Lower School
Where a Love of Lifelong Learning Begins!
The Lower School consists of Pre-K 3 through Grade 5. Featuring small class sizes, student-centered teaching, and a highly engaging and active curriculum that addresses both spiritual and intellectual growth, the academic program fosters in each student a lifelong love of learning and results in a strong academic foundation.
Students at LSA are known and loved by dedicated faculty and staff who have a passion for ensuring that a strong foundation is being established in the early years of education.
Students study core subjects of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies with their homeroom teachers through a variety of age-appropriate learning experiences and hands-on activities, while specialists enrich the learning and development of their young pupils in the co-curricular areas of Spanish, music, art, technology, and P.E.
On a regular school day, classes begin at 8:00 and end at 3:17 pm.
At LSA, the Lower School faculty and administration work in close partnership with parents, communicate early and often, and encourage parental participation in classroom activities. This teamwork approach fosters a strong mutual commitment to each child's learning experience.
- Pre-Kindergarten
- KINDERGARTEN
- GRADE 1
- GRADE 2
- GRADE 3
- GRADE 4
- GRADE 5
- Lunch & Recess
- Extended Care
- EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- Uniform Policy
Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-Kindergarteners (three- and four-year-olds) explore the world with their senses through varied activities and experimentation. The curriculum for these two age groups revolves around monthly themed units with specific objectives for Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Religion Skills for physical, cognitive, emotion, social, aesthetic, and spiritual development are interwoven within the academic areas.
Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies are incorporated into themes which include Back to School; All About Me; My Family and Friends; Time, Weather and Seasons; January, My Neighborhood; Living Things; The World Around Me; Habitats; and My Favorites. Specific objectives for each unit in Pre-Kindergarten Three differ from the objectives of Pre-Kindergarten Four. Within these monthly themes the religion curriculum teaches the children that Jesus loves them and is their Friend. The Bible stories are presented in chronological order so the children know Jesus as the Savior who takes away sin and is always present in their lives. The concepts from the Bible stories make application to the young child’s life in today’s world.
Individual work in centers, as well as large and small group times, integrates the development of the whole child. Learning centers provide opportunities for hands-on reinforcement of concepts and skills that have been introduced in a group setting. These centers are deliberately planned and organized to give support to the themes, skills and concepts.
Pre-Kindergarten classes participate in Physical Education, Music and Spanish. Students present two programs during the course of the school year, a Christmas and a Spring Program. Students experience Art through planned activities related to the monthly themes. Various media are incorporated into both the guided activities and the free exploration centers. Students are active in worship through weekly Chapel services and through service projects.
KINDERGARTEN
Language Arts
Kindergarten students engage in activities to develop their use of oral language skills in accordance with beginning the foundations of reading and writing. Activities focus on extending vocabulary skills of familiar words while learning words that are conceptually challenging. Students are exposed to classic and contemporary children’s literature. They focus on listening skills to develop comprehension. Students also differentiate between fiction and nonfiction literature.
Students in Kindergarten begin the process of writing, focusing on the sequence of sounds and letters and connecting these concepts. Students begin reading and writing words. In Kindergarten, students write the letters of the alphabet, and using their knowledge of sounds and letters, begin independent writing.
Mathematics
The goals of mathematics in Kindergarten include developing whole number concepts and using patterns and sorting to explore numbers, data, and shape. These key components are building blocks to mathematical processes such as algebraic thinking, quantitative reasoning, number operation, and mathematical expression. Through manipulative materials, students in Kindergarten develop these processes to solve mathematical problems, as well as infer relationships of mathematics in the everyday world.
Religion
The Kindergarten curriculum is designed to assist students in learning the key concepts of faith that reflect children’s growing perceptions of spiritual relationships. These relationships include “Me and God,” “Me, God, and Others,” and “Me, God and my World.” Students worship during weekly Chapel services and also participate in service projects.
