Elementary

Kindergarten

Saint Paul’s students begin elementary in kindergarten which is happy, busy and fun-filled!  We offer a program that is meaningful and enriching for each and every student.  Our teachers provide a safe, nurturing environment where our students grow spiritually, academically, and socially. There are two Kindergarten classes each year that work and learn in conjunction with one another, while pursuing the mindful development of the whole child.

We understand that students learn best when they are engaged. Our kindergarteners thrive in an environment where they are encouraged to explore the world around them through investigations and activities. Whether it be Skyping with a scientist in the Antarctic, creating a video about recycling, reading a book to a sixth grade buddy, or estimating and then counting out how many steps to the end of the playground, activities are designed to create conversation, collaboration, and encourage critical thinking.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Religion – intertwines into all daily activities and teachable moments. Kindergarteners pray together daily, by sharing special intentions, singing songs, and learning some of the foundational prayers of our faith. Students are celebrated as special and unique individuals daily through the “Special Person” program. Additionally, Kindergarten is regularly visited by Deacon Danny Amos, the Kindergarten Chaplain.  He also attends many of our Kindergarten events. Starting in January, Kindergarteners attend monthly Mass with their 6th grade buddies.
  • Language Arts – focuses on phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency and comprehension to build strong reading skills; students break into smaller groups of 15 for more individualized learning in our Early Learning Center in the spring of their Kindergarten year.  
  • Math – utilizes the My Math curriculum from McGraw Hill as well as teacher-designed lessons to celebrate events such as the 100th Day of Kindergarten.
  • Science – encourages exploration and interaction with STEAM phenomena in ways that nurture curiosity and challenge the students to explain the world around them through hands on investigations using the STEMscopes curriculum (Science Technology Engineering & Math) as well as teacher designed lessons and projects.
  • Social Studies – explores the meaning of good citizenship, national symbols, occupations, geography, and learn lessons and stories from important historical figures.  
  • Enrichment – Kindergarteners spend time each week learning from department specialists in Art, PE, Spanish, Music, Chess, Library, and Yoga/Mindfulness.
  • Technology – integrates into Kindergarten at an age-appropriate level and is used to enhance the learning experience for students, and not to simply entertain or occupy. Kindergarteners regularly use classroom desktop computers and 2:1 iPads to engage in educational games, learn to type on the keyboard, and listen to stories. Teachers use Apple laptops, Epson interactive projectors, and document cameras to create engaging lessons, and to implement the Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship program to teach internet safety at an early age.

Grades 1-5

After Kindergarten our students transition to grades 1-5 and engage in a dynamic, diverse, and challenging curriculum which helps nurture a love of learning, foster friendships, and grow in their faith. Departmentalized curriculum in grades 1-5 is based on National Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards which is integrated with Catholic values and our School Learning Expectations.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Religion – The school day begins and ends with prayer. We are blessed to have several of the parish priests and deacon serving as our chaplains supporting the students on their spiritual journey.  Chaplains also preside over school and evening liturgies and prayer services. Religion classes use an ADLA approved text to guide curriculum.  
  • Language Arts and Social Studies – focuses on critical thinking, cultivating reading strategies, and development of writing skills. Teachers utilize the Accelerated Reader program with data from STAR assessments to improve fluency and comprehension by working with students at their academic level.
    • Part-time teacher assistant daily for support
  • Math – utilizes the My Math curriculum from McGraw-Hill which focuses on critical thinking, collaboration, and strategies to develop problem solvers.
    • Part-time teacher assistant daily for in class and small group support
    • Opportunity for “pull out” with resource teachers for remediation and enrichment
  • Science – Guided by the Next Generation Science Standards, students explore, touch, and interact with STEAM phenomena in ways that nurtures curiosity and challenges them to explain the world around them through hands-on investigations. Students are engaged in a STEAM curriculum through the use of the STEMscopes. STEMscopes is an engaging, inquiry based STEM curriculum that involves students in meaningful and interesting learning. This program builds a solid foundation of science knowledge and develops skills for further STEAM learning and future 21st century careers. Coding and robotics are integrated through the grades.
  • Enrichment Classes – including Music, Art, Spanish and Physical Education are scheduled each week.
  • Technology – integration is integral to grades 1-5. Students utilize technology in all disciplines depending on the subject.