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Academics
Grades Kindergarten through Three
Education in grades K-3 takes place within a faith-filled atmosphere which fosters in each student a positive, personal relationship with God and respect for others. The small class size provides a setting in which students are taught, nurtured, and challenged according to their individual learning styles. St. Aloysius Academy provides a firm foundation for the formative years in a student's education.
Religion
Students are taught basic concepts of prayer, worship, scripture, and doctrine, enabling them to develop as responsible Christians who have a knowledge of the Catholic faith and a commitment to service. Beginning in Grade 3, Catholic Social Teaching is introduced with emphiasis on Community and the Common Good.
Mathematics
Students are taught such mathematical concepts as counting by whole numbers using the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These concepts are taught and paced at grade-appropriate levels and enhanced by the use of manipulatives to help students move from the concrete to the abstract. Word problems give meaning to concepts.
Integrated Language Arts
Students are taught an integrated approach to language which encompasses the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Literature, grammar, spelling, and printing/handwriting are likewise components of the program. Cross-curricular connections are made with mathematics, science, and social studies. Services of a reading specialist are available as needed.
Science
Students are encouraged to learn about and explore the world around them. Scientific concepts are taught through observation, experience, and hands-on activities.
Social Studies
Students focus on geographical and social aspects of their world. They are aware of cultural diversity and learn about various holidays and how they are celebrated.
Music
In these early years, students learn how to sing alone, on pitch, and with appropriate diction and posture. They enjoy responding rhythmically through movement to various works and styles. Reading musical notation is also part of the learning experience.
Computer Education
Students receive instruction in network logon procedures. In computer class the students become familiar with the location and function of the keys on the keyboard. They recognize the differences between hardware and software and use application programs to create documents, paint, and draw. At this level the students are introduced to "CyberSpace" vocabulary and explore the Internet through directed activities.
Other Areas of Development
On a weekly basis, the students have the opportunity to participate in programs that will enable each one to become a well-rounded individual. Through art, library science, conversational Spanish, and physical
education, the primary student enhances his ability to succeed in a multifaceted world.
Grades Four through Six
Religion
Religion is the binding force at St. Aloysius Academy. It is our Faith that brings us together and it is instruction in this Faith that is paramount. In the middle grades, the students are immersed in the Church year through the celebration of liturgical seasons, feasts of Mary and the saints, and monthly participation in the liturgy. nstruction in the sacraments, Beatitudes, the Old Testament, and the life of Christ challenges students to put their faith into action. Instruction in Catholic Social Teaching is continued in Grade 4 with emphasis on Rights and Responsibilties; Grade 5, Caring for Creation; Grade 6, Communal Solidarity.
Reading and Integrated Language Arts
The integrated language arts program enables the students to grow
in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening across the curriculum. This integrated program includes the development of vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, spelling, and penmanship skills through the use of quality children's literature and creative writing assignments.
Math
Students in the middle grades build upon prior knowledge in order
to attain higher levels of mathematical thinking. They are introduced to the sets of rational numbers and integers. This is made possible through the use of manipulatives, maintenance, problem solving, calculators, computers, and national competitions.
Accelerated Math
The official grouping for accelerated math classes begins in fifth grade. To determine eligibility, standardized test scores, the last quarter report card grades, and at least one contest result in grades three and four are reviewed and weighted. This accumulated score and recommendations from third and fourth-grade teachers are the basis for admittance. In this class, students are taught at a faster pace and an emphasis is placed on word problems and critical thinking. More independent work and the use of computers are integral to this program.
Social Studies
Students in the middle years are exposed to the geographical and historical significance of their own state and expand upon this knowledge to include the Western and Eastern Hemispheres in the subsequent years. The social studies program is enhanced through the use of videos, the creation of class projects, and the opportunity to take field trips related to their area of study. It is at the sixth-grade level that students first participate in a History Fair.
Science
The scientific process is a key element in the science program. Students are enabled to explore this process in a hands-on fashion through use of the science laboratory and the interactive Windows on Science program.
