1. First Presbyterian Academy Preschool Kindergarten Elementary

2. “Train Up a Child in the Way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

3. Calling: First Presbyterian Church and Kindergarten have been called to provide a Christian Education to preschool, kindergarten and elementary students. Due to this call, we are committed to opening an elementary school, beginning with first grade, in September 2007. This elementary school will maintain and build upon the strong and solid foundation already established by the Kindergarten.

4. In 1953 the session of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, SC, voted to organize and open the First Presbyterian Kindergarten. In September 1953 the Kindergarten opened with an enrollment of 30 students. Today, we have 230 students enrolled in the Kindergarten. Further, we are committed to building on our excellent reputation for quality Christian Education and child care. History:

5. Academy: Upon opening, First Presbyterian Academy will not only build upon the Kindergarten’s existing reputation, but will also add to and enrich the school as a whole. At First Presbyterian Academy we understand that each child is unique with their own interests, learning styles and growth timetable. When given time, space and the opportunity to interact in a meaningful Christian environment, a child can expand and grow, linking new ideas with existing knowledge.

6. Why choose Christian Education? Biblically, parents are the primary instructors of their children and are charged with the responsibility of training them. It is imperative that we, as parents and educators, provide grounded, Biblically based education systems to give our children the necessary tools to survive in today’s society. First Presbyterian Academy has the role of partnering with parents to equip, facilitate and encourage them in fulfilling their responsibility.

7. Why choose First Presbyterian Academy? FPA will provide a small nurturing environment with the one- on-one attention each child of Christ deserves and needs to develop the strengths and talents he has been given so that he may apply his talents for the glory of God’s Kingdom. Christian Education is necessary to teach students to think and act Biblically in all matters of life; to integrate faith and knowledge by the authority and wisdom of God’s word; to prepare students for a lifetime of devotion to Christ.

8. Staff Criteria: FPA teachers are selected based on their testimony of personal faith in Jesus Christ, their Christian experience and educational credentials and experience. FPA teachers facilitate Bible stories and worship. They integrate godly characteristics into each theme which is taught. Prayer and devotions are a fundamental part of each day. All of our elementary teachers are required to hold a current South Carolina Teaching Certificate. In addition, they will complete 18 hours of in-service training per year.

9. All teachers employed by FPA are CPR/First Aid Certified. All teachers and staff of FPA have a deep devotion to and an incredible love for every child who enters our halls. Staff Criteria:

10. Philosophy: First Presbyterian Academy will provide every student with the highest quality Christian education in an environment of genuine love and concern for each student and parent. We believe that every child, having been created in the image of God, has received from Him the gift of learning. Our role is to nurture this gift to ensure the achievement of academic excellence by all students and lovingly cultivate their talents and abilities. We believe every child has the capacity to learn, grow and serve.

11. Beliefs: We believe that our lives speak louder than words. Our teachers are a “living curriculum” within each of their classrooms, serving as role models for Christian living and thinking. Teachers model a process of challenging and supporting both parents and students in their spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and physical development. They will integrate scripture and spiritual principles into every facet of our educational program.

12. Beliefs: We believe what happens in the classroom should be creative, interesting and hands-on. The learning process includes curiosity, exploration, discovery, imagination, comprehension, critical thinking and application. All of these processes are vital to educational success. Jesus’ example of telling stories and parables serves as an example of how we should teach.

13. Goals: To train children in the ways of the Lord so that they will develop Godly character. To train children toward excellent academic performance in all of the essential disciplines so that they will thrive as individuals. To encourage the development of each child’s God-given talents and abilities.

14. The First Grade Curriculum

15. Language Arts Reading Text: SRA Open Court Grade 1 Handwriting Text: Zaner-Bloser Grade 1

16. Mathematics Math Text: SRA Real Math Grade 1

17. Bible Bible Text: Biblical Choices Grade 1

18. Science Science Text: SRA Real Science Grade 1

19. Social Studies Social Studies Text: Nystrom Grade 1

20. Foreign Language Spanish: No Text Necessary This class is intended as an introduction to the Spanish Language. Students will learn to recognize simple oral and written vocabulary and phrases. Hola!

21. Computer Technology The classroom is to be equipped with laptop computers and a SMART Board. The students will learn basic computer skills and will be able to successfully gather, organize and display data.

22. Related Arts The students will participate in music and physical education on a weekly basis. The students will participate in art daily.

23. The First Grade Teacher Grace Hungerford Trail will be the First Grade Teacher for First Presbyterian Academy. Grace comes to us from Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia. She received her undergraduate degree in education from Presbyterian College and her Masters in Education from Converse College. Grace has a deep and abiding faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. She will serve as a wonderful example of what First Presbyterian Academy is looking for in a teacher and leader. First Presbyterian Academy Preschool Kindergarten Elementary