Elementary School (K-6) - Arborbrook Christian Academy
Source: http://arborbrook.org/academics/elementary
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:07
Elementary School (K-6) - Arborbrook Christian Academy
Elementary School (K-6)
A Foundation to Lifelong Learning and Faith
At Arborbrook Christian Academy, our Elementary School is known as the Lower School, a place where young learners begin a joyful and purposeful educational journey grounded in academic excellence and a Christ-centered worldview. Serving students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, the Lower School is shaped by the Charlotte Mason philosophy and supported by research-based instructional practices that emphasize rich learning, deep thinking, and the formation of strong habits of mind and heart.
Arrival for Lower School begins at 8:30 AM Monday–Thursday, with classes starting at 8:40 AM. Dismissal begins at 2:45 PM and ends at 3:00 PM.
In 2026-2027, 6th grade will transition to Arborbrook's Upper School.
Lower School Distinctives:
Charlotte Mason Philosophy:
Our classrooms are shaped by the Charlotte Mason philosophy, where students engage with rich ideas through living books, narration, and hands-on learning. This approach cultivates curiosity, strong habits, and a lifelong love of learning.
Rich Curriculum:
Across all subjects, students engage in meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning that prioritizes depth over busywork. Through living books, narration, hands-on exploration, and purposeful skill development, students are challenged to think deeply, communicate clearly, and make lasting connections. Sample curriculum guides are linked below by grade.
Alpha and Omega Time:
Each day begins and ends with Christ. Through twice-weekly Assembly gatherings, classroom devotions, and daily engagement with Scripture through our Bible curriculum, students can grow in both knowledge and personal faith within a deeply Christ-centered community.
Home Study Days (Fridays):
Fridays are parent-led Home Study School Days, giving families the opportunity to extend learning at home. With guided assignments and the flexibility to explore, this rhythm creates meaningful space for family involvement, curiosity, and real-world learning.
Outdoor Learning:
Students regularly engage with the outdoors through nature study, observation, and exploration. This hallmark of the Lower School experience cultivates wonder, attentiveness, and an appreciation for God’s creation.
A Culture of Joyful Growth:
From the classroom to the playground, students are known, included, and encouraged. We intentionally cultivate an environment where children grow in character, build strong friendships, and learn to reflect Christ in how they treat others.
Specials:
Enriching the Academic Journey: Our Lower School offers a range of specials to complement the core curriculum and provide a holistic educational experience. These include:
Art:
Nurturing creativity, observation, and self-expression through a variety of media, including inspirational artist and picture studies
Music:
Inspiring a love for music through exploration, performance, hymn study, and appreciation of great composers
Nature Studies:
Cultivating curiosity and wonder through hands-on learning, gardening, outdoor exploration, and close observation of God’s creation.
Physical Education (PE):
Promoting physical well-being, teamwork, and the development of fundamental motor skills through purposeful movements and outdoor play.
Inquire Today
Click here to schedule your personalized tour
What They’re Learning
By clicking on each grade, you can view the curriculum we are working through this year.
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
Click here to access the
Kindergarten Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
First Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Second Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Third Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Fourth Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Fifth Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Sixth Grade Curriculum Guide
Music
Art
Physical Education
Nature Studies
At Arborbrook we consider Music an integral part of a child’s education on many levels. Music connects us to beauty, creativity, history, poetry, cultures, each other, our deepest selves, and God.
Curricular Focus:
Kindergarten and 1st Grade:
The main skill focuses are on activities that help children learn how to keep a beat and sing in tune. Folk Dances (Phyllis Weikart Curriculum) are used to help develop a strong sense of beat and body coordination. Tonal and Rhythm patterns are introduced through Music Learning Theory (Edwin Gordon based Curriculum) activities. Simple Rhythm instruments and Boomwhacker tonal tubes are incorporated into our study of music and how it works.
2nd and 3rd Grade:
With the foundation of the skills from prior grades present, the 2nd and 3rd grade students learn more complex tonal and rhythm activities and pattern development. Simple harmonies are being sung and multiple rhythm parts are being played at the same time. At this age, tonal and rhythm solfège are a major focus to assist in the reading of simple notation patterns. Boomwhackers are used in more complex pieces and the students begin to understand how melodies and chords work together. This is an essential foundation for the introduction of chordal instruments in the next grades.
