Elementary School
Kindergarten-2nd Grades
Our Kindergarten-2nd grade classes emphasize a developmental learning program that includes heavy emphasis on:
- Reading and Math strategies and instruction
- Oral and written language development
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Creative expression through Art & Music
Classes include full-day programs with opportunities for academics, recreation and socialization. The Language Arts program is based heavily on phonics and immersion in children's literature. Students also enjoy weekly Spanish lessons.
Kindergarten-2nd grade students also develop writing and reading skills through daily journal writing.
Our manipulative-based Math program introduces and develops a variety of concepts including patterns, numbers, sorting and classifying, graphing, measurement, and addition/subtraction.
Social Science and thematic units are included in the daily curriculum, along with Religion. Students learn that each person is special, families and friends share love, and God is loving and forgiving.
In Science, Kindergarten through 2nd grade students learn to use basic equipment in order to measure and record data, and make observations using basic scientific method principles.
Kindergarten-2nd graders attend weekly PE, Art, Drama and Music classes.
Our gifted program begins in 2nd grade for students who qualify.
Grades 3-5
Language Arts
A literature-based reading program, with an introduction to chapter novels, exposes students to various genres: poetry, biography, historical fiction, and fiction. In-depth grammar instruction includes integration and knowledge of the use of parts of speech and mechanics. The writing process is incorporated into all aspects of the Language Arts program. Students write with purpose learning to construct cohesive paragraphs and essays while exploring various genres of writing including both personal and fictional narratives, opinion pieces, informational essays, and poetry.
Recognizing that we live in a digital world, each classroom in third and fourth grade houses a Chromebook cart allowing the students one-on-one use. Fifth-grade students have their own Chromebooks and use them daily at school and home to build digital writing portfolios, post and submit class assignments through Google Classroom, and build knowledge and practice essential research skills.
Mathematics
Hands-on activities, cooperative groups, textbook exercises, and appropriate technology are utilized to teach fundamental addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Number sense routines to build critical thinking skills are incorporated daily and instruction focuses strongly on problem-solving strategies. Through the intermediate years, students build on their knowledge of place value, operations and algebraic functions, collecting and organizing data, metric and standard measurements, statistics and probability, fractions, and geometry.
Social Studies
The Social Studies curriculum encompasses the study of the United States and its relationship to the world through engaging geography lessons and historical studies ranging from the growth of our nation to modern times. The past is related to current events. Lessons are enhanced through hands-on projects, the use of technology, and field trips to museums and historical sites in our community.
Science
Third through fifth grade Science further develops abstract thinking, allowing students to understand the natural world around them. They are engaged in inquiry-based lessons while relating scientific concepts to their growing faith. Students enjoy attending weekly Science Lab where lessons in Math, Physics, and Computer Science concepts come to life with hands-on, engaging activities.
Religion
Students in the Intermediate years study various aspects of the Catholic faith including building a strong prayer life and the study of Scripture. Students learn the Scripture-rooted history of the Mass, the seven sacraments, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the center of all instruction as a focus is placed on living a Christian moral life with loving service to others. Third through fifth-grade students serve as leaders in faith through opportunities including taking on the role of servers at Mass assisting the Celebrant, sharing the Word of God as lectors, and leading the student body as choir at school Masses. Additional responsibilities unique to the Intermediate years include leading a Living Rosary, sharing the lives of the Saints, and leading the Living Stations of the Cross. The students participate in our Prayer Partner program leading younger students to a deeper understanding of the importance of the Mass and service to others.
Other areas of study in our intermediate grade levels include Art, Music, Drama, Physical Education, and Spanish.
Our gifted program exists for those 3rd-5th graders who qualify.
Lower School Extracurriculars
Our variety of extracurricular activities complement learning that happens during the school day.
Guidance Counseling
The purpose of a counselor within the school setting is to be an advocate for all children, as well as to support the overall educational environment.