Elementary School

Third Grade

Where Curiosity Deepens and Understanding Grows

Third grade at Campbell Christian Schools is a time when students’ curiosity begins to flourish into deeper understanding and maturity. Building on the foundations established in earlier grades, our third‑grade program encourages students to think critically, communicate clearly, and apply biblical principles to what they learn about the world.

Through engaging academics, field experiences, and daily faith integration, students learn that excellence in learning and in character go hand in hand. Each classroom becomes a community where children feel known, valued, and inspired to grow—in wisdom, kindness, and gratitude.

Coach guiding students during a sports practice at Campbell Christian Schools.

Academic Excellence Rooted in Faith

The third‑grade year is an exciting milestone where students transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” They are ready to explore broader scientific ideas, apply mathematical reasoning with confidence, and express themselves clearly through writing, dialogue, and creative projects.

At Campbell Christian Schools, we view this stage as an opportunity to strengthen both intellect and heart. Lessons are guided by biblical truth, teaching that all knowledge reflects the order, creativity, and goodness of God. Students develop independence, curiosity, and empathy as they work collaboratively, solve problems, and apply faith to daily decisions.

Science: Exploring Creation with Curiosity and Purpose

Third‑grade science invites students to wonder at the complexity of life on Earth and the systems that sustain it. Through experiments, outdoor exploration, and model‑building, they connect classroom learning with God’s design in nature.

Core science units include:

  • Variation of Traits: Understanding heredity and how God designed diversity within species
  • Animal Habitats: Exploring adaptations and ecosystems across the globe
  • Ecosystems and Food Chains: Discovering how living organisms depend on one another
  • Earth’s Orbits and Rotations: Learning how the movement of Earth defines day, night, and seasonal rhythms
  • Gravity and Weight: Investigating physical forces and their influence on motion

Hands‑on projects like water cycle dioramas, animal research reports, and space posters encourage observation, creativity, and collaboration. Students come away with a greater appreciation for God’s order and balance in creation.

Language Arts: Developing Voice and Expression

Third‑grade Language Arts focuses on growing literacy and communication skills through reading, writing, and meaningful discussions. Students expand their vocabulary, comprehension, and ability to express ideas clearly while exploring literature that connects faith, history, and imagination.

Writing and literacy experiences include:

  • Personal narratives and journaling that encourage reflection
  • Historical fiction exploring courage and community across time
  • Opinion writing that fosters constructive thinking and persuasive clarity
  • Biographies and poetry celebrating heroes, faith, and creativity
  • Buddy reading for collaboration and fluency practice
Calendar highlighting key enrollment dates for Campbell Christian Schools

Daily reading workshops expose children to a variety of genres—stories, poetry, scripture, and informational texts—that cultivate both empathy and curiosity. Teachers emphasize grammar, spelling patterns, and writing conventions while nurturing each student’s unique voice.

Language learning becomes a spiritual journey as students discover the power of words to encourage, uplift, and glorify God.

Social Studies: Learning from the Past to Live with Purpose

In third‑grade social studies, students begin exploring geography, citizenship, and world history more deeply. Through maps, timelines, and interactive lessons, they learn how God has guided people and cultures through time. Focus areas include:

  • Geography and extensive map skills: Understanding continents, oceans, and landforms
  • Native Cultures: Learning about heritage, traditions, and stewardship of the land
  • Communities: Exploring how people work together for the common good
  • Basic Government and Economics: Understanding how laws, leadership, and trade shape societies
  • Ancient Civilizations: Discovering early societies such as Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia

Students often showcase understanding through creative projects like flip books and city timeline posters, connecting history and geography to their own lives. Lessons emphasize respect, responsibility, and gratitude for the blessings of freedom and community.

Children participating in Sunday worship and activities at Campbell Church of Christ, including nursery care, preschool programs, and KidZone for elementary students.

Bible: Lessons from the Old Testament and Israel’s Journey

The third‑grade Bible curriculum focuses on the Old Testament, helping students understand God’s faithfulness in history and His ongoing relationship with His people. Through storytelling, discussions, and hands‑on application, students build a stronger foundation of biblical understanding. Key topics include:

  • The Israelite Exodus from Egypt and Moses’ leadership
  • The seven cycles of Israel’s relationship with God: obedience, rebellion, and redemption
  • Key Old Testament stories that reveal God’s justice, mercy, and covenant promises

Daily devotionals and weekly chapel reinforce faith lessons, helping students relate biblical events to daily life. They learn about perseverance, forgiveness, and trust—values that guide their growth as compassionate friends and resilient learners.

