Curriculum

As parents, educators, and Christians, we believe that our faith should shape everything we do. Our love for the Savior isn't limited to an hour on Sundays, nor is saving faith instructed only in Religion class. Instead, our students are taught to incorporate their faith in every subject and life situation, both within and outside of school. In addition, our staff takes great care to select curriculum that meets or exceeds standards, as well as that which does not conflict with our Christian beliefs.

Read about how St. Matthew has been recognized for best practices as an Exemplary School by the LCMS, Michigan District.

Christ Centered and Academically Strong

Kindergarten

The beginning of Kindergarten is a very exciting time in a child's life. Going to school for a full day has many adventurous transitions, and we create a warm environment that will love and guide each of our students through all of these new adjustments. Spiritually, students grow in their faith through the study of God's Word. Old and New Testament stories help them learn more about God's faithfulness and everlasting love. Early literacy skills begin to blossom as sounds and letters emerge into actual words and written text. In Kindergarten, students will understand fiction and non-fiction texts, character study, use of prior knowledge, understand setting, retell story events, and make predictions.

First Grade

First grade is such an amazing year of growth and maturity! Students continue to focus upon learning about God's love and protection through Old and New Testament Bible stories. They also begin to memorize Scripture verses so that faith grows, and they learn that God cares about their everyday lives. In first grade, the literacy adventure continues as students continue to develop early reading strategies that include print strategies, text features, questioning, non-fiction reading strategies, and character study.

Second Grade

Second grade is such a fun age! Through the study of Old and New Testament stories, students learn how God touched the lives of people long ago and how He is a vital part of our lives today. Memory work continues to strengthen this concept as well as build each child's knowledge of God and His Word. Students continue to develop reading strategies that include summarizing, identifying the main idea, sequencing, making predictions, reading for specific detail, and drawing conclusions.

Third Grade

Third grade is an exciting age of becoming a more independent student. Students continue to grow spiritually by learning more about God's grace, mercy, and love by focusing on the key concepts of Law and Gospel, confession, repentance, and forgiveness. Memory work is given to assist in grasping these concepts with a heavy concentration upon the Ten Commandments. Students continue to develop and cultivate their reading skills, especially vocabulary and comprehension. Specific strategies include retelling, identifying the main idea, questioning, reading for specific detail, etc.

Fourth Grade

Fourth graders study the Old and New Testaments to understand God's plan of salvation for all through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Committing God's Word to memory, as well as the Commandments and the Apostle's Creed, builds the necessary foundation for knowing and accessing His Word in daily life. In the language arts, units of study develop skills in vocabulary, comprehension, and writing to develop strategies to become proficient writers on a daily basis. Students learn about narrative, informational, and persuasive techniques as they plan, revise, edit, and share their writing with an audience.

Fifth Grade

Fifth grade students process Biblical themes that explore elements of the Six Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine, and use the same for memorization. The language arts are centered on summarizing and critiquing stories and informational texts to form ideas, opinions, and feelings in response. Students write informative, narrative, and opinion papers.

Sixth Grade

Sixth graders explore historical accuracies of both Old and New Testaments as they grow in God's grace through key concepts of repentance, forgiveness, and grace, and are encouraged to put these truths into action in their lives. God's Word is studied and several of the Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism are the basis for memorization and practice in students' daily walk in Christ.

Seventh Grade

Seventh graders study Old and New Testament teachings, as well as benefit from weekly Confirmation and Apologetics classes with our Youth Minister John Welte. Memorization and application of God's Word and many of the Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism are key to the life of young Christian teens. Literature students refine critical thinking skills and written compositions, as well as analyze theme, claim, and supporting evidence.

Eighth Grade

In preparation for their Christian walk, and life beyond middle school, eighth grade students benefit from the two-fold approach in religion class of Apologetic discussions and strategies, as well as in-depth study of New Testament books for immediate life application. Furthermore, memorization of the Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism and Scripture verses solidifies the Christian belief. Literature deeply engages students in thorough analysis of non-fiction and fiction materials through both verbal and written discussion.

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