Our goal as Catholic School Educators is to allow our students to learn about their faith. The purpose of the religion program is to teach the doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Each child’s natural desire for God is nourished through daily prayer and liturgical celebrations including the Eucharist and Reconciliation. The children are encouraged to respond to God’s call by living and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. The school attends mass once a month and does prayer services throughout the year which is regularly run by our 8th graders.  

In each grade, our program addresses the four components of English Language Arts:

• Reading

• Listening

• Writing

• Speaking

Our instruction provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the concepts and skills necessary to function well in a world that depends on the daily application of mathematics. We believe that cultivating enthusiasm for mathematics is an important component of a successful mathematics curriculum, and we do that through proper motivation and consistent teaching in a positive atmosphere.

Specifically, the math program focuses on three components:

• Conceptual understanding

• Procedural fluency

• Problem-solving

Our program emphasizes the study of past human events and their impact on us today. The rights and responsibilities of government and good citizenship are also emphasized. Our government is studied and compared to other governmental systems. Historical facts and concepts are used to illustrate the development of the human race. Geography/Map Skills is included in the curriculum. The social studies curriculum is coordinated across grade levels with other academic areas. With enhancements such as IXL Social Studies, Gilder Lerhman Institute of American History, and Scholastics News our students have the world of history at their fingertips. 

All of the scientific elements are explored through experiments, observation, research. The science lab is available for use by all grades. The science program is coordinated with other academic areas. At all grade levels, the science curriculum challenges students to maintain high science literacy by expressing their discoveries in various ways.  By middle school, students are able to formulate research papers and laboratory reports.  
The use of our science lab allows our students to have hands on experiences in the field. Having the accessibility of microscopes, beakers, test-tubes, etc. gives the full-on experience that every eager young scientist looks for. Teachers of all levels are welcome to utilize the lab when it is not in use. 

All students in grades PK-8 receive art instruction once a week during the school year. Grades K-4 receive instruction in the fundamentals of art such as line, form, color, texture, and the incorporation of three-dimensional art forms. Students in grades 5-8 explore the diverse forms of art such as sculpture in various media. 

Physical Education is available 2 times a week for grades Pre-K through 4 and once a week in grades 5-8. The program emphasizes fitness, wellness, and nutrition for all grade levels. It includes basic movements and muscle development skills, as well as warm-up and physical activities, lead up games, and traditional games of sport. Health and sport related fitness components are also incorporated in physical education classes. The use of Vassar Field allows us to fully embrace the feeling of being able to spread our wings as hawks and enjoy every aspect of Physical Education. 

Grades PK-8 meet once a week for computer science classes for varying lengths of time. Academic software, word processing, and keyboarding skills are emphasized in grades 1-4. Word processing, spreadsheets, database, keyboarding, presentation software, and Internet skills are the focus of grades 5-8. Internet access is available in the computer labs, grades K-8 classrooms, along with access to Mac Desktops and laptop computers. We currently have a 3-D Printer within the Technology Room which allows our students to bring their ideas to life! 

All students in grades K-8 receive Spanish instruction. Grades K-4 learn Spanish through vocabulary-based activities such as games, songs, puzzles, flash cards, and bilingual storybooks. In grades 5-8, students advance their skills by using Spanish workbooks and software that focuses on grammar and vocabulary exercises.