Curriculum Guide
2025-2026
WELCOME TO CedarCreekSchool!
For more than 50 years, our campus has been the region's home for excellence in academics, athletics, and service all with a Christian worldview. Cedar Creek offers a Pre-K through 12 curriculum in a supportive environment, and students travel from eight Louisiana parishes to learn and grow with us!
Our mission is to provide a superior college preparatory experience based on the highest standards of academic excellence and personal conduct. Guided by Christ's example, Cedar Creek School and all its stakeholders are committed to cultivating an atmosphere of kindness, community, cooperation, and personal integrity.
Sincerely,
CAMPUS
CEDAR CREEK SCHOOL
2400 CEDAR CREEK DRIVE
RUSTON, LA 71270
318.255.7707
Cedar Creek School uston. The campus is made up of numero ultiple green spaces and play areas. The Kilg rative offices near the center of campus.
Our Early Learning ated near their play area. The Elementar h five and an elementary library.
During construction hool, Cedar Creek families were invited the sub flooring. Coach Donnie Barmore wa ars at Cedar Creek.
The Dining Center i n 2018. The Spillers Multipurpose Buildi drama performances. Other key structures a gymnasium.
Our football field, ba the west side of campus. Our girls’ s he far east side of campus.
WHY CEDAR CREEK
Cedar Creek School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory school that was founded in 1970. Located in north Louisiana, the campus has a student body of 550 students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Students are drawn to Cedar Creek from rural communities, small towns, and mid-sized cities from seven parishes by the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Cedar Creek practices an open nondiscriminatory admission policy.
Cedar Creek School is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). The school holds membership in SAIS, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), and Independent School Management (ISM).
MissionStatement
Cedar Creek School seeks to provide a superior college preparatory educational experience to students in north central Louisiana based on the highest standards of academic excellence and personal conduct.
SuperOmnia-TheBestofAll
EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Our ELC offers a caring and academically engaging environment for Pre-K and Kindergarten students. Understanding that early childhood is a critical time for building a foundation for future learning, Cedar Creek focuses on developing curiosity, confidence, and essential skills in its youngest learners.
In Pre-K, students learn through the DIG: Develop. Inspire. Grow.® curriculum. This program blends structured lessons with play-based learning, giving children opportunities to explore, create, and grow in a hands-on way. DIG is built around the idea that children learn best through active experiences in a supportive setting. It helps students build early reading and math skills while also supporting their social, emotional, and physical development.
Kindergarten students are introduced to more structured learning through two key programs: EnVision Math 2.0 and Reading Horizons. EnVision Math helps students understand math by showing them how to solve problems step by step and how those skills apply to everyday life. Reading Horizons uses a phonics-based approach to teach students how to read confidently and independently. The program is designed to meet students where they are, giving each child the support they need to grow as a reader.
Beyond core academics, ELC students take part in daily enrichment classes such as music, art, library, foreign language, and physical education. They also participate in recess every day, giving them time to move, play, and stay active.
Cedar Creek’s Early Learning Center is a place where young children are encouraged, challenged, and supported. Through strong curriculum and a nurturing environment, the program gives students the building blocks they need for continued success in school and beyond.
Course of Study
DEVELOP INSPIRE GROW
Childrenlearnbyplayinganddoing By combiningdevelopmentallyappropriate instructionwithopportunitiestoengagein explorativeplay,DIGoffersabalancedpathto kindergartenreadiness.
DIG FEATURES:
Thematic, integrated instruction
Daily, robust math
Active, meaningful literacy
Explicit oral language development
Purposeful differentiation
Classroom strategies from Dr Jean, an early childhood expert and teacher advocate
UNIT STUDIES
ManyunitsarecoveredthroughoutPre-K including:CommunityHelpers,5Senses,Bodies, Seasons,Holidays,Dinosaurs,FineArts,Earth andSpace,NurseryRhymes(rhymingwords), Dental,LifeLongAgo-100years,Presidents, MardiGras,Weather,Transportation,Insects, Plants,Farm,LandHabitats,andWaterHabitats
MATH
Center-basedactivitiesincludenumberrecognition 0-20,shaperecognition,patternsequencing,sorting, measuring,andbasicaddition.
