Our Philosophy
Our elementary students have many opportunities to develop--academically, socially, and, most importantly, spiritually. Our lower elementary department reinforces the foundation laid in early childhood, working with parents to provide students consistent teaching and training. PBA strives to produce students who love Jesus, who put forth their best efforts, and who have a positive outlook on the world around them and their important place in it.
Our Program
In addition to the regularly scheduled classes, elementary students have the opportunity to participate in chapel, music, daily recess, and specialty classes such as Spanish, computer, sign language, art, and drama.
Our Curriculum
PBA uses the nationally recognized A Beka curriculum throughout the elementary grades.
A. Bible
Bible time includes the pledges to the flags and the Bible, a patriotic song, hymns and choruses, memory verses, prayer time, and a Bible lesson. Bible time is helpful in teaching children to love the Lord Jesus Christ and beneficial in ingraining in them the importance of a personal relationship with Him. According to Henry Halley, the Bible is "the most effective character-forming power known to men." With the first goal of Bible class being to point students toward a saving knowledge of Christ, the second is that of encouraging students in their unending pursuit of God and His Word.
B. Phonics and Language
The development of words and language is foundational to the reading and learning processes students will carry throughout their lives. These studies help children communicate clearly and effectively while establishing good grammar, spelling, and creative writing skills. By third grade, students enjoy an introduction to English and begin to learn the basics of capitalization, punctuation, noun/verb usage, and other facets that assist them in the development of analytic ability.
C. Reading
Reading is the key to knowledge. One of the most important aspects of learning is the ability to read and read well. By being placed in groups that will encourage and yet challenge them, students have the opportunity to master the written word. In Grades 1-3, students move through a number of reading books, each one more difficult than the last and each one focusing on the phonics charts already learned.
D. Arithmetic
Arithmetic is essential to basic learning and key to solving difficult equations in future years. The A Beka curriculum uses student-friendly themes and concepts that simplify problems and encourage participation. Arithmetic promotes structure and order and also trains the mind, increasing the child's capacity to understand concepts and logically reason through mathematical ideas.
E. Penmanship
Providing students with a strong foundation in penmanship, writing class reinforces lessons taught and strengthens the student's writing ability. This class offers students an enjoyable way to improve their writing ability, creative writing, and dictionary skills. Penmanship habits formed during these years will greatly influence the student's handwriting skills throughout life.
F. Spelling/Poetry
Spelling is taught as an extension of phonics, utilizing both oral and written exercises to review the words each week. By emphasizing the special sounds in each word, the students combine lessons taught in phonics as well. Poetry is an important part of the day, giving the students an easy reprieve from academic lessons while enjoying the visual imagery and easy rhyme.
G. Science
The purpose of science (in third grade) is to stimulate students' interest in science through the study of the wonders of creation. By this age, students have the capability of understanding as well as enjoying scientific concepts. As a text, Exploring God's World leads students to a deeper reverence for the God who planned the world in which they live.
H. History/Geography
History (in third grade) gives students a biographical glimpse into the lives of twenty-one Americans who have played a notable role in the story of our country. By orally reading and discussing each lesson, students are taught the importance of patriotism and the honorable principles on which our nation was built. Our American Heritage strives to develop good character traits in students that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Our Teachers
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Mrs. Emily Garland 1st Grade | Mrs. Pat Gober 2nd Grade | Mrs. Mindy Dorsey 3rd Grade |
Our Philosophy
The upper elementary department is always a reminder that "kids grow up." By now, students are noticeably older and more mature than in their previous years as students. While stronger friendship bonds are formed among students themselves, teachers play an important role in helping them develop mentally, socially, emotionally, and, most importantly, spiritually.
Our Program
In addition to the regularly scheduled classes, elementary students have the opportunity to participate in chapel, music, daily recess, and specialty classes such as Spanish, computer, sign language, art, and drama.
Our Curriculum
PBA uses the nationally recognized A Beka curriculum throughout the elementary grades.
A. Bible
By highlighting several characters and topics in the Old and New Testaments and requiring the classes to memorize Scripture, Bible time is helpful in teaching students to love the Lord Jesus Jesus Christ and beneficial in ingraining in the students the importance of a personal relationship with Him. The curriculum is specifically designed to give examples of how Christians should and should not live and to teach Bible doctrine on a level equal with the students' ability.
B. Language
The study of grammar is valuable in helping students to express themselves clearly and creatively. It enables them to think logically and develops analytic ability. When students see the orderly structure of language, it reminds them of God's orderly plan for the world and for individual lives. By sixth grade, students master subjects, predicates, and complements, recognize and use all eight parts of speech, and expand their writing processes.
