Preschool
These programs are designed to provide for the developmental needs of the preschool child. The environment is rich with “hands on” activities that allow children to make sense of their world in a multi-sensory format. Activities are planned to build skills in the area of:
Math...size, color, sequence, spatial relationships, number.
Literacy...listening, books, storytelling, rhyme, sharing, song, phonemic awareness
Scientific understanding...nutrition, nature, senses.
Social Studies...cultural understanding, diversity
As well as
Creativity...dramatic play, art, music
Social...sharing, manners, group participation
Emotional...trust, joy, empathy
Spiritual Growth...trust, biblical truths, unconditional love, assurance of salvation
Physical Growth...materials, methods and activities are chosen to support small and large muscle development

By 4’s
This preschool class is especially designed for children who just miss the cut off date for school entry. The students have birthdays falling between September 1 and December 31. The class size of nine is small and group activities are stressed. The age of the children and the continuity of days of class provide more opportunity for discovery.

Kindergarten
Shepherd of the Desert Kindergarten is an exciting adventure on the path to a lifetime love of learning. A blend of child directed and teacher directed activities address the varying developmental needs and abilities of the kindergarten-age child. What is right and best for children is the center of our philosophy. Our three day program respects the child and their needs. It is an appropriate transition that allows the child to master appropriate academic skills and strengthen the social and emotional skills that are essential for future school success.
It is a place where children hone their skills through a program including…
Literacy...literature, whole language, phonics, storytelling and writing, journal writing and music and song.
Mathematical understanding...developed through the use of math manipulatives, graphing, estimating and checking, and life application.
Science...thematic units include prediction, observation and recording.
Social Sciences...community helpers and leaders, geographic awareness, beginning map skills are incorporated in curriculum themes.
Faith...is nurtured through weekly chapel, daily “God spots”, caring Christian teachers and the modeling of Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
Physical Education...is scheduled weekly including fitness, beginning sport skills and team play.
Creative Arts...music, movement and creative expression are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Technology...beginning research and computing skills
Guests, field trips and visits to the Life Care Center round out the curriculum.

Grades 1 through 8
Education of children in the elementary department is based on the need for a firm foundation of basic knowledge and skills to provide children with the tools necessary for success in the broadening scope of education. Course work is presented in creative and meaningful ways. Each subject is approached from a distinctively Christian point-of-view.

Shepherd of the Desert has intentionally chosen to resist the trend to emphasize one learning or instructional style. Instead, the emphasis is on “what is needed”. Instructional techniques will vary with the subject matter, the particular objective of the lesson and the needs of the children. While flexible with methodology, the school does not swing with the latest trend. Instead, the faculty examines teaching practices to determine if they meet needs at this school and among its students and then implements changes they feel will “work best”. All is accomplished in a disciplined, caring, stimulating environment in which the teachers point children to the need of greatest importance – faith in Jesus, their Savior.

The full range of subjects includes:
Religion: Bible stories, history, Christian doctrine, memorization of spiritual songs, Bible passages and fundamental teachings of the church.
Math: concepts, computation, memorization of basic facts, problem solving, practical application.
Social Studies: geography, history, citizenship, community, government, Arizona State history.
Reading: phonetic approach, comprehension, vocabulary, literature.
Language: speaking skills, writing skills, grammar, creative writing.
Science: study of God’s creation, general science, health and safety, science fair.

Handwriting: manuscript, cursive.
Spelling: skills necessary for proper spelling.
Physical Education: development, skills, activities, conditioning, team and individual sports.
Music: singing, rhythm, appreciation, choir, notation.
Art: creative expression, appreciation, history, art elements, drawing, painting, sculpture.
Spanish: speaking, writing, culture.
Computers: keyboard skills, operating, use as learning tool.
Current Events: local, national, world.

The curriculum is under regular evaluation and examination with upgrading as is appropriate.

Learning Center
Shepherd of the Desert is blessed to have the services of Lutheran Special education Ministry (LSEM) on campus. They provide a teacher trained in special education. Our Learning Center Teacher works with students with exceptional academic abilities and those with special learning challenges. The teacher is a resource to students, parents, and administrators. Services do not include tutoring. Students are qualified for the program through educational screening and administrative approval.

Technology
This school seeks to provide technology and appropriate applications that are necessary for a quality education. The hardware and software available for student and teacher use is regularly evaluated, upgraded and expanded. A technology director trains and acts as a resource for teachers and upper grade students to appropriately use technology. All offices and computers are networked for communication, Internet access, and software use.

“Memory” Assignments 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
As our children meet the challenges of life, we want them to make the right choices. God’s “word is a lamp to my feet and
light to my path” (Psalm 119:105) and will guide them. In addition, the Bible, the Word of God, is the one offensive weapon given us by our Heavenly Father to counter the works of the Devil. Through the Apostle Paul, God tells us, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…take…the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.”

With this in mind children are led to memorize passages of scripture, Christian songs, and explanations of scripture and fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. In the Elementary Grades Department, students are assigned to memorize passages at home for recitation at school. Parents are encouraged to help their children understand and point out applications of the memorized passages to daily life.

School Band
This optional program is offered during the school day to students enrolled in fourth grade and above. Students buy or rent instruments and pay a participation fee. Donations provide important funding. Group practices are held before school hours. Individual and /or sectional lessons are accomplished through a pull out program.

Sports
Children may participate in Track and Field.
Students in grades five and above may participate in Boys or Girls Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Boys and girl’s soccer, Boys or Girls Softball, Flag football.
Participation includes after school practices and games with other schools in the Valley.

Overnight Field Trips, Grades 5-8
Longer field trips are scheduled for students in grades 5 and above. These trips can include overnight stays away from home. For example, students in Grade 5 participate in an overnight trip to a camp in Arizona to study God’s creation and learn about teamwork. Grade 6 travels to southern AZ to visit Kartchner Caverns, Ramsey Canyon and Tombstone. This has a 2 night stay. Seventh grade travels to CA for an ocean experience. The Eight Grade travels to Washington DC. These trips are considered regular days of school so, like any other day of school, students not able to participate are considered absent from school and are given assignments to complete that are similar to the experiences planned for the field trip. To provide thorough supervision, chaperones in addition to school staff, usually parents are needed. All chaperones for overnight trips experience the same background check as school staff.