ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Preparing studentsfor the next level of education

We offer a wide range of course subjects in our elementary school education program. Each of the core subject areas of language arts, history, math, and science are represented with the goal to prepare each student for the next level of instruction. All courses are designed around the North Carolina Essential Standards for public instruction and meet the requirements for both the public and non-public branches of the Department of Education, while maintaining our Christian distinctives.

Berean utilizes a phonics-based approach to build strong literacy skills in students. Phonics instruction is intensively taught in kindergarten and continued in first grade as students begin to read for enjoyment and understanding. Second grade reinforces phonics skills, and students develop the ability to read, understand, and discuss a variety of genres. Each subject incorporates reading skills from second through fourth grade. Third and fourth grade students learn the academic skills of analyzing in reading, discussing and constructing thoughts in language, and showing recall and research through a variety of writing projects that enables them to become life-long, independent, and discerning learners.

Elementary School
elemntary-school

Mathematic mastery is built on possessing strong fact fluency in computation during elementary. Lower elementary students begin learning basic number recognition as well as addition and subtraction. Mathematical skill increases as students are introduced to larger sets of numbers as well as multiplication and division. Older elementary grades reinforce mastery of fact fluency while introducing students to basic concepts of equations and geometry. Students develop logic, reasoning, and critical thinking skills through practice and application of basic mathematics, algebra, geometry, and life skills such as telling time and counting money.

Today’s students develop communication leadership skills for tomorrow through our instructional approach to writing. Kindergarten students learn how to print and to write words and simple sentences. Students are introduced to cursive in first grade and continue to practice through fourth grade. Students learn the writing process through modeled practice, and as students transition into higher elementary grades, they begin to apply the writing process to essays, writing prompts, and projects. Older elementary students are then required to write a research paper and present their findings to their peers with technology. This process is designed to assist students to effectively articulate thoughts and ideas as they advance academically with project-based learning and research-based assignments at Berean. 

Academic Leadership

JAMIE DAVIS

JAMIE DAVIS

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

Jamie Davis has served at Berean Baptist Academy since 2009, and she has been serving as a departmental administrator since 2021. During her time at Berean, she has had the privilege of teaching various classes in the Academy to include upper school mathematics, elementary music, and middle school technology. She has led student government, provided college advising, and acted as the Curriculum Director. Prior to serving at BBA, she taught from 2002-2009 in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Mrs. Davis has served in several ministries at Berean Baptist Church to include the music ministry, nursery, children’s ministry, and outreach.

Bio/Education

Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science: Bible – Northland Baptist Bible College (2002)
  • Bachelor of Science: Math Education (Music Minor) – Northland Baptist Bible College (2002)
  • Master of Science: Educational Leadership – Bob Jones University (2018)

Mrs. Davis has earned the following certifications:

  • Echelon Front: Extreme Ownership Academy Certification (ongoing)
  • Advanced Certificate of School Management and Leadership – Harvard University (ongoing)
  • Association of Christian Schools International All Levels Principal (Professional Level)
    Academics
    Bible Overview
    Dress Code
    Parent Handbook
    STEM & Clubs
    Students become life-long learners by developing a love of learning and discovery. The teacher is central to the development of the student at school, and developing strong relationships between parents and teachers is the desire of BBA. Teachers foster this development through the use of textbooks, technology, activities, and projects. Core academic skills are continually put into practice to develop student proficiency at every grade-level in classes and through individual student use of adaptive academic websites.
    • Student materials are selected by teams to meet three critical areas: assist the teacher in meeting and exceeding state standards, hold student interest, provide continual scaffolding of skills for mastery.
    • Each grade has a lead teacher. Teachers collaborate within the grade level and above and below the grade level to ensure a smooth progression of instruction for students.
    • Students learn personal responsibility as they care for their supplies, write down and complete daily homework, and complete benchmark projects starting in second grade.
    • Students have the opportunity to develop the whole person through social-emotional class instruction, daily recess, music, art, technology, physical education, and private music lessons. Students may be invited to participate in extra fine arts, sports, or academic events throughout the year.
    • And in all of these areas, students are taught they are image-bearers of God, they have a unique plan and purpose in life already planned by God, and that God desires a personal relationship with each student. Students are encouraged to then use their skills, interests, and abilities to serve God by serving others in their home, school, church, and community.

    The primary goal of Kingdom Education is to reach the heart of every child with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This begins early as children learn biblical narratives and stories that ultimately point students to Christ through the lens of the biblical themes of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Students are taught biblical principles through reinforcement of core values which then serve as a Gospel witness to others. Chapel takes place each week on Monday mornings with an intentional approach to guide students to worship and learn. Biblical integration is also part of every subject as Berean’s desire for students is to develop a biblical worldview. Developing a biblical worldview then prompts students to constantly filter all of life through the lens of God’s Word.

