Academics

Preschool, Elementary, Middle School & High School


Obortis et Tdio

A path toward college and careers.

Obortis et Tdio

At Modesto Christian School, we develop Christ-centered leaders through individual and personalized pathways while balancing exploration in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Preschool

Our preschool is an early childhood program centering learning around open-ended and structured play activities. This allows for development at the individual pace of each child.

  • Bible
  • Circle Time
  • Non-Structured Learning
  • Outside Play
  • Thematic Lessons
  • Alphabet Memorization

Preschool Curriculum

Preschool Curriculum

Our preschool consists of four classrooms, a 3-year-old class, and three 4-year old classes. In addition, there are two bathrooms with two child-size toilets and one sink per bathroom. 


Bible

The Bible teaches us that one true living God in three parts: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We center and teach students on this during our Bible time. Preschoolers learn Bible stories in the Old and New Testament through songs, videos and crafts. We begin the school year with learning about creation and end the school year with learning that Jesus is coming again one day! Each week, preschoolers will have a new Bible story to learn. There is also a monthly Bible verse that preschoolers practice memorizing.

Circle Time

Students learn to develop their attention span and participate in a group setting called “circle time.” We have several circle times throughout the day. Activities include opening and closing routines, worship and prayer, calendar, stories, songs, pledges, weather, Spanish, learning time and weekly themes.

Non-Structured Learning

We encourage small motor development through manipulative materials such as blocks, puzzles, toys and art activities (gluing, coloring, painting, play dough, etc). There are many "tray projects" which are self-guided sensory activities that teach sorting (by size, color, same/different), scooping, pouring, matching, etc. Each classroom has a sensory bin which also allows students to develop small motor skills.

Outside Play

We encourage large motor development through active participation in such activities as painting, digging, climbing, balancing, catching, throwing, sliding, jumping and racing.


Thematic Lessons

The month's themes and weekly activities are prepared and summarized in the monthly preschool calendars. 


Alphabet Memorization

Zoo Phonics is used to introduce the name and sound of the letters of the alphabet. Our curriculum is one letter per week. We present alphabet letter activities to help in teaching the sound, name and formation of the letter and tracing. We also incorporate sign language for the letter along with words that begin with the letter of the week.


Spanish

One of our circle times includes Spanish. Just like we do with our school curriculum, we also learn the alphabet, counting, animals, ect, in Spanish. We learn Spanish through teachers, videos, visual aids, crafts, songs and dance.

Christmas Program

In December before Christmas break, we will hold a Christmas program where we will sing Christmas carols and celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ’s birth.


Graduation Ceremony

At the end of the school year, we will celebrate all our preschoolers graduating to kindergarten or to the next classroom in preschool. The ceremony is held at Modesto Christian, preschoolers are dressed in caps and gowns and receive a diploma.

 

Kindergarten Readiness

Throughout the year, teachers will assess each preschool student to be sure they are on the right track as they get ready for kindergarten. Each student will also be assessed by the kindergarten teacher at MC before the school year begins.

 

School Participation

Throughout the school year, we hold events that raise funds for Modesto Christian School. All are welcome and encouraged to join and participate! We love our school!



Elementary

Modesto Christian School warmly welcomes families who are exploring Christian education for their elementary-age children. At Modesto Christian, we provide a unique educational experience for families within the Central Valley and beyond. Our unwavering dedication to excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, is guided by our Christian values, which serve as a cornerstone for both our committed educators and our young students.

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Elementary School

Modesto Christian School warmly welcomes families who are exploring Christian education for their elementary-age children. At Modesto Christian, we provide a unique educational experience for families within the Central Valley and beyond. Our unwavering dedication to excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, is guided by our Christian values, which serve as a cornerstone for both our committed educators and our young students.


We take great pride in instilling a strong moral foundation and maintaining rigorous academic standards, even at the elementary level. Our elementary school programs not only focus on traditional education but also incorporate engaging STEAM activities designed to inspire the next generation of innovators and critical thinkers.


Modesto Christian Elementary School offers an ideal environment for young learners and their families to explore, cultivate, and unlock their full potential. If you're considering Christian education for your elementary-age child, we invite you to discover the exceptional opportunities that await them at our school.

Curriculum

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Curriculum

MCS Kindergarten is a developmentally appropriate full day program that meets all California state standards.


Bible

(Engermeier’s Bible Book) Our program develops spiritual growth in children through the study of Bible stories and memorization of Bible verses.