Science
Science in Kindergarten introduces the use of simple classroom and field investigations to assist students in asking questions, gathering information, communicating their findings, and making informed decisions. Students focus on components of the natural world. Students develop a sense of seasons and change in the natural world. Students investigate organisms and their parts, and learn how to group living and nonliving organisms based upon their features.
Social Studies
The focus of social studies in Kindergarten is on self, home, family, and the classroom. Students are exposed to our state and national heritage, including patriotic holidays and the contributions of historic figures. Students discuss the
geographic concepts of location and chronology. Meeting basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing is discussed. Authority of home and school, along with customs, symbols, and celebrations are also a focus of social studies in Kindergarten. Through a variety of oral and visual sources, students begin to understand their roles as members of society.
Spanish
Spanish at the Kindergarten level is focused on developing simple usage of common words, along with a cultural emphasis, primarily in the seasonal celebrations. Students in Kindergarten learn simple greetings, colors, numbers (0-10), days of the week, months, animals, body parts, and terminology associated with seasonal celebrations. Kindergarten students also learn expression of language in the form of questions.
Physical Education
Students acquire the knowledge and skills for movements that provide the foundation for enjoyment, social development, and a physically active lifestyle. The students learn fundamental movement and apply concepts dealing with space and body awareness. Students are engaged in activities that develop basic levels of strength, endurance, and flexibility. In addition, students learn to work safely in group and individual movement settings.
Art
Students rely on their perceptions of the environment, memory, imagination, and life experiences as sources for creating artwork. Students use a variety of mediums to create artwork in which they can express their thoughts and ideas creatively, while challenging their imagination and developing problem solving skills.
General Music
Kindergarten students participate in a general music class. Students learn to vocalize appropriately and are introduced to musical concepts including beat, rhythm, pitch, dynamics and tempo. Students sing together as a class and individually with both sacred and secular songs of various genres. Students participate in two musical programs during the course of the school year, a Christmas Musical and a Spring Program. Classes meet twice a week for twenty minutes.
Technology
Students demonstrate a knowledge and appropriate use of hardware components, software programs, and their connections. Students use data input skills to complete an assigned task. Students practice identification of letters and numbers on the keyboard.
GRADE 1
Language Arts
Students continue to develop their language and communication skills toward becoming independent readers and writers. Students listen and respond to a variety of children’s literature, including selections from classic and contemporary works, which stimulates vocabulary development. Students learn decoding techniques to develop their reading skills. Students read stories, poems, and informational text (both orally and silently) which are appropriate in difficulty for their word recognition level and understanding. First semester emphasizes phonics; second semester emphasizes fluency and reading comprehension.
Students demonstrate knowledge and comprehension by asking and answering questions, retelling stories, predicting outcomes, and making and explaining inferences. Students develop their skills as writers, demonstrating the differences between phrases and sentences. Students organize information into stories and journals using grammatical rules. Students work to become proficient spellers.
Mathematics
The primary focal points of mathematics in Grade 1 are adding and subtracting whole numbers, and organizing and analyzing data. Students work to build a foundation of basic number theory, quantitative reasoning, geometric skills, algebraic thinking, and basic mathematical reasoning. Students use numbers to order, compare, label, and express quantities in relationship to solving mathematical problems. Students use informal language to analyze mathematical graphs, geometric properties, and measurement concepts. Students learn to use simple fractions, to tell time to the hour and half hour, and to count coins.
Religion
Religion is designed to assist students in learning key concepts of faith such as Law and Gospel, confession and repentance, forgiveness and grace. This is achieved in accordance with a specific focus on the person, attributes, and work of the Triune God. Students worship during weekly Chapel services and participate in regular service projects.
Science
Students identify components of the natural world while learning to gather information, perform measurements, and draw conclusions. Topics including heat, natural resources, weather, physical health, symbiotic relationships, and living organisms are studied. Students are also exposed to systems and cycles of interaction in terms of space, time, energy, and matter. Students actively explore these properties and apply the components of the scientific method.
