Lower School

The language arts curriculum in grades 1-3 is guided by Saxon Phonics for phonics and spelling instruction with an Orton Gillingham approach. Emphasis is placed on reading and comprehending classical literature. Classical literature provides a rich context for discussing good versus evil and highlighting virtuous conduct. Shurley grammar supports the study of grammar in grades 1-4.

Fifth grade initiates a more advanced study of English grammar. Fifth-grade students compare and contrast Latin and English grammar. This comparison increases their understanding of the structure of language.

Mathematics is taught in a balanced, practical way. Concepts are taught and experienced through concrete means, such as the use of hands-on manipulatives. As students master concepts on a concrete level, they then memorize the basic computation facts. Mastery of basic math facts promotes mathematical fluency in the higher grades. Students are challenged to demonstrate mastery of mathematical knowledge through applied problems and critical thinking. Heritage uses Math in Focus, Singapore math, for Kindergarten – 5th grade to ensure continuity and consistency with math.

The Veritas History program is used for grades 1-8. Lower School studies are as follows:

First Grade: Creation to the Rise and Fall of Ancient Egyptian Empire

Second Grade: Minoan Empire to Gutenberg Printing Press

Third Grade: Prince Henry the Explorer through the Missouri Compromise

Fourth Grade: The Monroe Doctrine through Modern Day

Fifth Grade: Minoan Culture through the End of the Roman Empire

Appropriate historical songs are taught in each class as a means of facilitating students’ grasp of key periods of history. These songs provide “hooks” that enable students to recall more quickly the flow of history. Abstract concepts of history are often difficult for young children to understand. To help young students learn history, Heritage uses biographies as well as “living” books covering the lives of historical figures. This enables students to become familiar with the lives of men and women during the periods being studied.

Nature Studies comprises the core of the science curriculum for PreK-2nd grade. The study of nature helps children to develop all of their senses and trains them to observe, count, classify, interpret, draw, and record. These skills form the basis for the future study of science, history, and the visual arts.

Science is taught in grades 3-5. The curriculum explores:

Third Grade: The Human Body

Fourth Grade: Life Sciences

Fifth Grade: The Solar System

Latin study begins in third grade. Students, at this stage in their development, have a natural proclivity for memorization. It is the prime time for these students to acquire the grammatical forms of Latin through learning chants and stem endings. A student’s affinity for memorization also promotes vocabulary acquisition. In 4th grade, students grow their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and learn how to translate Latin sentences. 

 Fifth grade initiates a more advanced study of English and Latin grammar. This comparison increases their understanding of the structure of language. During this year, students follow the storyline of the Iliad and the Aeneid.

All lower school students are exposed to musicians and their works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras of music. Students are taught to listen and to hear discriminately to begin to understand musical ideas. They also learn to sing, as accurately as possible, and to develop a working knowledge of musical notation.

Lower school students learn many elements of art such as shape, line, color, and texture. In addition, students are introduced to the use of different mediums: clay, tempera paint, watercolor, charcoal, and crayon. The periods studied in Art align with the periods studied in History. These are as follows:

First Grade: Egyptian and Roman designs

Second Grade: Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic Artwork

Third Grade: From Renaissance Art to the Impressionists

Fourth Grade: From Post-Impressionism through Modern Art of the 20th Century

Fifth Grade: Greek, Roman, and Early Christian paintings, drawings, and mosaic

The goal of Physical Education is to prepare students for a lifetime of healthy living while training them in activities that will inspire as well as equip them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Heritage believes that athletic and physical training, in which students regularly participate, will produce lifelong results by strengthening their bodies, minds, and character through discipline, skills acquisition, consistent practice, self-control, and teamwork.

The computer is a tool. As with any tool, it has its appropriate place and usage. Heritage recognizes the benefits of such a tool and actively encourages its use by teachers during classroom presentations and by students in upper grades for research and writing assigned papers. Heritage also recognizes that computers have their deficiencies as well, including, but not limited to, passive learning. Heritage begins to instruct students formally in keyboarding, basic computer, and Internet use in 6th grade.

Weekly Chapel is a rhythm of the Heritage education, anchoring our school week in worship and the truth of God’s Word. It offers a Christ-centered foundation that shapes students’ hearts, forming habits of faith and guiding their daily decisions.

Because Heritage families come from a variety of denominational backgrounds and worship traditions—liturgical, traditional, and contemporary—Chapel is thoughtfully crafted to help every student grow as a worshipper of Jesus, regardless of their family’s style of worship.

Lower School Chapel is held every Friday morning for students in grades 1–5, and parents and guests are invited to join. 

• Spelling Bees
• Math Olympics
• Creative Writing Contests
• Art Festivals
• ERB Standardized Testing
• The National Latin Exam

Students in grades 1-5 select a specific service project that they will complete during the school year and present as a project report to their classmates in the spring.

The Bible curriculum in grades 1-6 utilizes the Walking with God and His People series distributed through Christian Schools International.

Each curriculum in grades 1 through 4 begins with the study of a New Testament epistle, challenging students to find ways they can live their faith in Jesus Christ.

The 5th-grade curriculum focuses on God’s covenant promises.

Heritage offers various clubs that complement the core curriculum of the school and allow students to pursue increased understanding and competency in a variety of interests. Club offerings vary from quarter to quarter and are offered to PreK-5th grade students.

See Club Offerings