MORE ABOUT 1st THROUGH 12th GRADES AT CDS

LOWER SCHOOL (TK-5):

Lower school is an exciting introduction to the wonderful world of learning. High academic standards and a developmentally appropriate and nurturing environment combine to foster a love for learning, self-confidence, and maturing interpersonal skills. These early years are devoted to acquiring the elementary skills and knowledge that will provide a solid foundation for further learning. 

Reading is at the core of the lower school academic program. In the early grades, students learn to read through a phonics-based curriculum, invigorated by a rich genre of classical and contemporary literature. Students progress from recognizing and decoding to reading fluently with comprehension. Reading is complemented by spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and writing. 

Math begins with hands-on exercises to teach numeric concepts. Computational skills are learned and practiced using a variety of teaching methods. Special emphasis is placed on a mastery of math facts and on their application to real-life problems. The mathematics curriculum is further enhanced by both remedial and enrichment instruction and is supplemented by computer programs in the computer lab.

Lower school students receive a comprehensive education with instruction in Bible, science, social studies, music, art, physical education, computer, library, and French. In addition, field trips — directly related to subjects being studied — help enrich the curriculum.

UPPER SCHOOL (6-12):

Continuing with our passion for excellence in the lower school, the upper school program fosters intellectual maturity through a rich, varied, and challenging curriculum including Bible, language arts, mathematics, science, history, social studies, ethics, Latin, French, Spanish, and physical education. Covenant Day School also offers a variety of electives ranging from the fine arts to advanced computer science.

Upper school is a time of significant change in the lives of students. Their bodies are changing. Their minds are changing. Their abilities are changing. They begin to question and to challenge. “Is this my parents’ faith or is it my own?” “Is my Christianity rational?” “Do I embrace biblical values or the culture’s?” These are just a few of the important questions facing our young people.

Working with parents, CDS teachers come along side of parents to direct the academic, social, and spiritual changes of the young adolescent toward both intellectual and spiritual maturity. 


Peer relationships are important for upper school students. Chapel services, class devotions, Bible studies with teachers, school-sponsored social events, community projects, athletics, and upper school retreats are just a few of the programs designed to encourage the development of life-long, healthy relationships.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:

The mission of the Special Academic Services department of Covenant Day School is to help each student achieve his or her God-given potential through direct service to students with assessment and therapeutic intervention, to teachers with consultation and classroom support, and to parents.

Professionally-trained staff provides in-depth educational and perceptual assessment to determine learning weaknesses and assist teachers in academic planning for success for the referred students. Assistance in screening for possible ADHD and support for parents as they proceed toward a diagnosis is also provided.

Therapeutic intervention is offered through the Discovery Program which utilizes NILD therapy in two weekly 80-minute sessions of individualized therapy. Students in this program demonstrate greater confidence, gains in academic achievement, more independence in learning, and greater self-advocacy in the educational setting.

The Student Tracking Assignment Resource (STAR) program is also offered to students needing extra assistance in organizational areas of their education. Support beyond the customary assistance provided by classroom teachers is offered so students leave campus at the end of school organized and ready to complete at-home assignments. Typically this is of benefit to middle and high school students.