Curriculum

In Kensington Hall, our Language Arts program empowers students to become thoughtful readers, expressive writers, and confident communicators. Using the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA)/Amplify curriculum, boys explore a wide variety of texts that develop both literacy skills and a love for literature. Students engage deeply with short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction as they strengthen their reading comprehension and critical thinking. Writing is an essential part of the curriculum, and the boys learn to express themselves clearly through structured, meaningful writing assignments across subject areas. Emphasis is placed on the full writing process—brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing—while grammar, language usage, spelling, and vocabulary are taught in context to support strong communication skills. This program nurtures articulate, reflective learners who are prepared to succeed in high school and beyond.

Students learn to recognize, analyze, and evaluate major events and trends in American and world history, with an emphasis on change, interdependence, and global perspective—including current events. Using the five themes of geography as a foundation, the curriculum explores early civilizations, Native American cultures, the Age of Exploration, the rise of advanced societies, and the development of democracy. Through these studies, students make connections between past and present, gaining the skills to think critically, appreciate diverse perspectives, and grow as informed global citizens.

At Kensington Hall, our science curriculum challenges boys to explore the world through inquiry, experimentation, and real-world application. The course introduces students to foundational scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies while encouraging active, hands-on learning. Students ask questions, design models, conduct experiments, analyze data, and communicate their findings effectively. Emphasis is placed on building confidence in science content, developing problem-solving skills, and evaluating sources of information with a critical eye. The curriculum covers a diverse range of engaging topics, including ecosystems, measurement and metrics, states of matter, space and sky, heat and temperature, flight and aerodynamics, forensics, clean energy, structure and forces, genetics, chemistry, plants, and planets. Through collaborative and independent investigations, boys grow as thinkers, innovators, and scientifically literate young men.

The math program utilizes the Big Ideas curriculum, focusing on pre-algebra skills, including rational number concepts and computation, data analysis, probability, geometry, and measurement, as well as instruction in the use of graphing calculators. Problem-solving activities promote growth in critical thinking and form an important part of the mathematical experience by providing students with the opportunity for intelligent risk-taking, independent thinking, reflection, and self-direction.

Faith formation is an essential part of a Sacred Heart education. Rooted in Goal I, “A personal and active faith in God,” our Religion curriculum invites all students—regardless of faith background—to explore and deepen their spiritual lives. Through prayer, study, and reflection on Scripture, Church teachings, and the life of Jesus, students are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with God. Classes are grounded in Christian values such as compassion, forgiveness, respect, and generosity, forming young people who strive to live their faith with purpose and integrity.

In the art classroom, the creative process is prioritized over the final product. Students explore a wide range of techniques and materials, including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, fibers, mixed media, and digital graphics. Art history is integrated into every grade level. In grades 5 and 6, the emphasis is on learning the elements of art, while in grades 7 and 8, the focus shifts to understanding the principles of design.

Performing arts classes include choir classes focused on singing, theatre classes focused on acting, and musical theatre classes in which students both sing and act. In choir classes, students develop vocal technique, learn how to harmonize, and gain an understanding of written music. In theatre classes, students develop expression through movement, strong voice, and an understanding of character. In musical theatre classes, students work on all of the above skills. Participation in performing arts helps students discover and nurture their individual talents and develop self-confidence. Students build relationships with their peers and develop their collaboration skills as they work together. They also experience the thrill of sharing their gifts with the world by performing in front of live audiences. By working on liturgical music, students will develop their personal and active faith in God in keeping with our school’s goals.

Students participate in activities that lay the groundwork for a lifetime of physical fitness. Team sports are explored as a means to promote collaboration, social skills, and self-confidence. Individual sports, personal fitness activities (i.e., aerobics and circuit training), team-building activities, and recreational games are also part of the curriculum. All lessons are adapted to the specific skill set of the students, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their long-term health.

The Study Skills curriculum is a unique and integral part of the KH program. Students are taught skills that help them navigate middle school as well as prepare them for high school. Students learn time management and organizational skills that help them plan for both daily and long-term assignments. They are expected to use a planner. They are taught how to extract important information from both textbooks and lectures, as well as effective note-taking strategies that work for their individual learning style. Students learn a variety of study strategies and test-taking skills, including how to take standardized and high school placement tests. Students also learn research and report writing skills, appropriate use of technology, how to avoid distractions, and academic integrity. This class meets weekly, and the skills learned are reinforced daily.