CURRICULUM
The driving force for the 21st century is the development of the intellectual capacity of our students. St. Luke School believes that continually planning, implementing, evaluating, and modifying the academic curriculum and teaching strategies of St. Luke School is essential to meeting the changing needs of our student population. The Administration and Faculty are committed to implementing sound educational practices based on current research. Classroom instruction incorporates National Standards in conjunction with the curriculum guidelines of the Diocese of Brooklyn and New York State. These guidelines have been revised and enhanced to meet the expanding needs of students.
Creative and innovative lessons are designed by the teachers to engage the students as they explore and discover the wonders of learning. Lessons are presented through cooperative learning groups, class discussions, whole-group instruction, and telecommunications. Field trips and guest speakers, as well as videos and other materials, support the curriculum. The textbooks are current and up-to-date. Technology has become an increasingly important tool in our society, and therefore, our school, and has empowered teachers to apply new and effective ways to present their curriculum. They use the Internet, multimedia presentations, and presentation devices, as well as other technologies, in their instruction. Students therefore benefit from a variety of teaching styles that equip them with the skills needed to function as knowledgeable and committed citizens of a global community. The administration and faculty aspire to develop and deliver a curriculum that will empower all students to become life-long learners.
Religion:
Religion is the primary focus of the entire curriculum in all grade levels from Tiny Tots to Grade Eight. Each day begins with morning prayer delivered by the Principal over the Public Address system. During special church seasons, the children lead the student body in the daily prayer. The religion series supports the religion curriculum. The school provides instruction in doctrine, scripture, prayer, worship, and Christian values, while recognizing that parents are the primary faith educators. Students and teachers in grades one through eight participate in the preparation and presentation of weekly Masses and liturgical devotions. Children are taught the importance of prayer, respect, and service. They are encouraged to live their Christian faith daily.
Early Childhood Education: Tiny Tots - Nursery - Pre-Kindergarten
Early Childhood education begins with the Tiny Tots and continues through Pre-Kindergarten. A teacher and paraprofessional are present at all times in each of these grades. This greatly improves the pupil-teacher ratio and increases the opportunities for teachers and students to interact. These teachers are responsible for the teaching of Language Arts, Mathematics, Religion, Science, and Social Studies. Since St. Luke School recognizes the growing trend of renewed commitment to the young child, a hands-on, activity-based approach is used in all subjects. Lessons are carefully integrated to help students recognize the relationships and connections that exist among the various subjects.
Primary Education: Kindergarten – Grade Three
Primary teachers nurture students with a structured self contained environment. Within the environment, students are developing maturity and the ability to maintain a foundation needed to function in upper grades. Students in the primary grades learn all core subjects as well as weekly Physical Education, Technology and Library classes. Our Interactive Whiteboards bring the world and all of its resources into the classroom. Students in grade two are given instruction in the preparation of the Sacraments of Penance and Communion.
Intermediate Education: Grades Four and Five
Our Intermediate grades build on the basics that were taught in the primary grades and introduce new content material for the students. The classes are departmental and follow a five day schedule which includes all core subjects. The students often work in cooperative groups or pairs as they complete projects, solve problems, and conduct research on the Internet. Learning centers are created for constructive activities. Teachers work closely with each other and with the Technology Coordinator and Guidance Counselor, to integrate curriculum, plan activities and special projects. Remediation is available to these students for enhanced instruction in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Junior High Education: Grades Six - Eight
Our Junior High Teachers are responsible for the core subjects. These classes are departmental and follow a block schedule that allows time for extended learning. Teachers meet regularly to coordinate the program and work on unit projects. Grade seven is required to complete 15 hours of community service as part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The mathematics curriculum, based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards, presents basic concepts and computational skills, as well as problem-solving strategies. These concepts enable students to be confident and successful mathematicians. Math is presented through a variety of methods that effectively reach all styles of learners.
The Junior High science curriculum is increasingly one of observation and experimentation. Laboratory materials are used to expand the students’ knowledge of various scientific topics. Our science program includes a weekly science lab period which enables the students to conduct experiments. The science teachers oversee the entire science curriculum to ensure that all content is covered and needed materials are available.
American History is the curriculum focus for students in grades seven and eight. Critical thinking is stressed as well as document based questions and essays which incorporate Language Arts skills. During the first year, students study North America from early settlement to the antebellum period. In the second year, students complete their study of the nineteenth century and investigate significant historical events in the twentieth century.
Our English Language Arts Program focuses on reading strategies, comprehension, and the experience of a variety of genres and authors. Vocabulary is also studied, including a structured program designed to prepare students for the TACHS Exam, the test for admission to Catholic High School. The English program provides an integrated approach to writing using a variety of topics and styles, as well as the study of grammar.
Students in all grades are encouraged to participate in academic competitions and computer contests.
All New York State Exams are administered, along with standardized tests for grades three to eight.