Meet the Lower Elementary Department

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Learning to Read, Write, Pray, and Problem Solve

Our kindergarten is academically rigorous. Reading skills blossom, and mathematical minds are challenged. In addition to learning the alphabet and the sounds of the letters, children learn to decode words, recognize sight words, and write down ideas. We teach essential math skills, including numeral and number recognition, sorting, and patterning. 
Prayer begins each morning, thanking God for all He has given us, talking to Him about our loved ones, giving Him our worries, and knowing He is with us. Our kindergarteners develop an understanding of right and wrong, and that respecting others helps the classroom community run smoothly. They learn to share materials, manipulatives, and attention by acquiring skills to be able to do this without being bossy or rude. Eventually they recognize that there are productive ways to express ourselves, that what we say and do affects other people, and these interactions play a key role in making friends. Mastering this skill is an ongoing process and five-year-old’s are just beginning to learn it. Kindergarten focuses on treating others as we would like to be treated.

​First graders begin each day with specific routines which create a calm environment where students can begin to share leadership in the classroom. First graders learn the basic daily prayers which allow them to participate in Mass and our community but they also have opportunities to express their unique love for God and their thanks for His gifts. This is the year mastery of skills introduced in kindergarten is expected and necessary for emergent readers, authors, scientists, and mathematicians to succeed. We know that an integral part of academic success is physical, social, and emotional well being so first grade devotes time to building life skills and the concept of mutual respect as a healthy community of learners.

Second grade is the year where the foundations built in pre-k, kindergarten and first grade come together. Students are able to apply the skills they have learned to the next level. Our academic program emphasizes language arts, reading, writing, speaking, and thinking skills and is integrated into all areas of our curriculum. Our math program emphasizes rigorous thinking, computation, and problem-solving skills and experiential learning. It is such an incredible year of growth and change for children academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Religious lessons in second grade are important because students are preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. Each day in Catholic school presents opportunities for students to put their values to use in the classroom, at lunch, and at recess.