Social Studies
The focus of social studies is to develop a relationship between classroom, school, and community. Students piece together elements of chronology among past, present, and future events. Students design simple maps to identify the location of places in the classroom and the world. The value of goods, wants, and services is developed. Students identify historic and ordinary people who are examples of good citizens and study their importance in society. Students build a foundation in history, geography,economics, government, citizenship, and culture.
Spanish
Grade 1 students begin the year by reviewing terminology and expressions from Kindergarten. These concepts assist in leading to the introduction of new Spanish terminology and its usage. Students learn more commands, numbers (0-20), birthdays, zoo animals, family, cultural celebrations, clothes, and school-related vocabulary. Students begin to learn the grammatical usage of the Spanish language by investigating and learning adjectives and prepositions.
Physical Education
Students acquire the knowledge and skills for movements that provide the foundation for enjoyment, social development, and a physically active lifestyle. The students learn fundamental movement and apply concepts dealing with space and body awareness. Students are engaged in activities that develop basic levels of strength, endurance, and flexibility. In addition, students learn to work safely in group and individual movement settings.
Art
Students continue to develop their art skills by relying on their perceptions of the environment, memory, imagination, and life experiences. Art is integrated into the other subject areas.
General Music
Students learn the basics of pitch through the use of pentatonic solfege (do, re, mi, sol and la) in preparation for music literacy and continuing the development of their vocal technique. The concepts of beat, rhythm, tempo and dynamics continue to be emphasized through the use of songs, games and activities. Students participate in two performances each year: a Christmas Musical and a Spring Program. Classes meet two times per week for thirty minutes.
Technology
Students review the five major parts of a computer, the proper care of software and hardware, and identification of letters and numbers on the keyboard. Students will use appropriate terms as they begin using simulation programs to develop problem-solving skills. Under the guidance of the teacher, students use the web to enhance and extend other curricular areas.
GRADE 2
Language Arts
Grade 2 students move from learning to read to reading to learn. They continue to develop their language and communication skills toward becoming independent readers and writers by reading and responding to a wide variety of literature selections including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biography, historical fiction, folklore, and readers’ theater. During whole group, small group, independent instruction, and literacy centers, students learn and practice reading strategies to build comprehension including making inferences, drawing conclusions, comparing and contrasting, and finding main ideas.
Students develop written communication skills through participating in writing workshops incorporating personal narratives, fiction, writing instructions, letter writing, and beginning research. Students also receive direct instruction in sentence structure, parts of speech, grammar, syntax, and spelling patterns. Students practice D’Nealian manuscript handwriting and begin cursive handwriting mid-year.
Mathematics
Students continue to develop a strong foundation in number and problem-solving skills and concepts through direct instruction, technology, use of manipulatives, and independent practice. Students learn place value, adding and subtracting numbers up to three digits, geometry, fractions, American and metric measurement of distance, volume and mass, and multiplication/division readiness.
Religion
Religion instruction focuses on faith development. Students study Old Testament Bible stories illustrating God’s promises and faithfulness and New Testament Bible stories demonstrating His great love for us in Jesus Christ. Students memorize Bible verses, retell stories, and learn to share their growing faith. Students worship during weekly Chapel services and participate in regular service projects.
Science
Second graders continue to investigate Life, Earth, Physical, and Health sciences through the science text, technology, and hands-on activities. Students increase knowledge of plant and insect life cycles, formation of rocks and fossils, movements of earth, moon, and sun, interactions of force, matter, sound, and light. Health topics including care of teeth and safety are part of the curriculum.
Social Studies
Second grade students continue to develop an understanding of self, classroom, and community, and their relationship to society. Students explore citizenship, geography (including map skills and landforms), local, state, and national government, American history, and economics.
Spanish
Students continue to increase their vocabulary, develop grammar skills, and demonstrate understanding of concepts. Students practice use of adjectives and prepositions, reinforce parts of the body, aquatic animals, numbers (0-30 and counting to 100 by 10’s), school vocabulary, and commands. The rich culture of the Hispanic community is emphasized.