HANDWRITING
Ourhandwritingprogramemphasizescorrect posture,pencilhold,andpaperplacement.Italso teachesPre-Kstudentsprewritingskills,finger tracingandpenciltrackingofleft-to-right,vertical, horizontal,diagonal,zig-zag,andcurvedlinetracing skills Studentswilllearntowritetheirnameaswell asallupperandlowercaselettersalongwith numerals0-20
AUXILIARIES
OurPre-Kstudentsareabletoexpandtheirlearning byattendingadifferentauxiliaryclasseachday. Theseclassesofferenrichmentandhandson learning.Pre-KstudentsalsoattendPEclasses3days aweek,andhaveanadditionalrecessonthedays theydonotattendPE.Theseclassesincludeart, music,library,andforeignlanguage.
SERVICE PROJECT
St.JudeTrike-A-Thon
Daily Schedule
8:00 AM- 3:00 PM MONDAY-FRIDAY
WELCOME/PLEDGE AND PRAYER/CALENDAR
THEME/CIRCLE/CENTERS/AUXILIARY CLASSES
FOREIGN LANGUAGE, ART, MUSIC, LIBRARY
RECESS/RESTROOM
BRAIN BREAKS/RESTROOM/PREPARE FOR LUNCH LUNCH
PE (T,W,TH)/ RECESS (M/F)
LITERACY CIRCLE (M&W)/ MATH CIRCLE (T&TH)/REVIEW(F)
CENTERS/SMALL GROUPS
PRAYER TIME/SNACK/PACK-UP
REST TIME
WAKE UP & DISMISSAL
Beyond the Classroom
FIELD TRIPS
SHREVEPORT AQUARIUM
TRENTON DENTAL
KIROLI PARK TO EXPLORE 5 SENSES
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
AFTER SCHOOL CARE IS OFFERED EACH DAY UNTIL 5:30PM STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO ENJOY A SNACK AND HAVE ADDITIONAL PLAY TIME.
SNACK AND REST TIME
OUR PRE-K STUDENTS’ SCHEDULE
INCLUDES DAILY SNACK AND REST TIME EVERY DAY
SPECIAL DAYS
SENSORY BEAR HUNT AND A TEDDY BEAR PICNIC WITH THEIR STUFFED ANIMAL PALS
A EXPLORING LIQUIDS IN SCIENCE WITH A BUBBLE DAY
A FALL -THEMED SCIENCE AND SAFETY ACTIVITIES WITH A FALL FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON
HISTORY LESSONS ON THE FIRST THANKSGIVING FOLLOWED BY A THANKSGIVING FEAST
CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS LESSONS AND FINDING THE JOY IN CHRISTMAS WITH A POLAR EXPRESS DAY
COMPARE AND CONTRAST THROUGH HISTORY FROM 100 YEARS PRIOR FOR THE 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL
A LOUISIANA HISTORY AND THE COLORS OF MARDI GRAS FOLLOWED BY A SCHOOL-WIDE MARDI GRAS PARADE LED BY PREK NURSERY RHYME DAY PRE-K GRADUATION
Course of Study
LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading Horizons- Students learn letter names and sounds, how to write them, and how to blend them into simple words They then move on to consonant blends and spelling patterns, building skills to read and spell more complex words. The program uses a fun, step-by-step, multisensory approach to help children become confident, independent readers.
