Legacy Christian Academy
Grade Level Distinctives
Differentiated Reading and Math Centers
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & student iPads and Bee Bots
Oral Presentations:
- Poetry Recitations
- Superkids Open House presentation of “The Glum Princess"
Major Writing Projects:
- Problem and Solution Story
- Riddles describing favorite Superkid
- Nonfiction write about mixing colors
Animal research project
Author Studies:
- Nonfiction research for mixing colors and learning about animals
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Wood and paper unit with observation journals
- Life-Science (fish/worms/bugs?)
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
Biome Study:
- N/A
Music:
- Piano Keyboarding
- Learning songs for Christmas play and graduation
Christmas Performance:
- The Nativity Play
Field trips:
- Dentist Office
- Underwood Farms
Reading:
- Systematic Explicit Phonics Curriculum
- Producing Early Readers
- Decodable Leveled Readers
- Accelerated Reader Library Program
- Literature Read Alouds
- Emphasis on Building Exceptional
- Spelling, Phonics, Vocabulary,
- Penmanship, Grammar & Writing Skills
- Mastery of 90 Dolch Sight Words
Math:
- Progress in Mathematics
- Zero the Hero
- Mountain Math Spiral Review
- ST MIND Math and Math Fact Fluency on iPads & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- Names & Locations of 50 States
Science:
- Animals Two by Two
- Properties of Wood & Paper
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Class Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Differentiated Reading and Math Centers
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & student iPads
Oral Presentations:
- All About Me Informative Speech
- Ladder Book Report Presentation
- Forest Animal Biome Report & Presentation
Major Writing Projects:
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Cause & Effect
- Personal Narrative
- Forest Animal Research Report
- Response to Literature
- Author Studies: Laura Numeroff, H.A. Rey, & Margaret Wise Brown
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Design and observe insect habitat
Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO - Biome Study: Temperate Forest
Music:
- Piano Keyboarding, King Wenceslas Christmas Performance
Field trips:
- Los Angelse Zoo
Language Arts:
- Systematic Explicit Phonics Curriculum, Decodable Leveled Readers, Literature Circles, Novel Studies & Accelerated Reader Library Program, Literature Read Alouds, Emphasis on Building Exceptional Spelling, Phonics, Vocabulary, Penmanship, Grammar & Writing Skills
Math:
- Progress in Mathematics, Problem of the Day, Mountain Math Spiral Review, ST MIND Math and Math Fact Fluency on iPads & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- America Past & Present
- Pearson My World - Our Past, Our Present
Science:
- States of Matter (solid, liquid, gas), Air & Weather, Lifecycle of Plants & Animals
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Differentiated Reading and Math Centers
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & student iPads
Oral Presentations:
- Poetry Composition Recitation
- My Flat Stanley Presentation
- Ocean Animal Speech
Major Writing Projects:
- Poetry Unit
- Ocean Animal Research Report
- Friendly Letter
- Response to Literature
- Transition from print to cursive
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Designs and builds a roller coaster
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
Biome Study:
- Ocean
Music:
- Piano keyboarding, The Reluctant Inn Keeper Christmas Performance
Field trips:
- Long Beach Aquarium
- Natural History Museum
Language Arts:
- Systematic Explicit Phonics Curriculum, Decodable Leveled Readers, Literature Circles, Novel Studies & Accelerated Reader Library Program, Literature Read Alouds, Emphasis on Building Exceptional Spelling, Phonics, Cursive Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar & Writing Skills
Math:
- Progress in Mathematics, Problem of the Day, Mountain Math Spiral Review, ST MIND Math and Math Fact Fluency on iPads & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- My Community, My Country, Celebrating our Traditions; Our Nation Past & Present
Science:
- Balance and Motion, Soil Science, Reproduction of Plants & Animals
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Differentiated Reading and Math Centers
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & personal computer Chromebooks for research
Oral Presentations:
- Historical Figure Presentations
- Rainforest Animal Speech
- Imaginative Narrative Presentation
Major Writing Projects:
- Rainforest Research Report
- Historical Figure Research Report
- Imaginative Narrative
- Response to Literature
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Brine Shrimp Investigation,
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
- Biome Study: Rain Forest
Music:
- Piano keyboarding & recorder, The Loaned Manger Christmas Performance
Field trips:
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Santa Clarita Historical Tour
Reading:
