Catholic Schools—Putting the Pieces Together

It is true that many private schools look at the success that Catholic schools have had over the past 100 years in the United States and sometimes try to emulate the best practices. Catholic schools are very successful in weaving the pieces of faith, knowledge, service and values into the core curriculum.

Unique to the Catholic schools is the opportunity to nurture spiritual and moral values within the students. This occurs and is constantly reinforced not only in classes of religious instruction but throughout the curriculum and extra curriculars. The Gospel's message is taught in a myriad of ways throughout the day. Catholic school students enjoy the benefit of a broad selection of extra-curricular activities and sports that help to develop community commitment, social skills and physical fitness. Authentic learning experiences enable students to have a deeper understanding of their faith, promote tolerance, value the environment and see their role in the world as Christians.

Catholic schools are renowned for academic excellence. Students at St. Ann consistently score in the top of national standardized tests. In Catholic School, students are encouraged to continue their education.

Students in Catholic schools participate in community service projects. This exemplifies the importance of living the message of the Gospels by helping others and benefiting the local community, world missions and non-profit agencies across the state and nation.

Parental involvement, support from the Catholic community, our St. Ann pastor, Fr. Breen, and commitment from dedicated teachers ensure that the pieces remain intact to provide for the continued quality education that so many desire for their children.

Curriculum Guides

• Curriculum at a Glance (pdf)
• Kindergarten Curriculum Guide (pdf)
• First Grade Curriculum Guide (pdf)
• Second Grade Curriculum Guide (pdf)
• Third Grade Curriculum Guide (pdf)
• Fourth Grade Curriculum Guide (pdf)
• Fifth Grade Curriculum Guide (pdf)
• Sixth Grade Curriculum Guide (pdf)
• Seventh Grade Curriculum Guide (pdf)
• Eighth Grade Curriculum Guide (pdf)

The St. Ann Reading Culture

Reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic – all are very important to our curriculum at St. Ann. Our primary emphasis has been on reading, as it plays such an integral part in all the other disciplines. Our reading curriculum varies from grade level to grade level. Kindergarten, First and Second Grades use Harcourt’s Trophies language arts series encompassing reading, grammar and phonics. Third and Fourth Grades use a novel-based approach to strengthening those reading skills developed in the primary grades. They read a novel and tie their literacy skills, spelling and vocabulary words, and other lessons like math, science and social studies into their story. The Upper School uses the Invitation to Literacy and Elements of Literature series in addition to several novel units that they do. We teach reading and the accompanying language arts skills all the way through eighth grade at St. Ann.

To support these important lessons we use the Accelerated Reading Enterprise program for reading practice. We’ve adopted the expanded format of AR this school year, and this has opened up so many more choices for our students. Choosing from over 110,000 books allows even reluctant readers to find books that will interest them. Our Upper School program requires students to read three books during the summer months, and then three books every quarter during the school year. This provides a basis of 15 books read and many choose to read many more as they acquire points through the AR program. Our library classes provide a forum for book reviews and recommendations, both from the school librarian and other students. Taking the STAR diagnostic test helps place students in the reading zone that will result in the greatest gains in their reading skills. Progress is then documented, not only through our annual standardized tests, but on a regular basis with the use of Yearly Progress Pro. St. Ann students are indeed surrounded by a climate that encourages and cultivates a love for the written word.

Hermitage Learning Center on Campus

Any student needing extra academic help can access the professional services of Hermitage Learning Center who work with students at St. Ann on Tuesday and Thursday. Students receive two 30-minute sessions per week; cost is $12 per week for individual or very small group sessions. Please contact John Foreman if you are interested.

Spanish Tutoring

Students needing extra help with their Spanish are encouraged to attend the tutoring sessions available every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00 - 3:45 in the Teacher Workroom.

Improve Keyboarding Skills!

Click below for online practice sites:

Site #1: Introduces keys & provides practice.

Site #2: Full instruction and animated games.

Site #3: Saves progress as you learn.

Site #4: Basic teaching site.