Montessori
Our Montessori program is a multi-aged classroom designed for the three- to six-year-old child. It is a three-year program. The first two years are half day with the third year being a full day. Based on Maria Montessori’s theory of development, this interdisciplinary and interactive curriculum includes lessons in four distinct areas: practical life, sensorial, mathematics and language.

Pre-Kindergarten
Our half- and full-day pre-kindergarten curriculum is designed for four and five year olds. The program develops the whole child--socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. The classroom is structured in learning centers that include art, reading, kitchen, computer, science and math. The language arts curriculum is based on the Alpha Time Program. The students also learn to recognize numbers, shapes, senses, and animals through thematic units. In religion, the weekly gospels are discussed through lectionary-based booklets called Promise. The students visit the library, art center, gym and music suite weekly.

Kindergarten
Our kindergarten program is designed for five and six year old children. This curriculum builds on the skills introduced in the pre-kindergarten program. A greater emphasis is placed on academics, while continuing to develop the social and creative aspects of education. The Houghton Mifflin reading/language arts program, Invitations to Literacy, presents skills thematically. Reading, writing, grammar, phonics and decoding strategies are incorporated into each lesson. The teachers use a printing program called Handwriting Without Tears. It stresses readiness, manipulatives, posture and pencil grip.

Our Everyday Math program has many hands-on activities that encompass a variety of mathematical strands while allowing the students to explore, discuss, and experiment through math in their everyday environment. In religion, the weekly gospels are discussed through lectionary-based booklets called Promise. The students visit the library, art center, gym and music suite weekly. World language instruction begins in kindergarten with an introduction to Spanish and French.

Grades One through Three
At the primary level, emphasis is placed upon exploring and mastering the core subjects of reading/language arts and mathematics. The children read authentic, theme-based literature from the Houghton Mifflin, Invitations to Literacy series. Guided Readers are also used to individualize reading instruction. The writing process is introduced and incorporated into each theme. The students produce writing pieces while taking it through the drafting, peer conferencing, teacher editing and revision processes.

In the Everyday Mathematics program children are active learners using hands-on manipulatives to enhance concrete understanding of concepts. The mathematical strands include simple and complex counting, numeration, operations, measurement, geometry, clock and calendar use, graphs, patterns, attributes, and functions.

Religion is a faith journey, taught not only as an independent subject, but also integrated into the daily actions and behaviors of each child. In the primary grades the children learn about God’s creation, Jesus, as God’s greatest gift to us, the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, and the Church as a servant community. Prayer and service projects are integrated into the curriculum as signs and symbols of living a Christian life within the community and adhering to the gospel values of mercy and justice.

In the primary grades our science specialist introduces our students to the lab. Proper safety procedures and simple hands-on experiments complement the classroom instruction. In social studies students learn how they contribute to the community in which they live and their responsibility to the global world. In third grade, special emphasis is placed on the history and geography of Pennsylvania.
Special classes such as art, music, gym, library, and world language enhance the core curriculum.

Grades Four through Eight
At the middle school level, emphasis is placed on the mastery of content and the development of critical thinking skills through discussion, debate, research, and questioning.

The religion program, Blest Are We, is a spiral thematic curriculum built on the four pillars of the Catholic Church: what Catholics believe, how they worship, live and pray. Unit themes of God as Creator, Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit as Guide, our history through Scriptures, morality, sacraments and the Church give the students a solid foundation of the Catholic faith. Prayer celebrations and individual grade service projects enable the students to praise and thank God and to understand our mission to help others.

Our literature based language arts program encourages discussion, writing and creative expression. Novels, short stories, and selections from a reading anthology, are aligned with the curriculum expectations in social studies, science, religion, and mathematics. Emphasis is placed on writing across the curriculum through well-planned thematic units. Writing is assessed on content, grammar, mechanics, and language development. Different writing genres are introduced and mastered at each grade level.

Our mathematics curriculum is based on the standards of the National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics. Problem solving strategies, and computational skills are the core curriculum in fourth through eighth grades. Advanced math classes begin in fifth grade and in grades seven and eight pre-algebra and algebra are offered.

Working within the framework of the Pennsylvania state science standards, earth, life and physical sciences are presented throughout these levels. The content is further enhanced through the use of scientific experimentation and technology.

Our social studies curriculum focuses on the history, geography, culture, people, and economy of the countries of the world. Discussion of current events enriches our program.

Technology is an important learning tool that is integrated throughout the curriculum.

Special classes such as art, music, gym, library, and world language enhance the core curriculum.

Homework Policy
Written and study homework assignments are integral to a student's complete education. Assignments are designed to reinforce and enrich the lessons taught in the classroom. A realistic time allotment for homework is suggested per grade level.

Assessment
Our students are assessed through textbook and teacher-made tests, projects, writing portfolios and classroom participation. Grades two through eight take the Terra Nova standardized test annually.

Don't forget to check out our homework page!