The goal of the elementary program at FCS is to establish a solid foundation in academic skills and understanding in light of God's Word. Through a structured and disciplined program, our desire is to see the students learn the principles as well as the facts.  The end product is not to gain a mere knowledge of material, but an understanding of fundamental objectives.  In the reading curriculum, we seek to give students phonics-based approach while emphasizing comprehension.  Those two elements are very important to the reading concept.  Not only do students have proper word attack skills, but also they attain meaning of the reading material through a variety of acquired skills taught in our classes.  Such skills include learning vocabulary, evaluating characters in stories, comparing/contrasting, and many more.  These skills go beyond the literal recall level to a higher thinking level of comprehension and understanding.

The same goal to teach for understanding is true of the math curriculum as well. Knowledge of facts and computation skills are important - yes, essential in math.  We try to see where each student's strengths and weaknesses are; and then we try to address problems, reinforce skills, and enrich basic understanding.  In addition, mathematics involves a problem-solving process as long as students know, understand, and apply the process.  One temptation in teaching math is to teach "gimmicks" to get a student to the right answers.  Although those things may work, our focus - difficult as it is - is that students be able to understand what they are doing in math.

In our other subjects - Bible class, science, heritage studies, English, spelling, and handwriting - we seek to develop study skills while teaching facts and concepts.  Our teachers integrate the truths of God's Word as it so aptly applies to science, history, and every aspect of the education of young people.  Students are able to learn through art, computer, music, speech, P.E., and sport classes and activities.

Through achievement testing each year, we assess progress of individual students, classes, and the whole school.  The purpose of these tests is not a pass/fail diagnostic tool, but rather an evaluation of the educational process that is taking place in our school.  We are continually trying to "approve things that are excellent" as the Bible challenges us to do.