Primary Grades K-3

The Primary Unit strives to meet and develop the spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional needs of each child in a positive and caring environment. Students are challenged to work to their highest potential with consideration given to individual needs and learning styles. 

The Primary Unit consists of kindergarten, first, second, and third grade students. Emphasis atthis level is placed on the areas of religion, literacy, and math, as well as science, social studies, technology, physical education, music, Spanish, art, and multimedia skills.

The Religion curriculum focuses on our relationship with God and others, elements of the Mass, and the Church as a community. The sacraments are discussed at each grade level with emphasis on Eucharist and Reconciliation preparation in second grade. The children participate in weekly mass, service projects and liturgical events.

Literacy is student centered. It has been built around the standards and the use of best practices to improve student learning and achievement. It encompasses quality instruction, learning activities, assessments, and purposeful digital lessons in the cornerstone areas of literacy instruction: phonological awareness, phonics, high frequency words, vocabulary, and comprehension of literature and informational texts. Grammar, spelling, and writing skills are
also incorporated into instructional practices.

Mathematics in the primary grades uses standards-based instruction with a comprehensive approach that incorporates the use of technology, manipulatives, problem solving strategies, and critical thinking. Instruction focuses on building and reinforcing foundational skills that render mastery of numbers and operation, algebra and algebraic thinking, measurement and data, and geometry.

Science curriculum challenges the students while learning about engineering technology/design, physical science, life science, and earth and space sciences through investigative inquiry. Students actively engage in the use of technology, hands on learning, and experiments.

Social Studies lessons encourage students to explore their communities, government, various cultures, geography, and their role in society.

The Primary Unit uses the following curriculum series:

• Religion - “Our Sunday Visitor” (Kindergarten) and “Blest Our We” (Grades 1-3)
• Literacy - Savvas Realize “My View”
• Math - HMH “Go Math!”
• Science - HMH “Science Dimensions”
• Social Studies - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt “Social Studies”