THE SCIENCE OF READING
Reading Horizons is aligned with what’s known as the Science of Reading a body of research that shows how the brain learns to read and what instructional methods are most effective, especially for young learners. It emphasizes:
Explicit phonics instruction (teaching the relationship between letters and sounds)
Systematic instruction (skills are taught in a clear, logical order)
Multisensory learning (seeing, hearing, saying, and doing)
Phonemic awareness (recognizing and working with individual sounds in spoken words)
UNIT STUDIES
OurScienceandSocialStudiesskillsarecoveredby teachingunitsofstudyusingfieldtrips,crafts, experiments,andnonfictiontext Topicsstudied includethehumanbody,communityhelpers, weather,lifecycles,plantsandLouisianahistory
OurKindergartenstudentsareabletoexpandtheir learningbyattendingadifferentauxiliaryclasseachday Theseclassesofferenrichmentandhandsonlearning, includingbothPEandrecessdaily Theseclassesinclude art,music,library,andforeignlanguage
MATH
EnvisionMath2.0covers14varioustopics throughouttheyear.Webegintheyearfocusing onthefundamentalunderstandingofnumbers 0-10(numbernames,countingsequence,and writtennumbers)andaddition/subtractionto10. Wespendthesecondhalfoftheyearfocusingon ourteennumbers,countingto100,shapes,and graphing Wealsointroduceallthecoinsand theirvaluesinKindergarten
HANDWRITING AUXILIARIES
Handwritingisafoundationalskillforliteracy development.Wefocusoncorrectposture,pencil gripandpaperslant.Explicitletterformation instructionisembeddedwithinourReading Horizonscurriculum.Whileweteachthelettersand theirsoundswearealsofocusingoncorrect penmanship.
SERVICE PROJECT
CCASocktober
KINDERGARTEN Daily Schedule
8:00 AM- 3:00 PM MONDAY-FRIDAY
ARRIVAL/ RESTROOM/MORNING BINS
PLEDGE/PRAYER, MORNING MEETING & CALENDAR
WRITING
READING HORIZON MINI LESSON & LITERACY CENTERS
PE
SHARED READING & LITERACY CENTERS
RECESS/RESTROOM
LUNCH/RESTROOM
AUXILARY (MUSIC, ART, LIBRARY, SPANISH)
MATH MINI LESSON & MATH CENTERS
SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES
RECESS/RESTROOM
SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES
SNACK, PACK UP, & READ ALOUD
REST TIME
Beyond the Classroom
FIELD TRIPS
WELLNESS FIELD TRIP
CELEBRITY THEATRES TO WATCH 101 DALMATIANS
RUSTON PUBLIC WORKS & THE FIRE STATION DURING OUR STUDY OF COMMUNITY HELPERS
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
AFTER SCHOOL CARE IS OFFERED EACH DAY
UNTIL 5:30PM. STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO ENJOY A SNACK AND HAVE ADDITIONAL PLAY TIME.
SNACK AND REST TIME
OUR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS’ SCHEDULE
INCLUDES DAILY SNACK AND REST TIME EVERY DAY.
SPECIAL DAYS
PRACTICING FINE MOTOR SKILLS WITH A SCHOOL SUPPLY BOOTCAMP
50'S DAY WITH A 50'S STYLE SOCK HOP
A CELEBRATION OF JOHNNY APPLESEED DAY THROUGH STEM-THEMED ACTIVITIES
A PUMPKIN INVESTIGATION USING THE 5 SENSES
THANKSGIVING FEAST
A CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS PROGRAM A 101ST DAY OF SCHOOL DRESSED AS 101 DALMATIANS
CELEBRATION OF “READ ACROSS AMERICA
WEEK” WITH A BOOK CHARACTER DAY AND PARADE
EASTER EGG HUNT
MOTHERS’ DAY PICNIC
KINDERGARTEN AWARDS AND YES DAY
ELEMENTARY
A child's first experiences with school shape a lifetime of learning and achievement, so Cedar Creek's mission begins in our Lower School program (Pre-K through 5th grade).
Our highly trained and caring faculty cultivate the love of learning in a safe, nurturing, and academically challenging environment. At every grade level, teachers use innovative and interactive approaches to help students develop as critical thinkers and problem solvers. Cedar Creek is a leader in infusing meaningful skills and experiences including foreign language, STEM, and the arts throughout the curriculum.
Unlike many schools in the region, Cedar Creek provides daily auxiliary classes for our youngest students in music, art, computer technology, library, Spanish, STEM, and Bible. One of the highlights of our elementary school is an interactive P.E. class five days a week for students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.
Elementary students in all grades enjoy regular field trips, festivals, and theme days to enhance the curriculum. Elementary students also have the opportunity to participate in Pee-Wee Sports beginning in 3 grade, which include football, cheerleading, basketball, baseball, softball, and cross country. Additionally, after school care is offered each day until 5:30pm. Students are able to enjoy a snack and have additional play time.
