Mount Vernon Presbyterian School offers a Lower School curriculum that is designed to foster mastery of the basic skills while motivating students through classroom experiences. Students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence, develop leadership skills, and excel in life. Small classes allow our experienced and dedicated faculty to provide our students with individualized attention, skill reinforcement, and enrichment opportunities. Learning support teachers are on staff to give additional academic reinforcement when needed.

READING

Kindergarten uses the Scott Foresman reading series while first through third grades use Open Court. Both programs place emphasis on phonics and the basic skills needed to become proficient in reading  while inspiring a love of reading. Students in grades four through six integrate reading, writing, and listening through in-depth study of novels. Development of reading skills progresses through the grades, stressing comprehension and analysis of the literature, as well as an appreciation for all types of composition. Students learn the value of biographies, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. The Holt Adventures for Readers series is used as a supplement in sixth grade.

MATH

Mount Vernon offers an math curriculum in kindergarten through sixth grade that focuses on computation and math concepts. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are integral components of the Everyday Math curriculum. Math computation skills are reinforced through Mountain Math.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Grammar, creative writing, spelling, phonics, and vocabulary development are all a part of the language arts program. Grammar is taught with an emphasis on correct word usage, proper sentence structure and use of punctuation, and an understanding of parts of speech. Composition is taught with a balanced approach focusing on content and mechanics. Vocabulary in first through fifth grades is developed through, but not limited to, the textbook, Wordly Wise.

Sixth grade students use Vocabulary Workshop. Composition and grammar are taught using The Shurley Method throughout the Lower School and are applied in specific writing assignments.

PHONICS

The teaching of phonics is a separate subject in kindergarten through third grade and is integrated into the reading and language arts programs in all grades.

SCIENCE

The curriculum consists of developmentally appropriate units of study guided by grade level texts, workbooks, and hands-on materials to enhance an experimental approach to learning. First through fifth grade students use McMillan McGraw Hill  Science. All students attend exploratory lab once a week. Sixth grade students use the Holt Life Science text and experience inquiry-based labs following the scientific method in their exploration and discovery. The latest in technological information is utilized in classroom instruction.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Students in first through fifth grades gain an understanding of U.S. history, its regions, and its geography. Map skills are incorporated into the curriculum. Sixth grade students study world history using the McGrawHill text, World: Adventures in Time and Place. Students are encouraged to apply knowledge gained through writing assignments and research projects.


EXPLORATORY CLASSES

The physical education program is offered to all students each day. Units are designed to promote strength, flexibility, and endurance. Skills and knowledge of rules related to a wide variety of individual and team sports are taught. Sportsmanship and character building are integral components of the program.

All kindergarten and first grade students are enrolled in Spanish. Students in second through sixth grades may elect to take French or Spanish. Students are exposed to foreign language study two times per week.

Music is offered two times a week to kindergarten through fourth grade students. Fifth and sixth grades choose either chorus or band, which they attend daily. Mount Vernon encourages an appreciation for a wide variety of music styles and composers. Preparation for two programs is a component of the music  curriculum.

Art is offered once a week to kindergarten through fifth. Sixth grade have one semester of art. A written curriculum exposes the students to art history, art styles, famous artists, and a wide variety of techniques. Our state-of-the-art facility is complete with a kiln and dark room, providing students the opportunity to express their creativity through the use of many different media.

Computer and library science classes are  scheduled weekly for kindergarten through sixth grade students. Sixth grade students are offered one semester of computer science, and library research is scheduled as needed.