Lower School

In the first grade, students are introduced to the school uniform, to testing, and to the structure of the traditional classroom. Learning progresses from this point through a sequential, self-reinforcing curriculum designed to challenge the student by introducing familiar but increasingly advanced concepts.

Emphasis in grades one through six is on fundamental subjects: reading, handwriting, English grammar, vocabulary, and composition. Reading and spelling are taught using phonics and the Open Court® textbook series. Students are also introduced to history, geography, and Spanish language study, and in the fifth and sixth grade, to life science.

Mathematics is taught every day. Physical education classes, held three times per week, are also included, as is optional instruction in the Roman Catholic faith. Weekly lessons in art, music , library and computer keyboarding round out the course of instruction.

In the seventh grade, all students take Latin; students who demonstrate willingness and ability may begin Prep School courses in algebra. Seventh grade culminates in successful completion of a comprehensive "leaving certificate" exam and promotion to the Prep School.

 

Lower School Courses of Study

GRADE 1: Reading - Open Court 1 GRADE 2: Reading - Open Court 2
Word Study Skill   Grammar
Spelling - Vocabulary   Spelling - Vocabulary
Handwriting   Composition
Mathematics (Saxon)   Handwriting
Introduction to Science   Mathematics (Saxon)
Spanish   Science
Music, Art, Physical Education   History - readings from the Ancient World
Library, Computer Keyboarding   Geography - emphasis on geographical terms
    Spanish
    Music, Art, Physical Education,Library, Computer Keyboarding
       
GRADE 3: Reading - Open Court 3 GRADE 4: Reading - Open Court 4
Grammar   Grammar
Spelling - Vocabulary   Spelling - Vocabulary
Composition   Composition
Handwriting   Handwriting
Mathematics (Saxon)   Mathematics (Saxon)
Science   Science
History - Medieval and Renaissance through the Age of Discovery   History - American to the Civil War
Geography - general   Geography - United States
Spanish   Spanish
Music, Art, Physical Education   Music, Art, Physical Education
  Library, Computer Keyboarding

  Library, Computer Keyboarding

GRADE 5: Reading - Elements of Literature GRADE 6: Reading - Elements of Literature
Grammar   Grammar
Spelling - Vocabulary   Spelling - Vocabulary
Composition   Composition
Handwriting   Mathematics (Saxon)
Mathematics (Saxon)   Science
Science   History - Ancient
History - US   Spanish
Geography   World Geography
Spanish   Music, Art, Physical Education
Music, Art, Physical Education   Library, Computer
Library, Computer    
   
GRADE 7: English
Literature
Grammar
Spelling - Vocabulary
Composition
Mathematics - Pre-Algebra
History - British
World Geography
Latin IA
Earth Science
Physical Education
Art, Music

 

 

The Curriculum | Emphasis on Language
College Acceptance | International Students

 

 

 


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