Language Arts

The rules and principals of English grammar, word usage, and language mechanics are taught according to the conventions of Standard English. Students apply acquired skills when communicating through both written and spoken language. Cursive Handwriting is introduced in third grade.

Reading

Basic reading skills are taught through the use of a wide variety of children’s literature and novels. Phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills are emphasized. Wilson "Fundations Program" is used in our Kindergarten program to emphasize phonemic and phonological awareness.

Students engage in both whole group and small group learning. Academic needs are met through the use of differentiating lesson plans.

Religion

The Catholic faith is taught through daily structured religion lessons which emphasize the fundamentals of our faith and the doctrines of Catholicism. Catholic values are integrated throughout the curriculum. Students are encouraged to live according to the teachings of Christ. Students attend weekly Mass each Wednesday.

Math

A hands-on approach to computation and problem solving is utilized throughout the math curriculum. Math manipulatives games, basic skills practice, daily math drills and IXL are used to teach and reinforce math skills. Students are challenged through critical thinking activities.

Science

Science is taught through the use of computer technology, lab resource equipment, and class projects. Hands-on models, visual aids, videos, demonstrations, and experiments facilitate differentiated learning.

Social Studies

Historical literacy, learning the significance of events that took place in Virginia, as well as ethical, cultural, geographic, economic, and national/political literacy as it pertains to Virginia’s history, is enhanced through class presentations, songs and field trips. Local, regional and global connections help the students to develop community awareness as well as to learn about Virginia as a Commonwealth.

Music

Students begin to learn about how to read, write and sing from standard music notation. Our grades 2 and 3 play pitched and unpitched instruments. Grades 4 and 5 play recorders.

Spanish

Students learn to communicate in real-life contexts about topics that are meaningful to them. Emphasis is placed on the use of Spanish in the classroom and authentic materials to l earn about culture. Technology is an important means of accessing authentic information in Spanish and in enriching the Spanish classroom experience. 

Art

Students continue to be presented with famous art and draw comparisons between various artists and their works. History, culture and faith are highlighted throughout this study. Creativity is stressed in producing works of art that utilize various mediums and incorporate the lessons’ stressed elements.

Physical Education

Students in grades 1 and 2 practice basic movement patterns, locomotor and non-locomotor skills. Students are introduced to intermediate sports skills and practice movement patterns such as throwing, catching, striking, kicking, jumping and landing using a variety of manipulatives. Students participate in intermediate balance, dance and rhythm activities, as well as modified game play. Students in grades 3-5 practice advanced movement patterns, locomotor and non-locomotor skills in a variety of settings. They participate in advanced modified game play and testing for the components of fitness.

Technology

All students have 1:1 access to devices. Chromebooks are used in first through fifth grade classrooms . In addition, we have two iPad mobile carts in Kindergarten and one iPad mobile cart for Junior K.