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 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW The object of the curriculum is to lay a strong foundation for each student's life experience. It is designed to challenge students and prepare them for a demanding college-prep high school program. Our principle educational philosophy and pedagogical techniques center on the integral formation of a person through the betterment of his/her intellectual, spiritual, human and apostolic development. PRE-K Aquinas Academy's Preschool Program combines the learning blocks of Integral Formation in a loving, joyful, and orderly atmosphere. This unique program cultivates the emotional, physical, and spiritual develoment of its students. Small class sizes and personalized attention enable each student to master language and math concepts, explore their own curiosities, and enjoy many hands-on activities. Children develop the love for learning and social skills which are the foundation of future success. ELEMENTARY The Elementary School is designed to integrally form your child through teaching and educating him and to nurture him in areas of his faith and character. Our goal is to help your child discover the joy and excitement of learning. Your child will have a solid foundation to build upon as he enters our high school preparatory program in 6th grade. Our lower school program includes a balanced curriculum of Mathematics, Science, History, Religion, Reading, Language Arts, Fine Art, Spanish, and Physical Education. These studies cultivate your child's ability to assimilate, understand and express what has been taught. The purpose of the Lower School curriculum is to lay a strong foundation for your child's mission in life. MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle School years are a time of immense growth and development. Our academic program is based on our belief in the principle of individualized instruction. Our curriculum is designed to give each child a solid foundation in Mathematics, History, Science, Labs, Language Arts, Latin, Computers, Physical Education and Fine Arts to prepare them for a college preparatory high school. Extracurricular programs are available and, as we grow, more will be introduced. RELIGION The goal of the religion program is to give the students knowledge of the Catholic faith while instilling in them a desire to learn more, to be certain of God's eternal love and mercy, to be apostles for Christ, to be attracted to the sacramental life, to love and be obedient to the Church and the Holy Father, and to seek God's will in all that they do. Students are introduced to the lives of Mary, the Mother of God, and the saints as models for life. They are also given liturgical formation by instruction, practice and a well-developed prayer life. Students are given the tools and skills to help them better integrate the meaning of the Church in their lives and develop a deep personal relationship with God. LANGUAGE ARTS The language arts curriculum includes reading, phonics, spelling, word study, handwriting, English (Grammar and Composition), and literature. In addition to students learning the mechanics of reading and writing, they are taught the enjoyment of reading and writing, while building an extensive vocabulary, developing comprehension skills and fostering familiarity with, and recognition of, quality literature. MATHEMATICS The mathematics curriculum provides traditional programs that emphasize mastery in basic skills and facts. They will achieve accuracy, speed and understanding of concepts from basic addition and subtraction to algebraic and geometric concepts through problem-solving. It is expected that students will learn and become confident in math that will support future mathematical work in their classes, careers, and everyday lives. SOCIAL STUDIES Social Studies focuses on the study of history and geography while also promoting civic education and an understanding of economics. It is designed to help students think critically and analytically about past events, as well as to provide an organizing framework for understanding other cultural works such as literature or art. An emphasis is placed on the part played by Christians in the development of our country and the world. SCIENCE Our science curriculum strives to awaken a sense of wonder in the students about the world and how it works. Facts and applications are presented from a Christian perspective. The general strands of study cover earth, space, life, and physical science. Hands on activities and experiments are emphasized. FOREIGN LANGUAGE Spanish is offered to students starting in Pre-K-3 through sixth grade. Latin is offered to students in grades seven and eight. Students are engaged in language and culture that prepare them for advanced work in these languages. THE ARTS In our program, we teach the students music and art to develop the aesthetic dimension of the human mind. Students are taught not only to understand masterpieces of art and music, but also to use a variety of materials in creating their own works. They are given an opportunity to learn theory, to practice and to perform in music. PHYSICAL EDUCATION The physical education curriculum includes organized exercises, activities and lessons that help keep students fit and inform them about good health. Our indoor gym and outdoor grounds enable our physical education program to continue year-round. EXTRA CURRICULARS AND OTHER INFORMATION Along with a solid core curriculum, your child/ren can participate in various athletic programs, forensics, band, chorus, specific private music lessons, and after school enrichment opportunities. Aquinas Academy also offers an Aftercare program, hot lunch, bussing (Germantown), and a variety of committees consisting of dedicated and passionate parents! Please call to learn more!
3-year-old Kindergarten Two days per week Three days per week Four days per week 4-year-old Kindergarten Schedule: Half-day: Monday - Friday Full-day: Monday - Friday 5-year-old Kindergarten Monday - Friday First Grade - Eighth Grade Monday - Friday
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