- Novel Studies, Literature Inquiry Circles, Accelerated Reader Library Program, Literature Read-Alouds, Emphasis on Building Exceptional Vocabulary, Phonics, Comprehension Inquiry, Spelling, Writing, Grammar, and Cursive Penmanship Skills
Math:
- Progress in Mathematics, Problem of the Day, Mountain Math Spiral Review, ST MIND Math on Computer Chromebooks & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- Our Communities, Our Environment, US Government, Oceans, Continents & US Regions
Science:
- Matter & Energy, Solar System, Ecosystems & Food Chains
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Differentiated Reading Centers and Leveled Math Classes
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & personal computer Chromebooks for research, word processing, Google Docs, & access to educational websites
Oral Presentations:
- Impromptu Speech (Informational Summer Presentation)
- Landmark Speech
- Persuasive Speech
- Monthly Poetry Presentations
Major Writing Projects:
- California Landmark Research Report
- Fantasy Narrative
- Persuasive Letter
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Build a Telegraph
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
- Biome Study: Desert
Music:
Piano keyboarding
Christmas Hang-ups Christmas Performance
Field trips:
Santa Barbara Mission,
California Science Center, & Sacramento Overnight
Language Arts:
Reading - Foundational Comprehensive Skills (Making Meaning Curriculum) Shared Inquiry (Jr. Great Books)
Cursive Penmanship Skills
Novel Studies & Accelerated Reader Library Program
Literature Read Alouds
Emphasis on Building Exceptional Spelling, Vocabulary, Grammar & Writing Skills
Math:
Progress in Mathematics
Cursive Penmanship Skills
Mountain Math Spiral Review
ST MIND Math on Computer Chromebooks, Real-World Project & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
California History & Gold Rush Simulation
Science:
Magnetism, Circuits, Electromagnetism, Geology, Earth Materials, Environment
Bible:
Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Departmentalized and differentiated Math, English, Literature, and History classes
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & personal computer Chromebooks for research, word processing, Google Docs, & access to educational websites
Oral Presentations:
- State Presentations
- Persuasive Speech
- Declaration of Independence
Major Writing Projects:
- State Research Reports
- Travel Agent Persuasive Write
- Tall Tale Narratives
- Response to Literature
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Develop a Scientific Inquiry Project following the Scientific Method
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
Music:
- Piano keyboarding, Camel Lot Christmas Performance
Field trips:
- Ronald Reagan Museum
- Riley’s Farm Overnight
Literature & English:
- Novel Studies & Accelerated Reader Library Program
- Literature Inquiry Circles
- Literature Read Alouds
- Emphasis on Building Exceptional Spelling, Vocabulary, Grammar & Writing Skills
Math:
- 5th or 6th Grade Progress in Mathematics, Mountain Math Spiral Review, ST MIND Math on Chromebooks, Math Market Entrepreneur Project & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- United States History: America’s Past
- Explorer’s Simulation, Colonial Fair
Science:
- Mixtures & Solutions, Planetary Science & Weather, Living Systems
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Legacy Christian Academy
Enrichment Program
In addition to the two classroom teachers who lead all the core subjects (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies) Legacy provides eight enrichment teachers who are experts in their fields. These enrichment teachers make up the following subjects; Art, Music, Spanish, Physical Education, Computers, Bible, Library, and Science. As full time staff these enrichment teachers have the time to create incredible lessons that provide hands-on exploratory opportunities for students.
This graphic illustration is an example of how ten different teachers are able to interact with a single student on a weekly basis.
Legacy Christian Academy
School Wide Scores at a Glance
2022-23 SAT-10 (K-5TH) SCORES
SAT-10 STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENT RESULTS
| GRADE | TOTAL READING | TOTAL MATH | LANGUAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 97 | 92 | N/A |
| First Grade | 95 | 97 | 97 |
| Second Grade | 88 | 89 | 84 |
| Third Grade | 85 | 89 | 87 |
| Fourth Grade | 89 | 95 | 90 |
| Fifth Grade | 87 | 95 | 89 |
| K-5th GRADE AVG. | 90 | 93 | 89 |
Cumulative SAT-10 National Percentile Ranking K-5 = 91st
Legacy Christian Academy
Classroom Instruction
As a private school, we have the freedom to choose our own curriculum without governmental interference. Our curriculum selections are based on proven scientific research – not fads. We choose curriculum that is relevant and matches our learning goals. For the core subjects of reading, writing, and mathematics, here are our research-based choices in curriculum:
Our goal at Legacy is to meet the individual needs of every student that walks through our doors-to help ensure each student reaches their full potential as lifelong learners.
