Academic Growth

At First Immanuel, we challenge students academically in a setting that nurtures the gifts each child possesses. Our focus is on 21st Century skills like collaboration, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving. Our differentiated learning approaches facilitate successful learning for all students. Remedial and advanced curriculum planning are made available to keep the desire to learn alive for all students. A fully staffed Learning Resource Center is available for students who need extra assistance or who wish to be more challenged through independent study.


Technology is incorporated into all facets of our students’ learning. Every child in grades 1-3 has an iPad assigned to them, and every child in grades 4-8 has a laptop. We also have iPads to be checked out for classroom use in grades 4-8. All of our K-8 classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards and Apple computers, to allow more interactive learning opportunities. Students in grades K-5 have formal computer training in our state-of-the-art computer lab. First Immanuel is truly at the forefront of educational technology. 


Reading and writing are emphasized at all grade levels. First Immanuel uses the “Good Habits, Great Readers” language arts curriculum to individualize reading instruction, and students learn how to spell and read using a unique combination of phonics and whole-language development. The best practice “Six Traits of Writing” program has been integrated into all subjects requiring written work. In Middle School, all students participate in a weekly "Wildcat Writer Workshop," and Writing Coach, which provides students with "real life" applied writing opportunities. 


Beginning in 6th grade, students have an opportunity to test into advanced math classes. Older students may test into high-school level Algebra and Geometry.  


Our science curriculum is very hands on, allowing our students to discover all the wonders of God’s creation. Our middle school science classes are held in a state-of-the art science lab, where experiments can be safely run. Our curriculum focuses on earth science, life science and physics, and problem solving through the scientific method. We have a science fair that is held every 3 years. 


In foreign language we offer Spanish instruction to students in grades 4-8. 7th and 8th grade students receive instruction from a Spanish teacher. The Spanish curriculum taught over the 7th and 8th grade years combined is the equivalent of a high school Spanish 1 course. A final exam administered at the end of the 8th grade year to measure readiness for Spanish II in high school. Instruction in grades 4-6 utilizes Duolingo, an online program that provides fun, game-like lessons to keep students motivated and excited about learning a new language. 

Artistic Growth

Art and music are part of our curriculum at every grade level. In art classes, our elementary school children experiment with a broad range of media, from watercolors to pottery to textiles. 


In 4th and 5th grades, students explore folk art from around the world. In middle school, art classes include the study and appreciation of significant historic and contemporary artists. In additional to regular assignments, each middle school student completes a self-directed quarterly project based on the work of an artist of their choosing.  Students work in our well-supplied art studio, which includes large work tables and a kiln.  


In music classes, our curriculum is based on the Orff Schulwerk approach, which helps children discover and appreciate music through singing, chanting, clapping, dancing and drumming. Older children begin learning the recorder and rhythm instruments, and explore world music, the Western European Masters, and American Jazz and Blues.   Beginning in 5th grade, our students have an opportunity to participate in individual and group band instrument lessons. A variety of other musical extracurricular activities are offered during the school year. Students also have the opportunity to sing in church, for community organizations, and in local vocal competitions. Every three years, we hold an all-school Fine Arts Festival. On another three-year cycle, our 4th-8th graders participate in a musical theater production.

Physical Growth

Physical education is a part of each student’s experience. All physical education classes stress healthy living, fitness and coordination, and are taught by a certified physical education instructor in our large, fully equipped gymnasium. 


Unlike most public schools, our students participate in interscholastic athletics beginning in the 5th grade. Boys can participate in cross country, soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and softball. Girls can participate in volleyball, cross country, soccer, basketball, pom/dance, track.   We also offer a camp-style volleyball experience for 3rd & 4th grade girls during the fall volleyball season and a camp-style basketball experience for 1st & 2nd grade boys and girls during the winter basketball season.


Many of our interscholastic sports teams compete very successfully in local, state and even national tournaments. In spite of that, our teams always emphasize fellowship, equal playing time and sportsmanship above winning. Every child who is interested in playing makes the team and is fully encouraged and supported by coaches and teammates.

Social Growth

First Immanuel is a caring community. We strive for a close-knit family atmosphere where staff, teachers and parents work together to nurture our students’ development. Our Christian principles are taught in the classrooms and woven into the daily activities and routines of the school. Students and faculty conduct their everyday interactions with love and forgiveness.


We encourage students in different grade levels to work together and help each other. Our younger grades will pair with older grades as reading buddies, to work together on special projects, and complete other activities. Student Council representatives from grades 5-8 work together to organize social and service events for the school. “Chapel Families” mix students from many grades into “families” of 10-12 students that sit together for chapel services. Older Chapel Family members escort younger students to chapel, sit with them and help them follow along with the service, songs and prayers. 


Our teachers have high expectations of student behavior, but enforce them in a loving way. This leads not only to good discipline, but also to good disciples for life. “Respect Guidelines” serve as our guide to behavior at First Immanuel. First Immanuel has a strict anti-bullying policy, and plans of discipline are well-established, specific and age appropriate.  


First Immanuel does not require uniforms, but there are age-appropriate dress codes for each of our schools. We believe this allows students the opportunity for self-expression while providing guidelines that help them learn how to make modest and appropriate choices.

Spiritual Growth

The entire academic experience at First Immanuel is Christ-centered. Everything we do embodies our faith. Whether it is a discussion in science class, a boys’ basketball game, or eating lunch together, every teacher and staff member acts on behalf of the students with Christ at the center of it all.


Each school day opens and closes with devotions. Weekly chapel services provide additional opportunities for students to share their faith with each other and grow in Christ. Every grade has an age-appropriate religion class where students dig into the Word of God and our tenets of faith. Students are active in Christian ministries and service activities designed to enhance their growth as a disciple of Christ. 


Students hold collection drives for the military, foreign missions, and needy local families. Residents of LaSata Care Center are treated to regular visits from students who sing for the Center’s “Glory & Praise Time.”  In addition to the service projects organized through school, every student in grades 5 through 8 is responsible for completing four different “Living Stones” service projects each year. Each of the projects serves a different need: one serves the church, one serves the community, one serves a faith-based organization, and one is a special service project designed by the student. Through these projects students learn the importance of serving Christ through serving others, and find the ways in which they can best be of service to God and community.