FIRST GRADE
CourseofStudy
LANGUAGE ARTS
CedarCreek’sfirstgradehasembracedScienceof Readingprinciplesforreadinginstructionsince 2022 FirstGradeusestheevidence-basedReading HorizonscurriculumwhichalignswithCedar Creek’skindergartenandsecondgradereading instruction Thiscurriculumincludesaheavy emphasisontheuseofphonicsrulestoteach spellingaswell.Writinginstructionbuildsonthe readingandspellinginstructionfoundationsand takesplacethroughouttheyearwithanemphasison thefollowingtypesofwriting:narrative,opinion, poetry,letter,andinformationalwriting.
SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES
MATH
FirstGradeusesthePearsonEnvisionMathcurriculum. ThiscurriculumisusedfromKindergartento8thgrade atCedarCreekprovidingalignmentwithinthesubject andareductionofknowledgegapsbetweengradelevels Mathfactfluencyandinstructionwithcountingmoney arealsoemphasizedinthisgradelevel
AUXILIARIES
Theseclassesincludeart,music,library,foreign language,STEM,andBible.Theyofferenrichmentand handsonlearning,inadditiontobothPEandrecess daily
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
SERVICE PROJECT
FirstGradersareexposedtoavarietyofSocial Studiesandscienceunitsduringthecourseofthe yearincludingthefollowing:Presidentsandvoting, maps,MartinLutherKing,Jr andthehistoryofcivil rights,US symbols,lifecycleofanimals,lifecycle ofplants,andweather ChristianCommunityAction-Firstgrade participatesinacannedfooddriveandvisitsCCA.
FirstGradeisinvolvedinnumerousprojectsandfield tripsthroughouttheyearincluding: FieldtripstoStraussYouthAcademyfortheArtstosee aplay(JunieB.Jones)andtotheLincolnParishLibrary, hatchingchickeggs,the1 GradeThanksgivingFeastat LincolnParishPark,“GingerbreadandJammies”decoratingcookieswiththeDiningCenterLadiesand decoratingthehalllikeGingerbreadLane,aValentines Dayparty,andfinally,TheGreatestShowatCedar Creek-FirstGradeCircus!Firstgradersperformas everythingfromringleaderstoanimalsandputona trulyspectacularperformance!
SECOND GRADE
CourseofStudy
LANGUAGE ARTS
CedarCreek’ssecondgradehasembracedScienceof Readingprinciplesforreadinginstructionsince 2022.SecondGradeusestheevidence-based ReadingHorizonscurriculumwhichalignswith CedarCreek’skindergartenandfirstgradereading instruction.Thiscurriculumincludesaheavy emphasisontheuseofphonicsrulestoteach spellingaswell.Writinginstructionbuildsonthe readingandspellinginstructionfoundationsand takesplacethroughouttheyearwithanemphasison thefollowingtypesofwriting:narrative,opinion, poetry,letter,andinformationalwriting.
MATH
The second-grade Envision Math curriculum supports a variety of learning styles by incorporating multiple strategies for solving problems. By the end of the year, students demonstrate fluency with basic addition and subtraction facts. They also develop a strong understanding of 2-digit addition and subtraction, including regrouping Early concepts of multiplication are introduced through repeated addition, and students begin to compare fractions using visual models
SCIENCE
SOCIAL STUDIES AUXILIARIES
In social studies, second graders explore foundational concepts through interactive and engaging experiences. Students develop basic geography skills by using maps, compasses, and cardinal directions to understand their place in the world. They learn about community helpers and their roles in society, with guest visitors throughout the year enriching these lessons with real-world connections Lessons on needs and wants help students distinguish between essentials and choices, while studies of the past and present encourage comparisons that build an understanding of change over time.
These classes include art, music, library, foreign language, STEM, and Bible. They offer enrichment and hands on learning, in addition to both PE and recess daily.
