ART
The elementary art program focuses on five elements: art criticism, art history, art production, art vocabulary, and creativity. Students learn to make aesthetic judgments about art and they will learn about historical and current artists. Elementary students also create art using elements of design, including shape, color, depth, and line.

BIBLE
The Bible curriculum is an important aspect of the instructional program at VCS. Through daily lessons students explore biblical content in a developmentally appropriate manner. Using the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) curriculum, elementary students gain a better understanding of God by studying the Bible. The goal of biblical instruction in the elementary is for students to grow, not only in their understanding of the Bible, but also in their faith in Jesus Christ.

COMPUTER INSTRUCTION
The elementary computer curriculum provides students with the opportunity and the skills needed to make computers a relevant tool for their learning. Students receive the instruction needed to use productivity software, such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Publisher, in order to enhance learning in all areas. The elementary computer lab contains 17 new computers with high speed Internet access and current software.

ESL (English as a Second Language)
English as a Second Language is available to families upon request or with recommendation from an administrator or classroom teacher. Students in this program receive specialized English instruction for approximately 45 minutes per day. The goal of the ESL program is to equip non-English speakers with basic skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in order to help them succeed in the regular classroom.

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
The goal of the elementary enrichment program is to provide students with opportunities to be challenged in areas of academic strength. Fourth and fifth grade students that demonstrate proficiency in specific units in math, language arts, or social studies are invited to participate. Challenge activities include problem solving, independent research, logic puzzles, and other higher level thinking activities. The enrichment teacher and the classroom teachers collaborate to determine the best placement for the students.

GERMAN
Elementary students study German as a foreign language at VCS. Instruction is provided by Austrian teachers through daily classes which focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing. The elementary German program provides students with the opportunity to develop proficiency in the German language and exposes them to the history and culture of Austria.

MATHEMATICS
Elementary mathematics is taught using SRA Math Explorations and Applications curriculum. The goal of the math program is to give students the tools they need to solve problems and teach them number concepts that will help them better understand the world around them. Specific math skills in the curriculum include number sense, operations, patterns, geometry, measurement, and probability.

LANGUAGE ARTS
The goal of our Language Arts program is to equip students with effective reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills crucial to good communication. Students will practice handwriting, spelling, grammar, and writing. Students receive whole group instruction as well as instruction appropriate to their individual ability. The core materials of our program include a non-fiction library from Rigby publishing and an integrated language arts curriculum published by Scott Foresman.

MUSIC
The purpose of the elementary music program is to equip children with a broad range of musical skills and to expose them to a variety of music, so they become life-long lovers of music. Specifically, students will learn musical knowledge and participate in activities focusing on rhythm, harmony, melody, singing, playing form, movement, and composition. They will also participate in listening and performance experiences.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education at VCS will help students to develop their flexibility, strength, coordination and agility. Students in grades one through five participate in physical education twice weekly, and primary students participate three times weekly. Students participate in skill development activities, team sports, non-competitive experiences and competitive games.

SCIENCE
Elementary science focuses on the teaching of science skills as they explore physical, earth, and life science content. The FOSS Science Modules serve as the backbone of the program. This hands-on program encourages student discovery in science through teacher guidance. Each lesson includes experiments and activities to help students gain the skills of inquiry, observation, data collection, data organization and data interpretation.

SOCIAL STUDIES
The atmosphere at VCS allows for a rich study of many cultures and demands a curriculum that values each culture. Elementary students explore world geography and ancient civilizations in all grades. United States and European history are significant focuses of the Fourth and Fifth grades. The purpose of our social studies curriculum is to help students expand their awareness and appreciation of the world around them.