Our curriculum emphasizes Christ and God’s saving love. Grades K-6 receive systematic study of Bible stories, fundamental Christian doctrines, prayers, hymns and Bible verses, which help make God more meaningful in the child’s life. Grades 7&8 receive a more in-depth study of the Bible and participate in confirmation classes with the pastor.

Reading skills are essential in order to understand the written Word of our Lord. The Word is key to a strong faith. In addition, reading skills are vital for functioning as a Christian in the world. The reading program teaches reading skills including decoding, comprehension, and interpretation. Decoding skills are introduced in Kindergarten and emphasized in Grades 1-3. Comprehension skills are stressed beginning with Grade 3 and continued through Grade 6. Grades 7&8 study novels- some classics and some contemporary fiction (usually Newberry Award winners).

Our Lord has created an orderly world in which the rules of mathematics are found in every aspect of life. The math program emphasizes the traditional four basic functions – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Problem solving is introduced in Kindergarten and expanded on in later grades. Grades 5-8 expand on these functions, learn basic geometry skills, and are introduced to Algebra concepts. Depending on ability, Algebra I may be offered in Grade 8.

God has given us the written and spoken word for many reasons. The most important reason is to spread the message of salvation. In order to function properly in our world communication is critical. The language arts program includes the areas of spelling, grammar, writing skills, and penmanship. The goal is learning to properly express oneself through the written word. Penmanship skills are taught in grades 1-4 and continue to be emphasized throughout the elementary grades.

This important area of study forms proper attitudes of Christian citizenship and a working knowledge of the world in which we live. Berea’s program studies God’s hand in geography, history, and government to develop an awareness of the child’s immediate surroundings – home, community, and expanding to include the local area, state, nation, and the world.

God’s Creation is brought to the child in a sequential program similar to that in our social studies curriculum. The child is exposed to those things that are close to him. We build on this to expand his horizons in the scientific world. We strive to develop a questioning attitude, observant behavior, and an ability to solve problems through the scientific method. We emphasize God’s wonderful design and order in the world of science.

The Lord has given us the gift of music as a wonderful way to praise Him. Our music program strives to give the student growth in the understanding, awareness, and enjoyment of music through participation in singing, listening, and rhythmic movement, as well as a study of music theory and music appreciation. Students present much of what they have learned throughout the year in conjunction with a performance at a program at the end of the year. Our students also have the opportunity to praise their Lord through singing songs of praise in our church worship services and Christmas and Easter programs, as well as in their daily devotions and Hymnology classes.

Keeping physically fit not only pleases God, but it contributes towards one’s well-being and scholastic achievement. We strive for the development of fitness, coordination, good health habits, and a proper mental attitude. We use cooperative games and movement activities, and introduce sports such as basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, floor hockey, etc. Our own playground, playfield, the Activity Center gymnasium, and area parks are used for Physical Education.

Berea Lutheran Church is a member of the Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC), which is a synod of churches that believe, teach, and confess the same thing. Berea Lutheran Church is located in Inver Grove Heights, which is a southern suburb of St. Paul, MN.

Mission: “Training Hearts and Minds” We strive to assist parents with the Christian education of their children. God’s Word is applied in every class and activity throughout the day. Our goal is that the children in our care grow in their knowledge of their Savior Jesus Christ, and be equipped for useful, God-pleasing lives.

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