Chapel

Kindergarteners attend a weekly chapel with lessons developed specifically for their age.

Reading

(Houghton Mifflin) Goals for kindergarteners include letter recognition, phonemic awareness, blending of short vowel words, rhyme, syllabication, sight words, high frequency words, and reading short stories.

Language Arts: Amplify CKLA

The Amplify CKLA curriculum is modeled after proven research in early literacy that supports a two-strand approach to literacy instruction in the early years. With this approach, students in Grades K–2 complete one full lesson per day that builds foundational reading skills in the Skills Strand, as well as one full lesson that builds background knowledge in the Knowledge Strand. The deep content knowledge is sequenced together with research-based foundational skills in Grades K–2 so that students develop the early literacy skills necessary to help them become confident readers, as well as build the context to understand what they’re reading. 

Math

(Number Skills by A Beka Book) Kindergarteners learn estimation, graphing, pattern, measurement, sorting, classifying, counting by 1’s, 5’s, and 10’s, place value, and beginning addition and subtraction.

Science

(by Scott Foresman) Kindergarteners explore units on physical, life and earth science.

Social Studies

(Social Studies K by A Beka Book) Thematic units are used to teach about Johnny Appleseed, Columbus, Pilgrims, Native Americans, Martin Luther King Jr, Community Helpers, and Children of the World.

Enrichment Programs

* Weekly instruction in Physical Education * Weekly instruction in the computer lab

1st Grade

1st Grade Curriculum

MCS First Grade is a full day program that meets all California state standards.


Bible

(ACSI/Purposeful Design Publications) Our program develops spiritual growth in children through the study of Bible stories and memorization of Bible verses. The Bible is presented as the story of God’s acts and words, written so that his people might know God and themselves, accept his gift of salvation, and live lives of joyful service and obedience. The Bible is taught as the divinely inspired and infallible Word of God. The students are immersed in the stories and other writing in the Bible so that they may grow in knowledge, wisdom, sensitivity, and creativity.


Chapel

First Graders attend a weekly chapel with lessons developed specifically for their age.

Reading

(Houghton Mifflin) Houghton Mifflin is an integrated Language Arts program encompassing reading, writing, language, and spelling. We learn beginning, medial, and ending sounds and blends. The curriculum introduces beginning parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective). It also emphasizes work on plurals, tense, contractions, possessives, and development of high frequency vocabulary recognition. The curriculum also includes a comprehensive collection of literature and resources to meet the independent reading needs of all students.

Language Arts: Amplify CKLA

The Amplify CKLA curriculum is modeled after proven research in early literacy that supports a two-strand approach to literacy instruction in the early years. With this approach, students in Grades K–2 complete one full lesson per day that builds foundational reading skills in the Skills Strand, as well as one full lesson that builds background knowledge in the Knowledge Strand. The deep content knowledge is sequenced together with research-based foundational skills in Grades K–2 so that students develop the early literacy skills necessary to help them become confident readers, as well as build the context to understand what they’re reading. 

Math

(Arithmetic 1 by A Beka Book) First Graders learn addition and subtraction fact families through 20. We also work on time, measurement, money, place value, fractions, and adding and subtracting two digit numbers. Problem solving skills are developed through daily word problems, estimation, and graphing.

Science

(Scott Foresman) First graders explore units on physical, life, and earth science and the human body.

Social Studies

(Bob Jones Heritage Studies 1) Thematic units are used to teach about continents and oceans, life in early America, our families, map skills, and God.

Enrichment Programs

  • Weekly instruction in Physical Education
  • Weekly instruction in the computer lab
  • Weekly visits to the school library
  • Weekly instruction in music and music theory Our program includes performance opportunities with Christmas and Grandparent's Day presentations.

Field Trips

Resendiz Fruit Barn / “The Nutcracker” / Stockton Children’s Museum / A Grocery Store

Extended Day Care

Before and after school care is available.

2nd Grade

2nd Grade Curriculum

MCS Second Grade is aligned with the California state standards.


Bible

(ACSI/Purposeful Design Publications) Our program develops spiritual growth in children through the study of Bible stories and memorization of Bible verses. The Bible is presented as the story of God’s acts and words, written so that his people might know God and themselves, accept his gift of salvation, and live lives of joyful service and obedience. The Bible is taught as the divinely inspired and infallible Word of God. The students are immersed in the stories and other writing in the Bible so that they may grow in knowledge, wisdom, sensitivity, and creativity.