4th, 5th, 6th Grade:
With the foundation of the skills from prior grades present, the 4th-6th grade students continue to learn more complex tonal and rhythm activities and pattern development. More complex harmonies are being sung and multiple tonal and rhythm parts are being played at the same time. At this age, more complex tonal and rhythm reading is happening as well as a focus on improvisation. The Class Band Project (Original curriculum) is a framework by which students begin to understand the basic roles that are functioning within all music groups. This framework is especially useful in understanding how worship bands function. Additionally, playing the Ukulele becomes a major area of focus. The Ukulele curriculum introduces the students to many of the basic ukulele chords and strum patterns and dozens of songs from diverse musical genres.
Jr. High School Choir:
The main skill focuses are developing a healthy, resonant, and expressive singing technique and learning how to harmonize well within a musical group. The students will sing songs that require 2, 3, and 4 part harmony.
High School Worship Team:
There are two simultaneous curricular tracks in this course: the music track, and the music technology track. Students in the music track will be part of a worship team that will lead worship at HS Assemblies and other music events. Students in the music technology track will learn the essential roles that running sound and overhead lyrics provide in a worship service. The culminating activity is students writing and performing an original worship song.
--
Through music education, students learn to sharpen their minds with cognitive carry-over skills that support all their other academic subjects with skills such as:
Linear problem solving
Pattern recognition
Applied creativity
Listening
Left/right brain integration
...And many other brain benefits.
In fact, neuroscientists say that according to research, active music making is the equivalent to a cross-fit
workout for the brain
.
The
emotional
benefits of music also cannot be overstated as active music-making reduces stress, releases dopamine, and knits individuals together socially as they blend their sounds to create beautiful music.
The
Spiritual
benefits of music are a major area of focus as well. We sing praise and worship songs together every week at Assembly as we connect with God and each other. Our Junior High School Choir worships monthly with the High School Worship team at the Upper School assembly.
Through
Charlotte Mason’s
recommended Composer Studies we analyze music compositions and recordings so we can understand how Music works and to learn how to create beautiful music ourselves. We also study how throughout church history and world history music has played a significant role in shaping world events. Additionally, music content often connects to curricular units and themes from their grade level.
We have several
performances
throughout the year that showcase what our music students have learned and provide large events for the Arborbrook community to come together and celebrate our students, the Arts at Arborbrook, and God. We have a 4th-8th Grade Fall Musical in November, and a 9th-12th Grade Spring Musical in April. In December we have a K-12 Christmas Concert. We finish the year out with our Grandparent’s Day Concert and Spring Concerts.
At Arborbrook, with Music as a K-12 program, we have a unique and wonderful opportunity to structure an integrated program where music learning intentionally builds as the students go through the program. It is also the vision of Arborbrook to expand music program offerings as we grow. My sincere hope is that the music program at Arborbrook will inspire our students, the community, and become a beautiful example for other schools.
For His Glory,
Paul Buksbazen
Paul Buksbazen
Music Teacher & Theater Productions
I am Paul Buksbazen, the K-12 Music Teacher at Arborbrook Christian Academy. I am thrilled to be teaching music at Arborbrook. I taught music in the public schools for 30 years and received my Bachelor’s in Music Education from SUNY Potsdam and my Master’s in Music Technology from the College of St. Rose.
Throughout the course of a child’s time at Arborbrook they are given a wealth of exposure to art in the classroom by their teachers. Each grade follows a timeline of artists that allows the student to be inspired by a different artist for each grade from kindergarten to 8th grade.
Art class is an individual weekly class that teaches the discipline of art using the elements and principles of art to build solid art skills and techniques. Art instruction begins in kindergarten and continues through high school. As students build artistic skills they progress to more challenging projects and art media throughout their education. Students are exposed to teacher-led projects as well as independent creative work. Art instruction helps each student with visual-spatial perception, personal expression, fine motor skills, innovation, problem-solving and critical thinking. Art education teaches skills that will cross over into other subjects as well as lifelong learning.
Click here to learn more about the Visual Arts Program at Arborbrook.
Mary Beekman
Art Teacher
At Arborbrook, Physical Education is about more than movement; it is a way to glorify God through healthy habits and joyful activity.
Rooted in Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, our PE program promotes physical well-being, teamwork, and the development of fundamental motor skills. Students are exposed to various sports in which they are encouraged to attempt, practice, and enjoy! Our PE program encourages students to grow in discipline, good sportsmanship, and gratitude as they steward their bodies, practice perseverance, and enjoy the gift of play together.
From daily activities to our much-anticipated Field Day, PE at Arborbrook aims to nurture both body and character for God’s glory.
Melanie Cook
PE Teacher
Click here to visit our Gardens & Nature Studies homepage.
Arborbrook has provided such a rich education for my children. One of my favorite responsibilities is visiting classrooms and seeing the creativity, joy, and enthusiasm that is happening all the time, across all subject areas.