Physical Education
Students acquire the knowledge and skills for movements that provide the foundation for enjoyment, social development, and a physically active lifestyle. Students learn to describe the function of the heart, lungs and bones as they relate to movement. Students understand the relationship between physical activity and health throughout life.
Art
The Arts Attack curriculum introduces students to various elements of art including line, color, shape, form, texture, pattern, space, and composition. Students use a variety of art media.
General Music
Students continue to learn the basics of pitch through the use of diatonic solfege (do, re, mi, sol and la) as well as the relationship between beat and rhythm. Proper singing technique is emphasized as well as music literacy and expressive elements to music through song, game, dance, traditional sheet music and other activities. Students participate in two performances a year: a Christmas Musical and a Spring Program. Classes meet two times per week for thirty minutes.
Technology
Students review the five major parts of a computer, the proper care of software and hardware, and demonstrate mastery in identification of letters and numbers on the keyboard and in using the mouse. Students learn the correct procedure for powering up and down a Microsoft Windows system.
GRADE 3
Language Arts
Grade 3 students read and write more independently than in previous grade levels. Students spend time engaged in their own reading and writing as well as in assigned tasks and projects. Students learn root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Students begin to distinguish fact from opinion, as well as to learn to support their inferences by citing portions of text. Students read from a variety of genres including realistic and informative fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Classroom discussion enables students to develop oral skills.
Students write with more proficient spelling as they are instructed in spelling techniques. Continued development of skills in syntax and grammar including word usage, capitalization, and punctuation is emphasized as students write in longer sentences and organize their writing into longer passages. Students master manuscript writing and begin to use cursive writing in the production of writing samples and drafts which have been edited and finalized according to grammatical rules.
Mathematics
Students use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as generalizations connected to concrete experiences. Students are introduced to fractions and decimals. Students use visual mathematics, such as graphs and charts, to develop mathematical understanding. Students learn the correct formal language used to communicate shapes and solids, make predictions, estimate and compare, and solve application problems. Students are equipped with skills necessary to evaluate data and make predictions and decisions to solve mathematical problems.
Religion
The religion curriculum is designed to help students learn the concepts of faith. Topics of instruction include Law and Gospel, confession and repentance, forgiveness and grace, while emphasizing the actions of God on behalf of His people. Lessons reflect the need for the Law, which shows us our sins, and the Gospel, which leads us to God’s grace. Students are encouraged to live in Christ through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Students worship during weekly Chapel services and participate in regular service projects.
Science
Students learn use of the scientific method in a variety of content areas. Students explore systems, physics, forces that cause change, matter, ecosystems, natural resources, layers of the earth, air, and astronomy. Students use tools, technology, and visual resources to accomplish the objectives of this curriculum.
Social Studies
Students build a foundation in history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, society, and social studies skills through a variety of rich resources. Students expand their knowledge through the identification and study of people who make a difference.
Spanish
Spanish offers a comprehensive review of previously-learned Spanish language. Students continue to develop grammar skills including the use of adjectives, prepositions, and simple command words and phrases. Students continue to build school vocabulary and numbers (0-40). They learn new vocabulary in categories including birds and animals of the woods/prairie, health-related concepts, household words, and seasonal cultural celebrations.
Physical Education
Students acquire the knowledge and skills for movements that provide the foundation for enjoyment, social development, and a physically active lifestyle. Students continue to develop strength, endurance, and flexibility. Students demonstrate more mature movement forms, learn age-specific skills, and the health benefits of physical activity. Students begin to learn game strategies, rules, and etiquette.
Art
The goal of the art program is to teach every child to express him/herself through art. The first half of the year emphasizes understanding art elements (line, color, space, balance, etc.) and the development of drawing skills and painting techniques. During the second half of the year, students explore a number of media.
General Music
Students continue to develop musical skills through proper singing technique and rhythmic accuracy. Students often use instruments to reinforce fine motor skills in conjunction with beat and rhythm. Proper singing technique is emphasized as well as music literacy and expressive elements to music through song, games, dance, traditional sheet music and other activities. Students participate in two performances a year: a Christmas Musical and a Spring Program. Classes meet two times per week for thirty minutes.
