Learning at Legacy Prep

The curricula of Legacy Prep have been selected with education and homeschooling favorites that families can trust. These materials are research-based and will align with Missouri/national standards. The classroom activities will give students foundational learning experiences to prepare them for their academic journey ahead. They will also prepare our school for accreditation approval in years to come. Our shared Christian values will be evident in the materials chosen, in the content taught and in the conversations in our classrooms. 

Students at LPS will thrive with engaged parents and degreed teachers working together. Classroom teachers will pace the curriculum and use campus days to teach the most difficult learning concepts. They will communicate the weekly lesson plans, including the at-home learning assignments. We expect parents to guide their child’s instruction carefully on these days, teaching lessons, grading some assignments, and ensuring completion of tasks. Students will grow in independent learning, although this will vary by student and by subject. Parents can monitor grades and skill development through our school software, ClassReach. It will be the hub of school communication for our families.

Students will enjoy collaborative, active learning experiences with their peers while at school. LPS teachers are creative and capable to develop unique learning experiences with themed approaches woven across the curriculum. Students will be challenged academically in an environment that celebrates their strengths and supports their weak areas. Students will develop social and communication skills through classroom experiences and relationships with others. Families will also appreciate the time together at home, in this unique Tues/Thurs hybrid model of education.

Collaboration between home and school is a hallmark of our program, and we invite families to join us in learning the following subjects:

Reading-Language Arts:

Students will be taught comprehensive literacy skills to develop phonemic awareness, decoding, and comprehension, through small group instruction and guided reading experiences. Reading development begins with delightful books that inspire students to engage in the reading process. Reading lessons for PreK-2 will also include letter development, phonetic decodable readers, a picture book anthology, poetry, and printable materials from resources such as UFLI and Reading A to Z for practice in small, guided reading groups in class.

For 2-8th grade we have selected literature guides to use with beloved novels and poetry to frame vocabulary and comprehension development. Some books will extend learning of history topics. The literature selected will include a variety of genres each year to promote interest and the joy of reading. Reading skills will increase while you build a treasured family library to enjoy for years ahead! 

Language Arts includes spelling, vocabulary, grammar and writing instruction. We will boost communication skills through activities such as short presentations and oral book reports. Students will develop writing skills through assignments across the curriculum, learning the writing/editing process and using graded rubrics. 

Social Studies/History:

Legacy Prep students will learn history, social studies and geography from Notgrass History materials. Reading the Notgrass textbook is like sharing a museum with your child! The textbooks are visually compelling and are filled with pictures, timelines, maps, charts, and stories of great leaders/important events. The program includes workbooks, maps, songs, and assessments to guide learning. LPS will balance American and World History topics, will teach an appreciation for our nation. Our youngest learners will embrace topics including: friends, families, neighbors, church, community, state, nation and world.

Science:

Science will be built around the concepts in the newest editions of BJU Press. This curriculum, for 2nd-8th grade, includes a balance of life, physical and earth science, including STEM lab experiences for every school year. BJU materials have trusted Christian values in these lessons that speak clearly about God’s creative design in the world around us. Teachers will organize learning units and facilitate the lab experiments in class to deepen understanding of scientific procedures. LPS teachers are also writing specialized nature units to enjoy the ample outdoor learning spaces on our campus. Our youngest learners will be taught using picture books and science concept books, with themes that rotate though the year, including seasons, nature, animals, planets, plants and body systems, to begin foundational understanding in life, earth and physical science. 

Mathematics:

Math instruction at LPS will begin with Horizons Math which teaches strong foundational math principles and important math facts. The materials have a spiral curriculum to reinforce concepts taught. The student workbooks are engaging and colorful, with simple instructional manuals for at-home teaching. Teachers will use cooperative and active learning techniques to introduce new concepts and support students as they face challenges. Parents will purchase manipulatives and teacher manuals needed for at-home learning. 

Our older students will learn from the most recent editions of BJU Press Mathematics textbooks. This program provides ample experience in basic math, problem solving, graphing, statistics, and probability for finishing elementary and preparing for high school concepts. Each year of instruction includes math skills required for daily life as well as deepening skills in number systems, fractions, equations, algebraic thinking and geometric ideas. All 7th grade students will study BJU Fundamentals of Math to solidify basic math concepts. Students entering 8th grade will be screened for placement into BJU Pre-Algebra or Algebra I.

Electives: 

Bible (Daily) K-5 Bible instruction is led using a shared devotional across the grade levels. This makes the Bible study a connected subject that families can do together. Students will develop spiritual roots and share scriptures that will be meaningful throughout their life. We pray this brings meaningful conversations to your home during this special season of life together! This biblical foundation also gives our students a collection of shared spiritual experiences to guide behavior and character development. We pray that the Bible stories will deepen your spiritual connection with your family and result in a Christ-like character that is evident in our school community. Middle school students will be taught from a more formal curriculum of study, to enhance their individual growth and responsibility to respond to spiritual topics. 

Art instruction (1/week) includes a variety of art processes to develop skills in drawing, lettering, painting, molding and design. This class will engage students in creative expression, allowing students to share their personality and ideas through art projects. Students will grow in awareness of famous artists and various techniques of design, to appreciate art from around the world. Some art projects will be an extension activity from the themes of learning in the regular classroom. 

Music (1/week) Students will learn about melody, harmony, instrument families, form and rhythm, through a variety of engaging exercises. Students will hear a variety of music from various time periods to develop an appreciation of cultures and instruments. This will develop their listening skills and the ability to evaluate self and group performances. Students will create, perform and connect with musical experiences to develop their musicality.

Physical Education (2/week) P.E. is an important part of each LPS school day. Students will learn fitness, sports, games, health/safety throughout the year. They will participate in cooperative games and will grow in both gross motor skill development and social interaction. Students will be taught about healthy choices and a healthy mindset through positive interactions and physical challenges. This class is designed to motivate students to be active and enthusiastic for physical exercise. 

We’re looking forward to a year of engaging learning and growth for our students! We pray that the campus days will be a delightful experience for your children and the community developed will be a blessing to your family!