The ultimate goal of the academic curriculum we offer is to develop understanding of humanity and the world around us in light of our Catholic Christian faith. We seek to teach our students to think, process ideas, and learn to communicate well, both orally and in written form. We have explored the classical model of education to understand the most effective ways to achieve these goals.
The basic elements of the religion curriculum are doctrine, Scripture, study of the Saints, prayer, and the expression of authentic Christian living. Each grade level will be exposed to these elements in appropriate degrees. The emphasis is placed on doctrine through class lessons and memorization of catechism questions. Later grades use the Friendly Defender series as a starting point to discuss their faith with others. Children will spend time becoming familiar with the Old and New Testament stories in the early grades, focus on reading the Gospels and Book of Acts in 4th through 6th grades, and consider these scriptures in doctrinal study, apologetics and life application in the later grades. The stories of the Saints serve as examples of virtue and fidelity and students learn about our heroes in every grade, completing reading, composition and oral assignments. The liturgical year is lived together in our morning prayer as a community along with other events through the year such as our All Saints party, Advent party, and living Stations of the Cross.
The Language Arts department seeks to develop skills in written and oral communication and literary analysis through the mediums of narration, recitation, public speaking, writing compositions, grammar study, spelling and vocabulary review. In the early grades, the focus is on learning to read, using the Sing, Spell, Read and Write program. The children will learn narration and dictation as they learn to process the key elements of a story. Other elements that will be introduced are: basic spelling, formation of letters, and memorization of simple poems. Grammar and writing skills are introduced in 2nd grade. Reading, spelling, narration, poetry memorization and recitation are developed further. Grammar will be emphasized as an important structural component from 3rd through 8th grade. Writing skills will be developed through the Style and Structure Method from the Institute of Excellence in Writing, a logical and effective approach to organizing and developing various types of compositions. Children will be exposed to literature and gain an understanding of the elements of a story and literary analysis at appropriate ages. Spelling and vocabulary are developed each year as part of the home assignments. Each quarter, students will recite their poetry for the rest of the school, celebrating their progress.
Math is instructed on each individual student's level, progressing through the appropriate concepts in a spiral approach which will reinforce and give continual practice. A Beka workbooks are used from Kindergarten through 3rd. This year, the Kindergarten/Transitional 1st grade class will be reinforcing and solidifying their basic math skills in the classroom through hands-on math activities. Saxon Math is used from 4th through 8th grades. One or two new concepts are taught during classroom days. Home days are spent completing problems which practice the new concepts as well as reviewing previous lessons.
Consistent with the classical model, our science curriculum emphasizes observation and experimentation at appropriate grade levels. Kindergarten and 1st grade will enjoy the observation of nature and most basic concepts of science. Each grade level explores a variety of topics, giving exposure to many areas. Various texts serve as a guide such as the "Behold and See" series from Catholic Heritage Curricula. Older grades will be challenged with a higher level of science concepts through the "Apologia" series. Students must learn the vocabulary and principles of each topic while also considering the how that area of science impacts our world.
Younger students begin with exposure to the story of history through The Story of the World. They enjoy the stories and use narration and dictation in order to interact with these accounts. Enjoyable activities as a class supplement the stories and the children truly enjoy learning history. After an overview of world history, students look at US History from exploration through modern history during 4th and 5th grades. Then students go back to look more closely at world history in 6th grade beginning with ancient history through Middle Ages and an overview of western civilization as an older student. In the older grades, the use of a textbook is limited and historical fiction and other resource books help the student to have a taste of the culture. Students will write compositions to help them solidify their understanding of important people and events as well as develop their writing skills.
Students begin the study of Latin in 3rd grade with Classical Roots. This delightful class exposes children to foundations of culture as they learn and memorize 100 Greek and Latin roots from English from the Roots Up. They read and enjoy together the story of the Odyssey on a children's level. In 4th grade, students begin the study of vocabulary, Latin grammar and structure. They progress steadily to be able to translate Latin to English as well as English to Latin. Projects are incorporated to be able to look at the Roman world more carefully.
On Enrichment Days, we offer classes that supplement an existing academic curriculum. It is in harmony with the curriculum we offer on our Academic Days but can also be used to enhance any independent curriculum. We seek to offer classes in the fine and performing arts and physical education which many families seek to fulfill state requirements as well as provides a healthy social experience for children.
A very unique and defining aspect of the Education Program is our commitment to center everything we do on the Holy Eucharist. On Wednesdays, we have the great privilege of attending Mass together to begin our day. We have visiting priests from throughout the Philadelphia Archdiocese who come to celebrate with us and occasionally are available to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation with our parents and children afterwards. In addition, we encourage student participation in our liturgies, so that the children have the opportunity to lector, altar serve, or share their musical gifts with us. Our liturgies are truly a celebration of the life God has given and the community He is forming!
…is a Montessori approach to our Catholic Faith. Children use real sacred vessels to learn the parts of the Mass in a concrete way. They learn the order of the liturgical year, parables of Jesus, key stories of our faith connected to the Incarnation, Passion, death and Resurrection. Most importantly, the children discover God through the presentations of the catechist and the work they do individually. This is a reflective process which has proven very effective at drawing children into the Christian mysteries in a way with which they can connect. We offer two levels of CGS, building over time a beautiful understanding of God.
For older children, religion class is supplemental to an existing home school curriculum. This year we will offer a dynamic class exploring the practical application of Scriptures to our lives. We will have visitors presenting various topics about their life experiences and vocation.
We offer a structured gym class which introduces children to a variety of games and sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, dodgeball and freedom. Children begin class with basic stretching and warm-ups. They learn teamwork and sportsmanship in a healthy competitive environment.
This year we are offering a class in drama and improvisation in the fall followed by a musical theatre class in the spring. The goal of this class is to expose children to the basic elements of theater performance and learning to be comfortable on stage, then applying these techniques to an actual presentation.
Our art class is based on the Christian Heritage Art Program from Catholic Heritage Curricula. Art projects are introduced every 3-4 weeks and focus on a different historical time period from various geographic locations. Students use a variety of mediums and learn different techniques with each art project.
Immediately after Mass, our 3 and 4 year old children spend the morning in a preschool class, enjoying fun and engaging activities such as crafts, story time, songs and games. This provides a nice outlet for the children to gather and initiate friendships in a structured setting. Playdough time is an extra benefit!
The Living Bridges Education Program is intended for the entire family. On Enrichment Days, we rely on our participating parents to serve in some capacity within the program. Since many of our families have infants and toddlers, we have a nursery as a safe, enjoyable place for the youngest of our children while mothers are serving as teachers or assistants elsewhere in the building. The nursery also becomes a place to fellowship for many mothers as they care for their little ones.