SERVICE PROJECT
Inscience,secondgradersbuildcuriosityand understandingthroughobservation,exploration,and hands-onlearning.Studentsstudythelifecyclesand basicneedsofplants,aswellasthecharacteristicsof animalsandthehabitatsinwhichtheylive.They investigatedifferenttypesofmatter,exploringhow materialscanchangeformandbeusedineverydaylife. Thecurriculumalsoincludesanintroductionto landforms,helpingstudentsrecognizeanddescribe featuresoftheEarth'ssurfacethroughmodels,maps, andvisuals.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
SecondgradefieldtripsincludeSci-Portforscienceand STEMdiscovery,thetheatretoseeaplay,andavisitto theSTEMcenteratLaTech Theyputtheirmoney skillstothetestwithabrowniesale,learningabout advertising,discussingneedsandwants,andpricingand profit DuringChristmas,theyparticipateinaplay, “HowtheGrinchFoundChristinChristmas”,which highlightstherealmeaningofChristmas AnIceCream SocialishostedwithourparentsforValentine'sDay, andeachdayincludesadailydevotional
THIRD GRADE
CourseofStudy
LANGUAGE ARTS
English Language Arts (ELA) is designed to help students grow into more confident and independent readers and writers Your child will begin reading longer, more complex texts and will learn how to identify main ideas, summarize key details, and use evidence from the text to support their thinking They’ll also expand their vocabulary and strengthen their understanding of grammar and sentence structure In writing, students will learn to organize their ideas clearly and write in different styles, such as personal narratives, opinion pieces, and informative essays These skills are essential for helping them express themselves effectively and succeed in all areas of learning
Third graders also learn cursive, and begin to exclusively write in cursive by their second semester Research shows it supports brain development, fine motor skills, and literacy, and activates areas of the brain linked to memory and language more than typing.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Our third-grade Social Studies program centers around our rich and diverse state of Louisiana. Students explore geography, history, culture, civics, economics, and map skills, all within the context of our home state. We foster curiosity and critical thinking as students learn about Louisiana’s unique regions and heritage. This strong foundation not only builds a deeper appreciation for our state but also prepares students to participate in the Elementary Social Studies Fair for the first time, where they can showcase what they’ve learned in creative and meaningful ways
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
To enhance our Social Studies curriculum, students take part in a mock trial at the Farmerville Court House and visit Fort Jean Baptiste and the Louisiana Sports Museum in Natchitoches. We also celebrate special events like our Grandparents Day program and conclude the year with the Louisiana Program, which ties into our Louisiana unit. The year ends with a fun-filled field day to celebrate our learning achievements.
MATH
Third-grade teachers are committed to developing confident, capable mathematicians In third grade, our math instruction goes beyond memorization We emphasize number sense, reasoning skills, and strategic understanding to ensure longterm success in mathematics not just short-term performance on assessments
Instructional Goals:
Deepen Number Sense: Students learn how numbers work and relate to one another
Strengthen Reasoning: Students explain their thinking and solve problems in multiple ways
Promote Strategy Use: Students are taught how to think, not just what to think
SCIENCE
Third-grade science teaches students to become more selfdirected, curious, and accountable Through an instructional model that blends both print and digital learning, students learn to synthesize ideas, use evidence, and demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and skills. Topics include: Motion and Forces, Electricity and Magnetism, Weather, Climate, Life Cycles, and Fossil Evidence
SERVICE PROJECT
The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM)- a ministry dedicated to serving persecuted Christians around the world Founded by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand after their imprisonment for their faith in Romania, VOM continues to provide both practical aid and spiritual encouragement to those facing persecution This project invites students to grow in compassion and engage meaningfully with the global Christian community.
AUXILIARIES
These classes include art, music, library, foreign language, STEM, and Bible. They offer enrichment and hands on learning, in addition to both PE and recess daily.
