Curriculum

In the Primary School years, all learning is enhanced through playful experiences that are joyful, meaningful, engaging, and socially interactive. These experiences are critical for each child's brain development and social-emotional growth. During learning center time, Primary School students have the opportunity to engage in creative play to develop strong academic, fine motor, and social skills. Opportunities are often connected to thematic language arts units and include building, dramatic play, puzzles, and critical thinking games.

Students have daily opportunities to develop their gross motor skills through activities that promote spatial awareness, cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility, and body control.

French is offered three times a week. Students learn vocabulary, practicing speaking and experience elements of the French culture. 

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are the cornerstones of all learning, and Academy of the Sacred Heart gives children a solid foundation in language arts. These essential skills make it possible for them to grow into lifelong learners and critical thinkers. Based on the science of reading, the language arts program balances the exploration of rich literary content, both fiction and nonfiction, with explicit instruction in the foundational skills needed to become effective readers and writers. Students learn grade-level content in their homebase classroom and have daily opportunities for teacher-directed enrichment, reading, and creative writing in the Library Learning Center.

The mathematics curriculum focuses on developing foundational skills in numeration and computation. As students progress from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 1, they are challenged to develop their mathematical thinking from concrete to abstract by learning and practicing each concept in various age-appropriate ways. Students can be found working on math independently, with a partner, in a small group, or with technology. Students learn grade-level content in their homebase classroom and have daily opportunities for math extension in the math learning center.

Students experience the Orff-Schulwerk philosophy of music instruction. Students use percussion instruments and movement activities to learn about rhythm and beats. Students demonstrate their acquired skills in their Christmas, On Stage, and Prize Day performances.

Students participate in daily prayer as well as liturgies and prayer services throughout the year. Religion classes include stories from the Old and New Testaments, celebrations of religious holidays, and introductions to the Goals & Criteria of Sacred Heart education.

Primary School students become scientists through hands-on experimentation, project-based learning, and teacher-directed thematic units of study. The science program focuses on all three areas of science study: Earth science, life science and physical science.

The social studies curriculum follows a three-year cycle of themes, including America, Children Around the World, and Occupations. Other topics also include self-awareness, manners, feelings, and map study. Students enjoy the weekly topical presentations by their teachers, peers, and other guest speakers, along with project-based activities that reinforce the concepts learned.

Students use laptops and iPads to learn basic computer skills. Teachers integrate technology into all curricular areas to enhance student learning.