Overview

The academic program is structured, challenging and supportive.  Kindergarten offers a phonics-based reading program that also includes high quality children’s literature.  The language arts program encompasses reading, literature, writing, spelling, grammar, penmanship, public speaking and poetry.  The mathematics curriculum continuously repeats and practices skills and concepts while developing higher level thinking skills and an emphasis on problem solving.  Classes in science and social studies are based upon hands-on experiences as well as texts and are sequential in content.  Specialist classes provide weekly instruction in computer, art, music, physical education, and Spanish.

Homework

St. Patrick's Day School regards homework as a reinforcement of daily lessons and an aid in the development of independent study habits, self-discipline, and responsibility.  Students should expect to spend some time on homework Monday through Thursday evenings.  The amount of homework increases as students move to higher grades.

Achievement Testing

Membership in California Association of Independent Schools [CAIS] requires the use of the Comprehensive Testing Program 4 [CTP 4] published by the Educational Records Bureau [ERB].  This test battery is administered each year to students in grades 3-6.  The results of the test enable faculty and staff to evaluate student achievement and to make appropriate adjustments in curriculum, methods, and placement.  Students' grades are not affected by the standardized test scores.

Monitoring Student Progress

Frequent communication between home and school is encouraged.  Parents receive written interim reports midway through each trimester and report cards at the close of each trimester.  By fourth grade the report cards include percentage grades in place of letter grades.  Formal parent-teacher conferences are scheduled each fall for every student.  Additional conferences may be scheduled throughout the year at the request of parents, teachers and the administration.

Chapel Program

Morning Chapel services have been a part of the school's tradition since its founding.  These services provide the structure whereby the school community explores the values of its Christian heritage and discovers the presence of God in daily life.  Chapel services provide an opportunity to discuss the meaning and formation of such values as honesty, responsibility, and friendliness.  Students participate in chapel by serving as crucifers, readers, prayer and song leaders.

Chapels are conducted by the Rector, the Chaplain, and Head of School.  Students attend Chapel three times a week.  A Communion service is held on the first Thursday of each month.  In the Episcopal Church, all children are invited to receive communion or a blessing.