Faith Christian School Newsletter

“Classical Showcase is not just a way to show parents what their students are learning, but another tool used to teach.” ~ Graham Whitaker

Graham Whitaker shared how recitation chapels shaped him “Each year at this time, the Lower School gathers for the Classical Showcase. This is a distinct and critical part of this education we call Christian and classical. Faith Christian School defines Christian classical education as “a time-honored and results-proven, robust method of educating junior kindergarteners through the twelfth grade by inspiring what comes naturally to all children: a love for learning, a deep desire to discover, unending curiosity, and endless questions. While inspiring these, it also cultivates in the hearts, minds, and souls of students a desire to see God and the world as He intends, and to ‘be able to thrive in all of life— intellectually, spiritually, vocationally, and avocationally. During my Lower School years, I learned scriptures, poems, catechisms, hymns, and, of course, the history chant, that I memorized and went on to recite on this stage. The memorization builds capacity for retaining information, and the things your children memorize are connected to the learning done in class. These skills have served me well now through the years to my upcoming graduation. They provided me with a deep well of information and experiences from which I—and they—can draw to benefit their learning now and forever onwards.” For the full story visit: info.fcsva.com/classical-showcase-2025

Third Grade Mrs. Bower

“Third grade marks a season of growing responsibility and confidence. They write and recite original paragraphs, memorize grammar jingles, and diagram sentences. Bible class includes scripture memory, catechisms, and applying God’s Word. Students also explore creation through nature study.”

Third graders confidently introduce and explain their recitations, offering insight into the meaning behind each carefully chosen piece.

Fourth Grade Mrs. Wolpert

“In fourth grade, we focus on helping students become life-long learners who are curious, ask thoughtful questions, and communicate clearly through writing and speaking. We read classic literature and emphasize deep understanding in math by discovering principles before learning procedures. In Bible, we study catechisms— questions and answers that summarize core Christian beliefs. In history, we explore the medieval period and highlight the Western tradition that shaped America’s history, values, and Christian faith. “

Fourth graders recite “Fleas” with dramatic flair, capturing the hardship and humor of life in the Middle Ages.

Fifth Grade Mrs. Pendleton “Students grow and mature as they take on new responsibilities in fifth grade. They help with car duty, raise the flags, ring the school bell, share morning announcements, and serve as mentors to their JK buddies. These activities help prepare them for middle school. Academically, students begin to see how their learning is connected. They can identify the part of speech of a word in Grammar because of their foundation in Latin, use context clues from Literature to understand a passage in the Bible, or recognize cause and effect in a novel that ties to a historical event they’ve studied. We are equipping them to make meaningful connections across subjects and to continue growing as life-long learners.”

Fifth grade students recite Matthew 5:1–10, the Beatitudes. In Bible class, they explore the words of Jesus and learn how to live out these truths in daily life.

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