Chapel

Students attend a weekly chapel with lessons developed specifically for their age. Second graders also present a Biblically based class chapel.

Language Arts: Amplify CKLA

The Amplify CKLA curriculum is modeled after proven research in early literacy that supports a two-strand approach to literacy instruction in the early years. With this approach, students in Grades K–2 complete one full lesson per day that builds foundational reading skills in the Skills Strand, as well as one full lesson that builds background knowledge in the Knowledge Strand. The deep content knowledge is sequenced together with research-based foundational skills in Grades K–2 so that students develop the early literacy skills necessary to help them become confident readers, as well as build the context to understand what they’re reading. 

Math

(Arithmetic 2 by A Beka Book) The math book is designed with spiral review, building upon what has been previously taught and including a lot of review and practice of what is being taught. It uses a variety of activities and interesting themes to keep the students interested and motivated to learn the following concepts: Counting beyond 1,000, place value with rounding, addition, subtraction, problem solving, geometry, logical thinking, money(adding and subtracting), roman numerals, graphing, calendar skills, time concepts, telling time to the minute, fractions, measurement, perimeter, multiplication facts and division facts (0-5). This is a book by a Christian publisher and includes Biblical references throughout the pages further reinforcing God’s relevance and his order in our lives.

Science

(by Scott Foresman) Second graders explore units on physical science, life science, earth science, and the human body. Each unit includes exploration activities, investigation activities, and labs. The students are learning scientific terminology as they participate in handson activities.

Social Studies

(Heritage Studies 2 by Bob Jones University) Our students learn about communities and farming (both old and new), the colonies, the Revolutionary war, the start of the United States( including the Great Compromise and the Constitution), people from all over, people that have made an important impact on our lives and on our country. We focus on their roles as responsible citizens while the book helps to integrate Bible Action Truths and Bible Promises for each lesson.

Enrichment Programs

  • Weekly instruction in Physical Education
  • Weekly instruction in the computer lab
  • Weekly visits to the school library
  • Weekly instruction in music and music theory

Our program includes performance opportunities with Christmas and Grandparents Day presentations

Field Trips

A Theatrical Presentation (can vary), Fantozzi Farms, Hilmar Cheese, Sacramento Zoo

Extended Day Care

Before and after school care is available.

3rd Grade

3rd Grade Curriculum

MCS Third Grade is aligned with the California State standards.


Bible

(CSI, Engermeier’s Bible Book) Introduction of the Bible from Genesis through II Kings. Third-grade participates in a weekly K-5 chapel.

Math

(ABeka) Addition, subtraction, place value, multiplication, division, long division, working with money, time and measurements, calendars, word problems, averaging, finding an unknown number, equivalent equations.

Language Arts: Amplify CKLA

In Grades 3–5, the Amplify CKLA curriculum lessons combine skills and knowledge with increasingly complex texts, close reading, and a greater emphasis on writing. Students start to use their skills to go on their own independent reading adventures, further opening up their worlds. Lessons include Reading, Writing, Grammar, Morphology, and Spelling activities. Unit Assessments evaluate students’ reading comprehension, understanding and retention of academic and domain-specific vocabulary words, as well as the grammar and morphology skills targeted in the unit.

Science

(Scott Foresman) Third graders study the solar system, machines, energy, plants, and animals. The students do workbook pages as well as project folders. There are experiments and hands-on materials to enhance their learning.

History

(Macmillan/McGraw-Hill) Third graders begin the year with a study of Stanislaus County history. They then study California Communities. They learn how geography affects communities and what makes up a community. They learn about the different regions of California with their distinct geographical features, climate, and natural resources. They also study a unit on Native Americans and how their lives in California have changed throughout the years. They study how California's communities have changed over time, how their economies work, and how communities need government. There are maps and workbook pages which enhance this subject.

Enrichment Programs

  • Weekly instruction in Physical Education
  • Weekly instruction in the computer lab
  • Weekly visits to the school library
  • Weekly instruction in music and music theory Our program includes performance opportunities with Christmas and Grandparent's Day presentations.


Field Trips

  • McHenry Mansion
  • McHenry Museum
  • Great Valley Museum
  • Caswell State Park
  • San Joaquin County Historical Museum
  • Micke’s Grove
  • Knights Ferry

Extended Day Care

Before and after school care is available.

4th Grade

4th Grade Curriculum

MCS Fourth Grade is aligned with the California State Standards.


