Academics

Academic Curriculum

Reading Program
The reading program in grades 4 through 8 is structured so that each child is reading on a level according to his achievement and ability. Extra help is given to those students who need individual attention.

The basic skills presented in grades 1 through 3 are built upon and enriched through continued instruction in phonics and comprehension.

The Junior High program includes literature and a supervised "free" reading program. Each grade is given a period in the library weekly and is encouraged to read at home. Book reports are assigned to students during each marking period.

Language Arts Program
The language arts program for grades 4 through 8 will concentrate on the mechanics of traditional grammar, the art of creative writing and spelling. Oral expression and grammar will be used as a supplemental language tool Oral expression and drama will be employed to provide each student with poise and self-confidence. Mythology and poetry will be introduced and explained at all grade levels.

Math Program
The goals for the mathematics program are the same as those outlined in the Mathematics Curriculum Guideline for Catholic Schools in New Jersey. All students will:

1. Become mathematical problem-solvers and grow confident in their mathematical abilities
2. Learn to value mathematics, to reason and to communicate mathematically
3. Make mathematical connections and apply them to real-life situations and other areas of the curriculum
4. Use decision-making, risk-taking, cooperative work, perseverance, appropriate technology and self-assessment in the development of mathematics
5. Be evaluated by the use of a variety of assessment tools and strategies
6. Apply ethical principles to problem-solving situations.

Science Program
The science program in grades K-6 is designed to give the child a basic understanding of general science. Experiments are performed by the teacher as a classroom demonstration or by the children. Home activities are assigned as either lead-in or follow-up from a lesson. Individual experiences of observations are provided by the teacher and are encouraged at home. In the upper intermediate level, recording of data, the problems, hypothesis and results of experiments are required. Outlining of chapters for study purposes as well as note taking is taught.

The Junior High program consists of Physical Science and Life Science. The students are called upon to do projects, prepare experiments and do research in books within a specific subject area. The program also includes demonstrations by the teacher, observation, recording of information and conclusion. A unit on Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Education is also a part of the program.

Social Studies Program

The social studies program in grades 4-8 will encompass the study of social relationships and the functioning of society through the study of history, geography and civics. Audio-visual aids, independent research, field trips, map and globe skills and current events will be integral parts of this program.

Stem Program for Grades 6-8

In the Fall of 2012, the school will begin participating in a new program known as STEM - which incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math skills into the daily curriculum and instruction to students in 7th and 8th grade.

Each ensuing year, two more grade levels will be added to this innovative program until all students in grades three to eight are immersed in the STEM Program and benefit intellectually from the rigors of this curriculum. Students will benefit from the added exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math lessons in the STEM Program which will increase their knowledge and experience, as well as prepare them for the competitive curriculum of high school and college.

Study Island for Grades 4-8

The Study Island Program will be implemented in the math curriculum to strengthen and refine students' math skills in grades four to eight. This new program will be an invaluable asset in preparing students for the standardized testing which is administered each year in the spring.

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