THE ENTIRE OBJECT OF TRUE EDUCATION, IS TO MAKE PEOPLE NOT MERELY DO THE RIGHT THING, BUT TO ENJOY RIGHT THINGS; NOT MERELY INDUSTRIOUS, BUT TO LOVE INDUSTRY; NOT MERELY LEARNED, BUT TO LOVE KNOWLEDGE.” (JOHN RUSKIN)
The Grammar School years are a time of wonder, excitement and exploration. Covenant provides an academically stimulating environment that communicates and upholds high expectations and excellence. Our students are educated using the best curriculums and methodologies available. We believe that a classical approach to education is the best preparation we could provide for our students’ and it is during these years that we lay a sturdy and strong foundation, brick by brick secured with the mortar of deep understanding.
Intentionality and Simplicity are hallmarks of the grammar school experience. Classical curriculum is never haphazard, never student driven, but always with the student as a central part of the learning. Content is intentionally chosen with the end in mind. Classical methodology requires teaching with attention to thoroughness, sequence, understanding, and the connections being made, while keeping the big picture always at the forefront. There is a beautiful simplicity to this approach. Order and necessity guide the presentation of core content. By combining active learning with classical methods of direct instruction, repetition, recitation, memorization and repeated application, our students embark on this journey, absorbing information and learning and mastering skills that will serve them well for the rest of their lives, while gradually assuming the posture and responsibility of life long learners.
Intentional integration of the humanities with language arts seeks to bring natural harmony to the student experience while immersion in an inquiry based science curriculum and mastery driven math program round out the academic plan for our grammar school.
In keeping with our Christian values, Covenant provides a physical and social environment that is safe. Our students enjoy the companionship of others who have been raised with similar values and are mentored to develop healthy relationships that aren’t driven by peer pressure and popularity. Students’ efforts to live godly lives are celebrated and rewarded. Students and parents work closely with faculty members who will listen carefully and non-defensively to concerns and give immediate attention to issues demanding resolution. Covenant strives to be a safe haven for all of our children.
Andrea Bergstrom
Grammar School Principal
Curriculum
Below we invite you to explore each of our Grammar School grade levels individually.
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten at Covenant is the beginning of formal education. It is here that we begin to lay the foundation, brick by brick for all that lies ahead. Our program runs from 8:15-2:55 Monday-Thursday.
Kindergarten at a Glance | Kindergarten Curriculum
FIRST GRADE
First Grade at Covenant is a year of building, strengthening, and preparing for the future. It is here that we build a solid foundation of basic skills that will uphold academic progress for years to come.
First Grade at a Glance | First Grade Curriculum
SECOND GRADE
Second Grade at Covenant is a year of refining, strengthening, and polishing. It is here that we begin to use the skills we’ve mastered in grades K and 1 to move beyond the basics.
Second Grade at a Glance | Second Grade Curriculum
THIRD GRADE
Third Grade at Covenant marks a new stage in the grammar school journey. This year begins the intermediate grades and is characterized by greater independence. Third graders are fluent readers, confident writers and have the mathematics foundation necessary to become proficient problem solvers.
Third Grade at a Glance | Third Grade Curriculum
FOURTH GRADE
Fourth Grade at Covenant is a year of steady strides. Independent learners apply the skills and knowledge presented to them through direct instruction and demonstrate proficiency through narrative writing, complex problem solving and computation, literacy discussions, and independent and group projects.
Fourth Grade at a Glance | Fourth Grade Curriculum
FIFTH GRADE
Fifth Grade at Covenant is a year of preparation as students ready themselves for the expectations of Middle School. Instruction is delivered in a modified departmentalized model, which allows students to begin to navigate the world of changing classrooms and meet the expectations of multiple teachers. Students learn to organize their belongings independently through the use of an assigned cubby and take greater responsibility for the management of assignments and tools of learning. Independent learners apply the skills and knowledge presented to them through direct instruction and demonstrates proficiency through narrative writing, complex problem solving and computation, literary discussions, and independent and group projects.
Fifth Grade at a Glance | Fifth Grade Curriculum
SIXTH GRADE
Sixth Grade at Covenant is a year of preparation as students ready themselves for the expectations of Middle School. Instruction is delivered in a modified departmentalized model, which allows students to begin to navigate the world of changing classrooms and meet the expectations of multiple teachers. By combining active learning with classical methods of direct instruction, repetition, recitation, memorization and repeated application, our sixth graders will use their solid skills to grow as students who are now responsible for the outcome. Sixth graders partner with their teachers as they assume the posture and responsibility of a life long learner.
Sixth Grade at a Glance | Sixth Grade Curriculum
Enrichment
A well-rounded classical education offers students the experience of special classes that provide the opportunity to explore interests, gifts and talents that might otherwise go undiscovered. We believe that children learn through active engagement with the environment and our special enrichment subjects are a valuable part of our wholistic program.
Students in grades K-6 enjoy a wide range of enrichment classes instructed by skilled professionals that may include the following:
- Physical Education
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Library and Literature
- Computers and Technology
- Philosophy Circles
- Study Skills
- Chorale
- String Ensemble
- Band
Students typically attend one or more of these enrichment classes each school day. For most children, specials are a highlight of the school day.
Grammar School students at Covenant also have the opportunity to participate in the Scripp’s Spelling Bee and A Geography Bee annually.
Clubs & Activities
We are pleased to offer a variety of after-school classes and clubs for our grammar school students. Contracted professionals and/or staff may provide, at an additional cost to the student, 4-6 week classes and clubs that provide enrichment across the curriculum. Classes offered are based on expressed interest and must meet minimum enrollment requirements to run. The ability to run enrichment programs is also dependent on available staff and varies throughout the year.
Some successful programs have included:
- Chess Club
- PlayWell Tek Lego Engineering
- Top Secret Science
- Bricks For Kids Lego
- Arts and Crafts
- Sports Clinics
- Fencing
- Knitting
- Drama
- Dance
- Boardgames
- Girls Run Club
Classes offered varies each year according to student and staff interest.
GS Handbook
The Grammar School Parent / Student Handbook can be accessed on Ren Web through your Parents Web log in. It is located in the School Information / Resource Documents tab.
The handbook is designed to provide our students and their parents with an understanding of the Grammar Schools’ policies and procedures. Its purpose is to give full expression to our covenant with you as a Christian educational community. Information, rules, procedures, and the like are simply an attempt to help the community operate smoothly and fairly, allowing for “true freedom” and “personal responsibility” to be expressed and enjoyed within these boundaries. Please take the time to read this handbook carefully so that we have a common basis for discussion should any questions arise during the school year.
