As parents and educators, we want our children to grow not only academically, but also in their Christian faith. That’s why, at St. Barnabas, we integrate faith into daily learning. Just as God is present throughout all we do and achieve in our lives, the lessons He teaches are ever-present in our classrooms. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to nurturing and supporting our students’ minds and spirits.

So, what does faith-based education look like at our private Christian school?

K4 Program

Our K4 program is designed to set young students up for success, both academically and socially. We focus on the Bible in school, coordinating our reading and writing curriculum with our monthly Fruit of the Spirit. 

Each day, K4 students also attend a special area class such as Art, Music, Library, or physical education. We know many of our students have unique, God-given talents in these areas, and we want to begin nurturing those talents early.

Kingergarten

In Kindergarten, our curriculum deepens! Students begin learning about God’s incredible creation in science class. We also take some field trips for hands-on learning. 

We also focus intently on language and reading skills this year, incorporating listening and dramatic play exercises into our days. Music and dramatic presentations, often with a Bible basis, keep students engaged and help develop an awareness of culture.

Elementary

Our elementary school grades each learn a new Bible story each week. We start the year off in Genesis and work our way through the Old and New Testaments. Each week, hands-on activities and academic lessons echo the lessons and Biblical truths being taught. 

Each year of elementary school brings new topics to explore. For example:

• First graders focus on phonics, fluency, and vocabulary, often working in small groups and learning to support one another.
• Second graders create a science notebook in which they record lessons on plants, ecosystems, and other natural elements of God’s creation.
• Third graders begin studying civics, economics, and history, with a focus on their impacts on our community.
• Fourth graders focus intently on writing, learning to express themselves clearly and constructively.
• Fifth graders do a deep dive into American history and U.S. geography, gaining new perspective on the struggles and accomplishments of their ancestors.

Middle School

In middle school, students are beginning to grow in their own identities and passions. They’re also beginning to understand their faith in a deeper, more meaningful way. There is room for a deeper understanding of how the Truth of the Gospel relates to their lives and their own values. Our private Christian school curriculum seeks to foster this understanding by giving their faith room to grow and take shape.

Sixth grade brings some exciting lessons in history and literature. We learn about Medieval Europe, including the happenings in the Church at this time. In science, we explore beyond our own planet, contemplating the complexities of the universe.

Seventh grade brings an increased emphasis on writing and using the critical thinking skills we’ve all been blessed with. This year, our history and literature classes mirror one another, as we read novels based on the time periods studied.

Eighth grade is our students’ final year at St. Barnabas, and we make it count! We emphasize the ways our faith guides us as members of our community, all the while deepening our problem-solving skills through two math classes (Algebra I and Geometry) and a chemistry class.

Clubs and Activities

Christ’s love and lessons are also woven into our extracurricular activities and clubs. Many of our students participate in our athletics programs, where they learn not only about physical fitness and sport, but also about sportsmanship and remaining faithful through adversity.

We also offer vibrant art and music programs, through which our students learn to express not only their thoughts and talents, but also their faith and virtues. In performances throughout the year, students have opportunities to musically celebrate their faith with the community.

Another important tradition at our private Christian school is chapel. In our weekly services, students focus on spiritual development, worship, and life-giving lessons. We choose lessons that are developmentally appropriate and relevant to our daily lives as Christians.

As Christians, our faith and our values are woven through all that we see, think, and do. We take the same approach when building our Christian school curriculum, aiming to integrate our values into lessons on reading, writing, science, and beyond. If you’re interested in learning more about faith-based education at St. Barnabas, contact us soon. We’d love to give you a tour of our DeLand campus and answer any questions you have about our curriculum, extracurriculars, or admissions process.