Program Characteristics

Kindergarten classes and grades 1st thru 5th are self-contained. Students in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th move to different classrooms for individual subjects. All children travel to other rooms for instruction in the following areas: Christian doctrine, music, art, library, and physical education. Homework is considered an extension of classroom instruction. The grade level of the students determines the amount of homework. Report cards are issued every nine weeks, and four interim reports are also sent to the parents.

St. Mary's School uses the diocesan graded course of study, Embracing the Challenge, developed for use by the schools with input from teachers throughout the system as a basis for curriculum. Beginning the summer of 2004, the diocese undertook a program of curriculum revision and alignment, integrating diocesan standards, state standards, and skills assessed by ITBS. Teacher observations by the principal keep a check on instructional practices. Teachers attend workshops, courses, and seminars to keep abreast of new developments in the field of education.

The school library is available to all students at St. Mary's School. Children in kindergarten through grade eight have scheduled classes. The library has been completely renovated and fully automated. A curriculum framework of information skills for learning, enrichment, and recreational reading has been developed and implemented. Library time and resources are used to support students with special projects.

			Curriculum Overview

Core subjects taught at St. Mary's School are religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. The curriculum also includes physical education, art, music, and keyboarding for middle school students. An exceptional library program is offered to all grades.

• Kindergarten. Emphasis is on making the child's first experience with school successful and happy. Students are encouraged to work and create independently and in a group setting. In addition to the core curriculum, studies in religion, technology, physical education, library, art, music, and science are also included.
• Grades 1st thru 5th. Emphasis is on religion, reading, English, writing, math, science, and social studies. The curriculum also includes library, music, art, health, and physical education.
• Grades 6th thru 8th. Strong traditional core curriculum in religion, language arts (emphasis on literature, composition, and vocabulary), math (including algebra), science, library, and social studies. The fully developed physical education curriculum includes a variety of sports, overall physical fitness, and health. Students' leadership skills are encouraged in Student Council and other extracurricular and service activities.

Supplementing the core curriculum, St. Mary's School affords students with a myriad of opportunities for cultural, artistic, and social enrichment through various on-campus and off-campus experiences. Service projects and charity work are an integral part of St. Mary's School.

In addition to the core curriculum, all students take part daily in classroom religious instruction led by qualified religion teachers. They provide Christian values and principles of the Catholic Church. The students at St. Mary's School are asked to show the Christian virtues they learn through acts of faith and love. They work toward peace and social justice. Additionally, they participate in a weekly liturgy conducted by the priests of St. Mary's Church. Each class, grades 1st thru 8th, has the privilege of being responsible to plan for a Mass. This includes the hymns to be used, petitions, and special offertory gifts. They may also participate as cantors, lectors, and altar servers. Parents are encouraged to attend the children's Mass. Each school day begins with a Prayer Service. Students assemble in the gymnasium for Morning Prayer Service and then go to their appointed classroom.