ELEMENTARY
The educational approach at Glendale Adventist Academy’s elementary program is rooted in a developmental philosophy. Our goal is to facilitate the holistic growth of children- spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially. This growth is a gradual process that aims to instill in students a profound understanding of God’s love. As a result, students are empowered to reciprocate that love and engage in acts of kindness towards others.
Elementary education serves as the cornerstone for future learning, akin to the process of building the foundation in order to have a sturdy house. As stated in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” We believe that education is a collaborative effort involving parents, the school, and the church.
Academic development
GAA instruction is based on a curriculum guided by Seventh-day Adventist Standards, which outline what learners should know (content) and be able to do (skills). These standards not only incorporate national and state standards but more importantly, recognizes the Bible as the ultimate standard of measurement across all subjects. The elementary curriculum is crafted to facilitate a smooth transition for students entering middle school and high school afterwards. Academic progress is tailored to each student’s developmental stage, ensuring a pace that is suitable for their individual needs.
Seventh-day Adventist Elementary Standards: Adventist Education
Character development
The elementary program extends beyond weekly chapel, classroom worship, and Bible curriculum. An integral component is the social-emotional program Friendzy, dedicated to imparting five fundamental values: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. These values find their foundation in the love and teaching of Jesus, and they are deliberately emphasized both in the classroom and in student discipline practices.
Physical development
GAA incorporates fitness and healthy lifestyle habits into our curriculum. The Elementary PE rotation is carefully crafted to instill in children a lifelong passion for fitness and well-being. Students in grades TK-5 engage in PE sessions twice a week.
For TK and Kindergarten, fundamental skills like running, throwing, jumping, kicking, and spatial awareness are introduced. As students progress, the curriculum evolves. First and second graders delve into games, learning rules and sportsmanship, laying the foundation for traditional sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, softball, and badminton. Third and fourth graders advance to strategic gameplay, honing more sophisticated game skills. And, in fifth and sixth grade, the focus shifts towards preparing for Junior High through the exploration of traditional sports.
Developing creativity through music
The elementary music program is committed to nurturing the creative expression and musical proficiency of students, encouraging them to dedicate their talents to God. Guided by our devoted music teachers, the classes seamlessly integrate music theory, appreciation, singing, and introductory techniques for woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, forming a comprehensive and enriching learning atmosphere.