Grades 1 – 3 contain multiple class sections, and each section functions as a self-contained learning environment.
Grades 1 - 3 (M – F, 7:55 – 2:35)
In grade 1, students become a more independent readers and writers. They will continue to learn and practice rules for recognizing sounds that make up words and will be able to sound out more complex words. Such foundational skills are necessary and important components of developing proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend a wide range of materials.
Students will learn to think about what they read and talk about the main ideas of simple stories. As they write and speak, First Graders will learn to use language appropriately, including complete sentences and spelling words with increasing accuracy. In mathematics, students learn to solve addition and subtraction word problems in situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing and improve speed and accuracy, advancing to working with multi-digit numbers in preparation for Grade 2. First Graders take part in religious training daily and take part weekly in Art, Music, Spanish Language, Computer Education and Physical Education classes.
In grade 2, students will gain more skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They will continue to learn and practice rules for matching sounds to letters that make up words and learn new concepts to help them figure out the meanings of new words. Writing will become an exciting way for Second Graders to use newly learned words and phrases to express ideas and improve language usage and spelling accuracy. They will read grade-level books and stories with fluency and build a foundation of knowledge through reading and listening to books in history/social studies, science, and other subjects. In mathematics, students build on addition and subtraction skills, solve multi-step problems, learn to analyze and work with three-digit numbers. Daily religious training continues, and Grade 2 students also prepare to receive their First Penance and First Holy Communion. They also take weekly Art, Music, Spanish Language, Computer Education, and Physical Education classes.
In grade 3, students learn to read with fluency and confidence that will serve as a foundation for the reading demands in later grades. They read closely to find main ideas and details, can describe logical connections within stories, understand literal and nonliteral word meanings, and will read aloud fluently. Third Graders will read increasingly challenging stories and books and build knowledge about the world around them in many academic subjects, and by year’s end will be writing clear, sequenced sentences and paragraphs on a range of topics, drawing on an expanding vocabulary. In Grade 3, the study of multiplication, division, fractions and basic geometric & data concepts such as area and volume begin, establishing a firm foundation for work in later grades and linking math to life skills. These students continue formal Religion classes and value-oriented lessons are incorporated throughout the curriculum. Art, Music, Spanish Language, Computer Education and Physical Education classes are given weekly.