Acedemics

ACADEMICS 
We are excited to transition to a new curriculum, written by Bob Jones University Press, that helps to develop critical thinking and encourages the expression of independent ideas with inductive teaching, hands-on learning, and probingquestions!  BJU Press textbooks are held to the highest standards of academic excellence. For years, BJU Press has consulted national and state standards when developing new textbooks and revising previous editions. The standards from the “big three” states - Florida, California, and Texas-were referenced for each textbook, in addition to consulting standards from other states which are viewed highly for their standards in a particular content area.

Academic Enhancement
Our academic program, kindergarten through grade five, includes several weekly/monthly classes taught by one of our own experienced teachers with knowledge and practice in that field:
- Introductory Spanish
- Computer Skills and Keyboarding
- Library Organization and Literature
- Physical Education
- Model the Masters Art Education  

Integrated Educational Technology
As technology continues to play a larger role in all aspects of life, students need to have the knowledge necessary to navigate the technological world with skill and responsibility.  Technology is growing by leaps and bounds at the elementary level! A computer lab has  been designed specifically to meet the specific needs of elementary students, including  twenty-five computers and an interactive SmartBoard.   

We have also incorporated an interactive SmartBoard into every academic classroom, kindergarten through fifth grade, and secured the user rights to the online instructional component of our new curriculum.  Now every elementary teacher has the ability to integrate PowerPoint, educational video clips, and interactive games into their lessons!   

The next step in integrated technology at the elementary level is to secure an iPad2® for each of our teachers and class sets for our students.  The iPad2® and the SmartBoard can be used in combination with one another to deliver an innovative collaborative learning environment.  The Elementary School encourages school families and  community businesses  to partner with us financially toward this next step in technology, in order to benefit all of our students.

Mind Research Institute’s ST Math
The MIND Research Institute’s ST Math (Jiji) instructional software is designed  to help elementary students reach math proficiency through self-paced language-independent, mastery-based objectives. The ST Math software games use interactive, graphically-rich animations that visually represent mathematical concepts to improve conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.  

Accelerated Reader
Highly popular and successful, Accelerated Reader (AR) create enthusiastic readers! All learning starts with reading. It’s a skill and, as with every skill, it requires not just instruction but practice.  AR enables powerful practice by providing data to monitor and manage substantial amounts of personalized practice, and reinforce the understanding of content-area topics. It is designed to serve as the practice component of a comprehensive reading program.    

Riverside Christian Elementary School utilizes the MIND Research Institute's JiJi Math, which uses spatial and temporal reasoning to present and teach mathematical concepts using an innovative computer program. The JiJi MIND Institute Program offers:
1. Innovative visual approaches teaching math concepts.
2. Comprehensive coursework aligned to state standards.
3. Increased standardized test scores for students.
4. Game metaphors that engage students who have struggled with conventional approaches in math and learning.
5. Language-independent software lessons that reduce the language barrier when learning math.
6. RAMP instruction design to reach students at every level of academic proficiency.
7. Innovative games that train students in multi-step problem solving.
8. Self-paced coursework that makes teaching easier and more productive.  

Academic Supplements
Catapult Learning’s



Supplemental Educational Services improve student results by targeting and closing academic skill gaps. Reading and math programs are offered twice a week during school hours, with each session lasting between 1 and 2 hours. Sessions are delivered in a small group format, enabling teachers to provide systematic and explicit instruction for each student.