St. Clare School - Curriculum

Saint Clare School

716 Myrth Avenue Essex, Maryland 21221

School Curriculum

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

The Pre-Kindergarten program, through an environment of social interactions and academics, develops the whole child socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Manipulative, independent and cooperative learning activities, art and music expression, reading readiness skills, and religious instruction are stressed within an atmosphere of positive reinforcement. Pre-kindergartens 3 year olds meet twice weekly. Pre-Kindergarten 4 year olds meet three times a week.
The kindergarten level continues to meet the needs of the whole child. In addition, a curriculum of language arts (phonics, rhyming, VKAT, whole language), mathematics, handwriting (number, letter, word, and sentence formation), and computer is provided. The students also participate in weekly instruction from the music, art, health, physical education and library teachers. Kindergarten students attend five days a week, all day.

The pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs follow the guidelines set forth in the Archdiocesan Course of Study for Early Childhood Education.

Teacher observations, parent conferences, and report cards provide evaluative information and serve to link school and home regarding school progress. Prior to entering kindergarten, the Early Prevention of School Failure Screening is administered for the purpose of meeting individual needs throughout the student’s year in kindergarten.

Primary Grades – 1 and 2

In the primary grades, the Archdiocesan Course of Study drives the curriculum. The students are taught through a balance of structured, cooperative and hands-on learning. Christian morality, attitudes and values are taught not only in religion but also throughout all subjects. In the language arts curriculum, reading skills such as, comprehension, critical listening and vocabulary are taught through the use of basal readers and the development of phonetic skills. Children are taught to express their thoughts through grammatically correct sentences and story writing. Cursive writing is introduced in the second grade.

In the mathematics curriculum, students are encouraged to use hands-on manipulative and mental processing to solve real-life mathematical situations. Students are taught to take active responsibility for themselves, their community and their environment throughout the science, social studies and health curriculum. Computers are used to enhance the students’ learning in all subject areas. Students attend weekly classes in music, art, health, physical education, computers and library.

Intermediate Grades – 3, 4 and 5

Independent learning begins and continues throughout the intermediate grades, which allows students to progress to cooperative learning. The skills learned in the primary grades are expanded upon and strengthened. Oral and written reports are initiated in the third grade, developed in the fourth grade and refined in grade five.

During these years, students become increasingly aware of the true meaning of Christianity. This is accomplished through daily implementation of the Ten Commandments, weekly Masses and monthly service projects. Awareness of consequences of personal actions on the community as a whole fosters accountability that carries through the remainder of their lives.

Middle School – Grades 6, 7, and 8

The Archdiocesan Course of Study drives the middle school curriculum. Teachers in the middle school strive to use a variety of teaching strategies to meet the varied educational needs of our students. These methods include: classroom instruction in both small and large groups, cooperative learning through group projects, technology based materials in our computer lab, Hands-on activities, field trips and across the curriculum activities that enhance the subject matter being taught. The religion program is based on a "faith and witness" approach that includes Creed, Morality< Liturgy and Church History.

The science program includes general science, life science, earth science and environmental science. An understanding of the scientific method is taught. The mathematics program uses a three course-integrated approach that includes computation, application, problem solving, and technology. Pre-algebra, algebra, geometry and daily living based mathematical concepts are taught through hands-on methods, word problems, and projects.

Language arts is comprised of in-depth instruction in grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading and research skills. These skills are reinforced across the curriculum. Advanced literature is encouraged and taught. In addition to classroom instruction, small groups of students are given the support of a reading specialist.

The social studies program promotes global awareness. This is accomplished through the use of teacher resources, textbooks, workbooks, videos and newspapers. Students participate in hands-on activities involving cultural celebrations, historical occurrences, research and drama.

Students in middle school receive formal instruction in the foreign language of their choice, French or Spanish. They develop competency in listening, speaking, writing, and reading in accordance with the Archdiocesan Course of Study for Foreign Language. Computer, library science, music, both vocal and instrumental, physical education and health and art are also taught as part of a well-rounded education at St. Clare.

Quality of Work for Students in Grade 4 to 8