Curriculum

Welcome to the Little Sharks program, designed for curious 2- and 3-year-olds! In this dynamic environment, children learn through exploration and purposeful play, engaging in activities that promote cognitive, motor, and social development. With small class sizes and personalized attention, every Little Shark is valued and celebrated as part of our warm, close-knit community.

Preschool at Saint Joseph School provides a nurturing, faith-filled environment where 3-year-olds build both academic foundations and spiritual growth. Through songs, stories, and prayers, children develop values such as kindness, compassion, and empathy. Our curriculum focuses on early literacy, phonics, and social-emotional skills, encouraging creativity, exploration, and self-advocacy. We guide each child to grow in mind, body, and spirit.

In Pre-Kindergarten, our 4-year-olds experience the joy of learning through engaging, play-based education. Designed to prepare children for Kindergarten, the program strengthens independence and skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social interaction. Our approach focuses on building early literacy through alphabet knowledge and handwriting, and introduces mathematical concepts using hands-on learning tools.

Kindergarten at Saint Joseph School marks the real beginning of a student's formal education, laying the groundwork for academic success in the years ahead. With a strong focus on building foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, students engage in phonemic awareness activities, early reading, and writing exercises that set the stage for fluency. In mathematics, they explore number sense, patterns, and problem-solving strategies. Beyond academics, Kindergarten fosters essential social-emotional skills like cooperation, self-regulation, and responsibility. Through hands-on, interactive lessons, students are introduced to the structure of the traditional classroom, helping them transition smoothly into their elementary school years with confidence and enthusiasm.

First grade at Saint Joseph School combines faith-based learning with rigorous academics. Students explore Bible stories and learn to act as images of God in their daily lives. With direct phonics instruction, they develop strong reading and spelling abilities, which they apply in reading across genres such as poetry and expository texts. Our Writers’ Workshop model encourages creativity and critical thinking in writing. In math, students focus on foundational skills like addition, subtraction, geometry, and time, while also building social-emotional skills through the Second Step program.

Second grade is a special year at Saint Joseph School as students prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Alongside faith formation, students continue to grow as lifelong learners in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. They also develop social-emotional strategies, learning to apply these skills in everyday situations.

In third grade, students at Saint Joseph School deepen their independence in problem-solving, critical thinking, and cooperative learning. Classroom lessons are complemented by hands-on projects and historical field trips, sparking curiosity and confidence. Students also focus on seeing Jesus in one another, helping each other become the best versions of themselves as they prepare for middle school and beyond.

Fourth grade emphasizes the development of independence, time management, and problem-solving skills. Through a blend of classroom projects and out-of-school learning experiences, students practice researching, presenting information, and sharing their knowledge with peers. By the end of the year, fourth graders are well-prepared for middle school, with strong relationships, study skills, and an ability to support their ideas with evidence.

Fifth grade marks the transition to the Upper School, where students rotate between teachers for core subjects like Math, Science, and Social Studies. This structure helps them build organizational skills and independence, while maintaining strong teacher-student relationships. Fifth graders engage in collaborative projects, dive deeper into complex texts, and enhance their writing techniques. Access to technology and a full science lab enriches their hands-on learning experience, setting the stage for continued growth in the Upper School.

Sixth grade at Saint Joseph School is a year of academic growth and self-discovery. Students continue to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, applying them to real-world scenarios. With a focus on organization and time management, students are guided toward becoming more independent learners. The core curriculum includes English Language Arts, Mathematics, Religion, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish, complemented by classes in Art, Music, Health, Technology, and Physical Education. Collaboration, individuality, and personal expression are encouraged every step of the way.

Seventh grade builds on prior learning, with students deepening their understanding of core subjects while acquiring new skills in Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, and Theology. They also engage in Art, Music, Technology, and Wellness classes that nurture their social-emotional development. Students apply their critical thinking skills to real-world situations, becoming more independent and confident learners. In math, students explore pre-algebra, while in Theology they continue to live out virtues studied in the New Testament. National History Day projects offer opportunities to develop research, writing, and presentation skills.

Eighth grade prepares students for high school through a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning. In addition to academic subjects like Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Spanish, students grow in their Catholic faith, understanding their unique gifts in relationship to others. Eighth graders also look forward to cherished traditions, such as the Kindergarten-Buddy program, the Living Nativity, Live Stations of the Cross, and the annual trip to Washington, D.C.

At graduation, students are recognized for their leadership accomplishments, demonstration of Christian values, and academic achievements. For many, this may have been the first time they were called to lead, and having found success in this role, they look forward to high school with the confidence to continue serving their new community. By the end of the year, students leave Saint Joseph School ready to lead, having built a strong foundation for their future.