Monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles to get from Cincinnati to their homes in Mexico and southern California. That’s a lot for a six-year-old to grasp when you consider most of them have no idea how far it is to Grandma’s house. But our first graders not only learn the distance the Monarch travels, they can show you its itinerary on a map.

It’s all part of the thematic approach used at CHCA’s EBL Elementary: take a concept (for example, the life cycle of a butterfly) and integrate it into all the subject areas a student studies. Students learn what a cocoon is made of in Science, spell words like chrysalis and migrate in Language Arts, and study symmetry in nature and pattern blocks in Math. Then in Christian Studies class, we compare the metamorphosis of the butterfly to our spiritual growth, rebirth and salvation in Christ.

At EBL Elementary, learning goes way beyond the textbook. Since we know that our youngest students learn best by doing, we make experiential learning a key component of the curriculum. Students participate in field trips and outreach projects to extend their learning beyond the classroom. There are also meaningful and engaging on-campus activities that enhance student learning.

During International Week students experience life in other cultures. Kindergarteners learn to write their names using Chinese characters, while fourth graders become Egyptian pyramid builders as they design and construct their own structures from sugar cubes. During Marketplace A.D., we transform the entire elementary school into the city of Jerusalem as it was when Jesus walked on earth. Students make up the 12 tribes of Israel and explore the roots of their spiritual foundation by learning Hebrew, decorating musical instruments, and dancing the Horah together. Lasting memories are created and much is learned along the way!

But what if a first grader really liked the butterfly unit and wants to find out more about the electronic devices used to track their migration? Or if a second grader loved learning about Mexico during International Week and wants to learn la lengua? EBL Elementary offers outstanding opportunities to participate in Spanish, Computer, Science and Enrichment Reading and Math classes in addition to numerous extracurricular activities for all interest levels.

All of this great programming is complemented by love, hugs, parent involvement and a focus on faith that builds a strong foundation for the future. Explore our website, take a virtual tour, then arrange a visit to see just how much EBL Elementary can help your child find his or her wings.

♦ Explore themed-learning units in a sample 1st Grade or 3rd Grade Course Syllabus
♦ Meet EBL’s great faculty and staff
♦ Investigate what Student Support Services are available at CHCA
♦ Grab a jersey and join one of our athletic teams
♦ Discover fine arts opportunities at EBL Elementary
♦ Learn more about EBL Elementary’s Extended Day Programs
♦ Check out summer opportunities for your PK3-4th grader