The elementary school at Starkville Academy provides a strong educational foundation in a nurturing, Christian environment. The faculty and parents work hand in hand to insure that the children are growing academically, physically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Through the excellent curriculum and enrichment programs, our students are striving to meet the educational goals that will prepare them for junior high and high school.

Mathematics

Students in kindergarten – 6th grade use the A Beka Arithmetic series. It approaches mathematics from a traditional perspective, concentrating on mathematical concepts and applications. It promotes the development of computational and problem-solving skills, incorporating practice problems and a comprehensive system of review and testing. Elementary arithmetic begins with the most basic concrete mathematical processes, emphasizes arithmetic facts and skills, and includes concepts such as fractions, decimals, percents, basic geometry, ratio, and proportion.

Reading

 Kindergarten students learn basic phonics using the Harcourt Trophies series. By the end of kindergarten, the students are able to blend letter sounds into words and sentences, and most have a reading vocabulary of approximately 400 words. Grades 1-6 also use Harcourt Trophies, a comprehensive reading program that focuses on literacy skills, phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing. In addition, grades 2-6 incorporate the Accelerated Reader program to improve reading comprehension.

English

 Students in kindergarten -1st grade learn basic grammar instruction through their reading programs. Grades 2-6 use the Houghton Mifflin English series. It is a sequential program encompassing traditional grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, composition skills, and quality literature. It provides a framework in which to teach critical thinking, listening and speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary. Alternative strategies for each unit provide whole-class or small-group modeling for every step in the writing process.

Spelling

 First grade students use their own appropriate spelling program. Students in grades 2-6 use the spelling program incorporated in the reading series. They learn correct spelling of words; context clues; homonyms, synonyms, and antonyms; compound words; contractions; prefixes, suffixes, and root words; plurals; and syllabication.

Writing

 Grades K-3 receive formal instruction in penmanship. Manuscript printing is taught in kindergarten and 1st grade. The D'Neilian alphabet is introduced during the second semester of 1st grade. Students in grades 2-3 learn traditional cursive writing.

 Science

 Kindergarten students receive instruction in science through their weekly thematic units. Grades 1-2 use the A Beka Science series, which is a Christian-based study of the universe.
Instruction encourages the students' interest in science by studying about the world around them. The studies of plants, animals, insects, energy, health, seasons, and the five senses provide an introduction to science with emphasis on building student interest and augmenting reading skills. Hands-on activities and activities to increase comprehension of basic science concepts are included. Grades 3-6 uses Harcourt Science. The aim is to help students understand basic principles of science through units such as oceanography, astronomy, weather, vertebrates, the universe, space, and matter. Demonstrations, activities, and review are featured throughout the texts. The curriculum implements the National Science Education Standards and includes their application to the state of Mississippi.

Social Studies

 Kindergarten students learn basic social studies concepts through their weekly units. Students in grades 1-2 use the A Beka social studies series, which offers a Christian approach to United States history, government, and patriotism. Students in grades 3-6 use Harcourt Horizons series. Fourth graders learn about states and regions of the world and have a semester unit on Mississippi. Fifth graders learn US history with emphasis placed on the Civil War and the fifty states and capitals. Sixth graders study world history with emphasis on ancient countries and map skills.

Enrichment Classes

 Each class has 30-40 minutes of instruction weekly:

Art -- Grades K-6
Band -- Grades 5-6 (optional)
Computer-- Grades K-6
Library -- Grades PreK-6
Music -- Grades PreK-4, optional chorus for grades 5-6
Physical Education -- Grades K-6

After School Program

Children in prekindergarten – 6th grade are eligible for after school childcare until 5:30 PM each school day for a nominal fee. Additional information on this service is available in the elementary office.

Discovery Program

 Discovery is a program for intellectually gifted students at SA. Students in grades 3-6 who qualify may participate in this weekly program. Units have been developed to extensively study topics of interest to the students, such as rain forests, mythology, car crash physics, the Middle Ages, etc.

Resource Program

 SA provides a resource program to help meet special needs of children who require a different approach to learning. Children are taught on grade level in small groups or individually. Emphasis is placed on utilizing strategies leading to independent learning.

Spiritual Emphasis

 Starkville Academy strives to instill in each student an appreciation for Christian culture and heritage. Each school day begins with a devotional and prayer. Monthly "spiritual emphasis" programs are led by area ministers and youth leaders within each classroom.