Academic
(St. Louis follows the Archdiocesan Program Curriculum)
Religion
Religious education strives to enable all students to develop a vital, personal relationship with God and to share gospel truth in a spirit of faith, hope and love. Through study of the Catholic faith, as it has developed within our rich tradition, catechists help prepare all students to celebrate God’s love, proclaim God’s message and live in accord with this message.
We provide daily prayer experiences, weekly mass, Sacrament preparation and opportunities for Reconciliation. St. Louis students act on the call to be more like Jesus by participating in various service projects throughout the year.
Language Arts/English
Our goal is to prepare students for high school and beyond. It is imperative that the students utilize 21st century skills including communication, collaboration, critical thinking skills, creativity, and personal and social responsibility. In studying Reading/Language Arts your children will learn reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and spelling and how to apply these concepts to clear and coherent writing.
Language Arts Grades K – 4 We have moved toward a phonics based spelling program for grades Kindergarten through Four. The purpose of this change is to ensure that the students have a solid foundation of skills on which they can build. Our goal is to make sure that all the students know the base, phonetic elements. The program is multisensory, engaging and promotes the understanding of our complex language. This approach encourages the students to analyze the words with which they are working.
Reading Grades K – 8 moves from letters and sounds taught through phonics to actual reading and comprehension. The Journeys and Collections programs include wonderful selections to read along with leveled readers which encourage and challenge all students at their own ability levels. Students will develop grammar skills as well as learning the writing process.
Accelerated Reader
Students participate in independent reading using the Accelerated Reading Program. This program allows students to read stories at their own level and to take computerized comprehension quizzes.
Math
The Archdiocesan Math curriculum develops a depth of understanding on basic number principles and problem application. Our Go Math, is highly recommended by the Archdiocese. Math concepts are taught using manipulatives, games and computer programs to reinforce basic lessons. Math topics include place value and computation, geometry, fractions, algebra and probability. Problem solving is an important skill taught throughout the curriculum. It is our goal to have students prepared for the math they will see throughout their high school career. Algebra 1 is offered to a select group of 8th graders before school each day. This is meant to be an extra challenge for students who are ready for high school level math.
Science
The Physical, Earth and Life Sciences are presented using inquiry based learning. Students will learn concepts through hands on experiments, use of models and tradebooks. Learning Science is a continual and personal process. Students make observations, test their ideas, reflect on what did and did not work and gather additional information. Learning is done on a continuum.
Jr. High students compete yearly in our Science Fair. They may then compete with students at other schools at the Science and Engineering Exposition at the University of Cincinnati.
At St. Louis we want students to be actively engaged in the learning process and develop a love for God’s creation.
Social Studies
Social Studies at St. Louis School provides skills necessary for students to become responsible citizens. The Social Studies standards are History, Geography, Economics, Government, People and Societies and Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities. These standards allow students to make connections to the past and to look forward to the future as a contributing member of society.
With the help of technology students are able to be aware in real time of other cultures and societies.
By infusing Catholic values into the Social Studies curriculum our students learn the value of peace and justice not only locally, but throughout the world.
Music
Music education at St. Louis School seeks to instill in students a life-long appreciation of and love for music. Students are exposed to many different types of music through singing, listening, and movement activities. As students experience music from different genres, cultures, and time periods basic academic musical concepts are discussed.
As a Catholic School, St. Louis students participate in Mass on a weekly basis. Students volunteer to assist with the music each week as choir members.
Art
The Art program at St. Louis is based on Discipline Based Art Education which includes the four domains of art: history, criticism, aesthetics, and studio production. Students learn to work together and share ideas. Each student is also encouraged to develop their individual artistic abilities as well.
Physical Education
Beyond the development of movement skills, the physical eduction program seeks to encourage lifelong involvement in physical activities. Physical activity provides learning experiences which contribute to the physical, cognitive and affective development of each student.
Cooperation, following directions and good sportsmanship are included in the Physical Education experience.
Health Education requirements are included at all levels.
Renzulli Learning
Each student is surveyed through the GoQuest system. A profile is then established as to the student’s individual learning styles, expression preferences and enrichment interests. This allows teachers to create enrichment activities and curriculum based lessons. Small focus groups are scheduled for enhanced learning, such as Science Challenge Club, Language Arts Challenge Club, Comfort with Public Speaking and Student Leadership Development.
We provide school wide projects and activities with the GoQuest system to focus on special events, such as Veteran’s Day,Christmas, Earth Day, and Arbor Day.
Computer Technology
- 25 Computers in the Lab
- Smart Boards in every classroom
- 3 Computers minimum per Classroom