Pasadena Christian School
Curriculum
TK - 8th Grade
Curriculum at Pasadena Christian School is thoughtfully crafted, contingent on California Common Core Standards for English Language Arts, Mathematics, and History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools for Social Studies/History; California Next Generation Science Standards for K-8 science. Supplemental material is used and created by teachers to enhance curriculum to meet and exceed what is outlined in the standards. Subscriptions from reputable sources such as Renaissance, for Reading and Math, act as reinforcements; Freckle is the medium utilized for math practice and Accelerated Reader for sharpening reading comprehension. Test scores over the years have displayed that PCS students are performing at least two grade levels above the national average.
Curriculum is reviewed on a cyclical basis, each subject reviewed every six years to determine if or when a new curriculum should be found that better meets the PCS curricular goals for each subject. When a decision is made to seek a new curriculum, teachers and administrators review and pore over several publishers, using an evaluation tool and rubric, specific to the subject, then a decision is made as to which curriculum to purchase, if necessary. As recently as the 2025-2026 school year, TK-5th has adopted Mystery Science as the main science curriculum.
At Pasadena Christian School, we value strong partnerships and open communication with parents/guardians. Report cards are issued each quarter, and parent-teacher conferences provide opportunities to discuss each child’s progress and goals. Teachers are also available to meet with parents whenever additional support or dialogue is needed.
In these foundational years, Pasadena Christian educators nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, explore ideas deeply, and grow in both character and knowledge as they build the groundwork for lifelong learning and Christ-centered citizenship.
Choral Music Groups
PCS has a wonderful tradition of choral music participation. All students TK-6 are required to participate in choral performances. Performances for most grade levels include Grandparent’s Day, Christmas Program, Book Fair, as well as other special events.
Transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students participate in the Kinder Choir and their performance is always a favorite part of our school events. Although young, they learn the foundation of choral direction and showing expression through song. As members of the choral group, Kingdom Kids, comprised of first and second grade students, continue to build on their knowledge of music and enjoy performing more selections in a larger group. Third and fourth grade students are Joyful Sounds - they enjoy more complex arrangements and participate in the spring musical. Choral Workshop is available to fifth and sixth grade students. This gives our older students the opportunity to build upon earlier teachings and to further explore the beauty of choral performances, including the spring musical. In addition to performing on campus, Choral Workshop has enjoyed performing in our local community. All choral groups rehearse one day a week during the school day with a dedicated choral director. Additional rehearsals are added before performances.
Instrumental Music
Beginning in second grade, students have the opportunity to receive group instruction for a string instrument. Students in fourth through sixth grade may select from other instrument families and may be able to participate in orchestra. These group lessons occur the school day and do not require any additional fees. Students of instrumental music perform for Grandparent’s Day, Christmas Program, and the Winter Concert. The Chamber Orchestra also performs for graduation.
Visual Arts
All students in preschool through fifth grade receive instruction in the visual fine arts by a dedicated art instructor. Students participate in various projects including a dedicated study of master artists. In addition to learning techniques and mediums, students learn about the historical significance of the art, and of the interesting lives of the artists.
Computer
*All students receive instruction in the Computer Lab once a week from a full-time Computer Lab instructor. Kindergarten and 1st grade students focus on learning the computer interface and doing simple programming projects in Scratch. 2nd-5th grade
students work on a year-long theme in which all projects relate to the theme (2nd plan a
class party, 3rd plan a picnic at an area park, 4th plan a fair, 5th plan a road trip).
*In junior high, students have the option of selecting different computer-related electives
that expose students to concepts and skills such as coding games, creating websites,
simulating managing a water park, operating a food truck, and more.
*Google Classroom is used in grades 2-8 for projects that incorporate Google Docs,
Slides, Sheets, Drawing, Maps, Earth, Google SketchUp, and more to complete
projects. Starting in grade 2, students are assigned keyboarding homework (students
can test out by demonstrating keyboarding proficiency to the teacher).
Spanish
Spanish is offered to all elementary students, TK-5th, as a required extracurricular class.
As a part of their weekly schedule, students intake vocabulary as well as conversational
Spanish through extensive mediums such as simulations or songs. In junior high,
students have the option of selecting Spanish as one of their electives; both beginning
and advanced courses are offered.
Physical Education
The Physical Education (PE) Department at PCS is committed to leading and focusing
on a curriculum that encourages students to adopt a lifetime of wellness and fitness.
Regardless of athletic ability, our aim is to introduce students to various activities that
promote long-term enjoyment and can be embraced for life. Through the program,
students will understand how maintaining fitness contributes to both their mental and
social well-being. Students engage in individual and team-based activities that foster the
development of sportsmanship, teamwork, cooperation, and a Christ-like attitude.
Annual Objectives:
1. Neuromuscular Development – Focus on improving motor skills
2. Organic Development – Promote physical fitness
3. Cognitive Development – Enhance the acquisition and application of knowledge
4. Social-Emotional Development – Teach emotional regulation and control
5. Effective Use of Leisure Time – Encourage meaningful use of free time