Elementary Academics
At Pilgrim, we believe in cultivating not just academic excellence, but also character, values, and leadership skills. Discover the power of enrichment classes at Pilgrim, where we understand that education extends far beyond textbooks and traditional subjects. Our classes are designed to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and nurture a love for learning. From art and music to STEM and library, our diverse array of classes ensures that every child can explore and develop their unique talents.
We take immense pride in our carefully curated curriculum, thoughtfully chosen to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in a rapidly changing world. Our dedicated educators are committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment, where students are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the values and leadership qualities that will guide them throughout their lives.
Through our Christian teachers, Pilgrim Lutheran Christian School strives to integrate the faith into all the subjects taught. A textbook is not of itself either Christian or non-Christian. The manner in which it is utilized by the teacher and how it is received by the student will determine the degree to which it qualifies as being Christian. Integrating the faith is achieved when Christians confront the issues and enjoy the many benefits of this world in the light of God’s Word.
We are more than just a school; we are a community dedicated to training up the next generation of leaders. At Pilgrim, we instill a sense of purpose, resilience, and compassion in our students, preparing them to make a positive impact on the world.
In The Classroom :
Science
At Pilgrim, we utilize the FOSS Next Generation science program to support the growth and development of our students from Kindergarten through 4th grade. FOSS is an engaging and dynamic program that aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) across physical, earth, and life sciences. As students progress through each grade, FOSS offers a developmental approach to learning, allowing children to build on their initial ideas and expand their understanding of science and engineering concepts. Each unit within the program features hands-on student investigations, combining interactive experiments and STEAM projects that deepen student engagement and knowledge in scientific practices. This approach ensures that our students continuously develop more sophisticated skills and a stronger grasp of scientific principles as they advance through the grades.
Math
Pilgrim offers a comprehensive math program that supports students' growth and development from Kindergarten through 4th grade. For students in K-2, we use McGraw-Hill: My Math, a curriculum designed to provide an engaging and rigorous learning experience. This program focuses on three key areas: focus, coherence, and rigor. The Focus is achieved through modeling, reasoning, and activities that reinforce mathematical practices. Coherence is maintained by linking concepts within chapters and across grade levels, ensuring a smooth and connected learning experience. Rigor is embedded through math talks, fluency practice, real-world problem-solving, brain builders, hands-on activities with math manipulatives, and standards-focused math games.
As students progress to 3rd and 4th grade, they transition to the Digging into Math Program, which includes 9 units aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM). Each unit contains lessons that address both content standards and standards for mathematical practice, ensuring a thorough understanding of key concepts. To further support learning, we supplement this program with additional materials to check for understanding and provide hands-on practice, reinforcing concepts before assessments. This structured approach ensures that our students build a solid mathematical foundation and develop advanced problem-solving skills as they advance through the grades.
Language Arts
The Logic of English program is used to support the literacy development of students from Kindergarten through 4th grade. This comprehensive phonemic program covers reading, spelling rules, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. For our youngest learners (ages 4-7, K-2), we utilize the Foundations program, which lays the groundwork for essential literacy skills. As students progress to grades 3-4, they transition to the Essentials program, where they are placed into levels A, B, or C based on a placement test and their observed abilities. Throughout their journey, students are introduced to spelling markings, continue to learn phonograms and spelling rules, master grammar rules, and begin practicing dictation of phrases to enhance their spelling skills. This structured approach ensures that students build a solid foundation in literacy and progressively develop more advanced skills as they grow.
Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum is designed to align with the Oregon Standards for Social Studies, supporting students' growth and development from Kindergarten through 4th grade. Each unit aims to cultivate responsible citizens by teaching age-appropriate lessons in civics, government, economics, financial literacy, geography, historical knowledge and thinking, and social science analysis. This comprehensive approach ensures that as students progress through the grades, they build a solid understanding of social studies concepts, preparing them to be informed and engaged members of society.
Religion
We use the Enduring Faith Religion Curriculum by Concordia Publishing to support the spiritual growth of our students from Kindergarten through 4th grade. This curriculum strategically integrates both Old and New Testament stories, ensuring a balance between Biblical literacy and schoolwide consistency. Designed with intentionality, it incorporates religion standards and differentiation to support diverse learners. The streamlined teacher language and built-in flexibility make it adaptable to various teaching styles. Each lesson has a two-part focus: first, learning the Biblical account, and second, applying its teachings to students’ lives. Additionally, students memorize Bible verses to deepen their faith and understanding as they progress through the grades.
Art
The PLCS Art program incorporates a diverse, multi-faceted approach in teaching fine arts. Student’s learn through a series of projects based on their age level which explores the Elements of Art. They learn; Line, Shape, Space, Value, Form, Texture, Color.
Students starting in Kindergarten are exposed to chalk pastel, oil pastel, tempera paint, acrylics, water color, fine tip pens, graphite pencils, paper mache sculpture, charcoal, sharpies and clay. Starting in 5th grade, our students take art to the next level by adding design lab to their weekly schedule.
Self-expression and creativity, communication, social and emotional, problem solving and fine motor skills are just a few of the things that our students learn in Art.
Art matters the same way language matters or the way breathing matters! It is a fundamental component of what makes us uniquely human.
Physical Education
The focus of our PE program for all grades is that of healthy lifestyles, motor skills, social skills, movement, and knowledge. Skills that are implemented throughout the year include striking (basketball, hockey, volleyball), moving (locomotion, skipping, dodging, jumping), bouncing (basketball), throwing and catching (football, baseball, frisbee), and kicking (soccer). Lessons pulled from the Spark program and other PE specialists support the school's yearly scope and sequence for physical education.