our foundation for life. Your child will be involved in a weekly chapel program that includes a time of worship and teaching. Basic principles such as “loving God” and "loving others” are at the core of this chapel time. In addition, a daily Bible lesson is taught in each class where the children learn about God’s plan for their lives – that they were created uniquely by Him and for His purposes. We believe that Kindergarten and First Grade are foundational years where children are most open to incorporating a Christian world view into their lives.
James Dobson, noted Christian author and psychologist, says it best:
"There is a critical period when certain kinds of instruction are easier in the life of children. Their concepts of right and wrong
are formulated during this time, and their view of God begins to solidify. I believe the fifth year of a child’s life is the most
critical. At about five or six years of age he comes to a fork in the road: either he begins to reach out and accept the concept
as his own, or he does not. At that point, he may “buy it” and put his feet down onto a more solid foundation – or he may start
to doubt it, laying the basis for rejection. I am convinced that our most diligent efforts ought to be applied to the child in the
fifth or sixth years.” Raising Children, 1982
At the end of everyone’s life what really matters is that they have a relationship with Jesus Christ. This should be the goal of every Christian parent, and we are partnering with you during the foundational years to hide the Word of God in their hearts as the scriptures instruct. They will see what a living faith looks like as their teacher prays with them, ministers to them, and models for them the love of Christ on a daily basis.
2. Advanced Curriculum:
The A Beka® curriculum is a well-respected leader in phonics-based education. The philosophy behind the curriculum is to use a traditional, systematic teaching approach for learning to read, because children who read will learn! You will see from the attached scope and sequence of the curriculum that it is challenging and includes the skills necessary for success in later learning. We would encourage you to take this overview of what will be covered during the year and compare it to other programs.
We believe that excellence should be expected in the classroom, and that children who are challenged can rise to the task. For years we have received feedback from public school teachers on Pierce students and how well prepared they are and how well they perform academically. We use a national standardized test (Stanford Achievement Test) to see where our students rank compared to others their age across the nation. Our average national percentile rankings over the past three years are as follows:
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Kindergarten |
First Grade |
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2006 |
Total Test |
85% |
85% |
Reading |
94% |
87% |
Math |
88% |
95% |
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Total Test |
84% |
85% |
Reading |
90% |
88% |
Math |
80% |
93% |
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Total Test |
84% |
84% |
Reading |
93% |
83% |
Math |
80% |
93% |
These scores are very impressive.
In reading: *Our Kindergarten children leave Pierce Private Day School, on average, in the top 6% nationally.
*Our First Grade children leave in the top 13% nationally. |
Much of our success in academics can be attributed to the A Beka® curriculum, but alone it would not have these tremendous results. Combined with our excellent teachers, who genuinely love teaching and imparting a love for learning in your children, your child receives the best education experience. Our private school teachers are degreed in Elementary Education and attend training at Pensacola Christian College in how to successfully teach the A Beka® curriculum. Because we are a private school, curriculum does not have to be compromised or sacrificed for the sake of children who are behavior challenges or are not interested in learning. We strive to give our best each day and expect the best from the children who attend our school.
3. Small, Family-like Environment
Your child will benefit from our program because we are a small, family-oriented school. We have two Kindergarten classes and one First Grade class. Our entire school has approximately 150 full-time students. Compare that to a typical public elementary school of about 500-600 total students. Just the thought of sending a small child into such a large environment can be overwhelming. At Pierce, they have the opportunity to mature in a small, safe environment where your child and your family are known and valued, where children receive hugs from their teacher during the day, and where you are encouraged to stop by the classroom and visit with the teachers and staff. Special holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are celebrated for what they are, and parents are welcome to participate in class parties and activities.
We are very proud of our school and would be honored to partner with you in raising your child to
be all that God created them to be. We live in a culture that is bombarding them with messages
that are contrary to the Word of God. While many public schools do an excellent job of teaching
children academically,
we believe that children today must be anchored to the truth of
God’s Word if they are truly to succeed in life. We are committed to using
all of our
resources to plant the seed in your child’s heart that they were made for a noble
purpose, and with God’s help can leave here
and change their world.
A Beka® Christian Program Kindergarten Overview
A Beka® Christian Program First Grade Overview
Fun With Fitness Curriculum Overview
Special Activities Overview
Statement of Faith |