FOURTH GRADE
CourseofStudy
LANGUAGE ARTS
In 4th grade, we focus on helping students grow into lifelong readers and confident writers. This year marks an important shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Students explore a wide range of authentic texts, including engaging nonfiction, to build strong comprehension skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Our reading program encourages curiosity, discussion, and the joy of reading. We use highquality literature that sparks interest and builds vocabulary and thinking skills. Writing is taught through a workshop approach, where students write daily, share ideas, and learn to revise and publish their work They practice writing in different styles, from personal narratives to research-based nonfiction We aim to make reading and writing meaningful, purposeful, and fun laying the foundation for a lifelong love of language
SCIENCE
In 4th grade, the Elevate Science curriculum covers a broad range of topics that deepen students’ understanding of the natural world. Students explore energy and motion, learning about various forms of energy, how it causes movement, and how humans use both renewable and non-renewable sources. They study sound and light waves, examining how they behave and interact with materials. Earth science topics include landforms, bodies of water, and natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes, along with their environmental impact. In life science, students investigate plant and animal structures, functions, and adaptations, as well as how plants grow and reproduce. They also study human body systems and how they work together to keep us healthy. Throughout the year, students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and apply science to everyday life
SERVICE PROJECT
Blessing Bags- students collect items that are given out by the Ruston Police Department.
MATH
EnVision Math 2 0- Students explore place value to understand the value of digits in larger numbers, which enhances their skills in addition and subtraction of multidigit numbers They build on multiplication and learn division, focusing on multi-digit operations and solving word problems Students work with fractions, which includes identifying, comparing, and performing operations with fractions Additionally, the curriculum includes graphing data on line plots and creating bar graphs to represent information visually Students study angles, learning to identify and measure different types of angles, which helps them understand geometric concepts.
SOCIAL STUDIES
In 4th grade Social Studies, students explore the diverse regions of the United States, learning about geography, culture, and unique characteristics of each area They learn about the 50 states and their capitals and gain a sense of where they are located on the map They learn about the U S Government, concentrating on how laws are made and how citizens participate in a democracy To wrap up the year, students participate in an etiquette unit where they practice good manners and social skills, culminating in a special fancy dinner to celebrate their learning and growth
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Cedar Creek fourth graders attend the annual White House Dinner in style Students are taught rules of etiquette and show off what they’ve learned during a four-course meal where government officials speak at the event They also participate in the Ruston Veterans Day program, Chinese New Year, visit the Safari Park, and connect with other classes across the country through The Great Mail Race
AUXILIARIES
These classes include art, music, library, foreign language, STEM, and Bible. They offer enrichment and hands on learning, in addition to both PE and recess daily
FIFTH GRADE
CourseofStudy
LANGUAGE ARTS
th
The 5 grade ELA curriculum focuses on building strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills Students read a variety of texts, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and historical fiction, to develop comprehension and analytical thinking. They learn to identify themes, compare and contrast characters, and use evidence to support their ideas. Writing instruction emphasizes narrative, opinion, and informative essays, with a focus on clear organization, proper grammar, and revision Vocabulary and spelling continue to grow through context clues and word analysis
SOCIAL STUDIES
In 5th grade Social Studies, students journey through U S history, beginning with the rich cultures and traditions of early Native American societies. They study the arrival of European explorers and how their interactions shaped the future of our country. The students explore the causes and events of the American Revolution, learning how the colonies fought for and won their independence A major focus is placed on Westward Expansion, where students learn about pioneers, the Oregon Trail, and life on the frontier-highlighted by a special program and an immersive Pioneer Day experience. The year concludes with a study of the Civil War and post-Civil War America.
AUXILIARIES
These classes include art, music, library, foreign language, STEM, and Bible. They offer enrichment and hands on learning, in addition to both PE and recess daily
SERVICE PROJECT
St.JudeMath-a-Thon
MATH
Envision Math- SAVVAS focuses on building fluency with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers and decimals, as well as compare and perform operations with fractions. Students add, subtract, and multiply fractions with unlike denominators They also explore concepts of volume, measurement, and geometry, including classifying two-dimensional shapes In addition, students work with data interpretation, line plots, and simple coordinate graphs, laying the groundwork for algebraic thinking through patterns and expressions.
