ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

Our academic program, in a structured environment, is characterized by understanding and positive reinforcement. Our objectives for this goal are: to work toward meeting the individual needs of each child and to provide opportunities for each child to succeed. We recognize cooperation between home and school as essential toward meeting these goals. The curriculum is designed based on the Massachusetts Frameworks and the Archdiocesan guidelines. A complete curriculum is available in the school office by subject and by grade level.

RELIGION - The main purposes and objectives of the religion program at Saint Paul School are to help the student grow in his/her Catholic faith and to develop an appreciation for the sacraments and God’s presence in everyday life. The student demonstrates love and respect for the uniqueness in himself/herself and others. Upon graduating from Saint Paul School, the student will have developed knowledge of various prayer styles, i.e., living by Christ’s example as a form of prayer and communication with Jesus. He/she will put into practice informal daily prayer and appreciate the value of liturgical celebrations. As a maturing Catholic, he/she will be able to carry the Lord’s message into his/her daily life as they grow into a more faith-filled individual.

The purposes and objectives of the religion program at Saint Paul School reflect the mission of the school by fostering Christ-like actions which are evident in our school and community outreach and service projects. Students are encouraged to recognize and develop their own gifts and talents while demonstrating acceptance and forgiveness of others in their daily actions.

LANGUAGE ARTS - The main purpose and objective of the language arts program at Saint Paul School is to provide a comprehensive development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. These essential skills are purposely integrated across the curriculum at every grade level, so students come to fully understand the power of language. By the time a student graduates from the eighth grade at Saint Paul School, he/she will have well-developed language skills that enable him/her to be an effective communicator. These skills will serve him/her in personal relationships, future careers, and in carrying out the responsibilities of citizenship.

The development of strong literacy skills provides a springboard which enables the student to achieve success in all academic areas. The student is appropriately challenged and has opportunities to demonstrate independent thinking, make sound decisions, and solve problems using the Catholic values he/she has been taught as a guide. Well-developed communication skills build self-esteem and empower the student to become a confident and contributing member of society.

MATHEMATICS - The main purposes and objectives of the mathematics program at Saint Paul School are to develop the student’s computational, problem solving, and critical thinking skills through a challenging course of study. The student applies mathematical concepts across the curriculum to expand his/her understanding of mathematical applications. By the time the student graduates, the student will have achieved competency in mathematical skills relevant to the curriculum of each grade. The student will have developed confidence in his/her mathematical ability and will be prepared to pursue an advanced course of study in mathematics at the high school level. The student will also recognize the relevance of mathematics to everyday life.

The purposes and objectives of the mathematics program reflect the mission of the school by creating an environment where the student develops a strong mathematical foundation through a challenging course of study. The mathematics program at Saint Paul School encourages the student to develop a serious attitude towards the study of math, emphasizing the relevance of math to everyday life in a changing society.

SCIENCE - The main purposes and objectives of the science program at Saint Paul School are to develop the student’s appreciation of scientific investigation as a way to gain understanding of the world around them. Through the science curriculum the student will achieve a working knowledge of the scientific method, that it is a set and definite procedure. By the time a student graduates from Saint Paul School he/she will acquire knowledge of basic concepts and processes in the life sciences, earth sciences, and physical sciences including a fundamental knowledge of the scientific principles of motion, biological processes, cellular structure and function, and chemical reactions.

The purposes and objectives of the science program at Saint Paul School reflect the mission statement by applying scientific knowledge and skills in collecting and analyzing data to solve a variety of relevant life challenges. Students recognize the dignity of all God’s creatures and they are encouraged to recognize their impact on the environment. Students appreciate their responsibility to respect and protect ecosystems and understand that human life is sacred at all stages of development.

SOCIAL STUDIES - The main purposes and objectives of the social studies program at Saint Paul School are to develop the students’ understanding of the events that have shaped world and American history, to discuss the historical significance of these events, and to recognize diverse cultures in all parts of the world. The students are encouraged to understand their roles as members of a family, community, city, nation, and world through the study of history and geography. By the time the student graduates, the student will have developed an appreciation for individuals who have made important political, social, and cultural contributions to civilizations. The student will have mastered skills associated with history and geography, as well as developed analytical writing skills. Through reading, discussion, projects, and technology, the student will become a confident learner with an interest in further studying social studies.

The purposes and objectives of the social studies program at Saint Paul School reflect the mission statement by encouraging respect for diverse cultures and unique differences of individuals. Students are encouraged to recognize their roles as positive contributors to an ever-changing society.

SPANISH - The program begins in the third grade and continues through the eighth grade. Upon graduating from Saint Paul School, students will have developed both written and oral communication skills, vocabulary, and familiarity with both the Spanish language and cultures.

The program begins in the third grade and continues through the eighth grade. Upon graduating from Saint Paul School, students will have developed both written and oral communication skills, vocabulary, and familiarity with both the Spanish language and cultures.

LIBRARY - The main purposes and objectives of the library program at Saint Paul School are to support the development of the student’s knowledge of literature and to build the student’s research skills. The student is encouraged to explore diverse genres, exposing him/her to various cultures from all over the globe. By the time the student graduates from Saint Paul School, the student will have developed research skills, enabling him/her to successfully meet the project/report criteria of high school curricula. The student will also develop a deeper appreciation of literature and the ability to select, read, and enjoy a wide range of literary genres.

The purposes and objectives of the library program at Saint Paul School reflect the mission statement by exposing the student to literature which is connected to real life by examining cultures, values, and the historical times in which people lived. The structure of the library program enables students to individually achieve an understanding of and an appreciation for various themes.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Saint Paul School contracts with Young World to provide a professional physical education instructor to conduct weekly gym classes for all students. The program develops gross motor skills, fitness, team participation, and sportsmanship. Students are encouraged to participate in games and activities in a safe environment, where winning is secondary to participation in activities. By the time a student graduates from Saint Paul School, the student will have experienced fundamental skills in various sports and be aware of body movement and position in space. Participation in team sports instills a sense of fair play and good sportsmanship.

The purposes and objectives of the physical education program at Saint Paul School reflect the mission statement by exposing the student to activities and competitions which develop respect for teammates and competitors, a sense of fair play, and good sportsmanship based on Catholic values. These values will be internalized in the student, who will demonstrate them in daily life.