The Academy Curriculum is a reflection of our deep belief that all children can learn, and that it is our job to help them do so. While religion is taught as a separate subject and is done in conjunction with Holy Family’s Family FAITH program, faith is an integral part of all subject areas. Our staff is committed to providing appropriate challenge to each child, and having every child succeed.

Religion

The Academy’s religion program is family-centered, reflecting the parish commitment to family ministry.  Children are taught the basics of Catholic doctrine in an environment that reinforces Christian virtues and values.  Kindergarten through middle school students participate in daily classroom prayer and weekly liturgy.  Students in third grade and higher participate in masses as readers, table and light, music, audio-visual/technology, cross bearers, and presentation of gifts.  Parents are welcome to attend the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the church on Wednesday mornings with the children, as well as special masses (see p. 9-10).

Curriculum Resource:

We Believe - Sadlier

Bible:

Bible for Today’s Family (up through 4th grade) – American Bible Society

Language Arts

The language arts program integrates reading and writing with listening, speaking, and spelling skills. Reading instruction includes phonics, when appropriate and necessary, and evolves into children learning to read and comprehend both fiction and non-fiction text. The writing process parallels reading comprehension and is an integral part of the language arts program. The emphasis on literacy is also integrated into content areas such as science and social studies.

Curriculum Resources:

Jolly Phonics – Chris Jolly (Kindergarten)

Scott Foresman Reading – Scott Foresman (Grades K through 2)

Leveled Chapter Books and Trade Books (Grades K through 5)

Units of Study for Primary Writing – Lucy Calkins (Grades K through 2)

Shurley Grammar – Shurley Instructional Materials, Inc. (Grades 1 through 5)

Words Their Way – Pearson (Grades 1 through 5)

Write Traits – Great Source Education Group (Grades 3, 4, 5)

Mathematics

The mathematics program emphasizes application, problem-solving skills, and a conceptual understanding of math, while still incorporating basic mathematical computation. Critical thinking and construction of math understandings are integral parts of the total program. Children are given the opportunity to learn utilizing a hands-on approach that incorporates written materials, calculators, and math manipulatives.

Curriculum Resources:

Arithmetic –A Beka Book (Grades K, 1, 2, 3)

Week by Week Mathematics Essentials – North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for Math Understanding

Bridges in Mathematics – The Math Learning Center (Grades K, 1, 2, 3)

Math - Macmillan/McGraw-Hill (Grades 4, 5)

Science

In the science curriculum, children are introduced to the scientific method, learning to gather data, analyze results, and reach conclusions. There are three major strands in science: physical, life, and earth. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and working in small groups in order to make the learning experiences more meaningful for the children. Some lessons allow children to learn outdoors and others include science “experiments,” thereby helping to ensure that children can learn about science in the real world.

Curriculum Resources:

Discovery Works – Houghton Mifflin (Grades K, 2, 3, 4)

Science – Harcourt School Publishers (Grades 1, 5)

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum has five distinct strands – government, economics, history, geography, and culture. Children are introduced to both United States geography and world geography. In addition, children learn history at many levels, including state history, our country’s history, and world history.

Curriculum Resources:

Social Studies – Scott Foresman (Grades K - 4)

Our Nation – MacMillan/McGraw-Hill (Grade 5)

Health

The health curriculum is rooted in Catholic family life, and provides a moral catechesis of hope for children in kindergarten and higher. Materials and discussions are age-appropriate and sensitive to children’s physical and emotional developmental characteristics and needs. The program is designed to support families, and invites a partnership between school and home.

Curriculum Resource:

Family Life – Benziger

Technology

Technology is embedded across the curriculum so that children are able to use various technological instruments as a resource for seeking information, compiling and organizing data, presenting final projects, and publishing writing. Keyboard skills are taught beginning with Grade 2. Emphasis is on the practical application and use of technology rather than skills in isolation.

Music

The music program has a sequential, spiraling curriculum that is based on national and state standards. Students will learn through singing; movement; listening; and playing basic rhythm instruments, choir chimes, and recorders at the appropriate grade levels. Each grade level will have a set of learner statements outlining expectations for that grade level. Since music is a performing art, students will have the opportunity to participate in musical performances throughout the year. Music classes meet twice a week for 30 minutes, beginning in kindergarten, with the music teacher.

Curriculum Resource:

2006 Spotlight on Music – Macmillan/McGraw-Hill

Art

The art instructor meets with each class for one hour weekly, beginning in kindergarten. Children learn basic art concepts and are introduced to art history and the work of various artists. Emphasis is on creativity and providing experience in various art media. In addition, the classroom teacher and the art instructor work together to integrate art activities into other areas of the curriculum.

Foreign Language (Spanish)

Academy students receive instruction in Spanish with a focus on conversational Spanish and basic vocabulary development. In addition, the program exposes children to the history and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples. Children meet with the Spanish instructor twice a week for 30 minutes each, beginning in kindergarten.

Curriculum Resource:

Viva el espanol! – Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

Physical Education

Elementary physical education is designed to enhance a child’s overall physical development, and include activities that are fun, engaging, and physically active. The physical education program stresses body awareness, basic motor skills, and eye-hand coordination. As students get older, they are gradually introduced to team and other organized sport activities such as volleyball and basketball. Students in kindergarten through fifth grades meet with the physical education instructor twice a week for thirty minutes each session. Students in middle school meet with the physical education instructor three times a week for forty-five minutes each session.

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