Elementary School: Growing in Truth

Discipleship in the elementary school takes place in and out of the classroom, beginning with our faculty and staff, all of whom profess faith in Christ. At Heritage Christian, we believe academics and discipleship go hand-in-hand and that students can learn the Bible and biblical principles at a very young age. Because of this, the elementary school integrates the Bible into every facet of education, helping students grow physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually through the truths of the Bible.

TEACH

In class, students learn Bible stories, biblical principles, and the truths of what it means to follow Christ. Elementary Bible curriculum includes learning about the Old and New Testaments, the life of Christ, Pilgrim’s Progress, and repentance and forgiveness.

As part of the Bible curriculum, students learn how to memorize and recite Scripture every year. In third grade, students learn over 60 verses through song.

MENTOR

Each year, elementary teachers make spiritual goals specific to their class. These goals are meant to help them mentor their students on a more personal level. Teachers do things such as pray with and for their students every day, share what it means to be a good friend, and teach the Gospel through discipline.

Some elementary students have high school mentors. Together, they play games, talk about how to deal with difficult things, read Bible verses, and learn how to be a good friend.

TRAIN

Teachers work on the concept of leadership from the earliest grade levels, encouraging students to show leadership through their choices and the way they treat others. Formal leadership training begins in 4th grade through service opportunities within the school.

Elementary students are exposed to local and international opportunities to serve through the Care Ministries program. They collect coins for Coins for the Kingdom to support global ministries and they collect material goods like shoes, canned goods, and books for local organizations. Serving within the school is also emphasized through such programs as Reading Buddies, encouragement notes, and random acts of kindness.

Elementary Chapel

Chapel is a sweet time for elementary students to come together, sing their hearts out, and learn God’s word from faculty, staff, and outside Christian leaders and pastors.

Grades 1-4 congregate twice a month for a chapel program that includes worship through singing, prayer, updates on elementary Care Ministries, and a Bible lesson. Kindergarten has its own program that meets once a month. The primary goal of these chapels is to help students grow in their walk with Jesus and to see the beauty and importance of corporate worship.

Many of the speakers connect the yearly school theme with a passage of scripture. This year, with the theme #WeWill, students have learned about a variety of topics, including “We will choose to be a friend,” “We will choose to be kind,” “We will serve,” and “We will glorify God.”

Elementary music teacher Cathy Bartemus leads the worship portion of chapel, but she makes it a priority to have students assist her. “We try to have students involved as much as possible - leading worship, praying, and helping with the lessons,” said Bartemus.