South Hills Academy
West Covina · Est. 1957
Now Accepting 2026–2027 Applications — Scholarships for qualifying High School students & Sibling Discounts. Apply today
Home / Academics / Elementary
Elementary School

Curious, Capable, and Kind

K–5 students grow in academics, faith, and character — encouraged to explore, question, and think independently while feeling seen and supported.

Abeka CurriculumWeekly ChapelQuarterly Field Trips
K–5
Grades Served
From K
Spanish Begins
Daily
PE & Movement
Weekly
Chapel
5:30 PM
After-School Care

Christian-Based Excellence

A rigorous Abeka curriculum integrated with weekly chapel — preparing students for academic success and personal integrity.

Engaging Learning

Small classes, hands-on activities, and quarterly field trips turn every lesson into an adventure.

Thriving Community

Parents, teachers, and students collaborate closely — every child feels valued and inspired.

Core Subjects

What Your Child Will Learn

Core Subject

Bible

An engaging, values-driven program that deepens students' understanding of the Bible and builds positive character — with weekly chapel and age-appropriate lessons that connect Scripture to daily life.

  • Old and New Testament Bible stories
  • Scripture memory and interactive activities
  • Christian character — honesty, kindness, and responsibility
  • Applying biblical principles to everyday choices and friendships
Core Subject

English Language Arts

Two dedicated strands every year: grammar & spelling builds the mechanics of clear communication, while reading & writing builds comprehension, vocabulary, and the confidence to express ideas.

  • Grammar rules, sentence structure, and spelling proficiency
  • Phonics and fluent oral reading in the early grades
  • Reading comprehension across engaging literature
  • Writing with clarity, creativity, and organization
Core Subject

Math

A spiral curriculum that revisits and builds on every concept — arithmetic, geometry, and early algebra each year at an age-appropriate level, with each course purposefully preparing students for the next.

  • Number sense, place value, and the four operations to mastery
  • Fractions, decimals, money, time, and measurement
  • Early geometry and algebraic thinking
  • Multi-step word problems and everyday reasoning
Core Subject

Science

Age-appropriate content across life science, chemistry, and physics — with hands-on demonstrations that make learning personal, all within the framework of understanding nature's design and laws.

  • Plants, animals, rocks, elements, and the human body
  • Forces, matter, and energy
  • Oral and written activities that reinforce key concepts
  • Observation, experiments, and hands-on demonstrations
Core Subject

History

A faith-based, engaging approach that connects historical events to the present — civilizations, cultures, and pivotal moments brought to life with visually rich materials and interactive activities.

  • Family, community, and good citizenship in the early grades
  • American history and the people who shaped it
  • Civilizations and cultures around the world
  • Map skills and connecting the past to today
Core Subject

Spanish

Foreign language starts in kindergarten at SHA, not high school — interactive, immersive Spanish through songs, stories, and games that make language learning fun and meaningful.

  • Basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation
  • Hispanic cultures and traditions
  • Songs, stories, and games that build confidence
  • A K–12 pathway that builds year after year
Core Subject

Art

The fundamentals of art through engaging, step-by-step projects — building fine motor skills, creativity, and confidence in a supportive, structured environment.

  • Color theory and drawing techniques
  • Painting, clay, and mixed-media projects
  • Appreciation of different artistic styles
  • Work showcased at school programs
Core Subject

Music

Rhythm, melody, harmony, and basic theory explored through singing, instrument play, and interactive activities — with performances that build confidence on stage.

  • Singing, rhythm, and beginning music reading
  • Instrument play and ensemble basics
  • Musical styles from around the world
  • Performances at the Christmas program and spring concert
Core Subject

Computer

First steps in technology — from confident keyboarding to first block-based programs — taught alongside healthy digital habits, and the start of SHA's K–12 AI & STEM pathway.

  • Keyboarding and computer basics
  • Block-based coding and logical thinking
  • Digital citizenship and online safety
  • Creative projects with technology
Core Subject

Physical Education

Fundamental movement skills, coordination, strength, and endurance in a fun, engaging environment — building a foundation for lifelong health.

  • Running, stretching, balancing, and age-appropriate games
  • Official sports — basketball, baseball, volleyball, and more
  • Teamwork and sportsmanship
  • Confidence and a lasting love of physical activity
New for 2026–27

AI & STEM Starts in Kindergarten

Our youngest students begin with LEGO robotics and block coding — building, testing, and solving problems as a team. It is the first step on a hands-on pathway that grows into drones, game design, and autonomous vehicles in the upper grades.

Explore AI & STEM
LEGO robotics in elementary
Beyond the Core

Electives & Enrichment

Music

Instruments, vocal techniques, and theory — showcased at the Christmas program and spring concert.

Art

Perspective drawing, contrast projects, and frequent clay work build creativity and foundational skills.

Daily PE

Fitness and teamwork through engaging daily activities and sports — building lifelong healthy habits.

After School

Homework help, extra English and math, plus cooking, sports, and more — Monday to Friday until 5:30 PM.

A Day at SHA

A Day in Elementary

The daily schedule for Grades 1–5 — from morning drop-off to after-school pickup.

Elementary · Grades K–5
8:00 – 9:35
School BeginsMorning classes · Periods 1–2
9:35 – 9:50
Recess
9:50 – 11:00
Morning ClassesReading, writing & math · Period 3
11:00 – 11:45
Lunch
11:50 – 1:20
Afternoon ClassesScience, history & Spanish · Periods 4–5
1:20 – 1:40
Afternoon Break
1:40 – 3:10
Afternoon ClassesMusic, art & daily PE · Periods 6–7
3:10
Dismissal
3:10 – 5:30
After-School CareHomework help, extra English & math, sports, enrichment
Elementary · Grades K–5
8:00 – 8:30
School BeginsPeriod 1
8:30 – 9:00
ChapelWhole-school worship & devotion
9:00 – 9:45
Morning ClassesPeriod 2
9:45 – 10:00
Recess
10:05 – 11:00
Morning ClassesReading, writing & math · Period 3
11:00 – 11:45
Lunch
11:45 – 1:45
Afternoon ClassesScience, history, Spanish, music & art · Periods 4–7
1:45 – 2:00
HomeroomClass meeting & wrap-up
2:00
Dismissal
2:00 – 5:30
After-School CareHomework help, extra English & math, sports, enrichment

Kindergarten follows a similar rhythm, finishing at 2:50 PM (earlier on Wednesdays).

See an Elementary Classroom in Action

Tour the campus or book a shadow day for your child.

Get In Touch

Request Information

We're offering Scholarships for qualifying High School students and Sibling Discounts — ask us how to apply.

We respond within one business day. Prefer to talk? Call +1 (626) 919-2000 or email admissions@shacademy.org.

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