SCIENCE
Elevate Science- SAVVAS covers foundational concepts in physical, earth, and life sciences Students explore topics such as properties of matter, changes in matter, the water cycle, weather patterns, the solar system, and ecosystems. They also learn about forces and motion, energy forms, and basic scientific inquiry skills. Hands-on experiments and observations help students develop critical thinking and understanding of the scientific method. The curriculum aims to build curiosity about the natural world and prepare students for more advanced science learning
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
5th grade students have an exciting year of full learning beyond the classroom! Our annual “Coffee House” is a great way to listen to book reviews by students, while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or coffee They bring famous historical figures to life during our “Wax Museum”, dress up and learn about early settlers on “Pioneer Day”, and become young researchers at the Lincoln Parish Library for their Social Studies research projects. To celebrate all their hard work, we wrap up the year with an unforgettable “End of the Year Extravaganza” full of fun and memories!
MIDDLE SCHOOL
At Cedar Creek, our strong Middle School curriculum lays a foundation for the challenges of high school and beyond. We strive to make Middle School a caring and supportive transition from elementary to the rigorous demands of high school.
The Middle School curriculum features traditional departmentalized courses of study in all of the major academic areas. We focus on balancing basic skills development with enrichment opportunities important to early adolescent social, emotional and physical growth.
Learning technology
Beginning in sixth grade, Cedar Creek integrates 1:1 iPads into the curriculum, with teachers and students using essential technology tools for 21st century learning. A modern computer lab provides instructional and meeting space for our popular Introduction to Business Computer Applications.
Programs for the academically gifted
Students who benefit from an accelerated learning environment may qualify for the Advanced Honors Program in English, mathematics, and science. These courses lay the foundation for Advanced Placement (AP) coursework in high school.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CourseofStudy
Sixth Grade Seventh Grade Eighth Grade
Language Arts or Advanced Honors
Language Arts or Advanced Honors
Language Arts or Advanced Honors Math Math or
Math or Pre-Algebra 8 or Algebra I Advanced Honors
World History
Honors
Art Club
Card Games Club
Checkers Club
Chess Club
Cornhole Club
Crafting Club
Quill
MIDDLE SCHOOL Beyond the Classroom
Green&Gold Day
Quarterly "Green and Gold Day" events reward students who have exhibited good behavior and performance with a field trip or special activity. Middle School students also participate in schoolwide spirit days and other activities.
SIXTH GRADE
Sixth graders travel to Dallas each year for the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.
SEVENTH GRADE EIGHTH GRADE
We offer an opportunity for a 4day trip to Washington, D C to visit national memorials, The Smithsonian Museums, Arlington Cemetery, the National Cathedral, the Smithsonian, the Capitol, the White House, and Mt. Vernon.
Students take a three-day tour of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and other parts of South Louisiana They learn about the many interesting cultures and history that make Louisiana unique.
HIGH SCHOOL
Educating students to be leaders in our region, nation, and world is the culmination of Cedar Creek's mission. Our high school curriculum builds on the foundation of our strong middle and elementary school programs to prepare graduates for college and beyond.
High School students enroll in a State of Louisiana and TOPS-aligned core curriculum (English, mathematics, science, history, foreign language) with a wide range of elective and enrichment options including art, robotics, introduction to engineering, and creative writing. Our Guidance Services department meets annually with each student to develop and refine the individual course sequence.
Academic course offerings
Cedar Creek offers three levels of instruction for students in core courses: Grade-level (college-preparatory), Honors, and Advanced Honors/Advanced Placement (AP).
Dual Enrollment
Through our partnership with Louisiana Tech University, Cedar Creek provides 14 Dual Enrollment courses with a total of nearly 50 potential college credit hours for students.
Clubs and organizations
In addition to our exceptional academic programs, we are committed to challenging students to examine and develop core values, serve their community, and exercise leadership. This is accomplished through a wide range of extracurricular activities and service opportunities.
Class trips
Each high school class grade attends a dedicated retreat every year in addition to participating in school-wide activities such as Homecoming and course field trips. High school students have the opportunity to participate in trips to New York and/or Europe (Spain/ France or the UK) in alternating years.
