Lower School

Establishing a Foundational Love of Learning

Lower school encompasses our young learners from pre-kindergarten 3 through fourth grade. At SBS, we hold a core conviction that every child is divinely designed by God with a unique purpose. The educational experience starts by nurturing their natural curiosity, instilling a biblical perspective, and igniting a passion for learning. We employ a multisensory strategy to promote active student participation, laying the groundwork for essential skills. As students progress, we encourage them to engage in critical thinking, adopt biblical principles in daily life, and cultivate leadership qualities, preparing them for the future.

Lower School Curriculum

Bible

Bible classes are held at every grade level in lower school, led by a dedicated Bible teacher. Our daily practices include prayer and scripture memorization, coupled with dynamic teaching, to guide students in comprehending God's desire for a personal relationship with each of them. Students actively engage in mission projects such as Angels of Light, Shoes for Orphan Souls and Living Water International, putting their faith into action. Our Bible curriculum is designed to accommodate various learning styles, emphasizing scripture as the ultimate truth. It includes teachings on obedience, cultivating purity of heart, and exploring the significance of the full armor of God. Our students gather for chapel services weekly, reinforcing their spiritual growth and community connection.

Language Arts

Strong foundational skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking are the primary focus in the early grades. As students progress through grade levels, the emphasis becomes an in-depth application of those strategies and skills to provoke thought and reasoning. Through the structured literacy approach, teachers are able to provide a learning environment that meets the needs and strengths of each student.

Math

Engaging students in hands-on experiences builds a solid understanding of mathematical concepts. Students participate in collaborative and independent learning activities using research-based materials. Teachers provide opportunities for students to communicate their understanding in a variety of ways. Lessons integrate reasoning, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Social Studies

Equipping students to lead courageously is part of the mission at SBS. This endeavor begins in lower school with a curricular focus on family, community, traditions and American heritage. Through projects and hands-on activities, social studies lessons create meaningful connections and understanding as students learn about the valuable contributions of historical figures, Texas and American history, and map skills.

Ancillary Classes

Art

Library

Library visits supplement grade-level curriculum and instill a love of reading in students from kindergarten to fourth grade. Kindergarten students visit the library with their class each week. Students in first through fourth grades use the library as an extension of their classroom experiences, conducting research and checking out books on a weekly basis. The lower school librarian focuses each week's mini-lesson on a fundamental library skill and reinforces specific classroom instruction.

Music

At an early age, students learn musical concepts and skills. Teachers emphasize vocal exploration to enhance each concept taught to students. Several composers from various musical genres and periods are studied. As they progress, students build their musical knowledge by learning more complex rhythms and melodies. Musical terminology and instruments are introduced. Students have the opportunity to present musical programs at each grade level.

Motor Skills/Physical Education

Pre-kindergarten 3 through kindergarten students attend Motor Skills with an emphasis on the vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile systems. Motor Skills assists students with basic tasks in the classroom that require core strength and refine gross and fine motor tasks. Students in grades one through four receive daily physical education instruction. The primary objectives are exercise, sportsmanship and group games.

Science

Students learn the importance of inquiry: generating questions, conducting investigations and developing solutions to problems through reasoning and observation. Inquiry includes an analysis and presentation of findings that lead to future questions, research and investigations. Students learn to reflect on topics and apply what they have learned to new and different situations.