Elementary
Sacred Heart School is self-contained for grades 1-5. Fourth and fifth grade do switch classes for science and social studies in order to prepare students for middle school and enhance their executive functioning skills. All elementary grades attend weekly Mass and plan and participate in student lead Masses throughout the year. Throughout the year, Grades 1-5 have multiple integrated activities, field trips, and special events. All elementary classes participate in art, music, and STEAM. All students participate in physical education twice a week as well as Spanish for multiple days in the week. Teachers follow The Common Core State Standards as well as the Next Generation Science Standards.
At Sacred Heart School, we do not use a Basal Reading program; but instead enrich our students' love and understanding of learning through a variety of author studies, mentor texts, and novel studies in grades 1-5. Literacy instruction is supported through the Fountas, and Pinnell guided reading resources, along with additional support if needed, through Orton–Gillingham and Fundations. For writing, teachers implement the Lucy Calkins writing curriculum and support grammar with the Houghton Mifflin text as well as many teacher-created and cross-curricular units.
For our elementary grades, first through fifth grade, we currently utilize the Math Expressions Curriculum by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Teachers build deep understanding with this essential inquiry-based mathematics curriculum through instructional practices. Our philosophy is based on minimal whole-group instruction with an emphasis on individualized small-group instruction. This allows us to effectively meet students where they are at in their learning journey and is supported through hands-on learning and the use of manipulatives. Thoughtful conceptual understanding leads to strong skills in fluency and the ability to make generalizations within and throughout the various mathematical strands. As students grow and learn to think critically, teachers develop their own richer understanding of math through various instructions and included support.
Classes are arranged to enhance student learning with the use of flexible seating. Teachers structure days to support individual students’ curiosity and various learning styles through inquiry and project-based learning.