Curriculum
FBCS has curriculum customized for Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Middle School. We develop our programs to help students develop skills and knowledge so that they are ready for high school, college, and beyond.
Curriculum
Preschool
Younger Pre-K3, Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Pre-K4 (Bridging).
Language Arts
Preschool Language Arts at FBCS incorporates print awareness, phonics, vocabulary building, and comprehension. The students are immersed in a literary rich environment.
Mathematics
Preschool Math at FBCS emphasizes hands-on activities which progress from concrete to abstract levels. The students develop a strong Mathematical foundation.
Social Studies
Through literature and Biblical correlations, we study our history. Students have opportunities to dress up and celebrate as we learn.
Sciences
SCIENCE at FBCS emphasizes hands-on activities through cooking and experimentation. The students learn about the world God created.
Curriculum
Kindergarten
Our Curriculum focuses on Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Biblical teachings.
Reading/Phonics/Vocabulary
Our Reading curriculum incorporates many aspects of phonics, sight word recognition, writing, vocabulary building, and comprehension strategies. A literacy rich environment, in which students explore different non-fiction topics and literary genres, is provided. Students are encouraged through precise instruction, guided practice, and independent Reading requirements. Furthermore, Reading instruction is differentiated for individual students by offering Reading materials specific to each child’s ability.
Mathematics
Singapore Math emphasizes strong number sense, mental Math skills, and an in-depth understanding of place value. Concepts are developed through a progression of concrete to pictorial to abstract levels which ensures a true, deep understanding of Mathematics. Singapore Math encourages students to become confident problem solvers and to reach mastery levels. As a result, students develop a solid Mathematical foundation and perform better in advanced Math classes.
Social Studies
The spirit of patriotism shines through as students learn about our country and its place in world history. Period literature and biblical correlations are used to reinforce historical accounts.
Sciences
In Kindergarten, science is taught through a hands-on, meaningful approach. Concepts are brought to life with demonstrations and experiments while careful emphasis is placed on God and how He created the wonders of the world.
Language/Grammar
Our grammar curriculum equips students with knowledge of proper sentence structure, grammatical rules, and writing mechanics.
FBCS students create many writings throughout the year through which they are encouraged to use their creative voice while applying their understanding of grammar at a developmentally appropriate age level.
Bible
At FBCS, students are nurtured spiritually as well as academically. The Positive Action Curriculum presents Bible topics in “a clear style youth can understand, but does not sacrifice the extent of the Word.” Through this curriculum and classroom instruction, “God’s glory, grace, and love are revealed.” It is our desire to equip students with factual Biblical accounts as well as to teach them to refer to the Bible and to seek God’s Will in their daily lives.
Curriculum
1st through 5th Grade
While each grade level focuses on grade-specific learning, below is a broad overview of our curriculum. Please see the Full Curriculum guide for more detailed information.
Reading
Our Reading curriculum incorporates many aspects of phonics, sight word recognition, writing, vocabulary building, and comprehension strategies. A literacy rich environment, in which students explore different non-fiction topics and literary genres, is provided. Students are encouraged through precise instruction, guided practice, and individual Reading requirements. Furthermore, Reading instruction is differentiated for individual students by offering Reading materials specific to each child’s ability.
The Accelerated Reader program, through which students take computerized comprehension tests on books they read, is utilized to encourage and challenge readers at their own pace. Students are given an individual point goal based on the STAR Assessment. Students are required to meet their individualized goal but are encouraged through incentives to double and triple their goal.
Mathematics
Math in Focus, which is the elementary Math curriculum, emphasizes strong number sense, mental Math skills, and an in-depth understanding of place value through Singapore Math methods. Concepts are developed through a progression of concrete to pictorial to abstract levels which ensures a true, deep understanding of Mathematics. Math in Focus encourages students to become confident problem solvers and to reach mastery levels. As a result, students develop a solid Mathematical foundation and perform better in advanced Math classes.
Social Studies
The spirit of patriotism shines through as students learn about our country and its place in world history. Period literature and Biblical correlations are used to reinforce historical accounts. The birth of our nation and pivotal events in history are brought to life during our annual Patriots’ Day Celebration.
Science
Science is taught through a hands-on, meaningful approach. Concepts are brought to life with demonstrations and experiments while careful emphasis is placed on God and how He created the wonders of the world. Students receive Science instruction in the classroom as well as in our state-of-the-art Science lab.
Language/Grammar
Our grammar curriculum equips students with knowledge of proper sentence structure, grammatical rules, and writing mechanics. FBCS students create many writings throughout the year through which they are encouraged to use their creative voice while applying their understanding of grammar at a developmentally appropriate age level.
Bible
Daily Bible Instruction and Chapel on Wednesday. Elementary Students complete service hours each year.
