2nd & 3rd Grade Education at Apt Academy

Growing in Knowledge, Character, and Responsibility

At Apt Academy, elementary education is about more than academics; it’s about helping students grow into capable, responsible, and respectful individuals. Each of our classrooms is grounded in traditional Christian values, including:

Kindness and mutual respect
Personal responsibility and accountability
Discipline and structure
Clear communication
A safe, supportive learning environment
Peer interaction rooted in respect and cooperation

We create a community where students understand expectations, learn to work with others, and develop both academic skills and strong character. For many families, the early grades are when they begin to see gaps in public education, ranging from academics to the classroom environment. Apt Academy provides a focused, values-aligned alternative where students can continue building a strong educational foundation without distraction.

A Personalized Elementary Education Experience that Builds Confidence and Skills

Second and third grade are critical years for building on early foundational skills and confidence. Our elementary education program is designed to:

Reinforce foundational academics
Encourage independence and responsibility
Support students academically and socially

Similar to a homeschool pod with teacher-led instruction, elementary students benefit from:

Individualized learning based on readiness
Small group instruction and collaboration
A structured environment that supports focus and growth

This allows students to develop at their own pace, while remaining part of a supportive classroom community based on shared goals and values.

A Classroom Built on Collaboration, Structure, and Engagement

By 2nd grade, student learning expands beyond individual work, and students must learn to collaborate and build essential community and teamwork skills. Students will regularly participate in:

Hands-on learning activities and challenges
Group work and team-based projects
Interactive lessons and discussions
Guided instruction with experienced teachers

These experiences will help students learn to:

Work effectively with others
Communicate clearly
Solve problems as a team
Take responsibility for their role in a group or community
Develop leadership skills
Understand personal responsibility

This fosters a structured, engaging classroom, allowing students to take an active role in their education and in the development of their community and classroom.

Strengthening Core Academic Foundations

Second and third grade build on essential academic skills while introducing greater depth and complexity. For many students, this is where additional support and/or challenges in subject areas may become necessary. Students in these grades will focus on:

Reading fluency and comprehension
Writing development and grammar
Spelling and language structure
Math fundamentals and more complex problem-solving
Handwriting, including cursive and penmanship

As these students grow, they’ll also begin to explore:

Science and the scientific method
Geography and social studies
History and introductory civics

Learning Through Hands-on Exploration and Creativity

Developmentally, students at this age benefit from learning that is active, engaging, and personally meaningful. Our program integrates:

Hands-on science exploration
Interactive projects and experiments
Creative activities like painting and visual expression
Writing and language-based projects

The goal here is to have students apply the concepts they’re learning. Through these activities, students also develop critical social and life skills like:

Cooperation and creativity
Problem-solving (independently and in groups)
Communication
Respect for others
Community building

Through this, students stay engaged while developing a blend of academic and real-world skills.

A Structured Environment Where Students Thrive

At this stage, the classroom environment is everything. Students are learning to understand boundaries, structure, expectations, and their role in the communities where they are active members. At Apt Academy, our setting emphasizes

Respect between students and teachers
Clear expectations and consistent discipline
Encouragement and positive reinforcement
A focused atmosphere

Our goal is to create a space where teachers can teach, and students can focus, learn, grow, and succeed.

A Traditional Christian Homeschool Alternative for Families in Canby, Oregon

Many families choose Apt Academy during the elementary years because they’re looking for:

A homeschool pod or homeschool support
A more structured and supportive school environment
A greater focus on academics than culture wars
A classroom grounded in shared values
A setting where their child is known and supported

Our K-12 program offers a Christian, community-centered alternative designed for students who need something more than public school classrooms provide.

Discover the Apt Academy Difference

We invite families to see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and learn more about how our personalized education program supports students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

About Rachel Newell

Rachel was born and raised in Oregon on a small farm just outside of Canby. From a young age, she discovered her passion for working with children, a calling that has guided both her education and career. She has extensive training and hands-on experience supporting children with special needs, having worked in the public school special education setting as well as at an autism therapy center.

Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from California Lutheran University and went on to complete her master’s degree in Teaching at Concordia University. With a strong educational background and a heart for children, she is dedicated to creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive.

What You Will Learn

The first and second grade students will work to master phonics. Phonics provides the foundation in reading, writing, and spelling. Similarly, addition provides the foundation from which subtraction and other mathematic concepts are built from. Ensuring each student attains mastery of the subject material is key.

You Will Learn

You Will Do

Photos From Our Classroom

Learn More About Apt Academy

email: admin@aptacademy.org

phone: 503-266-1505