Children today learn at a faster and more intense pace than previous generations ever did.  The education that they receive should be dynamic enough to quickly respond to this. The Cross Christian School/Preschool and Kindergarten recognizes this reality and addresses it by having flexible teaching styles. 

We incorporate multimedia and multi-sensory experiences in the learning process, involving our students in countless activities and giving limitless opportunities to express  themselves.  As renowned psychologist Jean Piaget proved, children learn best when they have fun while they learn.

Our curriculum is mainly focused on the following three key elements:

1.  MONTESSORI METHOD and MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES

We adhere to the Montessori method of teaching where we provide students with a "Prepared Environment" that spurs each child to learn during his most receptive stage from 3 to 6 years - a period when his mind leaps to growth. This environment is modified to suit his later developmental needs between 7-12 years, 13-16 and 17-20 years of age. As early as two years old, your child will be given multiple exercises each year to train him in independence. These exercises are divided into Practical Life, Sensorial Exercises, Language & Math Activities and Cultural Arts.

Our educational philosophy is also hinged on Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI), where he believes that there are more than 8 ways to qualify one’s intelligence.  MI theory goes beyond the traditional norm of qualifying and quantifying intelligence solely by the use of a standardized IQ test by saying that people may not be book-smart, but they can be body smart, or music smart, or art smart, or language smart, or space smart, or numbers smart, or people smart, or self smart, or science smart

People are most often smart in a mix of several different intelligences.  At The Cross, we strive to identify and nurture these gifts in each child.  We fill each learning day with diverse exercises that serve to stimulate the various facets of a child's individuality, enabling us to slowly discover how each student is best educated.

We appreciate and combine both the positive values of Multiple Intelligences by uncovering the fun latent in learning Science, Math, Language, Literature, Drama, Music and Art through a variety of educational exercises and theme-based units for each level and that of other educational philosophies, specially Montessori’s purposeful play and Steiner’s holistic approach to development.  By incorporating these elements in our curriculum, we insure that our Cross students will grow into well-rounded and responsible adults in a global community!

    2.  FUN, LOVING and LEARNING EXPERIENCE

We emphasize in creating a FUN, LOVING and LEARNING EXPERIENCE everyday by developing new and exciting ways to challenge our student’s minds and expand their imaginations at every level. All our fun is creatively directed toward a LOVING way of LEARNING something new and useful while developing the child’s natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge. 

We provide a holistic EXPERIENCE for your child.  We are mindful of the global realities that our children will be facing in their lifetimes, and address our programs to be responsive to the changes happening daily, relevant to the students’ lives and respectful of culture and traditions.

We are proud of the EXCELLENCE of our graduates.  Most of them have gone on to be accelerated upon enrolling in the big schools.  Our Cross students make it a point to aim high and to aim true!

    3.  POSITIVE DISCIPLINE

We believe that Discipline should be instructive and not punitive.  As such, we strive to develop an early sense of personal autonomy and initiative among our students through the use of Positive Discipline in interacting with children.  As much as possible, we let children resolve their problems and issues by themselves by promoting communication and appreciation for one another.  Rest assured, however, that we intervene in any and all instances where one student may cause physical and emotional distress to another student.

It is important to develop positive habits and attitudes in children. A lot of these attitudes and habits can be developed in the child’s school. That’s why starting them young is not enough - you’ve to start your child right.

At The Cross Christian School, our discipline system revolves around our 5A’s:

Acknowledge - The first step we take when we address a child is to acknowledge them and their wants and desires. This is a very crucial step because it allows both the adult and the child the opportunity to be on the same plane of thought with one another. This simply means recognizing that the child always has a unique perspective on things, and the adult being receptive to the child. The child thus feels valued and respected.

Assess - The second step is to assess the child’s actions or desires. The basic criterion that we use to assess the action or desire is the constructive nature and consequence of the request. Regardless of the child’s age, an adult has to explain to the child why they are prohibiting their request. This develops in the child a faculty for self-evaluation and problem solving.

Alter - The third step is to alter the behavior, in cases where there is immediate physical danger posed, or to provide alternatives for the child, in situations where the child cannot be given the request. Two children fighting over a toy are most often placated by providing one or the other child with an alternative toy to play with, and thus allowing the children to play together harmoniously. In providing alternatives for the child, the child is given a chance to exercise their freedom of choice. More often than not, the discipline process ends here.

Absolve - The fourth step is to forgive the child for any negative repercussions that their actions precipitated. This may range from a child having an accident while being potty-trained, to them writing on the wall, to damage to appliances or furniture, to physical injury to either the adult or another playmate. We always bear in mind, and heart, that a child, and its intentions, is always innocent and pure.

Affirm-The fifth step is to positively reinforce the child after processing the action and repercussions with him.  This means fundamentally letting the child know that he is loved and valued, and that his actions do not dictate his character.  We sometimes forget this most crucial step, but it is this step that creates positive feelings between the adult and child, and reinforces positive behavior.  Failure to forgive the child through a hug, or a pat on the head or shoulders, would lead to a corruption of this pristine nature, and would be a failure on the part of the adult as an educator.