Curriculum
6th Grade Subjects
While each grade level focuses on grade-specific learning, below is a broad overview of our curriculum. Please see the Full Curriculum guide for more detailed information.
Writing
The middle school teaches different writing techniques including the Jane Shaffer method of writing paragraphs and essays.
Students learn and apply strategies for writing narrative, expository, descriptive, and persuasive paragraphs and essays; compare and contrast essays; analytical essays; and letter writing.
Mathematics
Topics covered: vocabulary, fundamental operations, fractions, decimals, percents, graphing, ratio & proportion, geometry, algebra, probability
World History
Time periods covered: early man through the renaissance and reformation
Lessons are designed and presented using a variety of research-based learning and teaching strategies. Projects and assignments include but are not limited to geography skills, internet research, graphic organizers/thinking maps, hands-on projects, political cartoons, coin and stamp creation, historical Christmas ornaments, and much more.
All 6th grade students develop a social studies fair project for a school-wide social studies fair in December.
8th graders participate in a Louisiana History Course.
Earth Science
Topics covered: scientific method, earth materials and processes, changing surface of earth, water, atmosphere, environmental awareness, astronomy, and science careers
Hands-on activities: quarterly independent projects and presentations; archeological research (owl pellets); soil turbidity; models: phases of the moon, mid-ocean ridge activity, contouring (maps); detailed diagrams (cycles, layers of the earth, crystal patterns); calculating density using displacement
Language Arts and Literature
The teacher’s perspective: “we believe that teaching must find the connections between what students are learning in the classroom and how they can apply it to the real world. Knowledge and experience cannot be separated. It is not just the child’s education that we want to enhance; we are also committed to supporting intellectual and personal growth.”
Bible
At FBCS, students are nurtured spiritually as well as academically. Students attend Bible classes deaily and go to Chapel on Wednesdays. The textbook, What’s Up? Discovering the Gospel, Jesus, and Who You Really Are by Deborah Harrell and Jack Klumpenhower is used to guide instruction. The Bible curriculum includes scripture memorization and class discussions about applying the gospel to our daily lives.
Curriculum
7th Grade Subjects
While each grade level focuses on grade-specific learning, below is a broad overview of our curriculum. Please see the Full Curriculum guide for more detailed information.
Writing
The middle school teaches different writing techniques including the Jane Shaffer method of writing paragraphs and essays.
Students learn and apply strategies for writing narrative, expository, descriptive, and persuasive paragraphs and essays; compare and contrast essays; analytical essays; and letter writing.
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra: algebra and integers, algebra and rational numbers, linear equations, inequalities and functions, applying algebra to geometry, polynomials, statistics, vocabulary, properties of real numbers
Math 7: vocabulary, fundamental operations, fractions, decimals, percents, graphing, ratio & proportion, geometry, algebra, probability
American History
Time periods covered: colonization through civil war.
Lessons are designed and presented using a variety of research-based learning and teaching strategies. To gain understanding, students will read, listen, watch videos, and discuss. To apply their knowledge, students will take notes, complete graphic organizers, write paragraphs, work in pairs and on teams to create class projects, present orally, and take written assessments.
Students will develop an understanding of American history by making connections between the past and present through the study of culture, time, individuals, institutions, government, and global connections.
LifeScience
Topics covered: cells, organisms, body systems
Hands-on activities: • learn to use microscope and make slides; observe preserved specimens and prepared slides; simulate blood transfusion (lab and computer); dissect frogs (lab and computer); genetics (fruit fly computer simulation, model traits in lab); cell parts (computer); note-taking on MacBook air laptop
Science fair: all seventh grade students develop a science fair project for a school-wide fair in December.
Language Arts and Literature
The teacher’s perspective: “I believe that through the study of quality literature, students are able to make life connections with the works themselves and with humanity, in general. Creating meaningful connections through these various literary works allows the students to see the usefulness of school. It is our goal to not only teach each child English, but to also teach the life lessons shown through literature, so that students may mature into caring, responsible, and productive young adults.”
Bible
At FBCS, students are nurtured spiritually as well as academically. Students attend Bible classes deaily and go to Chapel on Wednesdays. The textbook, What’s Up? Discovering the Gospel, Jesus, and Who You Really Are by Deborah Harrell and Jack Klumpenhower is used to guide instruction. The Bible curriculum includes scripture memorization and class discussions about applying the gospel to our daily lives.
Curriculum
8th Grade Subjects
While each grade level focuses on grade-specific learning, below is a broad overview of our curriculum. Please see the Full Curriculum guide for more detailed information.
Writing
The middle school teaches different writing techniques including the Jane Shaffer method of writing paragraphs and essays.
Writing will be taught through a series of lessons which will cover sentence construction, paragraph development, essay writing, and creative writing. Students will put these lessons – as well as their grammar, spelling, and vocabulary lessons – into practice during weekly
Writing Workshop. Here they will produce various finished writings in several categories throughout the year. Further, they will compile a portfolio of these writings to serve as a portfolio to take with them at the end of the year.
