Something happened when every piece of knowledge became available at our fingertips: kids lost their need to figure things out. They gave up wondering, exploring, and daydreaming. Ironically, the same world that offers this generation a wealth of easy information will expect them to have bigger and better ideas than any before them. It hardly seems fair. That’s why we spend our days intentionally focused on the “Why?” behind every fact, the “How?” for every problem. Through a platform called “Christian Deeper Learning,” Norfolk Christian students learn to view the world through the lens of problem-solvers. Every academic standard is rolled into this platform, which requires them to think critically, brainstorm creatively, and collaborate with others for the best outcome. CDL creates exceptional thinkers, humble partners, and curious problem-solvers, who are ready to make every part of their worlds better with bright new ideas.

The most fundamental skill in education is reading, but many early readers become frustrated by one-size-fits-all instruction and never reach their potential. Whether reading is a talent and pleasure or a struggle to be mastered, our primary academic focus for these young students is to help them excel in reading as they are uniquely gifted. They can then carry that confidence into becoming bold communicators and passionate writers. Individual assessments help our teachers define the best approach for each child, using a hybrid of instructional methods including small-group rotations, large-group lessons, targeted mini-lessons, and customized individual check-ins. One of the most-anticipated Lower School events is the First Grade Publishing Party, where students write and illustrate original books. By third grade, students can defend an argument in a Persuasive Paper, and fifth graders leave us as well-rounded writers, prepared for Middle School.