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Curriculum at Zion
The curriculum at Zion is arduous. All students are challenged and motivated to reach their full academic and spiritual potential. For 128 years, Zion continues to be committed to academic excellence deeply rooted in rich traditions and values of the Christian faith. The curriculum used at Zion exceeds the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards required by the State of Texas. Zion’s curriculum goes beyond the required TEKS and offers Bible integration, life skills, and character building education. Zion has a reputation in the community for having a strong and solid curriculum. Zion feeds into the community high schools where Zion students stand out among other students academically as well as in leadership skills. Zion integrates technology to deliver the curriculum to students whenever possible. Technology includes Smart BoardsTM, Mimio TeachTM technology, document cameras, a state-of-the-art computer lab, a lap top cart, and iPads. Our students participate annually in Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA) district and state competitions. Zion has won our district competition the last two years. Last spring, Zion placed seventh in the state of Texas in the elementary division of PSIA.
The religion curriculum is present in all subjects throughout the day.
The science curriculum emphasizes a hands-on approach and focuses on the scientific method.
The social studies curriculum at Zion connects the past to the present and the local to the global.
Spanish is taught twice a week in grades one through eight.
Through art education, students are exposed to a variety of mediums and methods which allow students to express themselves creatively.
Students receive formal instruction in physical education, health, and nutrition five times a week by our physical education teachers.
The language arts curriculum focuses on phonetic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and inquiry skills.
The math curriculum at Zion teaches students skills which they can transfer to real life.
The understanding and use of technology is essential for students to be successful as 21st century learners. Technology is a strength at Zion Lutheran School. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade attend computer class twice a week in a state-of-the-art computer lab. Students use Microsoft 2007 Office Suite starting in kindergarten, with instruction in Word and Excel. The sixth grade focuses on PowerPoint, and the middle school students receive instruction in Publisher and Access. All students also receive instruction on Internet searches and how to protect themselves from cyber bullying.
Technology allows teachers to present materials in visual, audio, and interactive formats and is incorporated into each lesson as deemed appropriate by each teacher. The computer teacher and the classroom teacher find programs that not only reinforce concepts that are being taught in the classroom but also teach computer skills the students need to refine. For example, our third grade class might be working on division in math at the same time a division game is being played in computer class.
All classrooms are equipped with Mimio TeachTM or Smart BoardsTM technology with projectors in all classrooms. Document cameras, a laptop cart, and iPads are other resources that are used daily to make learning come alive for our students.
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