Curriculum
SFA offers educational experiences for grades Jr. K - 8 with special programs for advanced students and students requiring special learning programs. We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and a charter member of the National Catholic Education Association. Pre-KindergartenOur class size in Pre-Kindergarten is approximately ten students with a certified teacher and full time assistant assigned to each class. Classes meet five days per week from 7:50 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In Pre-Kindergarten you will see students praying and talking about God, developing positive social skills through interactions with peers and adults, investigating centers, working on computers, beginning language and number awareness, making shapes and learning colors, problem solving, sharing, laughing, creating and playing while developing fine and gross motor skills. Junior KindergartenOur class size in Junior Kindergarten is approximately twenty students with a certified teacher and full time assistant assigned to each class. Classes meet five days per week from 7:50 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our junior kindergartners are introduced to the Language Arts through phonics, reading readiness skills, listening skills, and writing. Recognizing numbers and shapes, counting, sorting and sequencing are all components of our math program. Role playing and storytelling activities are used to promote creativity. Through Bible stories, teachings of Jesus, lives of the saints and liturgical celebrations, teachers help the children grow in appreciation of God’s gift of life, caring for others and love of creation. Themed units are used throughout the year to integrate historical events and figures, science, holidays and seasons into the curriculum. The learning approach is multi-sensory, using field trips, guest speakers, along with weekly classes in physical education, music, art, and Spanish.
Kindergarten through Fifth GradeOur class size is approximately 22 students in Kindergarten through Fifth grade. Our Kindergarten classes each have a full-time assistant and all K – 5 classes are taught by certified teachers. Classes meet five days per week from 7:50 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The curriculum in these grades is based on a spiraling approach designed to academically challenge our students. The core curriculum consists of religion, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Our students also participate in weekly art, computer, library, music, and Spanish. Students take physical education classes twice a week and participate in a wide variety of field trips that relate to the curriculum. In fifth grade, students change classes for the core subjects and may choose to take Band as a special class. Religion – Our religion series, Blest Are We, is a curriculum based on the pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: the Creed (believe), the Sacraments (worship), the Commandments (live), and the Lord’s Prayer (pray). In this way the essentials of Catholic teaching are presented to the students in an integrated and balanced approach that helps them learn and deepen their faith and Catholic Identity. The children are able to experience and celebrate this in our weekly masses. In second grade, our Catholic students prepare to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist Language Arts – Our Kindergarten, First and Second grade reading program is firmly grounded in phonics and develops reading ability through the study of a rich variety of literature. Students are encouraged to express themselves daily in creative writing. As students progress through the elementary grades they continue to read for knowledge as well as for enjoyment. The language arts curriculum is designed to allow for a smooth transition among grade levels. Our school -wide Vocabulary program, “Vocabulary Workshop” begins in third grade to enhance vocabulary growth and skills. The Accelerated Reading Program is offered for students in Second through Fifth grades. Mathematics – Concepts, problem solving, number and operations, measurement and the introduction of geometry and algebra are major elements in the Kindergarten – Fifth grade program. Students learn math concepts and calculations that reinforce logical and critical thinking in other aspects of the curriculum. The program utilizes computer technology and builds strength in the student's deductive reasoning skills. As a supplement to the math curriculum, our fifth grade students utilize ALEKS, a computer-based program, for math enrichment. Social Studies - The social studies program for Kindergarten - Fifth grade is a comprehensive study of our community, nation and world, offering students the skills and knowledge to thrive in our society and treat others with respect. It promotes the development of good citizenship, tells of the great men and women of history and explores the different cultures and people in our society. Map skills, geographic concepts and the importance of caring for our world are also highlighted in this program. Science - Our Science program familiarizes the learner with the concepts, basic facts and scientific processes of life, earth, physical and health sciences. From our Kindergarten classes having a “Scientist of the Week” that shares hands-on experiments, to our fifth grade students who utilize computer technology by designing and building robots using Lego Mindstorm-Robotic Engineering, projects are used to enhance our curriculum. With our hands on approach we work to engage all learners. Middle School Sixth - Eighth GradeOur Sixth, Seventh and Eighth grades meet from 7:50 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and class size is approximately 22 students. Our 6th – 8th grade students change classes for each subject and are instructed by certified teachers. Emphasis is placed on study skills, organization, and responsibility. The curriculum in our middle school is designed to academically challenge our students and prepare them to enter a college-preparatory program for high school. Our science program continues to advance the learner with the concepts, facts and scientific processes. Earth, Life, and Physical Science are taught over the Middle School grades. Likewise, our Literature Curriculum is advanced at each grade level in the middle school. As a supplement to the math curriculum, our middle school students utilize ALEKS, a computer-based enrichment program. Through ALEKS, students can learn and reinforce basic math foundations, work on current skills being taught in the classroom and progress to higher level that challenge and motivate advanced learners Students enhance their technology skills in one of our two labs for the middle school. Sixth Grade Curriculum – Our daily core curriculum includes Religion, Math, Science, English, Literature, and Social Studies. Sixth grade students participate in weekly Spanish, Music (or Band), Creative Drama/Theatre Arts, and Art classes. Physical Education is offered twice per week. Seventh Grade Curriculum - Our daily core curriculum includes Religion, Pre-Algebra, Science, Grammar, Literature and Geography. Students must qualify to take Advanced Pre-Algebra. Seventh grade students participate in weekly Spanish, Music, Art, Creative Drama/Theatre Arts classes. Physical Education is offered twice per week. Students may also be invited to take Band, Advanced Art and Chorus. Eighth Grade Curriculum - Our daily core curriculum includes Religion, Algebra, Physical Science, English, Literature, and American History. Students must qualify to take Advanced Algebra or Advanced Physical Science. Eighth grade students participate in weekly Spanish, Music, Art, Creative Drama/Theatre Arts classes. Physical Education is offered twice per week. Students may also be invited to take Band, Advanced Art and Chorus. Catholic students in the eighth grade are prepared to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the spring.
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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, with its proud Roman Catholic heritage, is committed to promoting academic excellence,
individual responsibility,and spiritual awareness among our students so they may live more fully in relationship with God and others.
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