    Uniform

    • Elementary students must wear an approved BBA polo or t-shirt which must be purchased either through the school office or through online vendors listed on the school’s website.
    • A BBA shirt must be worn underneath any outerwear.

    Hair

    • Boys may have their hair extent to the bottom of the collar or the top of a t-shirt. Hair may not extend past the opening of the ear. Hair should be neat and groomed and should not impede student vision. Braided hair must be pulled back and secured with a band or similar device provided the hair does not extend below the collared shirt. The length restriction cannot be avoided by styling, grooming, or pinning the hair to avoid its natural length in appearance. All hair should be the natural color and remain undyed.
    • Girls may dye or color hair in traditional shades such as black, blonde, red, brunette, etc.

    Pants and Shorts

    • Students (boys and girls) may wear either jeans or Docker-style pants of any solid color that coordinate with a BBA polo, t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie. Shorts must be non-athletic and cannot be any higher than the top of the kneecap.
    • All pants and shorts must be hemmed without designs; no holes or frays; no baggy or sagging bottoms (must sit no lower than the top of the hip bones).
    • Students may not wear yoga pants, sweatpants, jeggings, skinny jeans, or joggers.

    Outer Wear and Jackets

    • Jackets and hoodies must be in solid school colors of red, black, white, or gray. Outerwear cannot have any graphic designs on the front or back (a small manufacturer’s logo may be visible on the front or back of the jacket/hoodie. Hoods may not be worn inside. 

    Shoes

    • All shoes must be closed-toed for both genders (crocs are not permitted), and all shoes must be non-marking.
    • It is highly recommended that all shoes have a rubber outsole that is considered slip-resistant. It is also highly recommended that students do not wear boots.
    • Shoes that have laces must be laced and tied, and all footwear must have a proper fit.

    Jewelry

    • Boys may have one ring, such as a class ring or championship ring, on their hands. Any necklace must be worn inside the layer closest to the body and should not be seen. Boys may not have any earrings on campus.
    • Ladies may wear multiple earrings (in the ears), rings, and necklaces, but no other piercings should be seen.

    Elementary offers various clubs after school each semester. These clubs vary by school year and operate during Club Weeks. Some of these clubs include Spanish, STEM, Art, and Student Leadership.

    STEM provides students with the opportunity to create, build, imagine, and learn. The Elementary STEM Lab is equipped with resources to help students explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on learning. Students learn how to apply a scientific approach to identifying real problems and creating solutions, and Berean’s STEM curriculum has been redesigned to build digital literacy in students based on ISTE learning standards including digital citizenship, computer operations, and basic coding and robotics. Each classroom is also equipped with Chromebooks or Chrome Tablets for each child as an extension of STEM as students have access to online resources and programs to reinforce other academic courses.

    Classrooms

    Teachers/Aides

    Students

    Administrators

    Get YourAnswer Here

    What types of specials do elementary students have?

    The elementary program provides specials classes to enrich its core academic program. These courses traditionally include STEM, P.E., Spanish, Art, and Music.

    What is offered outside the classroom?

    The elementary department offers several learning enrichment and extra curricular activities outside of the classroom. Clubs takes place after school on various days of the week and operate during Club Weeks. Clubs are offered based on availability to various grade levels each semester and include Spanish Club, Art Club, STEM Club, and Leadership Club (clubs are subject to availability each year). Students may also take advantage of the Karate Club that meets twice a week after school through a local partnership program offered on campus. Sports opportunities include indoor soccer, basketball, cheerleading, and summer clinics (sports opportunities are subject to availability and the time of year). 

    Big days for elementary include a Spelling Bee in January and a Career Day in March. Elementary also participates in student activity opportunities through ACSI in areas including Spelling Bee, Math Olympcs, Piano Festival, and Art Competition. 

    Will homework be assigned?

    Students can expect to have 10 minutes of homework per grade level (Example: 30 minutes for 3rd Grade). Students often have time to complete much of this work during the school day.

    How can I communicate with the teachers?

    Each teacher can be reached through e-mail (first.last@bbafnc.org). Staff should respond within 24 hours, not including weekends.

    What types of extra curricular activities do you have for elementary?

    Several clubs and activities have been added to enrich the core academic program for elementary students at Berean. An Art Club and a STEM Club are available each semester, and students can join the Karate Club which takes place on Tuesday and Thursdays after school. We are continuing to expand our after school clubs each year and are looking for parents or those within the community to lead a new club.

    How do I order lunch?

    Parents can either order lunch for their child through the online lunch portal or send their child to school with a lunch.