Early Education & Elementary - Manhattan Christian Academy

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MCA Early Education is a Christ-centered, play-based program designed to foster growth for the whole child.

MCA classes are designed to offer a safe and stimulating environment for all learners. Small class size is a vital part of the MCA Early Ed program, and teachers offer a variety of learning experiences to differentiate between the unique strengths and abilities of their learners.

CHRIST-CENTERED program

Every aspect of our program reflects our Christian faith - our morning assemblies, Bible lessons, and biblical approaches to behavior management. We seek to instill a love of worship, an understanding of our need for a Savior, and deep compassion for others. Some highlights of our program include:
– Jesus Storybook Bible to guide morning assembly
– Rev. Paul Tripp’s “Culture of Grace” approach toward behavior management
– Positive Action Bible curriculum

PLAY-BASED curriculum

We emphasize the process of learning and discovery over the product. Research proves that through play, children acquire the foundations for reading, writing, and logical thinking. Our goal is to support children in their active explorations and instill confidence in them as independent and inquisitive learners. We provide a safe environment, rich in developmentally-appropriate materials and experiences, where we invite children to explore and take risks.

MCA teachers incorporate holistic learning activities and measure growth across every domain (spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and intellectual). Assessment includes quarterly reports as well as a student portfolio, which displays the individual developmental process of a child through work samples, teacher observations, and photographs.

Elementary

The study of the BIBLE is foundational to our curriculum. Students study and memorize scripture and develop strong character qualities and a Biblical worldview. The integrative curriculum, Building on the Rock, combines Bible survey with worldview training. The worldview study progresses through foundational wisdom, relationships with God, others, and the earth.

LITERACY is a primary focus of our instruction. Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are modeled, taught, and assessed. Teachers follow the Readers and Writers Workshop models for instruction. Wilson Fundations® is our main resource for teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, high-frequency word study, spelling, and handwriting. Raz-Kids and ReadingA-Z resources help further decoding and fluency skills. Foundations & Frameworks (F&F) is the basis of our comprehension skills, vocabulary, and public speaking instruction. These are taught intentionally using quality literature, teacher modeling, small group discussions, and group presentations. Write Source is our main resource for grammar and composition. ACSI Spelling is our main resource for word study and spelling.

MATHEMATICS is taught through direct teacher instruction and guided and independent practice. Teachers include fact drill practice, mental math, and the use of manipulatives as a regular part of daily instruction to reinforce the taught skills and concepts. McGraw Hill’s My Math and emphasis is given to understanding both the procedures and the concepts of math to harness efficiency along with critical thinking and problem solving.

Students study God's world in PHYSICAL, LIFE & EARTH SCIENCES, developing habits in inquiry, investigation, hypothesis, experimenting, and recording results. Students study God's people in Geography, Civics, Economics, Culture, American and World History, learning facts as well as engaging in lively discussions surrounding social, moral, and ethical issues. A Christian curriculum (BJU) for Science and Social Studies supports our teachers in implementing a strong Biblical Worldview.