Christian Schools of Florida
Explanatory Standards

Explanatory Standard 4.6

Specific Requirements for Instructional Divisions in the School

  1. The school provides for the early childhood division (if present) the following:

    1. A curriculum that shall include spiritual development, social/emotional development, physical development, and cognitive development (language/literacy, math, science, social studies, and fine arts).

    2. A balance of active and quiet activities including large group (teacher directed), small group (teacher/child interactive), and individual choice (child initiated) activities should be provided throughout the day. The daily schedule includes circle time (prayer, stories, music, etc), free choice centers, snack time, outside playtime, and a quiet time.

    3. Classrooms that are equipped with sufficient instructional materials and that enhance the growth and development of young children.The physical environment of the classroom is arranged to stimulate learning by accommodating large and small groups of children and to encourage exploration and experimentation.
    4. A program and process that is age-group specific.

      1. A program for two-year-olds should first provide the child with a sense of security. Emphasis should be placed on the experience rather than the outcome or mastery of skills. Daily schedules should be flexile, while maintaining a general routine. A well-maintained diapering area must be provided, which adheres to state requirements.

      2. A program for three-year-olds places more emphasis on social interaction
        among the children and less on academic skills. A variety of activities utilizing
        interest centers, units and thematic topics in a combination of group and
        individual instruction are included. The different developmental levels and needs
        of each child are taken into consideration.

      3. A program for four-year-olds should be similar to the program for three year
        olds, with more emphasis on kindergarten readiness, while still utilizing interest
        centers, units and thematic topics in a combination of group and individual
        instruction. The different development levels and needs of each child are taken
        into consideration.

      4. A program for five-year-old kindergarten within a early childhood center, is
        varied and flexible, emphasizing academic readiness and social interaction. It
        demonstrates a balance of play, discovery, manipulation and participation, and
        takes into consideration the different developmental levels and needs of each
        child.

    5. Direct adult supervision that is without exception continual and constant.
    6. A teacher to child ratio that is consistent with applicable state standards and maintains
      the following ratios:
      2 years olds = 1:10
      3 years olds = 1:15
      4 years olds = 1:18 (1:20 if not participating in VPK)
      5 years olds = 1:20

  2. The school provides for the elementary division (if present)

    1. a curriculum that develops in students:

      1. an understanding that the Bible is the only authoritative basis for an
        individual’s moral development, faith and spiritual practice
      2. basic skills and understanding in reading, oral and written communication,
        and mathematics
      3. essential knowledge in the fields of life, physical, and social science
      4. functional skills in computer literacy and technology
      5. habits conducive to wholesome development in the areas of physical growth
        and health
      6. appreciation of literature, drama, music, art and basic skills in these artistic
        expressions
      7. the ability to think, act, and research independently
      8. willingness to accept responsibility
      9. an appreciation of cultural and ethnic diversity
      10. ability to live and function in a social setting and to establish a wholesome
        relationship with God, adults, and peers
      11. moral, ethical, and patriotic values.

    2. a curriculum that contains academic disciplines taught from a distinctly Christian
      viewpoint integrating faith to learning:

      1. Bible and worship
      2. language arts (including reading, writing, and oral communication)
      3. mathematics
      4. life and physical science
      5. social studies and history
      6. health and physical education
      7. art, music, drama, and crafts
      8. computer science

    3. instructional methods or strategies that include:

      1. a multi-sensory approach
      2. use of learning centers
      3. cooperative learning groups
      4. peer coaching
      5. large group, small group, and individualized opportunities for learning
      6. computerized instruction and integration of computerized learning

  3. The school provides for the middle school/junior high school division (if present):

    1. a curriculum that develops in and provides for students:

      1. a growing understanding of God, His Word and its relevancy to personal
        faith and Christian walk
      2. a fuller understanding of being created in the image of God
      3. an appreciation of various kinds of literature and literary styles
      4. competency in written communication
      5. confidence in expressing thoughts and opinions through oral
        communication and listening skills
      6. competency in mathematics, abstract thinking, reasoning and problemsolving
        skills
      7. a greater understanding of scientific principles through inquiry, exploration
        and experimentation
      8. a more highly developed understanding of computer technology and its
        application, increased use of technology in teaching, as well as student
        skill in computer use
      9. personal physical conditioning and wholesome health habits
      10. an appreciation for the creative arts, as well as develop talent in artistic
        expression
      11. an appreciation for other ethnics groups and cultures
      12. the ability to think, act and research independently
      13. opportunities for the development of personal interests or talents through
        a variety of activities
      14. opportunities for Christian service
      15. opportunities for interpersonal relationships and social interactions
        through a variety of activities and events
      16. guidance and counsel for spiritual, academic, and emotional needs.

