ELEMENTARY: GRADES K-4
St. Mary’s School provides students with a strong foundation of academic skills and knowledge, working to kindle a lifelong love of learning. Positive self-esteem is fostered through their unique achievements and objectives while personalized instruction ensures that each child receives a challenging and engaging education.
Kindergarten through second grade students at St. Mary’s School have Physical Education three days a week, Art and Spanish two days a week, and Social Emotional Learning, Library, Music, and Technology once per week.
Students in second through fourth grade have PE, Art, and Spanish two days per week and Social Emotional Learning, Library, Music, and Technology once per week.
All students enjoy a range of field trips each year, and Resource Teachers are available for 1-on-1 attention and support.
St. Mary’s school follows Archdiocese of Washington Academic standards.
For comprehensive, downloadable information by grade level on the curriculum standards, please visit the ADW Catholics Schools
Website here: (https://adwcatholicschools.org/elementary-k-8/curriculum-standards/)
Digging Into the Details… ELEMENTARY: Grades K-4.
KINDERGARTEN & FIRST GRADE
The religion curriculum emphasizes God’s special love for His children. The foundation for the practice of the Catholic faith is established through simple prayers, Bible stories, songs, attendance at Mass, and daily instruction.
Language arts instruction is centered on the correlation between spoken and written language. The reading readiness program develops phonemic awareness and introduces basic sight vocabulary. Students read from decodable books and supplemental trade books. Students’ writing portfolios are initiated as a cumulative collection of the children’s creative work.
Basic skills and concepts in mathematics are developed through the manipulative approach. Number competency, cognitive skills, and problem solving are stressed, encouraging students to become competent problem solvers.
Science instruction begins with basic observation of the children’s environment. Students learn about and use their five senses in observations. Simple experiments using the scientific approach help students make informed conclusions.
The social studies program fosters growth in simple geography skills and the awareness of a child’s neighborhood and local community. The program stresses the importance of good citizenship and multicultural awareness.
SECOND THROUGH FOURTH GRADES
Religion curriculum emphasizes the growth of students’ Catholic Identity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the basis for Catholic teaching. The students participate in weekly Mass, special liturgical services, and charitable outreach programs. The students are prepared for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, in the second grade. There is an emphasis on memorization of Catholic prayers.
Language arts instruction is a literature-based reading program with a focus on phonics, vocabulary building, and reading comprehension. The students continue to build their writing portfolio with original, creative, and factual writing. English grammar and usage rules are taught through the writing process.
Math instruction makes use of manipulatives and technology for conceptual learning and the development of problem-solving skills. Students acquire skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, measurement, and geometry, probability, and statistics.
Science instruction uses investigation through a hands-on approach to develop critical thinking skills. Each grade has topics appropriate to that level. Students investigate topics such as the solar system, light and sound, the human body, and health.
The social studies curriculum assists students in becoming responsible citizens. The students learn about their community, state, and country. There is a strong emphasis on geography skills and history. Students learn to respect cultural differences.
LEARNING SUPPORT & SPECIAL EDUCATION
We believe every child is wonderfully unique, and we are committed to helping each student feel known, supported, and valued. Our school welcomes students with a variety of learning differences, and our dedicated Resource Teacher team works alongside classroom teachers to provide support and accommodation whenever possible. In grades K-4, students work with our Resource Teacher in both small groups and with one-on-one instruction in the classroom.
Because every child’s needs are different, and our resources are limited, support is considered on a case-by-case basis. We encourage families to reach out and share their child’s individual needs with us so that we can have an open conversation about how we may be able to support your child and help them thrive as a member of our school community.