Technology
Students review the five major parts of the computer, review care of software and hardware, and proper terminology. Students are introduced to keyboarding and begin word processing incorporating graphics into their work. Students continue using the web under the guidance of the teacher.
GRADE 4
Language Arts
Significant blocks of time are devoted to independent reading. Students continue to read selections from classic and contemporary literature, and adapt their reading approach to a variety of texts. Students read for meaning and develop the ability to paraphrase their reading. Students continue to develop a variety of vocabulary words and concepts. Students produce summaries of their reading focused on plot, character analysis, setting, and cause and effect. Students begin to analyze spoken language for meaning by evaluating content and the speaker’s intent.
Written language is developed through direct instruction in parts of speech and spelling. Students use their skills to create manuscripts which are edited and produced as written compositions. Students create responses in complete sentences and communicate their thoughts effectively.
Mathematics
Mathematics reinforces the use of mathematical skills and operational strategies involving numbers. Students apply this learning to analyze graphs, charts, and data to develop comparisons, predictions, and estimation of data involving numbers. Students continue their development in the use of numbers to measure and explore objects along with solving mathematical application problems.
Religion
Religion is designed to assist students in learning key concepts of faith, such as Law and Gospel, confession and repentance, forgiveness and grace, while focusing specifically on the actions of God on behalf of His people. Students study the Biblical patriarchs as well as the life of Christ. Students worship during weekly chapel services and participate in regular service projects.
Science
Students continue to use the scientific method when investigating the natural world. Students explore properties of soil, effects of the oceans on land, and the role of the sun as a major source of energy. Students are active in investigation of matter, especially the cause and effect of change in states of matter. Students investigate living organisms including adaptations, cycles, structures, and processes of interaction with the intent of explaining relationships between living organisms and nonliving matter. Students use a hands-on approach with the materials and tools appropriate for their investigations.
Social Studies
Grade 4 examines the history of Texas from its beginnings to the present. Topics include the Texas revolution, establishment of the Republic of Texas, and subsequent annexation by the United States. The curriculum emphasizes an understanding of the people involved in these events, as well as the numerous populations which are a part of Texas history. Economics, geography, and culture are also topics of study in the exploration of Texas history and Texas today. Students use critical-thinking skills, including generalizations, predictions, and comparison/contrast to better understand the development of the Republic and State of Texas.
Spanish
Grade 4 Spanish adds a component known as Total Physical Response Storytelling (TPRS). The goal is to develop fluency. Students are active in the storytelling process and use this method to develop speaking and comprehension skills. Students add to their vocabulary base by learning household and clothing terms, numbers (0-100), and reviewing previously learned material. As part of the K-12 Spanish curriculum, students continue to learn about cultural and seasonal celebrations in the Hispanic culture.
Physical Education
Students continue to develop strength, endurance, and flexibility. Students demonstrate mature form in fundamental motor and manipulative skills. Students demonstrate more mature movement forms, learn age-specific skills and the health benefits of physical activity. Students continue to learn game strategies, rules, and etiquette.
Art
Four basic strands--perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation--provide broad, unifying structures for organizing the knowledge and skills students acquire.
Instrumental Music
Students have an opportunity to begin learning to play recorder and hand chimes, grow in their knowledge of music, participate in a group activity, and use music as an outlet for self expression to the glory of God. Students participate in instrumental music two days per week.
General Music
Students continue to develop musical skill with a vocal emphasis. Proper singing technique is taught and encouraged in conjunction with songs, games, dances, sheet music and other activities that reinforce musical development. Students also learn music as it relates to history and culture through the study of composers and influential composers. Students participate in two performances a year: a Christmas Musical and a Spring Program. Class meets once per week for thirty minutes.
Technology
Students demonstrate mastery in the use of software, use of the mouse, use of computer terminology, and ability to use software and hardware. Students develop keyboarding skills in conjunction with word processing.
