The Christian-based academic curriculum at Olney Prep is focused on
the philosophy that all students can go “above and beyond”
when given a rigorous program, strong teachers, innovative techniques,
and a supportive environment. We accommodate the individual needs
of every student through opportunity, flexible grouping, and creative
curriculum.
"My children
are encouraged to do their best, given opportunities to shine
in their gifted areas, and to treat all with respect."
- OAPS Parent
Our curriculum targets the areas of intellectual development, communication
skills, life skills, art and music appreciation, and career and service.
Following the mission of the North American Division of Seventh-day
Adventist Education, it is our goal to instruct children from a biblical
perspective in the subjects of math, science, history, and language
arts, and to enable them to be logical, discerning thinkers and problem-solvers.
We believe that students learn best in small classroom environments
and with individualized instruction. We strive to maintain low student
to teacher ratios of 20:1 in 1st through 8th grades and 16:1 in Kindergarten.
Our school has single and combination grade level classrooms that
change from year to year. These classroom arrangements are determined
by the needs of the students and the environment of the classroom.
Students are closely monitored for placement in each subject and teachers
act as guides and facilitators in the learning process.
Our core curriculum includes Bible, Math, English, Reading, Science,
Social Studies, History, Technology, Art, Spanish, Music, Etiquette,
Library Skills, Health, and Physical Education.
"A mind that
is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old
dimensions."
- Oliver Wendell Holmes
In addition to in-class instruction, our students take part in the
following enrichment activities: field trips, outdoor education, Field
Day, fall and spring Week of Prayer, safety patrol program, yearbook
committee, Cultural Arts Fair, Science Fair, Christmas Program, and
Spring Concert.
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills is administered every fall for 2nd through
8th grades. Students in 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades take cognitive tests
as well. Olney Prep students perform well on these tests and score
competitively.
Our goal is to help students develop a personal relationship with
Jesus. We encourage this relationship through Biblical lessons, classroom
devotionals and prayer, and weekly chapels. In the classroom, school
begins with prayer and a devotional reading. This is followed by a
Bible study that provides students with a knowledge of Scripture,
an understanding of God’s unfolding plan for humankind, and
examples of how to apply scriptural values to daily life.
Every Monday morning, students worship as a school community by participating
in a chapel service. Chapel involves singing praises, learning Biblical
lessons, and often enjoying interpretations of Bible stories through
skits.
Twice a year our school celebrates a Week of Prayer in which students
attend daily chapel services and are paired with a prayer buddy for
the week.
The Mathematics curriculum at Olney Prep equips students with critical
and analytical thinking skills and the ability to problem-solve and
perform abstract reasoning. Mathematics instruction targets the areas
of numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurements, and data
analysis and probability.
Objectives:
To encourage and develop students' mathematical thinking
To apply math concepts to real world applications
To develop strong computational skills, concepts, and problem-solving
through daily investigations
To develop math confidence through communication and writing
To accommodate students' individual learning styles
To promote organization and a consistent, responsible work ethic
Our Language Arts curriculum seeks to develop skills in viewing, listening,
reading, speaking, and writing. We believe that students must have
the opportunities and resources to develop communication skills that
will enable them to be active, informed members in society.
Objectives:
To gain an appreciation for reading and writing
To read effectively and critically a wide variety of fiction
and non-fiction
To develop confident and effective written and oral communication
To accommodate students' individual learning needs
To assist students in crafting clear, organized and interesting
writing
To develop basic study skills for locating, organizing, and
interpreting information necessary for life-long learning
To awaken students to the value and power of words
It is our on-going goal to integrate technology into each student’s
learning experience. In 2005 we assembled a Mac Laptop Computer Lab
on-campus for students to receive instruction in technology. Students
are provided with the opportunity to use laptops weekly during structured
technology classes in which students enhance computer-based skills.
Students in kindergarten through fourth grade receive instruction
in word processing, research, and design. Students in fifth through
eighth grades receive instruction in keyboarding, word processing,
spreadsheets, and Power Point.
Art is taught as an integrated program supportive of the content areas
of science, social studies, and music. Instruction is given one period
a week and is taught by an art instructor. Concepts such as texture,
color, perspective, and media experimentation are applied. Student
work is displayed in classrooms and throughout the school.
Objectives:
To help students appreciate and understand the importance
of creative self-expression
To develop an interest in and an appreciation for art
To expose students to a wide variety of art subject matter,
media, and techniques
To explore cultural artistic differences and similarities
To nurture and develop students' individual artistic styles
and expressions through different mediums
We believe in the importance of children learning a second language
from the earliest age. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade
receive Spanish instruction on a weekly basis. Students in sixth
through eighth grades receive Spanish instruction two class periods
a week in small, individualized groups. The goal is to familiarize
students with the Spanish culture, traditions, and language. Activities
include vocabulary development, conversation, songs, and audio-visual
material interaction. Our instructor is trained and certified in
FLES through Montgomery County.
Music appreciation and instrument instruction is taught on a weekly
basis for all grades. Nurturing a love and respect for music begins
in the primary grades and is integrated into weekly instruction,
which involves recognizing rhythms and instrumental sounds. Fifth
through eighth grade students learn to read music and specialize
in specific instruments. There are seasonal as well as church-related
performances throughout the year, including a Christmas Program
and a Spring Concert.
Objectives:
To develop a respect for, and love of, musical expression
and learn how God is glorified through music
To encourage students to appreciate music and its importance
in the world
To expose students to a variety of musical instruments
To develop students' skills in identifying and reading music
notation
To emphasize how music impacts religion, history, and culture
Our school is unique in providing an etiquette program as part
of a student’s learning experience. We believe children should
be taught both in the home and at school the importance of good manners
and respect for others. We believe in following Jesus’ example
of treating others the way we would wish to be treated. For this
reason, the curriculum at Olney Prep includes an etiquette program
taught by an instructor who has certification from The Protocol School
of Washington. In addition to learning the importance of treating
others with respect, the etiquette classes build social skills that
will last a lifetime. Students learn and are taught to apply the
skills of speaking with adults, introducing and greeting others,
writing thank-you cards,
speaking on the telephone, and demonstrating appropriate table manners.
Each grade receives a six-week course in etiquette on a yearly basis.
We believe it is important to incorporate Health into the Lower and
Middle School curriculum. We were created in the image of God and
have a responsibility to care for the bodies He has given us. We
are only given one body in which to experience this life and must
do all we can to maintain its health. Our hope is to empower students
to make wise choices regarding their personal health.
Our nurse teaches both Lower and Middle School Health classes
throughout the year. The lessons include learning and practicing
personal hygiene, discovering the five senses, understanding the
Food Pyramid and planning nutritious diets, and learning how to
respond to emergency situations.
Physical Education at Olney Prep provides activities and experiences
that encourage students in the lifelong goal of being active. Students
develop decision-making skills, effective motor skills, and movement
concepts. They are challenged in the pursuit of individual excellence
and cheered for achieving their best level of athletic performance.
P.E. classes include learning and participating in sports such
as swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing, soccer, lacrosse, and volleyball.
CURRICULUM
cards,
speaking on the telephone, and demonstrating appropriate table manners.
Each grade receives a six-week course in etiquette on a yearly basis.
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