PHILOSOPHY:
Curriculum at Academy of Our Lady is based on the following beliefs:
A genuine experience of Christian Community is necessary for faith growth. The diverse student population at Academy of Our Lady provides a positive means of learning and experiencing true respect for others.
Students learn in a variety of ways therefore, teaching styles must be varied.
Academy of Our Lady is primarily a Catholic school whose mission is to pass on the faith and articulate the Good News of Jesus Christ enabling students to reach the fullness of each ones potential and participate in the transformation of society.
These goals can be accomplished best in an atmosphere of love, peace, justice in a learning environment that stimulates and encourages achievement through involvement and participation. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning and their actions.
Parents and faculty will work together to benefit the academic success of the students.
VISION OF A GRADUATE OF ACADEMY OF OUR LADY:
A Graduate of Academy of Our Lady, commensurate with age and ability will:
- Demonstrate love for and commitment to Gospel values.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
- Recognize the value of technology and be able to use it effectively in a moral and ethical manner.
- Learn to value and respect the contributions made to society by various countries and cultures.
- Have and apply Christian Social Values to life situations.
- Value literature as a means of gaining knowledge and enjoyment.
- Be cognizant of the significance of science in their lives, and will have been involved in "doing" science, that is questioning and discovering using effective hands on inquiry methods.
- Think critically, reason logically and apply problem-solving skills to everyday life experiences and use the signs, symbols, terms and functions of mathematics confidently and correctly.
- Be confident in many movement forms, understand that physical activity can provide enjoyment, challenge and social interaction and will maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.
- Exhibit an appreciation for various art and music forms and will recognize these as a source of personal enrichment.
COURSE OF STUDY:
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.
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:
The subject of 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 8th 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.
Technology:
Computer classes are taught once a week to Pre-K through 6th grades. 7th and 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.
Physical Education:
Classes are held in the gymnasium once or twice a week, depending on the grade level of the student.
Fine Arts:
Art is taught by an art instructor once a week in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.