Academics 

Curriculum


AT BROOKFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, WE STRIVE to provide our students with a high quality education with a Christian perspective. This means integrating into each subject area our firm belief that Jesus Christ is Lord, Redeemer and King. Since this world belongs to God, education at BCS is focused on reflecting the order and beauty He created, on giving our students a real understanding about how sin has affected the world, and on teaching them how to live in obedience to God, and praise Him for His goodness and His grace. At Brookfield Christian School, each of our subject areas is reviewed on a regular basis by teachers and by the Education Committee to establish specific goals and objectives. Textbooks and materials are chosen from several different publishers in order to provide a well rounded curriculum that meets the needs of our students and reflects current trends in education.

Bible


All students at BCS are exposed to Bible teaching every day, with classes lasting 20-40 minutes, depending on grade level. Our materials are published by Christian Schools International. During the course of their nine year education at BCS, a student will go through the Bible approximately three times, with the materials presented in general chronological order.

Science

At BCS, we acknowledge God as the Creator of the world. All of our science classes are taught from this perspective. We also prepare our students to understand the theory of evolution that is popular in our culture. Our science textbook materials are published by Silver Burdett-Ginn Company, Scott Foresman, and Prentice Hall. We also use FOSS materials and incorporate hands-on learning for students in the classroom.

Mathematics


The Everyday Learning Mathematics program is used for Kindergarten through 5th grade. This program prepares our students to think mathematically, rather than merely following patterns for problem solving. Every Day Counts calendar activities, Math Their Way of Thinking, and traditional drills on number facts supplement the program. Seventh grade math incorporates Everyday Math and materials by Houghton Mifflin. Eighth graders use Houghton Mifflin materials, and those eighth graders with a B+ or better average are given the option to take algebra.

Technology


Students in grades 1 through 6 have computer classes twice a week in our Computer Lab, and kindergarten has computer once a week. Students in grades 3 through 6 learn keyboarding and other computer-related skills. Students in grades 7 and 8 have optional computer lab time once a week. Students learn how to use the computer as a tool with word processing, spreadsheet, database, and multimedia programs. There are also enrichment programs for various subjects. The Internet is used under teacher supervision. In addition to Computer classes each week, our classroom teachers work with students to incorporate computer-related projects into other subjects. The goal is to integrate technology to enhance the regular instruction in curricular areas.

Social Studies


Our curriculum encompasses the study of people around us, and includes history, geography and government. The materials and textbooks for the lower grades are published by MacMillan-McGraw-Hill. Our eighth graders study government, primarily focusing on the United States, with materials from Christian Schools International. Our teachers incorporate into all of the topic areas, God’s plan for man, and how we can be effective citizens in the world He gave us.

Penmanship

Exposure to penmanship begins at the Kindergarten level, as the children learn to write individual letters that they have learned. Formal penmanship classes begin at the first grade level and continue through the fourth grade. All classes are taught using the Zaner Bloser system, with the introduction to cursive writing beginning in second grade.

Reading


At BCS, we strive to teach our students with a balanced literacy approach. Phonics and word study are important components of this approach. We focus on using quality literature along with a basal reader published by Silver Burdett-Ginn to guide reading. Writing is also an integral part of our balanced approach. Middle School students take part in a literature class, using anthologies published by Prentice-Hall.Students in 2nd through 8th grade participate in the Accelerated Reading program. This program encourages them to read books from the BCS library, as well as learning to utilize the public libraries to find additional books included in the program.

English


Beginning in the 1st grade, all of our students learn grammar, punctuation and usage through their reading and writing activities. Materials published by Houghton-Mifflin are used for English. These are also supplemented by our Daily Oral Language program in grades 1 through 5. The daily language exercises require students to evaluate several sentences written on the board and make corrections in spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Spanish


Students in grades 1-5 have Spanish twice a week. The focus is communication centered around various themes. Students in grades 6-8 have Spanish four times a week and use materials published by Holt Rinehart. The focus is interpersonal communication, cultural learning and comparisons, and some interdisciplinary connections.

Spelling

Grades 1 through 5 use materials from the reading curriculum, high frequency words, and materials published by Zaner Bloser Company. The middle school also uses materials published by Zaner Bloser. The 5th through 8th graders also participate in a spelling competition that includes several other districts.

Art


Students in grades 1 through 8 participate in art class once a week. A variety of media are used to develop creativity and explore God’s world. Our art teacher places an emphasis on art throughout history, and also works closely with the teachers to integrate art projects with other curricular areas the students may be covering in their grade level. The art work of BCS students is displayed several times a year in the Brookfield Public Library, and other governmental offices in the area.

Music


Our music program is designed to teach students to appreciate music, read music, expose them to different kinds of music, and to use their musical talents to praise God. Kindergartners have music once a week, and grades 1 through 5 enjoy the class twice a week. All students participate in two concerts a year, held at the school. The middle school students participate as a combined choir, and have an opportunity to perform during school hours in a variety of community settings. Students have an opportunity to take part in a music festival, with other students from around the state. At this festival students are judged in vocal solos and ensembles, and instrumental solos and ensembles. The festival concludes with a concert of mass bands and choirs.

Band


At the fourth grade level, students are able to take part in the band program. For an additional fee, individual or group lessons are available, with the opportunity for students to participate in a beginners band, intermediate band or middle school band.

String Instruments

BCS provides students with an opportunity to work with a strings instrument teacher. The string ensemble performs at our school programs.

Resources


BCS has a staff member in place to aid students that need extra help. A student is referred to the Resource Department by their teacher, after a parent consultation. The student may be given an achievement test and/or a reading inventory evaluation. Based on the assessment of the testing and classroom performance, the student may qualify for services. This may include assistance studying for tests, help with understanding and completing math, reading, and other content assignments given by the classroom teacher. Other students may require an alternative curriculum in math and reading, and therefore spend more of their day in the resource room.

Physical Education


Grades 1 through 8 have PE twice a week. This time is used to learn sports skills, coordination, aerobic exercise, fitness and sportsmanship. Students participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program.