Lower School - Lipscomb Academy (2024)

First-grade education focuses on foundational concepts in various subjects. In reading and language arts, students develop phonemic awareness, improve reading fluency, and start basic writing.

In math, they learn numbers and operations, algebraic thinking, measurement and data, and geometry. Using a research-based i-Ready curriculum creates math assignments tailored to each student’s current level, provides ongoing feedback on students’ daily practice, and addresses each student’s individual needs. Concepts are taught using manipulatives, text, videos, and computer based.

Science introduces them to the natural world, emphasizing observations.

Social studies cover community roles, basic geography, and cultural awareness. Students complete a project called “Trade Day.” Students complete a trade and sell their product to their fellow classmates. Overall, first grade aims to build essential skills, foster curiosity, and promote a love for learning.

Second grade focuses on reinforcing and building upon the basics.

In reading and language arts, students work on fluency, comprehension, and beginning to write paragraphs. Students complete a unit on poetry concluding with a poetry night where students gather to read their own poetry at a local coffee shop.

Math includes addition and subtraction with larger numbers, basic measurement, and an introduction to simple fractions. Using a research-based i-Ready curriculum creates math assignments tailored to each student’s current level, provides ongoing feedback on students’ daily practice, and addresses each student’s individual needs. Concepts are taught using manipulatives, text, videos, and computer based projects. The i-ready curriculum provides opportunities for families to interact with the online platform to engage with the curriculum.

Science covers fundamental concepts in life, earth, and physical sciences, often through hands-on activities.

Social studies explore communities, basic map skills, and cultural diversity, fostering an understanding of students' roles in their communities and the world.

Third grade emphasizes greater independence and more complex thinking. Reading and language arts involve deeper comprehension, vocabulary development, and writing multi-paragraph essays.

Math includes multiplication, division, fractions, and an introduction to area and perimeter.Using a research-based i-Ready curriculum creates math assignments tailored to each student’s current level, provides ongoing feedback on students’ daily practice, and addresses each student’s individual needs. Concepts are taught using manipulatives, text, videos, and computer based projects. The i-ready curriculum provides opportunities for families to interact with the online platform to engage with the curriculum.

Science covers ecosystems, weather, and simple machines, emphasizing inquiry and experiments with special projects including Space Week and Invention Convention.

Social studies focus on local history, geography, and government, helping students understand their community's place within the broader context.

Fourth grade students tackle more challenging material across subjects. In reading and language arts, they analyze texts, enhance their writing skills, and begin research projects.

Math includes multi-digit multiplication and division, fractions, and geometry concepts like angles and symmetry.Using a research-based i-Ready curriculum creates math assignments tailored to each student’s current level, provides ongoing feedback on students’ daily practice, and addresses each student’s individual needs. Concepts are taught using manipulatives, text, videos, and computer based projects. The i-ready curriculum providesopportunities for families to interact with the online platform to engage with the curriculum.

Science covers topics such as energy, waves, plant, and animal structuresand processes, and earth systems.

Social studies delve into state history, U.S. regions, and basic economics, helping students connect local and national histories. Students enjoy learning about the Boston Tea party through an interactive Boston Tea Party experience. Fourth grade students have a unique opportunity to visit all national parks across our nation for free. Fourth grade students visit Mamath Cave!

Fifth grade prepares students for middle school with advanced content.

Reading and language arts focus on critical analysis, advanced vocabulary, and writing persuasive and narrative essays. Students explore a variety of ways to showcase their learning through project based learning such as the creation of their very own podcast.

Math includes decimals, fractions, volume, and more complex problem-solving. Using a research-based i-Ready curriculum creates math assignments tailored to each student’s current level, provides ongoing feedback on students’ daily practice, and addresses each student’s individual needs. Concepts are taught using manipulatives, text, videos, and computer based projects. The i-ready curriculum provides opportunities for families to interact with the online platform to engage with the curriculum. Math comes to life as students utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills through interactive escape rooms and all inclusive experience learning.