Music
In the middle grades, students continue to develop singing techniques and progress to the understanding of rhythm patterns performed on rhythm instruments. Students are inatroduced to the various instrument families, explore multicultural music enhanced by using ethnic instruments and appropriate videos.
Computer Education
Students learn to navigate the computer desktop in a Microsoft Windows environment. Using appropriate terminology, students identify and demonstrate the operations of the various components of a computer system. Building upon the concepts introduced in grades K - 3 they explore and assess Internet resources. Students learn to format documents, design spreadsheets, and create slide presentations.
Other Areas of Development
On a weekly basis, the students have the opportunity to participate in programs which will enable each one to become a well-rounded individual. Through art, library science, conversational Spanish, and physical education, the middle-grade student enhances his ability to succeed in a multifaceted world.
Grades Seven and Eight
Religion
The themes of Jesus Christ, Sacraments, Church History, and Moral Life are the focus of the religion curriculum in grades seven and eight. Supplemental themes such as the Liturgical Year, Feasts of Mary, the Saints, and Prayer are also taught in conjunction with the core curriculum. Scripture is used to enhance the study of the curriculum, as well as liturgies, paraliturgies, use of the chapel, and community service projects. Instruction in Catholic Social Teaching continues in Grade 7 with emphasis on the Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers while Grade 8 is immersed in a Poverty Project stressing Option for the Poor and Vunerable.
English
The seventh and eighth-grade English curriculum provides the students with a direct relationship between grammar and composition, between the whole composition and its parts, and uses word processing skills to enhance writing assignments. The curriculum also includes spelling and vocabulary development. A strong emphasis is placed on the major aims of writing: to inform, to persuade, to explain, to prove, to entertain, and to describe.
Mathematics
The mathematics program strongly reflects the goals of the NCTM Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. Guidelines also provide a progressive scope and sequence. Math classes are organized to include maintenance, homework check and review, challenge lessons and reinforcement/evaluation activities. Manipulatives, calculators, and technology as well as cooperative learning groups are utilized to enhance learning. Students participate in a variety of mathematics contests throughout the year to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Accelerated Math
By seventh grade, pre-algebra is taught; by eighth grade, Algebra I. The basic mainstream curriculum is covered and enhanced by the extensive use of word problems, both algorithmic and non-conventional. To stimulate critical thinking skills, nipulatives, computer programs, and local and national contests are incorporated to a greater degree.
Science
The science curriculum consists of Life Science in seventh grade and
Physical Science in eighth grade. Along with these themes, the scientific method is incorporated. The curriculum is enhanced through the use of hands-on materials and experiments in the science lab, as well as through research and laser disc programs. Students also participate in the annual Science Fair and are guided in their preparation for additional science competitions.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum explores earliest civilizations in the Americas to the present day. Within the curriculum all social sciences are incorporated while utilizing available artifacts that reflect the time period. Each year students participate in the annual school History Fair moving to competition at various levels.
Literature
The literature curriculum promotes and encourages the joy of reading. The students read short stories, novels, drama, try, myth and nonfiction. The students develop selected writing activities that give them opportunities to be creative and that enable them to share their talents with their classmates. Literary discussions and thought-provoking writing activities cultivate higher level thinking skills.
Latin
The Latin program in seventh and eighth grades is designed to reinforce the study of English vocabulary and grammar. Latin vocabulary is taught both as a tool for translation and as a source of English vocabulary. Latin grammar is taught with constant reference to its English counterpart. The study of Latin is also intended to prepare the student for the formal study of a foreign language in high school.
Music
In the upper grades, the students study form, style, and the history of music. Learning to appreciate Opera and Broadway productions helps the student to value the progression and development of music throughout the centuries.
Computer Education
The computer program places emphasis on ethics, literacy, history, and applications. Students demonstrate advanced understanding of software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students evaluate information resources and solve problems using electronic media searches. Knowledge of the fundamental skills and concepts introduced at various grade levels is evaluated through short and long term projects.
Other Areas of Development
On a weekly basis, the students have the opportunity to participate
in programs that will enable each one to become a well-rounded individual. Through art, library science, and physical education, the upper-grade student enhances his ability to succeed in a multifaceted world.
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