ICSB Instructional Program Description Elementary School Program
Language Arts
Elementary English language arts provides systematic instruction in reading a variety of literature and informational texts as well as language skills for writing, listening, and speaking. Reading instruction includes decoding and phonics, fluency, and comprehension skills and strategies. In addition, students in the upper grades complete novel studies. An emphasis on vocabulary builds understanding for target and academic words in addition to vocabulary strategies. Students learn to write in a variety of styles including narrative, expressive, informative, persuasive, and responsive writing. Incremental instruction in spelling and grammar build with each unit to strengthen language skills. Handwriting, both printing and cursive, is taught so that students can communicate legibly through writing. Finally, students learn skills in listening and speaking such as discussing, presenting, dramatizing, explaining, and persuading.
Science
Elementary science explores creation through studying life science, earth science, physical science, and
engineering each year. Students learn through inquiry, hands-on activities, virtual labs, and informational text in write-in student editions. Units build on previous year’s topics and include animals, plants, environments, human body, energy, motion, forces, matter, light, sound, solar system, earth’s surface, rocks, oceans, weather, natural resources, technology, and engineering. These provide the foundation for factual and conceptual knowledge in science and introduce problem solving and the scientific method.
Mathematics
The concepts of mathematics are taught in elementary with an emphasis on conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and contextual application to allow students to develop a deep knowledge of mathematics. Foundational concepts and skills are built in the areas of numbers and operations, computational fluency, measurement, data analysis, algebra, and geometry. Models and visualization are used in a consistent concrete, pictorial, abstract approach. Problem solving, logical reasoning, critical thinking, and application to real-world contexts are emphasized at the elementary level. Students move to middle school with an established
mathematical foundation in place. Social Studies
The study of social studies in elementary emphasizes history, and includes basic geography, economics, government, and civics concepts. Students learn about significant historical events and figures of the world from creation through the modern age. Pre-first students study about families, communities, and holidays as they develop the awareness of themselves and the connection to the world God created. Grades one through five study world history chronologically through the years. This includes ancient civilizations, middle ages, Renaissance and Reformation, and modern history. An emphasis is given to both United States and Hungarian history. Students advance to middle school with a broad overview of history, associated geography,
government, and economic principles, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the global community. Christian Studies
In Elementary, Christian studies approaches the study of God’s Word as a connected whole, the overarching story of God and His story. As students study Scripture, God’s interaction with man, and the person and work of Jesus Christ, they can begin to know, understand, and respond to Him. Our goal is faith development which engages the whole child. This faith involves knowledge and wisdom (head), conviction and choosing (hearts), as well as living and serving (hands). Throughout elementary, students gain an overview of the entire Bible, learning key biblical passages, characters, and events in their historical, geographical, and cultural context. The Bible’s teaching about God, truth, creation, and people are taught, and these are applied to life and learning. Additionally, students learn how the Bible is organized and how to study it effectively with reference materials. Scripture memory is a key component of Christian studies each year.
Physical Education
Elementary physical education places a high value on teaching students to steward the bodies God has given to them. Students participate in individual and group activities that develop hand-eye coordination, body
management, and locomotor and object control skills. They learn to apply concepts and strategies related to movement. Basic sports skills and rules are taught. Maintaining a healthy level of physical fitness is emphasized in all grades. Responsible sportsmanship, teamwork, cooperation, and a positive attitude are encouraged, and the value of physical activities for health, enjoyment, challenge, social interaction, and self-expression is modeled.
Music
Elementary music provides grade-level appropriate instruction in the basic fundamentals of music. Students are challenged to gain skill in reading music, playing classroom instruments, and singing. They also learn to
appreciate and respond to music of all styles, origins, and forms, while recognizing music’s value in daily life and in worship. Various composers are introduced. Students learn concert performance skills and serve the community by conducting two performances during the school year.
Art
Elementary art provides grade-level appropriate instruction in the basic principles and elements of art. Students are challenged to discover, explore, and respect their own artistic qualities, as well as appreciate art in its many styles and forms. They develop an awareness of the presence of art in daily life, and learn how God’s creation is reflected in art. Student work is showcased and used to serve the ICSB community through visual displays throughout the school building and through fine art exhibitions.
Hungarian Language
Hungarian courses are offered as a foreign language for first through fifth grade students. The beginning and intermediate courses teach vocabulary for everyday life situations and build grammar foundation and skills for the further study of the language, with the goal of enabling students to carry out meaningful conversation in Hungarian in everyday situations. Additionally, a fluent Hungarian language course is offered for native Hungarian speakers. This course focuses on basic Hungarian literacy skills including reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and literature as well as Hungarian culture.
Library
Library is a course designed to teach students about the purpose and function of a library. An emphasis is placed on library organization, locating resources, and borrowing books. In upper elementary, students learn how to use computers and data bases for research purposes. This course supplements the language arts program by building literacy skills, knowledge of genres, familiarity with reference tools, and an appreciation for books and literature.
English Language Learning (ELL)
ELL provides instruction, support, and resources for those students who have not reached sufficient fluency for academic success. Systematic instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to English builds communication skills. Students are made to feel comfortable in a safe environment where they learn to understand others and express themselves verbally in English. As their English competency develops, they increase their engagement in grade-level subjects until full participation is reached. Assessments are used to place students into the correct level and frequency of ELL classes, as well as to determine when they should exit the program.
Middle School Program History
The middle school history program has the goal of teaching students to engage in a survey of world history as historians. In 2014, the scope and sequence was changed to spiral through all of world history in middle school. The Survey of History begins by focusing on the post-Flood era to the early 2000s. Each week, students focus
on the content from the perspective of a different strand (geography, government, or economics). To do this, students use a five-step historical inquiry method repeatedly throughout the curriculum. Through the inquiry method, students learn critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that move them from rote memory of historical facts to a deeper understanding of historical concepts and themes.
Christian Studies
The middle school Christian Studies department consists of a broad survey of the entire biblical text. While the elementary program focuses on specific foundational truths in the Bible, and the high school dives deeper into specific books and theological and faith-based concepts, the middle school surveys the broader content of the Scriptures. The curriculum is not solely content-based, however, as the significance of Scripture in the lives of people today is consistently shown and taught to foster a Christian worldview. The biblical survey method is an effective way of connecting the various areas of Scripture in the minds of our students. Not only do they understand what happened with Israel, how the world was created, and what Jesus did while on earth, but they understand how they are connected in the overall biblical story.
Science
Middle school science provides a wide overview of all the major areas of science: physical, earth, and life sciences. Each grade learns about each area, building on the previous year, ultimately preparing for the same sciences on a higher level in high school. In 2013, ICSB invested in a middle school science lab and new curriculum in order to enhance the hands-on learning that is so important at this stage of development. The units begin with a review of what they learned in a scaffolding method. The goal is to allow students the opportunity to sample each science and find one that they can thrive in, all the while making connections to the Bible and everyday life.
Language Arts
In language arts classes at ICSB, all aspects of languages are taught (literature, mechanics, and writing skills) so that students will be able to read, write, listen, and speak effectively in order to praise God, serve others, and prepare for further education and vocation. Literature selections are developmentally appropriate and expose students to a variety of authors, topics, and cultural perspectives. Grammar and basic mechanic skills are solidified, and students begin to write more formally and analytically to transition their writing style and structure to a more secondary level.
Math
Middle school mathematics courses at ICSB are focused on building on basics that were learned in elementary school and preparing students for success in higher level math and science courses while gaining an
appreciation for God’s logic, order, and beauty. Sixth grade students take Math 6 to make sure they are established in the foundational concepts that will allow them to advance quickly from this strong base. Differentiation begins at the seventh-grade level, separating students by mathematical ability into standard Math 7 and Pre-algebra courses. Finally, eighth grade offers the accelerated track of Algebra or the standard Pre-Algebra class.
Foreign Languages
Foreign language study stimulates students’ higher-level thinking skills by helping them activate methods of analysis and synthesis, which are useful in other subject areas, too. It fosters an appreciation for God’s unique creation of each individual and of different cultures. ICSB offers Hungarian as a tool to express respect for, and to be able to evangelize and disciple in, their host culture.
Fine Arts
In an effort to build upon the foundation established through the elementary years, middle school fine arts are taught to enable students to grow, discover, use, and appreciate the gifts God has given them, as individuals and to mankind. In response to God’s creative character, expressiveness, and discernable design as seen through His creation, students are taught to notice beauty and express themselves creatively with a Christian worldview as a foundation. A variety of fine arts is encouraged, and even required, at the middle school level to
allow students broad exposure to the arts in order to identify their unique talents and passions. Course offerings include Band and Choir. In addition, the middle school performs a musical every fall. Physical Education/Health
Middle school physical education seeks to build upon the foundation of athletic knowledge accumulated in elementary school. While the middle school course remains an avenue for developing skills and athletic foundations, it now places a heavier emphasis on age-appropriate strategy learning and a fuller understanding of the congruence of mental, physical, and spiritual health. As students begin adolescence, the course looks particularly to educate students on the importance of incorporating good hygiene, steady exercise, and a healthy diet in their daily lives. In addition, middle school health classes have been offered in eighth grade and recently included in sixth and seventh grades as well. Not only is a core health curriculum taught, but also a child safety curriculum as part of preparing and developing the whole child.
Technology
Middle school technology classes (includes Grades 3-8) seek to empower students to understand, and responsibly use, technology to expand their learning and impact their world in a way that glorifies God. The program takes students from keyboarding to learning the tools of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, to basic graphic design. This allows the whole middle school staff to plan and incorporate technology skill training as a part of each subject area.