Each child at Legacy knows without a doubt that they are deeply cared about –that their teachers and administrators want what is best for them and want them to be successful. They are not just a "number” in a large class size. Often times, most school classes can have as many as 35 students with only 1 teacher. Most school teachers are frustrated that no matter how hard they try to meet the needs of each of their students, they walk away each day feeling like they are only able to teach to the "whole group” targeting the middle/lower end of her class.
In this type of environment, instead of being pushed to their full potential, the advanced kids are typically left to come along and "tutor” the kids who were struggling.
This environment is in stark contrast to Legacy. From K through 5th grade, our classrooms have both a teacher (credentialed) and an assistant teacher (most of whom are credentialed). For these younger grades, our class size is limited to 26 or at most 27 students. Having two gifted teachers during core instruction periods creates that 13:1 student to teacher ratio. Although this is certainly an impressive ratio in and of itself, what we are able to do with that ratio is even more impressive.
In order to ensure that every student is reaching their full learning potential, we know that students need to be given the opportunity to progress at their own rate. Students need to be met where they are currently at and then encouraged to excel still more to that next level of learning.
The way we accomplish this is through our small group instruction. Here’s how it works…..
Based upon the results of frequent and thorough assessments by the teacher, students are placed into small groups according to their ability level in the areas of both Reading and Math. For example, in Kindergarten, students are placed in 4 leveled reading groups (allowing for a 1 to 6 ratio) and for Math they are placed in 3 leveled groups (allowing for a 1 to 8 ratio).
When students enter Kindergarten, they frequently come in with a wide range of reading abilities. Some know only their letters and sounds, others are in the beginning stages of blending, and some are already reading at a 2nd grade level and beyond. Separating them into leveled groups allows the teacher to provide direct Reading instruction in both comprehension and fluency according to their specific ability level (again meeting where they are currently at and then moving them onto that next level).
Each of our K-6th grade classrooms include an Assistant Teacher miniature classroom. During our center rotations, while a group of 6-8 students (depending on class and grade level) are receiving direct instruction from the teacher, another 6-8 students are with the Assistant Teacher in her back room. The Assistant Teacher reviews phonics, spelling, and penmanship skills associated with the lesson using multiple modalities and again gearing instruction to the specific level of the group.
Every 15 minutes students rotate to each of the different centers to receive instruction that is geared specifically to their ability level. This prevents exasperation (too difficult) and boredom (too easy), and allows each of our students to reach their full academic potential. When instruction is geared to their individual level, learning becomes a true joy.
Legacy Christian Academy
Classroom Curriculum
As a private school, we have the freedom to choose our own curriculum without governmental interference. Our curriculum selections are based on proven scientific research – not fads. We choose curriculum that is relevant and matches our learning goals. For the core subjects of reading, writing, and mathematics, here are our research-based choices in curriculum:
-
Rowland Reading Foundation’s Superkids curriculum is a research-based, highly-engaging language arts curriculum that has proven successful in developing our kindergarten, first, and second-grade students’ reading and writing abilities. Most notably, our SAT-10 reading scores increased in K-2 with the addition of the Rowland Reading curriculum. Our students and teachers alike find this curriculum to be incredibly enjoyable as well. Rowland Reading is entirely aligned to current standards and provides students with a comprehensive, systematic way to engage with literacy. We are confident that this program will provide the excellent foundation primary grade learners need for lifelong success in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
-
Step Up to Writing At Legacy
we are equipping our students with the ability and desire to write with purpose. One of Legacy’s stated LEAD goals is for students to be "Accelerated Achievers” – to articulate thoughts clearly through systematic writing. One way we have targeted this learning goal is by adopting the program Step Up to Writing (SUTW). This organized system is used school-wide and is integrated across all grade levels, in enrichment classes and even during math lessons. Teachers model correct processes of organizing thought into writing in a systematic way, allowing students to take the abstract art of writing and make it concrete. SUTW utilizes color coding, drawing, outlining and systems for revisions and edits. Students use these same tools from grade to grade and across content areas. You’ll be impressed by how this curriculum inspires confidence in even the most hesitant of writers. As students learn how to systematize their writing, they feel more equipped as a writer to branch out creatively and explore different genres of writing. Narrative (stories), expository (paragraphs and reports) and opinion/persuasive writing are each specifically targeted at all grade levels. With SUTW we equip our students to LEAD in their understanding and analysis of excellent writing.
