Pittsburgh Urban Christian School Curriculum

Elementary School Curriculum Sequence

At PUCS, we inspire our students to see the world as a whole, emphasizing the natural connections between subjects. Rather than teaching isolated academic subjects, the PUCS curriculum brings together content from multiple subjects into creative learning units.

Each unit is organized around a social studies or science theme that provides framework for instruction in reading, writing, math, music, and art.

In the course of the school year, our K-5 students will immerse themselves in the study of five grade-specific units plus one all-school unit.

The Middle School students pursue two integrated courses, one social studies and one science, each lasting the entire year.

Overall, our integrated curriculum promotes a deeper understanding and makes learning meaningful, relevant and fun. Elementary Unit Themes

Middle School Curriculum Sequence

The goals of the PUCS Middle School are to encourage students to develop:

1. a Christian perspective that integrates Biblical principles of redemption and reconciliation found only in Christ with their lives and their learning,

2. a broad knowledge of science and social studies content with strong conceptual links between topics,

3. a depth of skills in each of seven skill areas -- personal and social development, physical development, language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and Spanish -- that can be effectively applied in a variety of contexts.

Our Two Integrated Middle School Courses

The Middle School students experience two integrated courses, one social science and one science. Each of them lasts a full year and aims at synthesizing and formalizing the concepts learned during elementary school. Middle School Unit Themes

Lessons in Language and Literacy and the Arts are integrated into these courses. We focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as broad examination of styles of literature, music, visual arts and the performing arts.

Math (Saxon Curriculum), English grammar and vocabulary, Spanish, physical education, study skills, work management strategies, and resource utilization are emphasized throughout the curriculum.

Teachers also relate course content to Biblical themes and Biblical events, as well as the history of Christianity and Christian Mission.