The 5th-grade Advanced Math Class will offer a curriculum that goes beyond the standard math curriculum. Students in this program will delve into advanced topics such as algebra, geometry, data analysis, and probability. They will be encouraged to think critically, ask probing questions, and develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts through challenging problem-solving activities, tasks, and projects.

Science is not something you read but rather something you do. Students explore a variety of topics including matter, ecosystems, and space, promoting scientific reasoning and experiments. Students are giving the opportunity to share their learning through science shadow days where they have the opportunity to interact with students in other grade levels both above and below them building community and leadership experience.

Social studies cover U.S. history, government, and world geography, providing a comprehensive understanding of their country and the world. Field trips are strategically planned to allow students to experience Tennessee history first hand.

Life at Lipscomb Academy is a daily, personal process of growing more aware of God’s presence and becoming more like Christ, through the Spirit. Members of the Lipscomb community strive to live in the right relationship with God, ourselves and others, in every dimension of life.

Spiritual Life is woven into everything we do, including academics. Science experiments become an opportunity to recognize the power and activity of God on earth. Historical events become a chance to discuss relevant issues and topics in society today. Journaling on literature becomes your child’s doorway to see how their life is a part of God’s bigger story. Faith is integrated into Lipscomb’s curriculum through foundational standards that start with the spiritual formation of our faculty and staff so that they can guide students in how to engage the world with a kingdom vision, how to encounter God’s presence, and how to see all people as created in God’s image.

Lower School SESL (Social-Emotional-Spiritual Learning)

Morning Meeting sets the tone for joyful and respectful learning and creates community within the classroom where students discover the nature of God, how they fit within his story, and live in relationship with others.Social-Emotional-Spiritual learning also includes our Heart & Mind programming, chapel, and daily morning meetings in each classroom, every day.

Early Care

Supervision of children from 7:00 a.m. - 7:25 a.m. is available at an additional cost to families. Children are supervised in the gym for this period of time before student drop off officially begins at 7:25 a.m. More information about the Early Care program can be found in this separate Early Care ​document.

Extended Day

The Lower School Extended Day program is designed to provide after-school care for working parents and for those who may need occasional care. The program offers a wide variety of academic and fun-filled activities, such as arts and crafts, games, homework assistance/study hall, outdoor activities, movies, and special events. More information about the Extended Day program can be found in this separate document.
Extended Day.

Explorations and Clubs

Explorations is an enrichment program offered for additional fees for PreK-5th grade students.
For more information, reach out to Meaghan Creamer, After School Experiences Coordinator, meaghan.creamer@lipscomb.edu.

Music Academy & School of Dance

The Music Academy and School of Dance are supplemental, fee-based instructional opportunities provided in the after-school hours on both the Lower and Upper School campuses. The Music Academy offers individual instruction in a variety of musical instruments such as piano, violin, and guitar and is taught by adjunct instructors who are specialists in their field. Students supply their own instruments, though pianos are provided for the actual piano lessons. Tuition is set each semester for a package of 12 lessons. The Lipscomb Academy School of Dance emphasizes a positive environment for students to learn and grow as dancers. Classes are held at both the Lower School and Upper/Middle School locations after school throughout the week. Tuition is set each semester for a package of 12 classes. A Showcase will take place at the end of each spring semester. For complete and current information, as well as registration forms, visit the Fine Arts web pageor contact robert.king@lipscomb.edu for Music Academy or elizabeth.patterson@lipscomb.edu for Dance.

Special Areas and Related Arts

Physical Education

The Lower School has a lifetime fitness-based curriculum. An emphasis is placed every week on cardiovascular and strength exercises to improve psychom*otor and cognitive skills while incorporating healthy nutrition habits throughout. Students in grades 1-4 will have a daily P.E. class and grade 5 students will have physical education class two to three days a week along with recess on non-P.E. days. Students will experience a series of fitness tests and sports-related activities and games, preparing them for individual and team-related sports while teaching them teamwork and sportsmanship.

