School | Cross of Glory

Cross of Glory Lutheran School and Preschool

From Principal Aguilar

On behalf of the entire Cross of Glory family, I want to extend a warm welcome to you.
Thank you for visiting our website.

Our school’s core Biblical values, robust curricular and co-curricular offerings and impressive test results certainly are evident and important segments of our school community. However, what excites me most about Cross of Glory Lutheran School is the opportunity to witness the transformative power of God’s love through a formal Christian education from preschool through 8th grade.

Parents tell us year after year about the positive impact of their Cross of Glory experience. I invite you to take a look around this site or, better yet, visit us in person. I have no doubt that you will be impressed and inspired when you see our dynamic teachers and enthusiastic students in action.

Wishing you God’s blessings today and every day,

"We love so much about COG. The faculty and staff, the Bible based curriculum, the small community, and the normalcy you’ve provided for our students this year.

"Our greatest desire is for our children to know who they are in Christ and how that shapes all areas of life, and we have seen this shared desire among the teachers and staff at COG."

"We are beyond thankful to have found Cross of Glory and for the great impact it's had on our son! We've seen him blossom not only academically but in his faith. It's truly been such a blessing to witness!"

Academics

The curriculum at Cross of Glory Lutheran seeks to educate the mind and enlighten the heart through the timeless truths of God’s Word. Cross of Glory’s curricular framework is balanced and comprehensive. Its design promotes cognitive growth in all of its objectives, activities, strategies, and resources. The curriculum takes into account the wide range of cultural backgrounds and learning styles of its students, offering flexibility to remediate the struggling student while at the same time enriching the gifted learner. The Cross of Glory Lutheran student will be fully equipped with the tools needed to succeed in and out of the classroom.

Preschool

Starting at the base level of our education system, students in our three and four-year-old preschool are exposed to many new concepts about the world. Sticking to the scientifically backed research of the importance of play in early child education (http://www.naeyc.org/play) our preschool offers ample amounts of time for these young students to grow in variety of ways in their playful interactions with each other and the staff. Throughout the week, our students are exposed to various subject areas such as math, reading, writing, art, music, science, history, and other STEM activities. Our four-year-old preschool reading series is directly tied into our Kindergarten and lower grades reading curriculum to ensure students are properly prepared to succeed in these years as developing readers.

Religion

The key component in Cross of Glory’s religion curriculum is the Christ-Light series, which presents both Old and New Testament Bible stories in an exciting, colorful, and memorable way. Each lesson has a key truth that is meaningfully discussed and applied to the children’s lives. This comprehensive curriculum gives students a strongly rooted foundation in God’s Word, equipping them to live as children of God. Memorization skills are enhanced as students commit to memory Bible passages. Every Wednesday morning the students gather for a brief children’s devotion in the chapel. Parents and friends are invited to join the students for this devotion. The 7th and 8th grade students will take a two-year doctrine course with our Pastors that examines the teachings of God’s Word.

Math

A thorough mathematics curriculum is critical for success in our ever-changing world. The traditional math approach at Cross of Glory gives students a firm foundation in computation, math concepts, problem solving strategies, and data interpretation. This foundation is constructed through daily instruction and review in a cumulative manner. Ample time is provided to grant individual assistance until the concepts are mastered. The math program is experiential in nature and employs manipulative and real life situations to build mathematical knowledge. Students in the middle school who demonstrate above-average aptitude in mathematics will be placed into an accelerated math program.

Language Arts

A clear understanding of the English language is imperative for success in all areas of the curriculum and everyday life. Sienna Lutheran’s language arts curriculum accomplishes this through its integration of reading, phonics programs, writing, spelling, grammar, and oral expression in a sequential and developmentally appropriate order.

READING: Students develop a love for reading through phonics-based instruction that incorporates thematic units of high quality literature, poetry, short stories, and plays. The curriculum emphasizes listening and comprehension skills, while developing the ability to read critically. Each classroom has a library with appropriate book selection.
WRITING: Students are taught to be proficient writers in a step-by-step composition process that includes phrases, sentences, paragraphs, reports, letters, poetry, journals, and short stories. Grammar is taught and stressed in all writing lessons. Students are encouraged to exercise their free expression in creative writing exercises
SPELLING: The spelling component of the curriculum develops the sound/spelling connection in language, provides dictation practice, and incorporates and reviews vocabulary words in weekly units.
ORAL EXPRESSION: Students develop public speaking skills through experiences in show-and-tell, oral reports, and class presentations.

Technology

The development and use of modern technology continues to evolve and shape our lives. In order to gain proficiency in this technological, computer exploration begins in kindergarten, with much more rigorous use in middle and upper grades. Students are given the opportunity to develop familiarity with the physical structure of computers and with operating various computer programs to supplement cognitive growth. Our lower grade classrooms are equipped with computer equipment, numerous educational software titles, and high-speed Internet access that are utilized in a variety of contexts and disciplines. Educational software programs are incorporated into the curriculum as a way of enriching the overall academic program. Our middle and upper grade classrooms boast a 1:1 Chromebook to student ratio which allows technology use to be integrated into many different disciplines. Use of the computer is regularly incorporated into the curriculum as a way of enriching the overall academic progress.

Science

The science curriculum at Cross of Glory Lutheran leads children to a greater appreciation of the awe-inspiring, created world in which they live. By means of textbook investigation, hands-on experimentation, special group projects, and technology-aided presentations, students discover various aspects of physical, earth, and life sciences. Special emphasis will be placed on developing skills such as observing, comparing, hypothesizing, predicting, measuring, testing, and interpreting.

Social Studies

The scope of study in Cross of Glory’s social studies curriculum includes exposure to a variety of social science disciplines: world cultures, values and customs, history, geography, sociology, current events, economics, and civics. Instruction and activities in these areas are structured to help young students develop skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, cause-and-effect relationships, and reading charts, maps, and graphs. This curriculum aspires to give students the necessary tools to be active, well-adjusted citizens and leaders in today’s world.

Music

Cross of Glory’s music program contains the integrated components of music theory, voice development, and music appreciation. Basic elements such as notation, rhythm, and music terminology prepare the children to read music and explore musical instruments. Vocal skills are developed through pitch exploration, ear training, and classroom singing. Students are introduced to famous composers and some of their works. In an effort to showcase the musical talents and accomplishments of our young musicians, several public performances are planned throughout the year. Individual piano lessons are offered through various teachers.

Art

Concepts such as line, shape, form, color, pattern, design, and composition are developed in an art curriculum that allows children to express their creativity and discover their talents. Young artists learn to value not only the product, but also the process. The children also enjoy exposure to well-known artists, their unique styles, and classical works. Other goals include development of fine motor skills, improvement of hand-eye coordination, and experiences in collaborative learning. Projects are displayed in the main gathering space near the office.

Physical Education

The goals of Cross of Glory’s physical education program include: instruction in the rules, skills, and strategies of team and individual sports; physical fitness and cardiovascular development; practical experiences in leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship; and development of a positive self-image in a safe, structured environment. Expectations include participation in all games and activities, respect for peers and instructors, proper care of equipment, and cooperation. The P.E. program is designed to enable each child to achieve success while developing an interest in life-long physical activity. Participation in P.E. for students with medical problems or physical limitations will be modified as needed.