Curriculum

Curriculum

Subject	Grade Level Offering	Rationale
Religion	K-8	Christian education, in conformity with the Catholic philosophy of life, strives to deepen love of God and neighbor in the individual and to express this love in creative relationships in the home, the school, the parish, and our social and civil worlds. The religion program includes a developmental study of religious truths and Sacred Scripture, participation in worship and congregational singing, practice in Christian living, and growth in Christian personality and knowledge. Through its practical application to daily living, religion is the integrating force in the Catholic school and imprints upon it a unique significance. In Diocesan schools, Christian Family Life Education is a process of on-going education from preschool through high school. Its objective is to develop in students an appreciation of life in all forms as God's greatest gift and to strengthen positive attitudes. In our school, Family Life Education is an integral part of the curriculum; therefore, all students are required to participate in the program.
Language Arts	K-8	The program of language arts is organized to provide a sequential development in four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The language arts are the essential tools of all learning; therefore, integration in every subject area is an important part of the program. An emphasis is placed on the development and appreciation of core literature.
Mathematics	K-8	Within the past decade much emphasis has been placed on understanding concepts in the study of mathematics. The program in this area is a sequential learning experience in which new approaches, content material, and basic skills are utilized to achieve this understanding. Through these means, students are guided toward discovery of fundamental relationships, and hence, more meaningful knowledge.
Social Studies	K-8	The social studies program is organized to provide learning experiences which will enable the student to learn, to live, and to work in a democratic society. The understanding and deep appreciation of cultural ideals, heritage, and way of life are a vital outcome of the study of our own country and the cultural and political roots of the people who make up the "American Mosaic."
Science	K-8	The science program is organized to develop in the students a scientific enthusiasm and the ability to think critically, research and plan experiments by using the scientific method. The program is integrated in such a way that the fields of physical, earth, and life sciences are covered in accordance with the spiritual, intellectual, physical, personal, and social development of the child.
Foreign Language: (Spanish)	K-8	Spanish classes are part of the regular curriculum in grades four through eight. This program emphasizes the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of the Spanish language. The cultural life of the Spanish-speaking people will also be emphasized.
Music	K-8	The music program in all grades includes singing, theory, appreciation, movement, and playing rhythm instruments. Students in grades six through eight are also taught to play the recorder.
P.E.	K-8	Physical Education is a comprehensive program of health and physical activity. The program emphasizes three major goals for the physical education curriculum: movement skills and knowledge, self-image, personal development, and social development.
Computer	K-8	Instruction in computer literacy is offered to all students. Primary grades emphasize mouse use and keyboarding skills. Upper grades are taught word processing, spreadsheets, and the proper use of the Internet.
Art	K-8	An art program throughout the school has been established for the development of art appreciation and skills, as well as development of creativity for all students.