- Lower School Parent
Administration
Samantha Haun
Assistant Principal & Lead Marketing
Powered by Finalsite
Elementary School (K-6)
A Foundation to Lifelong Learning and Faith
At Arborbrook Christian Academy, our Elementary School is known as the Lower School, a place where young learners begin a joyful and purposeful educational journey grounded in academic excellence and a Christ-centered worldview. Serving students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, the Lower School is shaped by the Charlotte Mason philosophy and supported by research-based instructional practices that emphasize rich learning, deep thinking, and the formation of strong habits of mind and heart.
Arrival for Lower School begins at 8:30 AM Monday–Thursday, with classes starting at 8:40 AM. Dismissal begins at 2:45 PM and ends at 3:00 PM.
In 2026-2027, 6th grade will transition to Arborbrook's Upper School.
Lower School Distinctives:
Charlotte Mason Philosophy:
Our classrooms are shaped by the Charlotte Mason philosophy, where students engage with rich ideas through living books, narration, and hands-on learning. This approach cultivates curiosity, strong habits, and a lifelong love of learning.
Rich Curriculum:
Across all subjects, students engage in meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning that prioritizes depth over busywork. Through living books, narration, hands-on exploration, and purposeful skill development, students are challenged to think deeply, communicate clearly, and make lasting connections. Sample curriculum guides are linked below by grade.
Alpha and Omega Time:
Each day begins and ends with Christ. Through twice-weekly Assembly gatherings, classroom devotions, and daily engagement with Scripture through our Bible curriculum, students can grow in both knowledge and personal faith within a deeply Christ-centered community.
Home Study Days (Fridays):
Fridays are parent-led Home Study School Days, giving families the opportunity to extend learning at home. With guided assignments and the flexibility to explore, this rhythm creates meaningful space for family involvement, curiosity, and real-world learning.
Outdoor Learning:
Students regularly engage with the outdoors through nature study, observation, and exploration. This hallmark of the Lower School experience cultivates wonder, attentiveness, and an appreciation for God’s creation.
A Culture of Joyful Growth:
From the classroom to the playground, students are known, included, and encouraged. We intentionally cultivate an environment where children grow in character, build strong friendships, and learn to reflect Christ in how they treat others.
Specials:
Enriching the Academic Journey: Our Lower School offers a range of specials to complement the core curriculum and provide a holistic educational experience. These include:
Art:
Nurturing creativity, observation, and self-expression through a variety of media, including inspirational artist and picture studies
Music:
Inspiring a love for music through exploration, performance, hymn study, and appreciation of great composers
Nature Studies:
Cultivating curiosity and wonder through hands-on learning, gardening, outdoor exploration, and close observation of God’s creation.
Physical Education (PE):
Promoting physical well-being, teamwork, and the development of fundamental motor skills through purposeful movements and outdoor play.
Inquire Today
Click here to schedule your personalized tour
What They’re Learning
By clicking on each grade, you can view the curriculum we are working through this year.
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
Click here to access the
Kindergarten Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
First Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Second Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Third Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Fourth Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Fifth Grade Curriculum Guide
Click here to access the
Sixth Grade Curriculum Guide
Music
Art
Physical Education
Nature Studies
At Arborbrook we consider Music an integral part of a child’s education on many levels. Music connects us to beauty, creativity, history, poetry, cultures, each other, our deepest selves, and God.
Curricular Focus:
Kindergarten and 1st Grade:
The main skill focuses are on activities that help children learn how to keep a beat and sing in tune. Folk Dances (Phyllis Weikart Curriculum) are used to help develop a strong sense of beat and body coordination. Tonal and Rhythm patterns are introduced through Music Learning Theory (Edwin Gordon based Curriculum) activities. Simple Rhythm instruments and Boomwhacker tonal tubes are incorporated into our study of music and how it works.
2nd and 3rd Grade:
With the foundation of the skills from prior grades present, the 2nd and 3rd grade students learn more complex tonal and rhythm activities and pattern development. Simple harmonies are being sung and multiple rhythm parts are being played at the same time. At this age, tonal and rhythm solfège are a major focus to assist in the reading of simple notation patterns. Boomwhackers are used in more complex pieces and the students begin to understand how melodies and chords work together. This is an essential foundation for the introduction of chordal instruments in the next grades.
4th, 5th, 6th Grade:
With the foundation of the skills from prior grades present, the 4th-6th grade students continue to learn more complex tonal and rhythm activities and pattern development. More complex harmonies are being sung and multiple tonal and rhythm parts are being played at the same time. At this age, more complex tonal and rhythm reading is happening as well as a focus on improvisation. The Class Band Project (Original curriculum) is a framework by which students begin to understand the basic roles that are functioning within all music groups. This framework is especially useful in understanding how worship bands function. Additionally, playing the Ukulele becomes a major area of focus. The Ukulele curriculum introduces the students to many of the basic ukulele chords and strum patterns and dozens of songs from diverse musical genres.
