Elementary

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. We also now have full-time TAs in the lower grades that follow the students all day for extra support, and 1st and 2nd grade also have daily support from the ELC teacher to help split the classes into smaller groups and provide more differentiated reading practice.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Religion – The school day begins and ends with prayer. We are blessed to have Sr. Theresa serving as our chaplain, 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 for grades 3rd and up 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. 
  • Foreign Language – Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world and our DK –  4th grade Spanish program lays the foundation by having students listen, speak, read, and write in the Spanish language. Students engage with interactive games, storytelling, and songs to expand their awareness of the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.