Our Lady of Lourdes School/United States Catholic Conference

In the elementary grades, we maintain high expectations on all grade levels while recognizing individual differences and learning styles. An advanced curriculum is offered while providing differentiated instruction with flexible ability grouping. Students are encouraged and motivated to share and apply what they have learned. This is accomplished through cooperative learning groups, peer tutoring, integrated units of study, and use of media and technology education.

A variety of strategies and projects are used to teach academic subjects. These include: analyzing, writing, memorizing, performing, summarizing, sequencing, interpreting, and critical thinking. Special activities include: creating stories, poems, book reports, essays, recitations, dramatizations, and dioramas.

In language arts, students progress from basic writing skills to full expression, from the ability to read to a love of reading. They receive continuing instruction in grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation and are also exposed to increasingly challenging literature in a full range of writing styles, topics and cultures.

In math, students develop number sense beginning with an emphasis on basic math facts. Manipulatives are used in mathematics to facilitate concept development and logistical reasoning and to apply mathematics to problem-solving. Grade by grade, students’ knowledge and skills become more sophisticated.

Our 4th and 5th grade students are taught by both grade level teachers- one who specializes in language arts and social studies, and one expert in math and science- to prepare them for the diversity of teachers that they will meet in middle school.

Our middle school serves the unique needs of the middle school student providing a departmentalized block schedule with high school credit opportunities in six different subject areas (Earth Science, World History, Spanish I, Spanish II, Algebra I, and Geometry). A cross curricula team approach is used in our middle school program. Students learn time management skills, note-taking skills, gain self-confidence and ultimately are prepared in every way for quality high schools.

The middle school curriculum is enhanced through block scheduling which allows for hands-on experiences through math and science labs and integration among the disciplines. Leadership, decision-making, and critical thinking skills are developed through participation in community service, Student Council, science fair, art show, prayer services, and public speaking.

Religion class is taught daily, and all students attend Mass each Thursday with a different class preparing and leading every other week. Students complete 20 hours of community service as part of their Religion class each school year as well as engage in public speaking and team building exercises. Middle school students also receive the honor and responsibility of mentoring a student in lower school as their prayer buddy.