Recess

Recess is a fun, physical, and social break from classroom activities. To ensure the safety of all students it is important for students to follow these guidelines:

1. Play safe

2. Include others

3. Stay inside designated areas

4. Students are expected to observe the written and verbal rules of playground equipment.

Music

Students engage in a variety of activities, including the development of the singing voice and introduction to solfege. The Orff approach to music education is used to develop rhythmic abilities through the use of body percussion and instruments. Students also learn note values and how to write rhythms. Students listen to classical music and learn about the lives of composers. Movement is used through singing games, simple folk dances, following a leader, and creative expression. Children perform in a musical program at least once a year. Beginning in 5th-grade, students have the opportunity to learn a string instrument in String Orchestra class, as well as singing in the 5th-grade Chorus.

Visual Arts

Students learn design principles by inventing complex patterns and combinations of line, form, and color. Examples of artists’ work from the past and present are used to provide stimuli for discussions about artists from different cultures and times who expressed many of the same themes in a variety of ways.

iWonder (Design Thinking)

Students intentionally collaborate to solve real-world problems and become designers of their own learning with the help of technology (coding, circuits, VR, etc.) and recycled materials (cardboard, paper, plastic). iWonder is driven by a maker mindset and fully values the learning process. It emphasizes student empowerment to wonder, think critically, invent, create, and solve problems in an innovative and collaborative environment. Students will be provided opportunities to follow their passions, interests, and curiosities.

Media

Media encompasses digital and print. Student learning has three main focuses: library and research skills, digital citizenship, and literature appreciation. This is done through teaching students age appropriate research skills, teaching them how to be good “digital citizens”, working with 3rd-5th graders on using and managing Google resources, and promoting and encouraging reading and a love of books among all students while also providing weekly checkout opportunities for students in 1st -5th grade.

Theater

Theater provides students with the tools to become confident, creative children of God in today’s uncertain world. Theater will include improvisation, self-expression, storytelling, music and song, movement and dance, speaking and memory skills, puppets and plays, social and emotional encouragement, characterization, cooperation and collaboration, and technical elements of creative design. Activities are designed to stimulate students' imagination, teach empathy, heighten language and listening skills, and encourage critical thinking and problem solving. Movement activities and dance will develop coordination and rhythm. The study of story structure will aid in the understanding of literature from history to fantasy, and students will learn what it feels like to walk in someone else’s shoes through character portrayal. Because Theater is a performing art, each student will participate in at least one performance throughout the school year to share with an audience.

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School Day Times

7:25-7:55 Arrival
3:05Dismissal
11:00 Half Day Dismissal
Early Care 7:00-7:25
Extended Care 3:20-5:30 PM

The program offers a wide variety of academic and fun-filled activities, such as arts and crafts, games, homework assistance/ study hall, outdoor activities, movies, and special events. A daily snack is provided only for children in Pre-K through Pre-First. All other students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack.

The extended day program is not available when the school is officially closed, (e.g. holidays, teacher in-service, and inclement weather).For more information about the program, you may contact Cynthia Harvey at 615-966-6313or Cynthia.harvey@lipscomb.edu.
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Technology

Lipscomb Academy is dedicated to fostering a well-rounded educational experience by balancing technology, real books, and hands-on learning. We believe in the importance of integrating modern technology with traditional resources to enhance learning. Additionally, we emphasize the value of student-to-student interaction, encouraging collaborative projects and social engagement to build essential interpersonal skills. This holistic approach ensures our students develop both academically and socially, preparing them for future success. Digital citizenship taught in our Library Media Specialist class.

In grades 2nd- 5th, our students enjoy a 1:1 Chromebook ratio and interactive smartboards in every classroom. Throughout the week, they have access to our iWonder Lab, equipped with robots and 3D printing machines, providing hands-on, innovative learning opportunities.

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