C. Reading
Well-selected literature helps students grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually by demonstrating discernment, aesthetic values, and character. Good literature points students to Christ. Students meet characters in their reading who successfully conquer by doing what is right. They also realize the inevitable results of wrongdoing. Students are graded in oral reading because it helps them develop poise and efficient delivery, increases vocabulary, and strives to make each student a confident reader. Reading comprehension also insures that each student thoroughly understands the selected literature.
D. Arithmetic
Arithmetic is essential to basic learning and key to solving difficult equations in future years. The A Beka curriculum uses student-friendly themes and concepts that simplify problems and encourage participation. Arithmetic promotes structure and order and also trains the mind, increasing the child's capacity to understand concepts and logically reason through mathematical ideas. The students' minds are stretched and broadened through excellent math activities offered daily.
E. Penmanship
Encouraging students to build on the foundation previously laid for neat penmanship, writing class reinforces lessons taught and strengthens the students' writing ability. Penmanship offers students an enjoyable way to improve their writing ability, creative writing, and dictionary skills. Penmanship habits formed during these years will greatly influence the student's handwriting skills throughout life.
F. Spelling/Vocabulary/Poetry
This course guides students toward better spelling, a richer vocabulary, and enjoyment of good poetry. The spelling curriculum utilizes both oral and written exercises to review the words each week. The spelling and vocabulary words given each week are a great source of knowledge for future years. Poetry is also an important part of the day, giving the students an easy reprieve from academic lessons. Children respond naturally to poetry, enjoying the visual imagery and easy rhyme.
G. Science/Health
Science presents the universe as the direct creation of God and refutes man-made ideas. Elementary students enjoy studying science and seeing the plan of God as it is revealed in His orderly creation. A solid foundation in science is soundly based on the Word of God, and students are fascinated by the presentation of things they can see, observe, and understand in the world around them. Activities are included throughout texts to support the learning of basic science and the development of thinking skills. In sixth grade, Choosing Good Health is an added course of study, encouraging good eating habits and physical fitness to properly care for the body, the most marvelous creation of God.
H. History/Geography
Fourth grade history gives students the record of God's plan for mankind. Texts show consequences of sin for men and empires and extol those who are good examples of godly living. Fifth grade history provides students with extensive knowledge concerning Old World empires. This fascinating study of the Eastern Hemisphere by geographical regions gives students insight into the animals, people, lands, and cultures, and is a good introduction to worldwide missions and missionary heroes. In sixth grade, the study of the Western Hemisphere is equally fascinating, presenting the history and geography of the New World from a Christian perspective, encouraging students to learn more about the people and places of their own land and neighboring countries.
Our Teachers
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| Mrs. Katelyn Revelle | Mrs. Becky Cook | Mrs. Jannah Harris |
| 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade |
Field Day
Some of students' fondest memories come from Field Day. It is a day outdoors, on the football and baseball fields, playing big ball, slipping and sliding on tarps,participating in relay races and other games, and hanging out at the concession stand. So many memories are made and photos snapped at this special activity.
Fine Arts
Beginning in third grade, students are able to participate in academic testing on a state level for competition, and by fourth grade they are able to fully participate in additional areas of art, speech, music, and Bible. PBA students enjoy a strong showing at state competitions and bring home many good ratings.
Field Trips
In addition to the regularly scheduled classes, students enjoy planned trips off campus. Each grade has their own get-aways:
Grade 1 The Rock Ranch and Lego Land
Grade 2 Southern Belle Farm and Noah's Ark
Grade 3 Atlanta Zoo, Children's Museum of Atlanta, and the Georgia Aquarium
Grade 4 State Capitol Building, World of Coke, and Stone Mountain
Grades 5-6 Go Fish Education Center & Museum of Aviation
Grade 6 Safety Patrol Trip (overnight to Gatlinburg)
Christmas Pre-Show
Elementary students look forward to providing great pre-show entertainment for families and friends prior to the annual Christmas play. Individuals and groups perform through recitations, songs, instruments, and more.
Theme Parties
Classes enjoy four theme parties each year, two in the fall semester and two in the spring semester. Each party is complete with a load of good food, fun games and activities, and special treats. Teachers "go all out" to insure a great time--rearranging the desks, even "wrapping" the tops of desks in Christmas paper--and the atmosphere is electric.
Fall and Spring Concerts
The scheduled fall and spring concerts give students a chance to perform recital-worthy pieces of music they work on throughout each semester. PBA elementary bands and choirs always draw a crowd.
Spirit Week
Nothing says fun like spirit week at PBA. Each day is designated to build excitement throughout the week in anticipation of the homecoming football game. Spirit chains are sold, and students are allowed to dress in different costumes and attire each day. Some of the favorite dress-ups are duo day, western day, backward day, tacky day, and spirit day.
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