Bible

(ACSI - Christ and His Word) Topics covered include the doctrine of Christ, sin, salvation, Bible study, and the purpose of the church. Weekly memory verses are assigned which correspond to the lesson. Christian service is emphasized and encouraged.

Chapel

Students attend a weekly chapel with lessons developed specifically for their age. Fourth graders also present a biblically based class chapel.

Language Arts: Amplify CKLA

In Grades 3–5, the Amplify CKLA curriculum lessons combine skills and knowledge with increasingly complex texts, close reading, and a greater emphasis on writing. Students start to use their skills to go on their own independent reading adventures, further opening up their worlds. Lessons include Reading, Writing, Grammar, Morphology, and Spelling activities. Unit Assessments evaluate students’ reading comprehension, understanding and retention of academic and domain-specific vocabulary words, as well as the grammar and morphology skills targeted in the unit.

Math: Arithmetic 4 by Abeka

Students will excel in arithmetic with the colorful, daily work-text Arithmetic 4. Practice multiplying and dividing 2-digit numbers, estimating, and writing decimals as fractions. Students will solidify their understanding of square measures, simple geometry, proper and improper fractions. Daily word problems, supplemental problems, and a handbook for terms and definitions in the back of the book provide ample opportunity for application and review.


Science

(by Scott Foresman) Fourth graders explore units on physical science, life science, earth science, and the human body. Each unit includes exploration activities, investigation activities, and labs. The students are learning scientific terminology as they participate in handson activities.

Social Studies

(Houghton-Mifflin - Oh, California) Our students learn about California geography and map skills, Native Americans, explorers, Spanish missions, California’s settlers, gold rush, agriculture, and the Great Depression as it relates to California.

Enrichment Programs

  • Weekly instruction in Physical Education
  • Weekly instruction in the Computer/Chromebooks
  • Weekly visits to the school library
  • Scholastic Reading Counts Program
  • Pep Band
  • Weekly instruction in music and music theory

Our program includes performance opportunities with Christmas and Grandparents’ Day presentations.

Field Trips

  • Old Sacramento Railroad Museum
  • Caroling
  • Winco/Gospel Mission/Animal Shelter
  • Sutter's Fort and the Indian Museum or Big Trees State Park and Mercer Caverns

Extended Day Care

Before and after school care is available.

5th Grade

5th Grade Curriculum

MCS Fifth Grade is aligned with the California State standards.


Bible

(ACSI - Purposeful Design) Fifth graders do an in-depth study of major Old Testament figures from Genesis through the major prophets, examining their choices and applying what we learn to our own relationship with Christ. We also learn the books of the Bible and key words to remember the contents of each. Prayer and personal Bible study are emphasized. We participate in service projects to share God’s love with our community, country, and children around the world.

Math: Arithmetic 5 by Abeka

Dive into decimals and dividing fractions and many more mathematic concepts with Arithmetic 5. This program challenges students with more advanced word problems, pre-algebra concepts, and basic geometry. Continue work with estimating, rounding, and applying all of these concepts to daily life. Supplemental problems, homework assignments, and a handbook for terms and definitions in the back of the book provide for ample review and added implementation.

Language Arts: Amplify CKLA

In Grades 3–5, the Amplify CKLA curriculum lessons combine skills and knowledge with increasingly complex texts, close reading, and a greater emphasis on writing. Students start to use their skills to go on their own independent reading adventures, further opening up their worlds. Lessons include Reading, Writing, Grammar, Morphology, and Spelling activities. Unit Assessments evaluate students’ reading comprehension, understanding and retention of academic and domain-specific vocabulary words, as well as the grammar and morphology skills targeted in the unit.


Science

(Scott Foresman) Fifth graders explore units on health and nutrition, botany, ecology, geology, insects, structures, light, and chemistry. Each unit includes hands-on activities—investigations, model-building, and experiments.

Social Studies

(MacMillan/McGraw-Hill) Our students learn about United States geography and history, from Native American days, exploration, settlement, industrialization, the Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, both World Wars, the Civil Rights Movement, up to the present. The state report is a major research and writing project we undertake during the third quarter of the school year.

Enrichment Programs

  • Students attend classes throughout the week in physical education, vocal music, and library science.
  • Music and drama performance opportunities include the Christmas program, chapels, and a spring musical.
  • Art is taught informally as part of the selfcontained class program.