GRADE 5
Language Arts
Students refine and master skills for language development. Focus is on main idea, summarizing, generalizing, inferencing, sequencing, cause and effect, fact and opinion, and drawing conclusions. Students continue to read contemporary and classic literature in several genres. Students are able to organize information and analyze in more depth the use of characterization, plot, conflict, and setting.
Student writing builds on previously learned concepts as students link ideas and produce final, error-free pieces. Specific grammar units in usage and mechanics are taught, supplemented with daily oral language activities. Students incorporate research in cross-curricular areas as they learn to select multiple pieces of text to complete research-based writing assignments. Vocabulary development is another focus of language development.
Mathematics
Students continue to build their knowledge of number theory, number operations, quantitative and spatial reasoning skills, and problem-solving techniques. Students continue to master operational skills using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. These operational skills are combined with instruction in analyzing charts, graphs, shapes, and space, along with problem-solving applications.
Religion
Religion is designed to acquaint students with the concepts of faith. Topics include Law and Gospel, confession, and repentance, forgiveness and grace, while emphasizing the actions of God on behalf of His people. Lessons in Grade Five reflect the need for the Law, which shows us our sins, and for the Gospel, which leads us to see God’s grace. These lessons encourage students to lead a daily life in Christ through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Students also study both the Old and New Testaments and apply the Word in developing God-pleasing relationships with one another.
Science
Science includes the planning and implementing of field and laboratory investigations as students integrate the scientific method into their study. Students study life, physical, and earth sciences. Areas of emphasis include cells, life structures, ecosystems, atmosphere and weather, water on Earth, Earth’s changing surface, the solar system, and properties and structure of matter. Students also participate in a Science Demonstration Day where they research and demonstrate a scientific concept. These demonstrations are performed for other students at Lutheran South Academy. Students use the computer for science research activities.
Social Studies
Students learn the history of the United States from exploration through the 20th Century. Topics include early exploration, the colonial and revolutionary periods, the establishment of the United States, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and major events during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Students study the roots of democratic governance in our nation and its important ideals. Study including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Customs, celebrations, and contributions of various racial and ethnic groups, inventors, and scientists are identified and discussed.
Spanish
Students continue the TPRS method of storytelling to develop Spanish language skills. The goal is to develop fluency. Students learn new commands and numbers up to one thousand. Students learn additional vocabulary for clothing, as well as for pastime activities. Continued emphasis is placed on cultural and seasonal celebrations .
Physical Education
Students demonstrate competence and improved accuracy in manipulative skills. Basic skills including jumping rope, catching, and throwing are used in games. Students continue to learn game strategies, rules, and sportsmanship. Students match different physical activities to health-related fitness components and learn ways to improve fitness based on frequency, intensity, and time.
Art
Students study art through the four basic strands of perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation. Students use art to respond to and demonstrate understanding of concepts across curriculum.
Instrumental Music
Grade 5 students begin learning a band instrument, grow in their knowledge of music, and participate in group activity. Band is an outlet of self expression to the glory of God. Students participate in instrumental music two days per week.
Vocal Music
Students continue to develop musical skill through vocal development. Proper singing technique is developed through vocal warm-ups, rounds, counter melodies and polyphonic harmonies in songs. Games, dances, sheet music and other resources promote musical literacy. Students also learn how music relates to history and culture through the study of composers and influential compositions. Students participate in two performances a year: a Christmas Musical and a Spring Program. Class meets one day per week.
Technology
Students continue to develop their keyboarding skills in conjunction with word processing. They expand their computer knowledge through the use of the computer to complete cross-curricular assignments and projects.
Lunch & Recess
Students Kinder and up eat lunch together in the cafeteria where they may purchase a hot lunch or bring a lunch from home. Our checkout system allows students to purchase lunches using a four digit code. Parents use the MySchoolBucks app for payment.
Recess is scheduled several times a day allowing students to socialize and expend their extra energy in one of our two playground areas.
Extended Care
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Uniform Policy
Content
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LSA Admissions Team
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