The Academic Program
Accreditation
Curriculum
Pre-K Program
After School Study Program
Summer Enrichment Program
PDS Faculty

The Academic Program
Presbyterian Day School provides learning opportunities for four-year-olds through a learning centered approach in our four-year kindergarten. Emphasis is placed on providing experiences that foster development that is smooth and appropriate to the child's maturational level. Developing the whole child is our purpose, as he is introduced to his places in God's world.

Four & Five-year kindergarten through grade three make up our lower school. The basic program in theses grades centers around language arts with emphasis on instruction word recognition skills, phonics, oral and silent reading, spelling, manuscript and cursive writing and creative writing. The fundamental processes of mathematics are explored. Also included in the curriculum are science, health and social studies.

Grades four through six make up our upper school. Students continue to develop their academic skills. Language arts, with emphasis in reading, English, vocabulary, creative writing and spelling, and a mathematics program challenging students to reason and think critically make up this curriculum. Social studies and science with emphasis in problem solving techniques are also taught in these grades.

Students in all the grades benefit from a specialist in the areas of physical education, music, and library science. Bible is taught in all levels. There is no denominational emphasis taught. Enrichment opportunities include introduction to computer, a hands-on math lab, science experimental lab, and instruction in foreign language. Students take numerous field trips, and resource speakers are used in the classrooms.

At Presbyterian Day School the curriculum is the medium through which the child is oriented to a life in Christ and to the culture of this world. We seek to provide and education in a wholesome Christian environment in which the child can learn, and to have a school that genuinely offers academic excellence. It is our purpose to seek at all times to meet and to exceed, whenever possible, all the academic standards set by the state. In addition, the elementary skills, mathematical and scientific skills, good work habits, and aesthetic appreciation.

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Accreditation
During the 1980 - 1981 school year the school was evaluated and awarded accreditation by the Commission on Elementary Schools, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional educational agency which accredits schools in eleven southern states. In 1991, the school received 10 Year accreditation from this agency. Presbyterian Day School is also accredited by the Mississippi Private School Association with a rating of Class AA.

The school's academic excellence is exemplified by it students' outstanding performance in scholastic and creative competitions, achievements in community and civic programs and by achievement test scores that are consistently 25% above the national average.

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Curriculum
KINDERGARTEN:
The early childhood program is a definite part of the program of the Presbyterian Day School. The curriculum for the 3-4-5-year-old child, including Bible, is organized and coordinated so that the child's experiences during these important years can best prepare him for the following years.

ALL OTHER GRADES:

• Bible / Music -- Art
• Science -- Literature
• Mathematics -- Computer
• Health & Physical Ed. -- Foreign Language
• Social Studies & Citizenship -- Library Skills
• *Language Arts

*Language Arts include: Reading, Phonetics, English, Speaking, Spelling, Penmanship, and Listening.
Biblical instruction is given daily and chapel services are attended weekly. Field trips and resource persons in the classroom reinforce particular units of study.

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Pre-K Program
A child's training and education in the early years of his life are as important as any he will ever receive. The scripture, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6, gives us basis for Christian training.

Our program recognizes that three and four year olds need time to develop and grow into maturity. We strive to provide experiences that contribute to his development at this early age. He learns to expand his world as he becomes a part of a group. There are ample opportunities for learning through play, sharing, resting, and hands-on activities. Our program is center-based and follows prescribed guidelines. We seek to help the child at this early age learn to live in such a way as to glorify his Maker and Creator, to develop a sense of self-esteem, and to be confident that he is loved. Pre-K students participate in activities of the greater school and are an integral part of our family at PDS.

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After School Study Program
A study program is offered at a reasonable fee for students kindergarten through sixth grade each afternoon 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. During this supervised time, a play period, snack, and time for homework, reading or individualized help in study skills is provided.

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Summer Enrichment Program
A one-week summer enrichment program is offered at PDS every year. Each session follows a different educational theme designed to provide a comprehensive course of study in a fun yet positive atmosphere. Focus is on critical thinking, reading and math. Simulation activities and games will teach these skills.
Previous topics include: "Mysteries", "Birds! Birds! Birds!", "Ancient Egypt", "Dinosaurs", "Middle Ages", "Oceans", "Castles", and "The Wild West".

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