Religion:

Our religion texts include themes of global awareness, peace, social justice, ministry evangelization, the role of the laity, and ecumenism. The strengths of the religious formation program include student involvement in planning and implementing of daily prayer, masses, and prayer services. The scriptural base encourages a lived as well as a learned program. This is reflected in the service programs that are sponsored by different classes within the school. Students attend mass weekly and participate in adoration monthly. The opportunity to pray the rosary is offered daily during the month of October and the Lenten Season in the school's chapel. Classes are held daily.

Art:

The art curriculum is developed and maintained by incorporating the Archdiocesan curriculum guidelines which involve a variety of experiences: aesthetic, perceptual, intellectual, and emotional. Each grade level builds on the previous grade level experience. The study of art in an historical and cultural context gives students a clearer understanding of human accomplishments, and an understanding of the specifics of art production, art criticism, art history and aesthetics. Classes are held weekly.

Foreign Language:

The Spanish curriculum is implemented through the use of textbooks, audiovisual aids, scholastic magazines, and supplemental materials dealing with the culture and civilization of Spanish speaking countries. Communication is key to both the learning process and everyday life. By learning to communicate in a different way, such as a foreign language, students build their self-esteem. Many aspects of the foreign language program provide skills that cross over into other curriculum areas. Word recognition, sentence structure, and writing skills all relate to material learned in language arts. Geography and culture studies are also a part of the Spanish curriculum. Classes are held weekly in grades pre-k through five and daily in grades six through eight.

Language Arts:

The language arts area is developed by using one text book series consistently from kindergarten through grade eight. Through this, a continuity of skills is assured. Word identification, deriving meaning from context clues, identifying main ideas, cause and effect relationships, and outlining are just a few skills that are expanded upon year after year. These skills are necessary for comprehension and success in math, science, social studies, and religion. The writing process that is developed at each grade level is incorporated into all assignments. Children are grouped according to their ability levels for work in smaller groups. The services of a resource teacher are available to those students with special problems when needed. The introduction of novels increases student appreciation for good literature as well as heightens interest in reading. Classes are held daily.

Mathematics:

The same series of math texts is used in grades Kindergarten through six to provide continuity from grade to grade. By use of time lines, charts, graphs, data collection and organization and written exercises, the study of math is linked to social studies, science, art and English. Mathematics studies are sequential in format and presentation. Concepts are well developed. Due to methods of teaching, few students are math phobic. Manipulatives, calculators and other materials are used to enhance lessons. Many graduating students are placed in sophomore level Algebra and Geometry courses as high school freshmen. Classes are held daily.

Science:

The science curriculum is coordinated from grade level to grade level by the use of the same textbook series. The subject matter is presented in a variety of ways, including the hands-on activities correlating to the textbook series, the use of the two science labs, and the integration of technology. The continuum of thinking skills is incorporated by progressing from basic observation and comprehension skills to higher level skills such as analyzing, predicting, comparing, and contrasting cause and effect. The science fair, Maryland Science Center presentations and field trips excite the children in their exploration of science. Classes are held daily.

Social Studies:

Through the use of a variety of classroom activities, teachers provide opportunities for students to share their culture, history, religion, and political insight with their classmates. In addition to the textbooks, techniques used by teachers include simulations, role playing, lecture, small and large group discussions, hands-on activities, use of learning stations, research and reporting, journal writing, creative writing, field trips and guest speakers. Classes are held daily.

Music:

In the first years of Music instruction, students are required to observe, describe, and perform concrete facets of music such as volume or tempo. As students move from the concrete to the abstract reasoning levels, they are required to analyze music to a much higher degree. The same textbook series is used from kindergarten through grade eight. Additional materials, such as music scores, instruments, and audio recordings complete the lessons. Graduation requirements request that all students attend and critique a local musical program. Students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through fourth participate in a Christmas musical performance. The school chorus auditions are open to students in grades three through eight and the spring musical to students in grades six through eight. Classes are held weekly.

Physical Education:

The curriculum is offered through emphasis on developing health and fitness. The curriculum is scaled to the ability of the children. Classes are held weekly in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten and twice weekly in grades one through eight.

Technology:

The computer lab is utilized weekly by all grades. Instruction includes the opening and closing of a computer unit, printing, exploration of the Internet, information gathering, basic keyboarding, and program and software usage. Teachers are offered the usage of the lab to enhance and complete lessons with their students.