Jr. High School Choir:
The main skill focuses are developing a healthy, resonant, and expressive singing technique and learning how to harmonize well within a musical group. The students will sing songs that require 2, 3, and 4 part harmony.
High School Worship Team:
There are two simultaneous curricular tracks in this course: the music track, and the music technology track. Students in the music track will be part of a worship team that will lead worship at HS Assemblies and other music events. Students in the music technology track will learn the essential roles that running sound and overhead lyrics provide in a worship service. The culminating activity is students writing and performing an original worship song.
--
Through music education, students learn to sharpen their minds with cognitive carry-over skills that support all their other academic subjects with skills such as:
Linear problem solving
Pattern recognition
Applied creativity
Listening
Left/right brain integration
...And many other brain benefits.
In fact, neuroscientists say that according to research, active music making is the equivalent to a cross-fit
workout for the brain
.
The
emotional
benefits of music also cannot be overstated as active music-making reduces stress, releases dopamine, and knits individuals together socially as they blend their sounds to create beautiful music.
The
Spiritual
benefits of music are a major area of focus as well. We sing praise and worship songs together every week at Assembly as we connect with God and each other. Our Junior High School Choir worships monthly with the High School Worship team at the Upper School assembly.
Through
Charlotte Mason’s
recommended Composer Studies we analyze music compositions and recordings so we can understand how Music works and to learn how to create beautiful music ourselves. We also study how throughout church history and world history music has played a significant role in shaping world events. Additionally, music content often connects to curricular units and themes from their grade level.
We have several
performances
throughout the year that showcase what our music students have learned and provide large events for the Arborbrook community to come together and celebrate our students, the Arts at Arborbrook, and God. We have a 4th-8th Grade Fall Musical in November, and a 9th-12th Grade Spring Musical in April. In December we have a K-12 Christmas Concert. We finish the year out with our Grandparent’s Day Concert and Spring Concerts.
At Arborbrook, with Music as a K-12 program, we have a unique and wonderful opportunity to structure an integrated program where music learning intentionally builds as the students go through the program. It is also the vision of Arborbrook to expand music program offerings as we grow. My sincere hope is that the music program at Arborbrook will inspire our students, the community, and become a beautiful example for other schools.
For His Glory,
Paul Buksbazen
Paul Buksbazen
Music Teacher & Theater Productions
I am Paul Buksbazen, the K-12 Music Teacher at Arborbrook Christian Academy. I am thrilled to be teaching music at Arborbrook. I taught music in the public schools for 30 years and received my Bachelor’s in Music Education from SUNY Potsdam and my Master’s in Music Technology from the College of St. Rose.
Throughout the course of a child’s time at Arborbrook they are given a wealth of exposure to art in the classroom by their teachers. Each grade follows a timeline of artists that allows the student to be inspired by a different artist for each grade from kindergarten to 8th grade.
Art class is an individual weekly class that teaches the discipline of art using the elements and principles of art to build solid art skills and techniques. Art instruction begins in kindergarten and continues through high school. As students build artistic skills they progress to more challenging projects and art media throughout their education. Students are exposed to teacher-led projects as well as independent creative work. Art instruction helps each student with visual-spatial perception, personal expression, fine motor skills, innovation, problem-solving and critical thinking. Art education teaches skills that will cross over into other subjects as well as lifelong learning.
Click here to learn more about the Visual Arts Program at Arborbrook.
Mary Beekman
Art Teacher
At Arborbrook, Physical Education is about more than movement; it is a way to glorify God through healthy habits and joyful activity.
Rooted in Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, our PE program promotes physical well-being, teamwork, and the development of fundamental motor skills. Students are exposed to various sports in which they are encouraged to attempt, practice, and enjoy! Our PE program encourages students to grow in discipline, good sportsmanship, and gratitude as they steward their bodies, practice perseverance, and enjoy the gift of play together.
From daily activities to our much-anticipated Field Day, PE at Arborbrook aims to nurture both body and character for God’s glory.
Melanie Cook
PE Teacher
Click here to visit our Gardens & Nature Studies homepage.
Arborbrook has provided such a rich education for my children. One of my favorite responsibilities is visiting classrooms and seeing the creativity, joy, and enthusiasm that is happening all the time, across all subject areas.
- Lower School Parent
Administration
Samantha Haun
Assistant Principal & Lead Marketing
Powered by Finalsite