Elementary School
The Primary Years Program (PYP): Preschool through Grade 5
As the parent of a young learner, you know that true academic success comes from an authentic love for learning. Naturally, you're looking for a school where your child will not only build strong foundations, but develop a thirst for knowledge and the ability to pursue it far beyond their elementary years. Everything we do at Daystar Academy is designed to support these goals.
To learn more about our program schedule a tour
The learning environment at Daystar
At Daystar, we keep our class sizes small so every student is known well. Teachers tailor their approach to each student, meeting them where they are. Working closely with parents, student growth is nurtured and celebrated. Elementary-age students benefit from a culture of hands-on learning opportunities, as well as 10-15 learning excursions every year, allowing them to think beyond the classroom walls.
At Daystar, we're constructivists, which means our students are not passively taking in information; they are actively engaged and constantly building on prior knowledge. As a faith-based school, we look at everything through the lens of God's truth. Students develop strong character as they respond to God's love for us with a commitment to love our neighbors near and far.
From preschool, where students are just starting their academic journey, to grade 5, where they are diving deeper into their God-given talents and passions, the primary years are an exciting and meaningful time. Keep reading to learn more about our elementary program, and use the links below to explore other academic programs.
From our parents:
"Academically, inquiry-based learning and differentiated instruction have challenged my kids to push themselves and think critically. They all love their friends and are genuinely cared for by the teachers and other faculty. Spiritually they are in a community that is doing their best to live like Jesus in Chicago. After attending Christian schools in three states across the U.S., I can very confidently say that Daystar is in a class of its own." -Beth R.
What sets us apart
Meaningful Academics
As an International Baccalaureate World School, we utilize the IB Primary Years Program at the elementary level, which is designed for children ages 3-12. This inquiry-based, transdisciplinary framework challenges students to become independent thinkers who are globally aware and motivated to make a difference in the world around them.
Because we value small class sizes and low student/teacher ratios, we are not dependent on worksheets to keep students busy, nor do we assume all students have the same skills and interests. Instead, students engage in just-right work that gently moves them toward the next level of academic and social development.
Through the IB framework, our students move through 4 - 6 units of inquiry each year. These include:
- Who we are
- Where we are in place and time
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- How we organize ourselves
- Sharing the planet
These IB transdisciplinary units promote critical thinking, which leads to academic success across all subject areas. Traditional academic subjects (math, reading, science and social studies) are integrated into key concepts within the units, with biblical principles woven throughout the curriculum. Learn more here:
Intentional Technology Use
In the early grades we want students to discover for themselves that humans are more interesting than electronic devices, so whenever possible, we choose hands-on, collaborative learning activities over screen time. Technology is used sparingly, and reserved for opportunities when it is truly beneficial. In grade 3, students begin to use technology to extend, support, and communicate their learning.
Meet a Teacher
Ms. Rachael Boblett
Education: Bachelors of Art in Education
Teaching Experience: 9 years
"I love the small group interactions with my students, and seeing them grow confidence in math or writing. It's a job that refines you and challenges you. The Lord is there each step, and walking out this journey of caring for students is meaningful. My class has recently been studying creation in the Jesus Storybook Bible, and I love how it brings to life God's word in a real way for kids (and adults)!"
About the IB Primary years program
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 - 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.
Through its inquiry-led, transdisciplinary framework, the PYP challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.
Taken from the International Baccalaureate website.
Primary Years Program Units of Inquiry
Students inquire into, and learn about, globally significant issues in the context of units of inquiry, each of which addresses a central idea relevant to a particular transdisciplinary theme. Lines of inquiry are identified in order to explore the scope of the central idea for each unit . These units collectively constitute the school’s program of inquiry.
All notes come from IB’s publication Learning and Teaching.
Primary Years Program Helpful Documents
About The International Baccalaureate Program
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
See for Yourself
Schedule an on-campus tour and see first-hand why families choose Daystar Academy. If you have questions about the admissions process or our program, please contact us at admissions@daystaracademy.org.