1st through 5th Grade
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade Experience: A Foundation for Lifelong Learning
At our school, we believe that early education is a key foundation for future success. In 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, students enjoy a self-contained classroom environment where they can explore, discover, and grow in a supportive and nurturing setting. Each grade focuses on six major subjects and offers a variety of enriching “specials” to engage students’ creativity and curiosity.
Focused Learning in a Supportive Environment
In 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, each class is self-contained, meaning that the same teacher leads students through all of their core academic subjects. This allows for consistency, strong relationships between teachers and students, and a deeper understanding of the subjects. Our teachers create a close-knit classroom community where every child is encouraged to ask questions, explore new concepts, and develop a love for learning.
Core Subjects: Building a Strong Academic Foundation
Each grade level focuses on six key subjects, providing a well-rounded education:
- Religion: Students learn about faith, values, and how they can make a positive impact in the world through stories, prayer, and meaningful discussions.
- Math: From basic addition and subtraction to multiplication and division, students build critical math skills through hands-on activities and problem-solving.
- Science: Exploring the world around them, students engage in experiments, investigations, and projects that bring scientific concepts to life.
- Social Studies: Students begin to understand their place in the world by studying communities, geography, history, and cultural traditions.
- English: Focusing on grammar, writing, and spelling, students develop essential language skills that help them express themselves clearly and confidently.
- Reading: Through a variety of books and reading activities, students strengthen their comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency, fostering a lifelong love of reading.
4th and 5th Grade Experience: A Journey of Learning and Growth
At our school, we believe in fostering independence and preparing students for the next steps in their academic journey. In 4th and 5th grade, students are introduced to the concept of switching classes, a key transition that allows them to experience a variety of teaching styles and deepen their understanding of core subjects.
Class Switching: Broadening Horizons
As part of our commitment to preparing students for junior high school, 4th and 5th graders begin rotating between classrooms for different subjects. This approach fosters flexibility, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of each subject area. Students will switch classes throughout the day for subjects such as:
- Religion: Deepening our relationship with God as members of the Church
- Math: Hands-on activities, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Science: Exploring the wonders of the natural world through experiments and research.
- Language Arts: Strengthening reading, writing, and communication skills.
- Social Studies: Understanding history, geography, and cultures from around the world.
By the time they leave 5th grade, our students are well-prepared to take on the increased independence and responsibility required in middle school, while still receiving the nurturing and support they need during this critical period of growth.
Benefits of Switching Classes:
- Exposure to Different Teaching Styles: Students get to experience a variety of instructional approaches, allowing them to discover what works best for their individual learning style.
- Building Independence: As students move between classrooms, they develop time-management skills, organization, and self-reliance.
- Increased Social Skills: With more opportunities to interact with different classmates, students build stronger communication and collaboration skills.
- Preparation for the Future: The transition into switching classes provides students with a preview of what their middle school experience will be like.
We are excited to provide this enriching experience for our 4th and 5th graders, helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as they continue to grow and develop into confident, capable learners.
Specials: Enriching the Educational Experience
In addition to their core subjects, students in 1st through 5th Grade participate in a variety of “specials” that help foster creativity, physical fitness, and technological literacy:
- Library: Students develop research skills, explore books, and learn how to be responsible for checking out and caring for library materials.
- Technology: With hands-on activities, students are introduced to basic computer skills, coding, and safe internet use, preparing them for a tech-driven world.
- Music: Students explore the world of sound, rhythm, and melody, learning how music enhances creativity and can be a form of self-expression.
- Art: Through hands-on projects, students use different mediums to explore their creativity and learn about famous artists and artistic techniques.
- Physical Education (PE): Students develop teamwork, coordination, and physical fitness through various sports and activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle.