Lower School (Grades K-5)

Independent, motivated, investigative, inquisitive, caring…. These are words we use to describe the students in Southern Hills Academy's Lower School! Your child will acquire these qualities as they work in an environment that is supportive, challenging, on-level and creative. Our exceptional staff provides high interest, thought provoking experiences that are built around our National Standards based curriculum, student interest, and school-wide themes. While attending Southern Hills Academy, your child will have important learning opportunities such as; engaging field trips to extend the classroom into the community, investigating and experimenting in Science and Art labs twice a week, taking semi-private musical instrument lessons and learning a world language beginning in Kindergarten.

Teachers will guide your child to work both as an independent, as well as cooperative learner. With a low teacher:student ratio in each multi-age classroom, where students spend an average of up to two years with the same teacher, our staff will spend a great deal of time getting to know your child both personally and academically. Educators at Southern Hills Academy provide you with important information about your childs' learning using portfolios, documentation and conferencing to convey progress. At Southern Hills Academy we pride ourselves on the partnership between students, teachers and parents as we work together to make the Lower School experience a positive, encouraging one that will build a strong foundation for learning throughout your child's life.

Lower School Curriculum Overview

All students participate in a developmental environment that nurtures academic, emotional and social growth.

Reading/Language Arts
Reading encompasses and integrates all academic areas. Our Reading and Language Arts program at Southern Hills Academy uses a variety of literature and materials to provide opportunities to process new text, construct new meaning, and learn and use a variety of effective reading and writing strategies. Different types of literature with many areas of interest from fairy tales to machines to classics are used to keep individual student interest high. Reading and writing activities are also practiced through research, library reference, and Internet technology. We are excited about our implementation of the Four Blocks, which is a method that ensures the daily practice of guided reading, self-selected reading, writing and working with words in a fun, hands on way. Students use free journaling and guided writing practices and take part in both factual and creative writing activities. Oral presentations, along with small and large group discussions, foster opportunities for listening and speaking skills to be nurtured. To find our more about the Four Blocks visit www.wfu.edu/~cunningh/fourblocks.

Mathematics
At Southern Hills Academy we are excited, and pleased to offer Everyday Mathematics out of the University of Chicago. Everyday Mathematics is a dynamic, challenging program that presents concepts in a meaningful way to children by using rich varied problems that are rooted in real world applications. Students are challenged not only to master basic math skills but to have a clear understanding of math concepts and how to utilize them in daily life. Students learn to work independently and in small groups. To find out more visit www.instruction.aaps.k12.mi.us/EM_parent_hdbk/index.html.

Science
At Southern Hills Academy we foster excitement and interest in science and its relationships to the world around us. We help students lay a solid foundation for problem solving and critical thinking in early elementary and challenge students to expand and test their knowledge through late elementary school. The purpose of our program is not only to provide children with the opportunity to wonder about their world but to teach them scientific processes as they investigate, build, experiment, describe, discover, and ask questions. Hands-on, minds-on experimentation is a weekly part of science at Southern Hills Academy.

Social Studies
Southern Hills Academy seeks to help students understand their place in family history, community, city, state, country and world, through the study of the past and present. Students will develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions. Geography is also an important part of our social studies curriculum through the use of maps and study of specific regions. Social Studies is integrated into all other curriculum areas.

World Language
Southern Hills Academy's curriculumleads students toward an understanding of a world language for both practical and academic application, and opens students' minds to other world views. A study of a world language is offered with an emphasis on song, celebrations, traditions, history and geography. Students will become aware of other languages as a means of communication as they expand upon an appreciation for diversity.

Technology
Students at Southern Hills Academy use technology as an integral part of their daily classroom experience. With the use of computers, students create, write, research and learn new information, reinforce new and past learning, explore and discover.

Art
The art experience at Southern Hills Academy enables students to develop creative personal expression through visual and verbal means. Art experiences at all levels enable students to develop an aesthetic response to a global, cultural and artistic heritage. Students develop art skills through the exploration of a variety of media, while exploring the relationship of art to society. Each child's unique artistic experience, statement, and potential are celebrated. Southern Hills Academy believes in encouraging appreciation and awareness of community based artists by providing opportunities for students and local artists to work together.

Music
The music department at Southern Hills Academy guides and encourages students to become lifelong participants in music and to appreciate a wide spectrum of musical styles. Students are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of musical experiences beginning in preschool. Our music curriculum includes musical play, singing, music appreciation, music history, music theory and exposure to a variety of instruments, including percussion, recorder, piano and more. Children learn to sing and play independently and as an ensemble, compose music and understand musical form and notation. Students also participate in the school choral program, which gives them an opportunity to develop their singing voices and perform for a live audience. For our young instrumentalists, we also provide a number of opportunities to perform with others.

Physical Education
Southern Hills Academy Physical Education program provides co-educational instruction that encourages participation and provides competition for students in a healthy environment. Each student develops social skills and attitudes, including independence, responsibility, leadership, cooperation, sportsmanship, and an appreciation of the capabilities of self and others.