Algebra I
8th grade math is split into 2 sections. Both sections cover Algebra I. One section is conducted as a high school algebra class, which upon successful completion students will receive high school credit and may enter geometry in high school. The other section covers all major topics and prepares the student for taking Algebra I in high school.
Topics covered: vocabulary, complex number system, properties of real numbers, linear equations and inequalities, graphing, systems of linear equations and inequalities, functions, factoring, quadratic equations, rational expressions, variation, trigonometry
Louisiana History & American History
Time periods covered in Louisiana history: the first inhabitants through Louisiana now.
Time periods covered in American history: the civil war through America today.
Lessons are designed and presented using a variety of research-based learning and teaching strategies. Projects and assignments include but are not limited to current events, internet research, graphic organizers/thinking maps, hands-on projects, political cartoons, plantation studies, college studies, festival celebrations, historical Christmas ornaments, and much more.
8th grade Louisiana trip is taken each April. We visit the state capitol building; take a river boat cruise and a swamp tour; visit a plantation and the World War II museum, and much more.
Social Studies Fair: Eighth grade students may choose to develop either a social studies fair or science fair project.
Physical Science
Topics covered: matter, periodic table, chemistry, motion, forces, and energy, electricity and magnetism, waves, sound, light
Hands-on activities: model atoms (lab); calculate density (lab); construct electric currents (lab and computer); observe changes in momentum (lab); note-taking on MacBook air laptop.
Science fair: eighth grade students may choose to develop either a science fair or social studies fair project.
In the state of Louisiana, public schools teach physical science to 6th grade students and earth science to 8th grade students. Based on our experience and analysis of test scores, we have determined that teaching 8th grade students physical science is a more successful preparation for high school physical science. Therefore, we now teach earth science in 6th grade and physical science in 8th grade.
Language Arts and Literature
The teacher’s perspective: “my goal is to meet students at their individual skill level and help them to improve their sentence and paragraph development, and essay writing, so that they feel confident in their ability to respond to any situation or question with thoughtful and effective writing. Further, i want students to learn to read for enjoyment. My hope for them is that through their experiences this year, they will take with them a true love for literature.”
Bible
At FBCS, students are nurtured spiritually as well as academically. The Positive Action Curriculum presents Bible topics in “a clear style youth can understand, but does not sacrifice the extent of the Word.” Through this curriculum and classroom instruction, “God’s glory, grace, and love are revealed.” It is our desire to equip students with factual Biblical accounts as well as teach them to refer to the Bible and seek God’s Will in their daily lives. All students attend age-grouped Chapel every Wednesday.
Curriculum
6th – 8th Grade Electives
While each grade level focuses on grade-specific learning, below is a broad overview of our curriculum. Please see the Full Curriculum guide for more detailed information.
Spanish
Spanish in 6th and 7th grade covers basic vocabulary and grammar, including conjugation of verbs and sentence structure. The class is year-long and is held every other day, rotating with PE.
In 8th grade, students take Spanish I for high school credit. The class is structured similarly to a high school course, with assignments in speaking, writing, and reading in Spanish. Students attend everyday for the entire year. If students earn an average of a C or above in the course,
they will receive high school credit for Spanish I, with the ability to enter Spanish II in high
school.
Bible
Middle school students attend Bible Class daily from 11:35 – 11:50 a.m. Classroom teachers use a non-denominational Bible curriculum, Scripture, videos, and various activities to help students learn more about the Bible and further develop their Christian values.
Chapel in middle school is on Wednesdays from 11:35 – 11:55 a.m. for 6th through 8th grade students.
Physical Education
Our physical education classes include a rich mix of games, class competitions, fitness, endurance, and exercise activities to promote a competitive spirit, wellness, and good sportsmanship.
Students in 6th and 7th grade attend PE every other day for a 50 minute period, alternating with Spanish class. In 8th grade, students will choose PE for two 9-week electives during the year, giving them one semester of PE for the 8th grade year.
When weather permits, students run/walk the “Patriot Mile” around the campus. Other sports and activities include skills in volleyball, basketball, bowling, pilates, yoga, and more!
Sample Choices for Electives
During the middle school years, our students explore a variety of interests and subjects through elective classes. Each elective lasts for nine weeks, and students rank their choices at the beginning of each nine weeks. Some elective classes are comprised of students in different grades, whereas others are grade specific. All sixth grade students take Study
Skills/Keyboarding/Computer Applications as their first 9-week elective.
The elective list grows and changes each year; however, the following is a sampling of classes that are often available.
Extra Curricular Programs
During the middle school years, our students explore a variety of interests and subjects through elective classes. The elective list grows and changes each year; however, the following is a sampling of classes that are often available.