Program Components

Each year Alabama Christian Academy accepts 72 students into the fifth grade program. There are three teachers in 3 classrooms, with 24 students in each room.

Application Process

After turning in an application with the non-refundable application fee as well as previous report cards and testing information, you will be contacted to schedule a time for a family interview. Your child will be administered a short reading and math test to determine grade level placement also at that time. Within three weeks of the screening date, parents are notified if their children have been accepted into our program.

Language Arts

Various types of reading materials are used to promote literacy in the fifth grade at ACA.   Direct instruction, guided instruction, and independent reading are all employed.  Harcourt Storytown is utilized as the core reading program.  In addition to this core, multiple class novels are read, author studies are conducted, and literature circles are implemented.  Teacher read-alouds provide students with models of fluent reading and offer opportunities for the teacher to model comprehension strategies as well.  Fifth graders also participate in the Accelerated Reading Program to foster independent reading habits.

Language is taught using The Shurley Method. Both grammar and writing skills are covered with this program. In addition to The Shurley Method, writing is also taught using The Six Traits Writing Program. Students are encouraged to utilize their knowledge of different parts of grammar in various writing assignments throughout the year, including creative writing assignments.

Fifth grade spelling is taught using the Harcourt Series. This program is designed to help the students develop as spellers.  Word lists are organized according to patterns and cumulative reviews are part of the assessment process.

Social Studies

Social studies is taught using the MacMillian/McGraw-Hill text, Our Nation, Beginnings Through 1877.  This text begins with the history of the early explorations of America and continues through the period of Reconstruction after the Civil War.  Geography and map skills are also taught, as well as a detailed unit about the states.

Math

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Math Expressions program is used for fifth grade math instruction. This program is supported by the National Science Foundation and focuses on problem-solving math.  Students use a combination of workbook pages and manipulatives to enhance the learning experience.  Basic math skills are reviewed and enhanced, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The students learn to convert English and metric measures and Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. Algebraic equations and formulas are used to find the perimeter and area of geometric figures. The students learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions; read and write Roman Numerals; create and interpret graphs; and work with decimals and percents.

Science

Science is taught using thematic units based on the A Beka Science Series, Investigating God's World, which provides a solid foundation in science that is based on the Word of God and Christian principles. Units covered include: Plant and Animal Cells, Classifying Life, Human Body Systems, Rocks and Minerals, Earth's Structure, The Solar System, Ecosystems, Weather, and the Ocean.   Demonstrations, experiments, projects, and other activities are integrated into the lessons.  Daily assignments and quizzes are given to provide a thorough review of the information being taught.  Students are tested at the end of each unit.

Health is also taught using the A Beka Series, Enjoying Good Health. Various systems of the human body are examined as well as how to maintain good health habits, including a healthful diet and overall fitness.

Technology

Fifth graders are given technology instruction through a twelve-computer, wireless lab as well as the bank of computers in the classroom. The students review the skills they learned in the 4th grade, including MS PowerPoint, MS Word, and MS Publisher, applying those skills to classroom projects which enhance their learning of the various subject matter fields. They also use the computers in their classrooms for Accelerated Reader, a school-wide reading education program which encourages students to read novels independently.

Bible

The fifth grade studies the book of Acts. The students begin with a review of the life of Jesus ending with his ascension. They learn about Pentecost, the early church, the miracles of the apostles, the persecution of Christians, and the conversion of Paul and his journeys.