Heart Cry Christian Academy is dedicated to the academic and spiritual growth of our students by using an integrated curriculum and hands-on learning approach to education. In a nurturing environment, students are held to high standards. They are encouraged daily to work to their highest God-given potential. Our curriculum is challenging and intentionally rooted in Biblical truth.
ELEMENTARY
Bible: Purposeful design
Students will begin a relationship with Christ by laying a foundational knowledge of Biblical doctrine. We understand that for students to grow spiritually, they must learn to study the Bible themselves. Our K-6th grade students learn to read, interpret, and apply the Bible and its truths to their own lives as they walk through both the Old and New Testaments and memorize scripture.
Social Studies: BJU Press
K-3rd grade students gain a better understanding of the world they live in by learning about their community and the local and federal government's role within them and then broadening their view of history by studying the various regions around the world. Our 4th-5th grade students dive into the history of our nation. The 6th grade curriculum introduces our students to ancient history, which follows the theme of Creation, Fall, and Redemption throughout the course of time.
Science: Purposeful Design
Our K students are introduced to the basics of science through thematic studies and experimentation, whereas our 1st-6th grade students learn about the creation of the world, plants, animals, and various aspects of physical science from a Biblical worldview. Students grow through experimental, hands-on learning which brings science to life.
Math: Purposeful Design
Purposeful Design's math is used for all grades in our elementary program. The curriculum challenges students and aligns with state standards. It offers a solid scope and sequence that places an emphasis on skill development, mastery, and offers formative assessments. PD integrates the interdisciplinary approach of STEM, as well as basic algorithms. Manipulatives and real-world principles are used to make math come alive.
English: Purposeful Design/BJU Press
Our kindergarten students use a blend of phonics programs (Spaulding and Secret Stories) as well as PD for their reading and English curriculum. PD is also used in our 1st-4th grade classes for both reading and English with Secret Stories being used as a supplement in 1st and 2nd grades. BJU Press is used for our 5th-6th grade students, with novel studies beginning in 4th grade. Both programs weave together the wonders of oral and written language with a Biblical worldview. Both series are research-based and provide instruction in phonological fluency, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar to meet the most comprehensive and challenging readiness standards available. We have also added IEW (Institutes for Excellence in Writing) curriculum to enhance our 5th and 6th grade students' writing skills.
Additional information can be found here: Purposeful Design and BJU Press
JUNIOR HIGH
Bible: BJU Press
Students will grow in their relationship with Christ by learning what it means to be a follower of Christ. We understand that for students to grow spiritually, they must learn to study the Bible themselves. Our junior high students learn to read, interpret, and apply the Bible and its truth to their own lives as they walk through a study of Biblical doctrine.
History: BJU Press
Our students study both World and American History while in junior high.
World Studies: World Studies equips students to analyze and evaluate critical world events from a Biblical worldview. Students will strengthen their knowledge of history by analyzing maps, timelines, and current events.
American Republic: American Republic prepares students to become discerning citizens who learn from the successes and failures of the past to make wise decisions for today. Students will survey the major events that have shaped American history, paying attention to cultural shifts and influences. Starting with the discovery of the New World, the text traces the path of American history up to the present day.
Science: Apologia
Our students study both Physical and General Science while in junior high.
General Science: This is a true General Science course covering a variety of branches of science, including astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, earth studies, geology, paleontology, and environmental science. The modules are designed to give students a solid foundation in a broad field of study.
Physical Science: Students will explore the science of God's physical laws of creation as they study chemistry, physics, earth science, and science research concepts. Students will complete labs and hands-on projects throughout the course for an immersive learning experience with practical application.
MATH: BJU Press
7th Grade - Intro to Pre-Algebra: Intro to Pre-Algebra is designed to begin preparing our students for the transition from elementary mathematics to junior high with a visual and engaging course. This course is a balanced study of the foundations of mathematics and an introduction to more advanced pre-algebra skills that will lay a solid foundation for our high school Algebra 1 course.
8th Grade - Pre-Algebra: Pre-Algebra is designed to lay a strong foundation for success in Algebra. Students progress from foundational to advanced mathematical skills and strategies with expanded opportunities for abstract reason and real-world problem-solving involving the number system, expressions and equations, functions, geometry, and statistics and probability.
English:
At the start of the year in 7th grade, students develop a strong foundation in logic and academic writing. They build upon these skills by mastering quote integration and parenthetical citation, using textual evidence to conduct in-depth literary analyses of shorter works. As they transition into longer novel studies, they apply the Socratic method to examine how literary conventions shape a text's theme through a Biblical worldview. Students will also explore figurative language and poetry and learn the fundamentals of argumentative writing. Integrated into the weekly curriculum are daily grammar lessons and a dedicated study of Greek and Latin roots.
HIGH SCHOOL: 9TH GRADE
BIBLE: BJU PRESS
Our 9th grade students will survey the Old Testament, providing basic information about each of the books with exercises, discussions, and enrichment activities. Emphasizing the "big picture" perspective of how God has carried out His plan of salvation through his people, lessons include suggested readings, notes on the authorship and date, and message.
History: BJU Press
World History/Geography: This course is designed to help students become informed citizens and empowered participants in society. Students will learn about the seven continents and the people who live on them so they can begin to understand the role these nations have played in our world history.
Science: Apologia
Biology: This course endeavors to equip students to ethically engage in biological inquiry and to recognize life's design, homeostasis, and conversation from a Biblical worldview.
Math: BJU Press
9th Grade - Algebra 1: Algebra 1 equips students and teachers with the tools and strategies for using and developing algebraic models to solve real-world problems within the context of a Biblical worldview. Students will write algebraic expressions, describe quantitative relationships, solve real-world problems using linear equations, and understand God's design as foundational to reasoning, modeling, and ethics in mathematics.
English:
Our 9th graders are expected to build upon the foundational skills developed in junior high, enabling them to conduct deeper analyses of complex texts and poetry while crafting longer, more articulate essays. They will also engage in Socratic discussions that demonstrate an understanding of sophisticated themes. Additionally, students will engage in a dedicated study of rhetoric and rhetorical devices, which they will use to study Shakespeare, focusing on his use of allusion and layered metaphor to develop themes. Students will continue their work with Greek and Latin roots, with all studies being firmly grounded in a Biblical worldview.