    2. a curriculum that contains academic disciplines taught from a distinctly Christian
      viewpoint integrating learning with faith:

      1. Bible and worship
      2. English (Grammar, Vocabulary, Literature, Communication Skills)
      3. Mathematics (General or Advanced)
      4. Science (Life and Physical Science) Science and other laboratories are
        furnished and equipped and comply with local and state codes for health
        and safety (e.g., showers in chemistry labs, safe storage of hazardous
        chemicals, etc.)
      5. Social Studies and History (Geography, World History, United States
        History)
      6. Health Education and Physical Education
      7. Fine Arts (Music and Art)
      8. Foreign Language
      9. Computer Science

    3. a co-curriculum that offers at least eight of the following:

      1. Chorus
      2. Band
      3. Orchestra
      4. Interscholastic sports with equitable opportunities for girls and boys
      5. Intramural sports with equitable opportunities for girls and boys
      6. Cheerleading
      7. Club program
      8. Community service
      9. Scholastic Competition
      10. National Junior Honor Society ( for reaccreditation only)
      11. Prayer and Bible study groups
      12. Fellowship of Christian Athletes or a similar program
      13. School Newspaper
      14. Yearbook
      15. Literary Magazine
      16. Student Government
      17. Chapel
      18. Drama
      19. Fine Art Competition or Shows

  4. The school provides for the high school division (if present):

    1. a curriculum that develops in and provides for students:

      1. active, contributing citizenship in God’s kingdom
      2. a deeper understanding of God, His Word and its relevancy to personal
        faith and Christian walk
      3. a fuller understanding of being created in the image of God
      4. an appreciation of various kinds of literature and literary styles
      5. competency in written communication
      6. confidence in expressing thoughts and opinions through oral
        communication and listening skills
      7. competency in mathematics, abstract thinking, reasoning and problemsolving
        skills
      8. a greater understanding of scientific principles through inquiry,
        experimentation
      9. a greater understanding of computer technology and its application, as
        well as skill in computer use
      10. lifetime physical conditioning and wholesome health habits
      11. an appreciation for the creative arts, as well as develop talent in artistic
        expression
      12. an appreciation for other ethnic groups and cultures
      13. the ability to think, act and research independently
      14. opportunities for the development of personal interests or talents through
        a variety of activities
      15. opportunities for Christian service
      16. opportunities for interpersonal relationships and social interactions
        through a variety of activities and events
      17. guidance and counsel for spiritual, academic, and emotional needs.

    2. a curriculum that requires a cumulative 2.0 GPA for courses required for
      graduation contained in either or both of two academic programs: (1) a college
      preparatory program; and (2) a general program. The college preparatory
      program is academically demanding in depth and scope so as to prepare
      graduates with the knowledge, skills, and independence necessary to successfully
      pursue advanced learning at the college/university level. Both programs are
      taught from a distinctly Christian viewpoint, integrating learning with faith.

    3. a curriculum that contains a minimum of 24 core academic requirements as
      stated in the Course Code Directory published by the Florida Department of
      Education and required for entrance into the Florida State University System, and
      with elective courses that are planned and conducted with the same professional
      validity as the core academic courses, including but not limited to the following
      credits:

      • 3 Bible
      • 3 Social Studies and History
      • 4 English
      • 3 Science (two with laboratory) Science and other laboratories are furnished
        and equipped and comply with local and state codes for health and safety
        (e.g., showers in chemistry labs, safe storage of hazardous chemicals, etc.)
      • 3 Mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
      • 2 Foreign language (through second level of the same language required for
        college preparatory program)
      • 1 Practical Arts or Performing Arts
      • 1 Physical Education to include the integration of Health
      • 3-5 Electives

    4. a co-curriculum that offers at least one activity in each of the following areas,
      with balanced equity of participation for girls and boys:

      1. Athletics
      2. Spiritual Development
      3. Arts
      4. Community/School Service
      5. Communications
      6. Academic/Social Activities