Curriculum

Religion

Catholic doctrine and tradition, Bible study and social justice are infused in instruction at all grade levels. St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body is embedded in the curriculum and virtue education is emphasized throughout the school. In addition, dedicated Theology of the Body classes are taught in each classroom once a week.

Students in the second grade receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Seventh-grade students receive the sacrament of Confirmation at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati.

Beginning in first grade, students attend Mass once a week. Our students demonstrate active participation in the Mass as lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, musicians, or simply being attentive and responsive to the presence of God.

Students in the fifth and eighth grades take the Assessment of Catechesis of Religious Education test.

Mathematics

In Grades K-5, basic mathematics skills are based on national standards. Students have both hard-copy and online access to the math textbook which includes opportunities for additional practice and advanced learning.

In Grades 6-8,  Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and Geometry are offered based on the readiness of each student. Students in Algebra and/or Geometry take the state end-of-course tests in the spring of each year. In order to allow teachers to meet students’ individual needs in mathematics instruction, students in Grades 6-8 are placed in math sections as determined by testing, grades, and teacher input. These sections and student placement are revisited every year.

Language Arts

Reading and written expression begins with a phonics-centered approach in Kindergarten through second grade. Beginning in the third grade, a basal reading program helps to expose students to a wide variety of literature types while teaching comprehension and decoding strategies. Students are guided through longer reading selections with carefully chosen class novels. Written responses are developed with an emphasis on using text evidence, editing for correct grammar and spelling, and cohesive writing.

At the middle school level, short stories and novels are complemented with nonfiction offerings. Reading tasks are often differentiated to meet the needs of each student. Written responses continue to develop as the students master the five-paragraph essay. The Language Arts program culminates in the eighth grade, as the students learn to write a research paper.