Curriculum

Religion at RCAC is more than a subject - it is a part of everything we do! Nonetheless, time will be devoted each day to intentionally teaching students about the truths of our Catholic faith, reading and memorizing Sacred Scripture, celebrating the liturgical life of the Church, and learning about the countless heroes of our faith - the saints!

K-G1: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be used, along with Bible and Saint stories.

G2-8: Publisher TBA

Publishers TBA

Perhaps the most foundational of all subjects in K-8, English Language Arts (ELA) encompasses several interrelated areas of study. This includes:

• Phonics - A systematic approach to phonics is essential in helping students learn how to read. Through phonics, children learn the sounds made by individual letters and how to decode words into letter-sounds.

• Reading - Through the use of Level Readers, children are introduced to short, simple sentences that build over time.

• Handwriting - Beginning with basic letter formation, copybooks are used to develop penmanship, punctuation and spelling. Cursive is also taught to children once basic letter formation is achieved.

• Spelling - Through writing and reading students develop visual memory, but the study of phonics, word families and spelling rules are also integral to spelling accuracy.

• Writing and Grammar - With a strong foundation, students in older grades are introduced to grammar rules, syntax, and how to write and write well.

• Literature - Spanning all grades, Literature is a cornerstone at RCAC. It is through hearing and reading good, meaningful books that students develop a sense for how to speak and write. Using the Great Books, students are immersed in beautiful stories that also help form their character.

• Poetry - Children, especially little children, learn through imitation and repetition. The act of repetitive chanting and singing helps children commit what that they have learned to memory. Poetry not only expands their imagination, but in memorizing poetry the child trains their mind.

Publisher is TBA

K-G2: Students learn and “sense” numbers by skip-counting, drills, and games - all of which make math fun! The focus in these early years is on addition and subtraction facts, with an entry-level multiplication facts. Other initial skills include number formation, time, calendar, measurement and money.

Math continues to progress through the Grammar school grades so that our students reach Algebra and are prepared for courses in their high school curriculum.

Publisher TBA

In addition to the “3 Rs” (reading, writing, arithmetic), history, geography and science are valuable in forming the child’s sense of the world around them.

In the early grades, students will learn basic geography terms, be introduced to the founding of our great nation, study about weather and seasons, and so much more.

In later grades, students will learn states, capitals, American history, as well as study world geography and history. While in science students will explore the solar system and all forms of life from insects and birds to trees and plants.

Latin is a hallmark of classical education. It includes memorizing Latin grammar and vocabulary, which in turn helps students to better understand and master the English language. Latin is also the mother of many other languages, including Spanish, French, and Italian.

For Catholics, Latin is also the universal language of the Church. As such, the study of Latin allows students to engage with the rich heritage of our faith, including the liturgy and sacred music. While students formal Latin grammar studies do not begin until Grade 2, students will begin learning Latin in kindergarten with basic prayers, songs, and Mass parts.

Music instruction will occur at least once per week. Students will learn the basics of music, including note reading and choral performance, and also be introduced to well-known composers and pieces of music. Going hand in hand with our Latin curriculum, students will also learn to chant basic Mass parts and sing traditional hymns.

Students will draw and color almost daily as part of composition books, with formal art class once a week. To foster an appreciation for art, students will also learn about artists and art masterpieces; this includes both sacred and secular art.

Students will be given the opportunity to stretch their legs and play favorite childhood games regularly. Attention will also be given to gross motor skills, such as running, skipping, and flexibility, as well as team work and sportsmanship. At the beginning, this will be achieved through recess and other break times. As the school develops, we aim to have a formal P.E. class and instructor.