2026-2027 Program Updates | Curriculum Updates
Building a Stronger Foundation: Curriculum Updates Coming to Early Education, Lower & Middle School
At Christ Academy, we take seriously the responsibility of choosing curriculum that does more than check boxes. We want every program in every classroom to reflect our commitment to excellence, to the whole child, and to preparing our students well for whatever comes next.
Our Academic Leadership Team, made up of division heads and administrators, follows a curriculum review cycle to evaluate what is working well, where there is room to grow, and how students might be better served. Teachers are brought into the review process and are given the opportunity to weigh in, vet curriculum options, and share what they see in the classroom every day. We are grateful for the teachers and leaders who give their time and expertise to our students.
This fall, we are introducing updates to our Early Education, Lower School, and Middle School curricula. We want our families to know what is changing, why, and what it means for their students.
EC4: Readiness & Writing - Handwriting Without Tears
For our EC4 students, we are introducing Readiness & Writing from Handwriting Without Tears, a hands-on curriculum designed to build the academic readiness, fine motor skills, and social-emotional foundations that set children up for kindergarten success. Students will move progressively from exploring colors and developing pencil grip to tracing and writing letters with confidence, beginning their journey toward literacy the right way.
EC4: Drops in the Bucket - Daily Math Practice
Also new for EC4 is Drops in the Bucket, a daily math practice program built on spaced practice, reinforcement, and repetition. Because the format never changes, students are working independently within just the first few days, allowing teachers to work with small groups and individualized support. It also serves as an intentional bridge to our kindergarten math curriculum.
Kindergarten through Grade 6: HMH Into Math Version 2.0
This fall, we are replacing Saxon Math with HMH Into Math Version 2.0 for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6. When we learned that Saxon would be discontinued in the next two years, we made the decision to move up our math curriculum review rather than wait, giving us the time to evaluate options carefully, involve our teachers in the process, and adopt something we were confident in before the transition became urgent. Into Math builds on the concept-spiraling direct instruction our teachers valued in Saxon while adding the hands-on learning, digital tools, and real-world application that today's students need, not just for the next grade level, but for life. Built-in adaptive technology also helps teachers differentiate instruction and ensure every student is growing.
If you have questions about any of these changes, please feel free to reach out to our principal.