-
The Accelerated Reader (AR) Program is a computer program that motivates students to read independently and helps teachers and librarians manage and monitor students’ reading practice. A student picks a book at his/her own level and reads it at his/her own pace. When finished, the student takes a short quiz on the computer. AR gives children, teachers, and librarians feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help the child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice. Since they’re reading books at their reading and interest levels, students are likely to be successful. This is satisfying for most children. Incentives are also given to students who reach their point and quiz average goals. But best of all, they learn and grow at their own pace.
-
Created by MIND Research in collaboration with more than 13 universities, including University of Pittsburgh, Johns Hopkins University, Medical University of South Carolina, East China Normal University, University of Montreal, University of Victoria, UCLA and University of California, Irvine, ST Math games use interactive technology and graphically-rich animations to visually represent mathematical concepts to improve conceptual understanding and problem solving skills. The ST Math K-8 courseware is a research-proven, comprehensive, grade level math instructional program that utilizes Spatial-Temporal (ST) reasoning [or the innate ability to visualize and manipulate images through a sequence of steps in space and time]. ST Math has also been identified by the CEO-led Change the Equation as one of just four STEM programs ready to scale nationally. ST Math incorporates the latest research in learning and the brain and promotes mastery-based learning and mathematical understanding.
-
Library Volumes of new books and eBooks are showing up every day on the Legacy Christian Academy campus. Destiny Quest, our library management system that is available online and through the Destiny Quest App, will facilitate students checking out eBooks and hard-copy books. Through Destiny Quest, Legacy students can also view lists of popular books, see what other students are reading at Legacy and even post reviews of books, viewable only by our Legacy family. The "universal search” feature allows students to research or surf the web safely at school or at home. Students will be able to type in a topic and receive a full online listing of Legacy books, eBooks and a comprehensive listing of student-friendly websites and links. This is a huge benefit for Legacy students for two distinct reasons. First, it is a boon for internet safety. Second, it provides a big boost to efficiency. The filtered sites direct students to educational resources instead of advertisements or wikis, so students spend more time reading authentic text and less time searching and filtering content themselves.
(For current Legacy students and parents)
Legacy Christian Academy
Spiritual Life
We are committed to a distinctly Christian education that provides an environment emphasizing the teaching and appreciation of God's Word as it applies to students' studies and to their character. We have a seminary-trained Bible teacher who instructs the students each week. Each lesson is exciting and age appropriate.
Teachers also integrate the Bible in subject areas as well as instill Christian-like behavior in all students by sharing a morning devotional and having classroom prayer time. Legacy's character education program also focuses on monthly character traits that are reinforced through Bible verses, role playing, and classroom activities.
Chapels
Students gather on Friday mornings for chapel to hear messages from quality local pastors. Every year Legacy selects and new topic to study. This year's theme is “God is faithful to all of His promises and the verse for the year is Psalm 145:13. Classes gather together (Elementary at 8:45 a.m. and Middle School at 9:45 a.m.) for a time of singing worship songs, led by a talented group of musicians. Character awards are also given out to nominated students. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend our chapel times.
Community Service
Students have various opportunities to show the love of Christ to others. We currently partner with The City of Santa Clarita, Children’s Hunger Fund, Operation Christmas Child, various disaster relief funds, The Michael Hoefflin Foundation, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Jump Rope for Heart.
Heartwork Assignments
Once a month, in lieu of homework, students and parents work closely together to complete a “Heartwork” assignment that corresponds with the “Character Trait of the Month.” This partnership between home and school builds consistency in a child’s moral development.
Legacy Christian Academy
Campus Life
After school, Legacy Christian Academy students have a variety of optional "specialty” classes from which to choose. Specific classes vary each semester but usually include:
- Robotics
- Dance
- Cheer
- Legos
- Self defense/Martial Arts
- Chess
- Mad science
- Cooking
- Voice
- Violin
- Lil Kickers Soccer - Kindergarten
- Dinomania
- Hip Hop
- Code Ninjas
- Bricks for Kids
- Mad Science
- Drama