English Language Learners
The goal of the English Language Learners program (ELL) is to enable ICSB to admit and support students whose mother tongue is not English so that as many of these students as possible may, through being here and participating in our student body, come to and grow in Christ. ELL classes are designed to equip students with the linguistic, academic, and social skills necessary to succeed in their regular classes and to build relationships with other students.
High School Program Science
The high school science courses at ICSB continue to build on the foundations laid in elementary and middle school. This is done both in terms of developed understandings of scientific concepts and tools, as well as developed biblical Christian perspectives related to the sphere of science. Students are offered courses representing the broad branches of science to equip them for higher education and potential vocation and calling. Students are motivated to discover as they recognize that their orderly and predictable created world is a reflection of God’s own nature and character, and they are challenged with how one can influence the sphere of science in society for God’s glory and creation’s benefit.
Science in the high school consists of a sequence of both life and physical sciences. Students are required to take three sciences for graduation. Depending on which math track they are on and what they wish to pursue in college each student will pursue one of two tracks, with courses consisting of some combination of Biology, Physics, AP Physics, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology.
Language Arts
High school language arts courses are designed to build upon the foundation laid in middle school in equipping students to read, write, speak, and listen in an increasingly rigorous manner each year until they leave to pursue higher education or vocations. Students also use critical analysis to engage and evaluate texts and author viewpoint from a Christian worldview. Teachers also expose every student to challenging writing and speaking assignments and great works of literature that will prepare them to articulate and support arguments clearly and inspire them to become lifelong readers.
The language arts program for high school students consists of a combination of genre literature, American literature, world literature, and British literature. Students may also take AP Literature and Composition in their junior year as an alternative to American Literature. ELL students who are beyond beginner level but who have
not yet mastered academic English to handle the standard literature texts and writing assignments are placed in a Fundamentals of English class, where they receive reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar instruction more consistent with their level of English.
Math
The mathematics department in the high school builds upon the students’ foundation in mathematics by offering rigorous, college-preparatory courses. All students are required to complete four years of mathematics in order to avoid a “math gap year,” to meet many college requirements, and to encourage them to explore math at a high level with the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. All high school students complete at least Algebra 2, with most taking either Discrete Math, AP Statistics, or AP Calculus their final year.
Social Studies
The high school social studies department strives to bring students to academic and spiritual maturity by equipping them to have a deeper understanding of the concepts, skills and content that they received in the lower grade levels; and by showing them how biblical principles can be the only standard of justice, mercy, and righteousness for human interactions in society.
The social studies curriculum begins with American History, and then moves through an early World History, then transitions to a study of modern Western Civilization. The study culminates in the senior year, with students taking Civics and Global Awareness. There are also social studies electives offered in the areas of AP Human Geography and AP Economics.
English Language Learners
The goal of the English Language Learners program (ELL) is to enable ICSB to admit and support students whose mother tongue is not English so that as many of these students as possible may, through being here and participating in our student body, come to and grow in Christ. ELL classes are designed to equip students with the linguistic, academic, and social skills necessary to succeed in their regular classes and to build relationships with other students.
Christian Studies
The high school Christian Studies courses build upon the foundation that the middle school courses
established. The high school courses require students to wrestle with the dichotomies between their salvation and their practical walk as well as engaging in the complexities of our fallen world while learning how to respond in a biblically accurate, intelligent, and compassionate manner. Classes include book studies (John and Romans) as well as philosophical (Christian world view) and practical topics (e.g., Bible study methods, relationships, spiritual gifts).
Foreign Language
The high school foreign language program is designed to enable high school students to develop an
intermediate level of knowledge and understanding in a world language. Exposure to other languages not only develops students’ God-given minds in ways that other subjects do not, it also helps students learn about and appreciate other cultures. Our current offerings are in Spanish, German, and Russian.
Fine Arts
The ICSB high school Performing Fine Arts program consists of a number of twice-a-week electives, including Choir, Band, Photography, Art Appreciation, Graphic Design, and Ensemble. High school students are required to take 1. 5 electives of fine arts to complete their elective requirements for graduation. The high school music and drama program includes an annual Christmas program as well as a spring fine arts program in collaboration with the art and photography program. The extra-curricular component is the annual high school musical, practiced and presented in the spring.
Health and PE
High school physical education seeks to conclude the long progression of accumulated athletic knowledge attained from elementary and middle school courses. While the high school course still remains an avenue to further build upon the foundation set in previous years, it now places a heavier emphasis on well-balanced exercise habits and long-term goals. As the students begin to mature into adulthood, the course particularly looks to promote a bigger picture of physical activity, one in which students recognize the importance of exercise as a life-long pursuit. Students are required to take 1.5 credits in physical education. These may either include standard physical education classes or weight lifting classes.
