The pre-school and elementary school grades are significant formative years. Research indicates that 80% of a student's general intelligence is developed by the third grade. We are privileged to have capable, veteran teachers to instruct our students and motivate them to a high level of performance.

The purpose of the preschool is to provide a wholesome, God-centered atmosphere that fosters spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth under the supervision of sensitive caring adults. The program structure includes stories, songs, finger plays, creative art activities, games, and large muscle activities. Field trips are taken throughout the community. Other activities include science and nature experiences, exposure to shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and the celebration of birthdays and holidays. Each child should bring a backpack for his daily work.

Basic Academic Program

School hours for the elementary school are as follows:

Accelerated Reader Program

Several recent studies have found a significant correlation between the amount of literature-based reading students do and their growth in their reading ability as measured by standardized reading tests. In addition, improvements in standardized math scores were also correlated with the amount of practice in literature-based reading a student received. In light of these results, NCA participates in the Accelerated Reader Program, a computer-based reading motivation program. The program is simple: the student reads a book and then takes a computerized test on the book. After finishing the computerized test, the student receives a point score based on the difficulty level of the book and the number of questions he answers correctly. The student’s Accelerated Reader score will be averaged into his reading grade for grades one through five. A complete outline of the Accelerated Reader Program can be found in the Family Handbook.

Evaluation/Grading Periods

The academic year is divided into two semesters, each consisting of (2)nine-week periods. Report cards are issued at the end of each nine-week period. To keep parents informed about a student’s progress, progress reports are issued for all students half-way through each term.

Field Trips

Each grade level schedules at least three field trips during the school year to enhance the academic program. Some favorites have been the A.D. Players Christmas Program followed by ice skating at the Galleria, the Children's Museum, and the Houston Zoo.

Dress Code

Kindergarten students are required to wear uniforms in adherence with the school dress code; however, preschool is not required to do so. The uniform dress code is intended to serve as a tool to create an atmosphere free from distraction. In addition, it serves to dispense with competition due to outward appearance and affluence, de-emphasizes outward appearance in favor of inner beauty and character, serves as an economic measure for parents, enhances school spirit, and allows students to demonstrate submission to authority. NCA expects parents to assume the responsibility for their student(s) to adhere to the dress code and leave the school free to focus on its primary goals of building Godly character and academic competence.