Core Curricular Classes
Religion
- Weekly grade level Mass
- Monthly school wide Mass
- Curriculum aligned to the Archdiocese of Seattle and approved by the Diocese of Orange
- Liturgy preparation
- Sacramental preparation
- Spiritual retreats
- Service projects
- Eucharistic Adoration, Stations of the Cross, Rosaries, Penance Services
English Language Arts – Literacy
- Curriculum aligned to Common Core State Standards
- Foundational skills in reading (emphasis in lower grades)
- Conventions and knowledge of language integrating vocabulary, spelling, and grammar
- Skills practice in persuasive, expository, and narrative writing
- Small group instruction
- In-Depth Novel Studies (Middle School)
- Book Club Collaboration (Middle School)
- Differentiated instruction for remediation and enrichment
Mathematics
- Curriculum aligned to Common Core State Standards
- Emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Skills practice in foundational skills using Freckle and ALEKS
- Small group instruction
- Differentiated instruction for remediation and enrichment
- Middle School – Compacted Math/ Algebra and Geometry for eligible students
- High School Placement Test preparation (8th grade)
Science
- Curriculum aligned to Next Generation Science Standards
- STEM integration with Inspire Science McGraw Hill (all grade levels)
- Scientific inquiry, hands on investigation, and experimentation (all grade levels)
- Differentiated instruction for remediation and enrichment
- Field study opportunities (when permitted).
- Middle School grade-designated studies include earth, life, and physical sciences
Social Studies
- Curriculum aligned to California State Standards
- Studies include Communities, California History, American/US History, World History, and Ancient Civilizations
- Differentiated instruction for remediation and enrichment
- Field study opportunities (when permitted)
- Curriculum approved by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Orange – designed to be mission driven (does not align with California FAIR Act requirements).
Enrichment Curricular Classes
Physical Education
- Curriculum aligned to California State Standards
- Age appropriate games (early childhood)
- Developmentally appropriate gross motor skills practice (early childhood)
- Development of basic sportsmanship (all grades)
Spanish
- Follows the natural language acquisition process of hearing, listening, comprehending, imitating, speaking, reading, writing, and then, studying the grammar
- IES (International Education System) 6 Step Process accomplishes the repetition necessary for learning the new language
- Engaging activities, games, and songs are utilized for reinforcement and enjoyment
- Students first communicate in single words, progressing to very simple sentences, and finally complex sentences
- Listening and speaking in emphasized in the classroom
- 95% of the class is conducted in Spanish
Music
- Curriculum aligned to California State Standards
- Students gain strong musical foundation
- Feierabend’s First Steps in Music is used in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade to guide students through the first steps in music such as pitch exploration, simple songs and more
- Conversational solfege is used to guide our students through singing, playing, decoding, and audiation in music for students in 3rd through 5th Grade
- 3rd Grade receives instrumental instruction on recorders as well as various Orff percussion instruments
- 4th and 5th Grade receives instruction on the Ukulele
Middle School Electives
Yearbook & Media
- Students work individually and collaboratively to create a variety of products.
- Students produce the school’s yearbook.
- They work with teachers and administration to create printed materials, posters and videos.
- They combine concepts to generate innovative ideas, set goals and create artwork that is meaningful and has purpose.
- Students use art vocabulary to describe personal choices in their designs, they critique, justify and present their designs.
- Students use and apply their creative skills to problem solving, communication, collaboration, time management and resources to create an end product.
Choir and Chimes
- In the Choir and Chimes elective students learn and present music pieces that enhance our school’s liturgical celebrations.
- Students work together to create beautiful sounds that praise our God. and lift up our Church community.
Classical Guitar
- Guitar Elective is open to students grades 6th – 8th and focuses on guiding beginning players on their instruments as well as improving the musical skills of intermediate and advanced players.
- Each student will perform a group ensemble piece of music as well as a solo work by the end of the school year.
Lego Robotics
- Introductory level class to teach students how to program mobile robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3.
- This course introduces students to block programming concepts using LEGOs EV3 Robotics kits.
- Students will learn to construct, control and program robots through investigative and exploration activities.
- Students will integrate Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics using STEM Education concepts.
- Research projects will expose students to the engineering process.
Horticulture:
- Students will gain a broad range of experience as they pertain to the community garden
- Students will learn about the establishment, advertisement, financing, construction, seeding, cultivation, and harvest of our community garden.
Leadership
- Students will develop organizational leadership skills that will help prepare them to be an effective team member.
- Students will work to be exceptional leaders for the Saints Simon & Jude Catholic School community through discovering their leadership style and embodying responsibility.