Field Trips

  • Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Mercer Caverns
  • Christmas caroling at the hospital or a retirement home
  • Valentine’s Day trip to Winco,
  • The Gospel Mission, and the animal shelter Gallo Center for the Arts
  • Old Sacramento (Old Eagle Theater, Interpretive Handcar Program, State Railroad Museum)
  • Sacramento - Capitol Tour

Extended Day Care

Before and after school care is available.

Middle School

Modesto Christian Middle School welcomes families who are exploring Christian education as an option for their middle school students. Modesto Christian is committed to advancing excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, partnered with an unwavering focus on instilling Christian values that will serve as a beacon for educators, students and families. 

Read More

Middle School

Modesto Christian Middle School welcomes families who are exploring Christian education as an option for their middle school students.  Modesto Christian is  committed to advancing excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, partnered with an unwavering focus on instilling Christian values that will serve as a beacon for educators, students and families. 


We take pride in upholding a strong moral foundation and high academic standards. In our middle school, our athletics programs go beyond teaching the sport and coaches and mentors strategically   create invaluable life lessons to grow the heart, mind, and physical fitness of the body through  collaboration,  teamwork and healthy competition firmly rooted in biblical principles.

Curriculum

6th Grade

6th Grade Curriculum


Bible:   Route 66 published by Positive Action

This one-year, 70-lesson survey introduces 6th grade students to the structure and themes of the Word of God. Students will briefly examine each book in Scripture, learning how God uses imperfect men and women to reflect His grace.

Key Concepts: Basic Introduction to the Structure and Themes of the Word of God


Language Arts:   Amplify CKLA

Amplify ELA is a blended literacy curriculum designed specifically for grades 6–8. The heart of every lesson is the text. Our core English Language Arts curriculum enables teachers to teach skills through texts and develop their students’ muscles for building meaning through reading. With Amplify ELA, students learn to attack any complex text and make observations, grapple with interesting ideas, and find relevance for themselves.

Key Concepts: Critical Thinking and Analysis, Comprehending Informational Text, Research, Writing, and Technology, Developing Language Skills, Story Writing and Telling (character development and motivation, conflict, plot development, symbolism, the historical and cultural context in literature)



Math:  Prentice Hall Course 1

Real world applications will let you see how you can use Math in your daily life and give the foundations for Math you will need for the future.

Key Concepts: Decimals, Algebra, Fractions, Geometry, Probability, Ratios, Proportion, and Percentages


Science:  McDougal Littell Earth Science

The program focuses on scientific occupations, living things, environments, fossils, parts of the earth and how they interact, natural resources, and light. 

Key Concepts: Earth Systems, Meteorology, Plate Tectonics, Minerals, Rocks, Energy, and Hydronics


Social Studies/History:  Prentice Hall – History of Our World

From the Acropolis to Zimbabwe, it's an exciting year of world history for students! This program opens students' eyes to the world and their place in it--and how history has shaped their lives. Designed specifically for middle-grades students, this program provides built-in reading support and map skills so students can better understand the world they live in.

Key Concepts: Geography and World History (ancient civilizations), Early US History, and Citizenship

High School

Modesto Christian High School is the only school in the Central Valley offering personalized pathways through virtual education and dual enrollment under the direction of a supervisor during the regular school day. Through partnerships with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Grand Canyon University, Northstar Campus, and MJC, students have options beyond courses offered in the regular schedule.

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High School

Modesto Christian High School is the only school in the Central Valley offering personalized pathways through virtual education and dual enrollment under the direction of a supervisor during the regular school day. Through partnerships with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Grand Canyon University, Northstar, Campus, and MJC, students have options beyond courses offered in the regular schedule. Many of these courses are multi-media and highly engaging making learning fully engaging and challenging.  Through the pursuit of excellence in academics, athletics and the arts, our Christian foundation guides students to maintain high moral standards, respectful and inclusive behavior,  and high academic expectations. 


Our school attracts families internationally, within our local community and beyond. No matter where students come from, MC cares about individual growth in body, mind, and spirit.  Providing an academic institution with a family feel helps to keep students feeling good about where they attend school each day. 

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results

Spiritually Minded

MC students recognize the deity of God and a Biblical worldview (Knowledge)

Thinkers

MC students express critical thinking skills (Comprehension)

Responsible

MC students demonstrate responsible behavior (Application)

Outstanding Communicators

MC students model effective communication (Synthesis)

Nurturing Servant Leaders

MC students support/serve others (Evaluations)

Growing

MC students grow physically, mentally, and spiritually (Analysis & Synthesis)