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Curriculum
At Saint Mary Star of the Sea we aim to meet every child's spiritual, emotional, and academic needs, while preparing them to become self-disciplined, responsible, and productive adults. We believe that the curriculum as well as the development of the whole child, is of prime importance in the education of our students. Here at St. Mary's we offer the following:
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Full Day Kindergarten:
Our full day kindergarten program offers flexibility, learning activities, and
developmental skills within a strong religious framework. The language
literature series introduces children to well known books and reading skills.
The math curriculum uses age appropriate tools to maximize learning. Proper
handwriting is practiced and stressed as well as a strong phonics program.
Children are exposed to art, music, computers, library, science, and physical
education.
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Primary Grades:
1st, 2nd, 3rd grades students are given a challenging curriculum supported by a strong religious foundation. The language arts program places a major emphasis on reading and writing skills, including grammar.
Math, Science, and Social Studies are complimented with supplemental
materials including technology, and field trips.
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Intermediate Grades:
4th & 5th grades students work in modified Middle School format. The goal is
to get the students comfortable with the concept of moving from class to
class based on the subject being taught. Students are able to acclimate to
having more than one teacher. It's our hope that by the time students reach
6th grade, they are fully prepared to follow a formal Middle School program.
The following curriculum is taught: 4th & 5th: English, Reading, Science,
Math, Social Studies, Religion, and Spelling, In addition to these classes,
the students attend Spanish, Music, Art, Physical Education, Library Skills,
and Computer Classes.
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Middle Grades:
6th, 7th, 8th grades
follow a traditional Middle School Format. The students have a homeroom, lockers, and move from classroom to classroom for their different classes. Wherever possible the course work is integrated. Students read historical fiction novels in literature that coincide with the historical time period studied in history. Science topics are presented in English term papers. With our new computer program, students are able to use the internet to reinforce topics learned in class and make presentations to the class through PowerPoint. Finally, all students in grades 7 and 8 participate in a semester-long research project which involves a research paper, a 3D display created by the student, and an oral presentation made to an assortment of members of the community. Recognizing that Middle School can be very difficult for some students, the teachers and students work on maintaining a compassionate classroom where tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of all students is the norm. We strive to create an atmosphere that is both academically challenging, and socially inviting. The following curriculum is taught:
- Grade 6: English, Reading, Science, Math, Social Studies, Religion, and
Spelling. In addition to these classes, students attend Art, Spanish, Computer,
Music, Library, and Physical Education classes weekly.
- Grade 7: English, Literature, Life Sciences, Pre-Algebra, Early American History, Religion and Spanish. In addition to
these classes, students attend Art, Computer, and Physical Education weekly.
- Grade 8: English, Literature, Physical Science, Algebra, 20th Century American History, Religion, and Spanish. In
addition to these classes, students attend Art, Computer, and Physical Education weekly.
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In addition to these core subject areas, St. Mary's also offers the following "value added" instruction.
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Computers: Students K-8th Grade receive regular instruction in the computer lab to learn basic and advanced computer skills.
Students learn how to use Microsoft Office programs.
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Library: Grades K-4 visit the Library weekly and are encouraged to borrow books. It is also open three lunch periods per
week for Grades 5-8.
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Art: Art classes provide the opportunity for growth in many areas: discovery, invention, exploration, risk-taking, and
emotional expression.
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Music: Weekly music classes introduce the students to elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and form.
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Religion: Students receive daily instruction, which include daily prayer, first Friday Mass, annual May procession, and
annual Christmas play.
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Title One Math: Title One Math Program is offered at school to all who need it.
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Guest Speakers: Guest speakers are invited to address students on various topics related to all subject areas.
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Teacher Aides: Kindergarten has the benefits of a full time teacher's aide in the classroom.
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Resource Room: Remedial & Enrichment.
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