Educational Programs

Our computer education program is an evolving program. Classroom teachers work toward integrating technology across subject areas through the use of computers and smart boards in classrooms, the lab, and the library. iPads are provided for students beginning in 4th Grade.

Goals: At the end of eight years of study, students will:

• Become knowledgeable, competent computer users.
• Develop higher-level reasoning capabilities, including abstract reasoning, sequential thinking, creativity, analysis, and deduction.
• Apply specific skills taught in core subjects, including mathematics, language, reading, and social studies.

The Family Life Program specifically addresses five needs of today's developing young Catholics.

Young people need:

• Skills and knowledge for family living, both now and when they become parents.
• To understand their own physical, emotional, and spiritual development, as well as the development of people around them.
• To cultivate a respect for all life, especially human life.
• To develop a Christian understanding and reverence for sexuality.
• To relate with others outside the family and take their responsible place in society.

This program is based on experience, recognition of the importance of the family, and our Bishop's request for a curriculum in Family Life.

Goals: At the conclusion of eight years of study, students will:

• Demonstrate healthy behaviors.
• Exhibit a positive self-concept.
• Express emotions appropriately.
• Weigh potential benefits against possible consequences before choosing one action over another.
• Communicate and cooperate effectively with others.
• Develop and maintain interpersonal relationships.

Our Language Arts Program enables students to communicate effectively with others. It is a developmental and sequentially ordered program of oral and written communication, including listening, speaking, writing, reading, and thinking, integrated into every area of the elementary curriculum.

Teachers provide creative, open, and motivating situations where interaction and communication can flow. Students are evaluated in writing, speech, and reading through teacher observations, testing, projects, and activities. Grades 7 and 8 are divided into two smaller literature groups.

Goals: At the conclusion of eight years of study, students will be taught to:

• Gather information and interpret it within an oral presentation.
• Respond accurately, creatively, and effectively using various forms of speech.
• Express themselves clearly, concisely, and creatively in writing.
• Practice the mechanics of language and basics of composition.
• Comprehend printed and media presentations in order to interpret, analyze, and evaluate information.
• Take pride in their work and participate in self-evaluation.
• Exhibit confidence in communicating with individuals and groups.

Our Mathematics Program is designed to assist children in developing their ability to reason and think logically. Problem-solving skills are intentionally related to practical life and prepare children to participate with confidence in society.

Sequentially ordered skills help students develop competency in computation and the application of mathematical skills at the elementary level. Students are evaluated through tests, teacher observations, and problem simulations.

Goals: Students will be taught to compute accurately, reason and think logically, and apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations.

Our Music Education Program increases children's sensitivity to the power of music as an art and prayer form. Students grow in musical expression, understanding, and appreciation through a variety of musical experiences.

The teacher introduces the elements of music, including rhythm, melody, harmony, form, expression, and style. Students are evaluated through observation and criteria related to performance, understanding, and appreciation.

Students in Grade 1, Grade 2, and Choral Groups perform in the Christmas Show. Students in Grades 3 through 8 perform in the Spring Concert.

Goals: At the end of eight years of study, students should be able to:

• Discern qualities that make sound expressive and respond to them.
• Analyze and explore the inner workings of music.
• Appraise the musical quality of a variety of pieces.
• Understand their own musical preferences in relation to others.
• Value music as important to life and worship.

Our Physical Education curriculum aids students in the development of sports skills and related activities that challenge each person to reach his or her physical potential.

Awareness of Christian unity is emphasized, along with respect for every classmate as an individual through fairness, acceptance, and teamwork.

Through an understanding of the body's need to be active, the program emphasizes fitness as a lifelong goal.

Our Science Program is based on the Gospel message that the human person and the planet are creations that are valuable and deserve respect and care. The science curriculum focuses on the planet and the human person.

Teachers provide instruction, activities, and experiments that stress the interdependence of human beings with one another and with the universe. Students are evaluated through tests, experiments, reports, research projects, and discussions.

Goals: At the end of eight years of study, students will:

• Recognize the interdependence of all things in our world.
• Develop the skills and values needed to live as committed Christian teenagers in a scientific and technological society.
• Recognize the scientific method and apply it to problem-solving situations.

Our Social Studies Program helps children see the dignity of human life through the vision of Jesus and involves them in the search for just solutions to the problems of society.

The program develops key concepts and skills needed to gather, use, and present information. Students explore social, political, economic, geographic, and historic perspectives while developing a greater understanding of society, its conflicts, problems, solutions, and resolutions.

Teachers bring Gospel values to students in ways that motivate them to strive for justice and peace. Evaluation techniques include observations, checklists, conferences, group discussions, problem-solving processes, questioning, tests, expository writing, and projects.

Goals: At the conclusion of eight years of study, students will:

• Master the basic skills of getting, using, and presenting information.
• Build mental categories that provide a foundation for future learning.
• Responsibly participate in interpersonal and group discussions and decisions.
• Develop constructive attitudes toward diversity, change, and conflict.
• Make decisions and judgments using standards such as justice, morality, ethics, and practicality.
• Develop responsibilities and pride that enhance citizenship.