Math: Strengthening Logic, Reasoning, and Real‑World Application

In third grade, students transition to more advanced math concepts that encourage analytical thinking and problem‑solving. Teachers make learning interactive, using manipulatives, digital tools, and word problems that connect mathematics to everyday experiences.

Mathematics topics include:

  • Number sense, addition, and subtraction to 10,000
  • Multiplication tables 6–12 and related fact fluency
  • Introduction to division and the relationship between operations
  • Using bar models to represent the four operations
  • Fractions as parts of a whole and on a number line
  • Measurement with standard units
  • Understanding area, perimeter, and geometry concepts
  • Reading time, graphs, and line plots
  • Identifying angles, lines, and two‑dimensional figures

This approach nurtures conceptual understanding and confidence. Students learn that math reflects order and precision—qualities of God’s creation—and that perseverance leads to discovery.

Field Trips: Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom

Field trips in third grade provide opportunities to connect classroom learning with real‑world experiences. Each excursion fosters curiosity, teamwork, and appreciation for science, innovation, and God’s world.

Field trip highlights include:

Campbell Christian Schools students exploring hands-on STEM exhibits at The Tech Interactive in San Jose.

The Tech Interactive

Hands‑on STEM exploration and innovation challenges

Campbell Christian Schools students exploring astronomy exhibits and using telescopes at Chabot Space & Science Center.

Chabot Space and Science Center

Observing gravity, rotation, and astronomical phenomena

Campbell Christian Schools students exploring exhibits and learning about natural science at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.

California Academy of Sciences

Deepening understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and space science

These experiences allow students to see how curiosity and creation intersect, reinforcing that faith and science work together to reveal God’s truth.

Hands‑On Learning and Creative Projects

Third graders bring their studies to life through imaginative projects and presentations that celebrate learning across subjects. Signature activities include:

  • Animal Research Reports: Exploring classification, adaptation, and ecosystems
  • Space Posters: Illustrating orbits, planets, and God’s design of the universe
  • Flip Book Projects: Summarizing social studies or reading units through art and storytelling
  • Past and Present of Cities: Comparing ancient and modern communities
  • Water Cycle Dioramas: Building 3D representations of God’s natural systems

These activities develop independence, public speaking skills, and teamwork while reinforcing key academic themes.

A group of students laughing and playfully piled together in a joyful moment, showing friendship, camaraderie, and school spirit.

Growing in Faith, Knowledge, and Character

By the end of third grade, students have deepened their academic fundamentals and spiritual understanding. They have learned how to ask thoughtful questions, work collaboratively, and live with integrity.

Campbell Christian Schools teachers nurture a balance of structure and exploration, guiding each child to see how their individual gifts and curiosity reflect God’s purpose. Students grow in confidence—not only in what they know but also in who they are as children of God.

Why Families Choose Campbell Christian Schools for Third Grade

Families throughout Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and the Silicon Valley region choose our school because of our commitment to educating the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Parents value our balanced approach that combines academic excellence with biblical truth.

Our third‑grade classrooms offer:

  • Strong foundational academics integrated with Christian worldview
  • Hands‑on science, STEM, and creative projects
  • Inspiring Scripture lessons that connect faith to daily life
  • Field trips and enrichment that expand real‑world understanding
  • Caring teachers who know and support every student

At Campbell Christian Schools, third grade is a transformational year that nurtures curiosity, faith, and confidence. Students move forward academically prepared, spiritually grounded, and eager to continue their learning adventure through Christ.

Take the Next Step in Your Child’s Journey

At Campbell Christian Schools, third grade is a transformational year that nurtures curiosity, faith, and confidence. Students move forward academically prepared, spiritually grounded, and eager to continue their learning adventure through Christ.

Explore Campbell Christian Schools Today

For parents searching for private Christian schools near me or a Christian school near me that can provide a balanced, faith-based education, Campbell Christian Schools offers a unique experience that prepares your child spiritually and academically.

We encourage you to schedule a tour of our beautiful campus and speak with our dedicated staff to learn more about how CCS can nurture your child’s faith and academic growth.

Schedule a tour today to see firsthand why families rank Campbell Christian Schools among the top private Christian schools in San Jose and Campbell.

Address

1075 W Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Phone

(408) 370-4900

Office Hours

Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: Closed