HIGH SCHOOL CourseofStudy
Ninth Grade Tenth Grade Eleventh Grade Twelfth Grade
English III: American
English I English II
Algebra I or Geometry
World History or World Geography
Biology I or Physical Science
Geometry or Algebra II
World History or World Geography
Physical Science or Chemistry
Literature or English III: Writing Emphasis DE or AP English III
Algebra II or Advanced Math DE
English IV or DE or AP
English IV
Advanced Math DE or Calculus Honors or AP Calculus or Statistics & Probability Honors
US History DE or AP US History Civics or AP US Government & Politics
Chemistry I and/or an additional science elective
Spanish I, French I, or Elective
Spanish I, II or French I, II
Financial Literacy or Elective
Biology II or Physics H or Biology II- Anatomy & Physiology or AP Biology
DE or AP Chemistry or AP Environmental Science or AP Physics
Financial Literacy or Elective
Elective Elective Elective Elective
Course level placement options = College Preparatory, Honors, Advanced Honors, or Advanced Placement (AP)
DE= Dual Enrollment
Students must meet requirements to dually enroll
HIGH SCHOOL
GraduationRequirements
4 Math credits including: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.
4 Science credits including Biology I, Physical Science, and Chemistry.
4 English credits
Adult Responsibilities
Agriscience I, II, III
AP Art History*
AP Art & Design
AP Biology*
AP Calculus AB
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP French Language*
AP Government & Politics
AP Physics
AP Psychology
AP Spanish Language*
AP US History
4 History credits including: World Geography, World History, US History, and Civics
2 Foreign Language credits- both must in the same language
1.5 PE credits and .5 Health credit
Electives
Art I, II
Bible as Literature
Child Development
Computer Science
Digital Graphics
Family & Consumer Science
Financial Literacy
Fne Arts Survey*
French I, II, III*
Journey to Careers
Medical Terminology*
Multimedia Productions
Nutrition & Food
Probability and Statistics
1 Financial Literacy credit (Class of 2028)
1 Fine Arts credit
1 Computer Science credit (Class of 2029)
5 elective credits
40 Service Hours (Not required, but strongly recommended)
Robotics
Sociology
Spanish I, II, III*
Speech I, II
Technical Writing
Yearbook (Publications)
*Denotes possible dual enrollment options
Art Club
Bible study
Cornhole Club
Cougar Ambassadors
Creative Writing
Drama Club
DECA
Environmental Club
FCA
FFA
Football
Boys’ Basketball
Girls’ Basketball
Softball
Baseball
HIGH SCHOOL Clubs
Foreign Language Club
Key Club
Medical Club
National Honor Society
Photography Club
Quota Club
Robotics Club
Science Olympiad
Senior Experience
Sports Leadership
Sports
Track & Field
Cross Country
Swim
Boys’ Powerlifting
Girls’ Powerlifting
Fishing
Stem Challenges
Student Council
Student Publications
Cahier (yearbook)
The Claw (art & literary publication)
Strategy Games
Trivia Club
Wellness Club
Younglife
JV Cheerleading
Varsity Cheerleading
Emerald Entertainers
Danceline
Tennis
Golf
PARENT INVOLVEMENT WaystoConnect
PARENT CLUB
Parent Club is the primary way as a parent or grandparent to get involved at Cedar Creek. The CC Parent Club consists of members of the Cedar Creek community who volunteer their time to support the school through fundraising efforts, organizing events, and helping foster communication between families and staff. Parent club strongly benefits the school by enhancing the student experience, helping fund extra programs or supplies needed, and building a stronger school community.
CELEBRATION
Cedar Creek's annual auction,
“Celebration,” is held every Spring. This is the school's largest fundraiser, raising on average $145,000+ each year. The money raised benefits a special need or program at the school. Examples of this in the past have been faculty bonuses, renovations to the multipurpose, new technology, etc. This event has taken place both in person and virtually, and it has been very successful both ways. Due to the enormity of this project, there are several things such as acquisitions, sponsorships, and class projects that volunteers help with.
HOLIDAYS IN CEDARTOWN
This event is an annual shopping extravaganza held at the Ruston Civic Center every November. It involves 3days of holiday shopping from market vendors to our community members to jump start their holiday shopping. It features special events such as afterhours shopping with hors d'oeuvres and pictures with Santa. Due to the enormity of this project, there are several things that volunteers help with, such as ticket sales, hospitality, decorations, and public relations. All funds raised from Holidays in CedarTown go towards the Cedar Creek Parent Club.
