Early Elementary
Academic excellence is the core of all that we do. Students are guided through their learning by their teachers, and encouraged to make mistakes in order to grow, following our school motto of “Never Give Up!”
Faith & Values
Through the Blest Are We curriculum, faith-based lessons centered on values, community, and living out faith through everyday actions.
In Kindergarten, students learn to identify members of the Holy Family, using them as foundational role models in the faith from the very start. Through attending Mass with the school community weekly, students learn prayers, practice Mass responses, and develop an understanding of Catholic worship. Using the Bible as a guide, students engage with Bible stories and demonstrate a growing understanding of Sacred Scripture.
Reading
From Kindergarten through Second Grade, students build strong reading foundations through the Fundations Phonics Program by Wilson Language and the Wit & Wisdom English Language Arts Curriculum by Great Minds. Students develop phonics, reading, writing, and comprehension skills through daily practice, small-group instruction, and engaging, content-rich texts. Using resources like the Geodes Classroom Library, students deepen their understanding of science, history, and the arts while growing as confident readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
Math
Students in our early grades build strong mathematical foundations that will carry them through upper-grade mathematics. Beginning with counting and shapes in Kindergarten, students move on to learning a plethora of strategies to add and subtract numbers - ultimately choosing what works best for them. Eureka Math Squared curriculum is used as a guide for teachers to have students practice a daily routine of fluency, learning, solving with partners, and then showing what they know on their own. By following a gradual release of the responsibility model, students feel, and are, successful with difficult concepts, as they begin to multiply numbers at the end of second grade.
Science
Science comes to life in the early grades as students explore hands-on concepts such as animal and plant needs, weather patterns, and basic engineering principles like pushes and pulls and states of matter. Students learn from a dedicated primary science teacher and regularly engage in learning experiences in the science laboratory, where they investigate topics such as light, sound, and vibrations. Our use of Mystery Science Curriculum further enriches instruction, encouraging curiosity, questioning, and joyful discovery.
Social Studies
In primary grades, students focus on the people, places, and experiences that shape their everyday world. Through My World Interactive, students learn about their community and discover how they can make a positive impact. They compare and contrast places and people while exploring traditions and customs from across the United States, building an early understanding of citizenship and belonging.
Music, Art, Spanish and PE
All students enjoy classes taught multiple times a week by specialty teachers, giving them opportunities to explore creativity, movement, culture, and self-expression beyond the core classroom.
Social-Emotional Learning & Character Development
Social-emotional learning is intentionally woven into each school day through our use of Character Strong curriculum and our daily Morning Meeting routine, guided by the Responsive Classroom technique. Students develop skills such as kindness, empathy, responsibility, and resilience while building strong relationships with peers and teachers.
Morning Meetings & Daily Amen
Morning Meeting creates a welcoming start to the day, giving students a safe space to connect, share, and set positive intentions. Together, these practices help students grow in character, confidence, and community.