Academics
Bella Vista students know that all knowledge comes from God. Bella Vista believes in a
comprehensive program of academic training. We believe learning is cumulative and our
teachers present it in a developmentally appropriate way. We acknowledge that children learn
at different rates and through various methods.
We also believe that having specific PE classes and music classes are important and help with a
student’s academic learning.
Student Assessment
Student progress is monitored regularly with respect to course content and school-wide
learning results (BVCA C.A.R.E.s). Teachers evaluate student academic performance using
teacher made assessments and curriculum driven evaluations. Teachers use multiple measures
and a variety of assessments because we recognize that students learn differently.
In Kindergarten and First Grade, students are given the AIMS Web Literacy and Math
Assessments three times annually to monitor progress and identify students who are at risk so
that additional support can be provided individually in these key areas.
Students in grades 2 through 8 are given the Iowa Basic Assessment in the fall. This assessment
compares each student with a national average. It also helps the teachers know where the
student may be struggling.
Curriculum
Bella Vista is committed to providing the best curriculum available and to supplementing
existing programs as needed. Curriculum choices meet or exceed California Standards, the
Common Core Standards for Language Arts and Math, and the National Standards in Science
(NGSS). Additionally, a regular review cycle of curriculum in each subject matter and adoption
of new materials as needed is required to maintain accreditation through WASC and NLSA.
In addition, BVCA is a Core Knowledge School. Being a Core Knowledge school provides the
framework for all subjects including, reading, writing, language development and literature,
math, science, history, geography and music. You can learn more about this national movement
Curriculum Overviews
Kindergarten
Religion - Enduring Faith (Concordia Publishing House)
Reading/Language Arts - Superkids (Zaner-Bloser) and Heggerty
Math - Math in Focus
Science - Core Knowledge
History/Social Studies – Core Knowledge
1st Grade – 2nd grade
Religion – Enduring Faith (Concordia Publishing House)
Language Arts - Superkids (Zaner-Bloser)
Math – Math in Focus
Science – Core Knowledge
History/Social Studies – Core Knowledge
3rd Grade – 5th Grade:
Religion – Enduring Faith (Concordia Publishing House)
Language Arts -Amplify
Math – Math in Focus
Science – Core Knowledge
History/Social Studies – Core Knowledge
6th Grade- 8th grade:
Religion – Enduring Faith (Concordia Publishing House)
Language Arts -Amplify
Math – Math in Focus
Science – Savvas
History/Social Studies – Core Knowledge
8th Grade Math - Eighth graders have the opportunity to test into Alegbra 1
