Curriculum

In Grades 2–4, our students engage a rich, integrated program designed to build confident, capable readers and writers. Through a balance of knowledge-building units and skill development, students explore meaningful topics in history, science, and literature while strengthening their comprehension, vocabulary, and writing abilities.

Each day, students dive into engaging read-alouds, close reading of complex texts, and structured writing lessons that encourage clear expression and critical thinking. Students explore high-interest topics such as Greek mythology, the Viking Age, and insects. Our sequenced approach ensures that knowledge and literacy skills grow hand in hand—helping students not only learn to read but also read to learn.

Our teachers use a data-driven approach to monitor progress and meet the needs of every learner. Through careful assessment and responsive instruction, they tailor lessons and small-group supports to ensure that all students—whether emerging, developing, or excelling—continue to grow as thoughtful readers and confident writers.

Grounded in evidence-based practice and enriched by our teachers’ creativity, students build the strong literacy foundation they’ll carry with them for years to come.

In Grades 2–4, our mathematics program helps students develop a deep, conceptual understanding of math through real-world problem solving. Rather than memorizing procedures, students learn to think like mathematicians—reasoning, exploring, and discovering multiple ways to approach and solve problems.

Each lesson encourages students to connect mathematical ideas to everyday experiences, using visual models, hands-on activities, and collaborative discussions to strengthen understanding. From exploring place value and fractions to mastering multiplication, division, and geometry, students build confidence as they see how math truly applies to the world around them.

Our teachers use data-driven instruction to ensure that every child grows and thrives. Regular formative assessments guide small-group lessons and targeted supports, allowing educators to meet each student where they are—whether reinforcing foundational skills or providing enrichment opportunities for deeper challenge.

By combining rigorous content, engaging real-life contexts, and responsive teaching, we nurture strong problem solvers, flexible thinkers, and lifelong learners who approach mathematics with curiosity and confidence.

A school-wide math block encourages students to use a variety of approaches to investigate concepts and learn from one another. At the beginning of each unit of study, students are placed in flexible, cross-age groups based on an assessment in the specific content area. The development of number sense and the study of relationships and patterns are emphasized. Students' math fluency is encouraged through the use of technology and by participating in engaging and effective activities. A variety of methods are provided in the groups' investigations, ultimately fostering students' competence and confidence in their ability to do mathematics.

In the Lower School, students are inspired to think and work like real scientists—asking questions, making discoveries, and finding creative solutions to problems. Through hands-on experiments, interactive investigations, and engaging explorations of the natural world, students learn to observe closely, test ideas, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Whether designing a model to explore forces and motion, studying the life cycle of plants and animals, or investigating how weather patterns form, students develop curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in their ability to make sense of the world around them. Science in the Lower School nurtures a lifelong sense of wonder and empowers students to see themselves as capable, curious investigators of their environment.

In the Lower School, students learn about themselves, their community, their state, and their country—discovering how individuals and groups shape the world around them. Through the study of history, geography, and culture, students develop respect for others and begin to see themselves as part of a diverse, global community. Engaging lessons, hands-on projects, and interactive map work help students connect the past with the present while exploring themes of citizenship and community life.

As students read for information, analyze sources, compare past and current events, and evaluate evidence, they strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Field studies and classroom activities encourage curiosity and a deeper understanding of how people and places are interconnected. In addition to their social studies work, students continue to develop their cursive handwriting skills, building confidence and fluency in written communication.

All Lower School students receive immersive French instruction. Students build a strong foundation in French through engaging, interactive lessons that develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. They learn to respond to classroom directions, greet others, introduce themselves, and express simple ideas such as feelings, colors, numbers, days of the week, months, seasons, and weather. As their vocabulary grows, students explore topics including animals, body parts, family, and food—gaining confidence in both everyday communication and cultural understanding.

Cultural exploration is woven throughout the program, allowing students to experience French traditions and celebrations such as Epiphany, Mardi Gras, and Easter, and to learn about Francophone countries around the world. Projects and presentations, like researching and sharing about famous French monuments, help students connect language learning with creativity, curiosity, and global awareness.

Faith and community are at the heart of life in the Lower School. Students come to know God through daily morning prayer, scripture study, participation in all-school liturgies and service, growing in both knowledge and love of their faith. They learn the stories and traditions of the Catholic Church while also fostering respect for other religions and traditions.

Sacramental preparation is a joyful and meaningful part of the program. Grade 2 students prepare for Solemn Eucharist, and Grade 4 students celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Students serve in all-school liturgies and take active leadership roles in these celebrations. As a Lower School community, students pray the Rosary together, led by Grade 4 students.

Cherished traditions—such as the Grade 2 play about the Feast of Mater Admirabilis, the Grade 3 St. Francis play, and the Grade 4 Lenten play—invite students to share their faith through creativity and storytelling. Students also study the history of the Sacred Heart Network and the inspiring lives of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, whose examples remind them to live with faith-filled hearts and a spirit of service.

ASHWorks is a dynamic design studio, workshop, and makerspace where creativity and innovation come to life. In this hands-on program, students take on the roles of designer, architect, artist, carpenter, and engineer as they bring their ideas from concept to creation.

Students learn both traditional craft and modern technology skills—measuring, drawing, painting, sewing, and using hand tools—alongside computer-aided design (CAD), CNC machining, laser engraving, and safe use of power tools. Sample projects include building miniature houses, toy race cars, gliders, and powered boats, as well as exploring gardening by growing fruits and vegetables.

Student-centered and project-based, ASHworks encourages learning by doing. Students gain confidence as they experiment, make mistakes, and refine their designs—working both independently and collaboratively to turn their creative visions into reality.

Instruction grounded in music theory focuses on a child’s basic instincts to play, sing, chant, and move. Students sing, play instruments, improvise, compose, perform, and listen. Students are instructed in the basics of music literacy. Each child finds a place making music with others in the classroom, the Chapel, and during concerts.

The Lower School physical education program helps students develop a sound body and mind through movement, fitness, and activity. Students build cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility while also cultivating self-esteem, good sportsmanship, leadership skills, interpersonal relationships, and responsible behavior. Basic locomotor skills are developed alongside exposure to a variety of team and individual sports, fostering both confidence and a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.

Highlights of the year extend learning beyond the gym, offering opportunities for community building and service. Students participate in events such as the Annual Grade 4 versus Faculty Hockey Game and the Hip-Hop-Along Fundraiser, where teamwork, creativity, and school spirit come together to benefit others. Physical education in the Lower School combines skill development, fun, and meaningful experiences that strengthen both body and character.