Courses of Study

Reading:  Reading skills are taught at each grade level on a daily basis. These skills include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency and reading comprehension. In addition, a literature based approach is also used in our classrooms. Reading and literacy skills are incorporated across the curriculum at all grade levels.

Language Arts:  Language Arts is taught daily. This includes grammar, spelling, vocabulary, writing and communication skills. The area of Language Arts is also used in a cross-curricular fashion. Each subject area incorporates written and oral communication skills. Attention is given to a diverse student population and emphasis is placed on individual needs. Students are taught to develop a respect for the language diversity of various cultures.

Math:  Math is taught daily. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are stressed throughout the program. Kindergarten through fifth grade uses the Math Trailblazers® program which integrates math, science and language arts concepts. The program offers development of math skills as a “spiraling” approach. Number sense, computation skills, geometry, data collection, analysis and application are components, as well. Pre-algebra and algebra are taught in the eighth grade.

Social Studies:  Social Studies is taught at all levels. Through studies at various grade levels, students become aware of their neighborhoods, communities and the world. They will become informed and responsible citizens who have an appreciation of democratic principles and the dignity of individuals. They will recognize contributions and achievements of different cultures and individual rights of all.

Science:  Science is taught each day at all grade levels. Through the science program students learn to become thought provoking, inquisitive adults preparing them for the technological age. Students use the scientific method (observation, measuring, classification, the recording of data, writing of hypotheses and writing of conclusions) thus increasing their critical thinking skills. Science is incorporated in our Math Trailblazers® program K–5 in an interdisciplinary fashion. Labs are completed both in science and in mathematics.

Religion:  Religion is taught daily in all grades. Emphasis is placed on a personal and communal relationship with God and with each other as children of God. Basic beliefs of the Catholic tradition are taught. Opportunities for prayer services and other forms of liturgical activities are provided. The Bible is studied as God’s word to us. Gospel values are integrated into all activities of the day. Opportunities for community service are provided and are seen as essential to a Christian life.

Technology:  Computer classes are taught once a week to Pre-K through 2nd grades. Third through 8th grade students have computer class two or more times per week. Students are exposed to the working of a computer and how to use it. Keyboarding is taught. Classes bring projects to the lab and learn how to use the computer to enhance these projects, i.e. graphs, tables etc. Limited exposure is given to the Internet. Seventh and Eighth Graders also learn to use databases, power point presentations and spreadsheets. Computers are also available in all of the classrooms. All classes are taught the value that technology can bring to society when used properly. Students are taught safety in regard to the use of technology. Our expectations for students are that they will use computers appropriately at home and at school.

Fine Arts: Art is taught by an art instructor once a week in grades Kindergarten through 8^th grade.

Physical Education:  Students participate in gym once or twice each week (depending on grade level) for 45 minutes. Gym classes are held with a variety of activities to engage students. Activities include team sports as well as strategic tag games. Each game is used to develop lifelong skills like fair play and cooperation. Grades second through eighth grade participate in the Presidential Fitness Challenge. This is a National program that helps the student develop goals to reach an overall fitness level. Students are required to wear a gym uniform and proper athletic shoes to participate in gym class.

National Junior Honor Society

The Academy's National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is composed of seventh and eighth graders who demonstrate the five qualities valued by the Academy of Our Lady Chapter.  These qualities include: 

1. Scholarship:  A commitment to learning.
2. Service:  Willingness to work for the benefit of those in need.
3. Leadership:  Taking the initiative in class and school activities.
4. Citizenship:  Working together to improve the lives of all our fellow citizens.
5. Character:  The force within each individual that distinguishes that person from others.

Our chapter meets two times per month.  We have organized a sock drive for the PADS Crisis Shelter, and each year, host an Easter store and bake sale whose proceeds benefit various organizations such as the Holy Family Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen.