Elementary

English Language Arts:

The goal of the First Grade ELA program is to continue teaching systematic, sequential, and explicit phonics while also creating a literature-rich learning environment, enabling students to grow as independent readers.

In first grade, our writing program is designed to help students work with independence, confidence, and stamina. In the course of the writing period, students work independently, in small groups, and with partners. First Grade students learn to write complete sentences and properly use capitalization and punctuation marks. 

In first grade, students utilize the Heggerty phonics program to develop strong phonemic awareness and early phonics skills. Our reading program through Wit and Wisdom is a comprehensive structured language program for teaching reading, spelling, and handwriting using multisensory techniques. 

The Fundations program is a  structured, explicit, and multisensory program for teaching Kindergarten students foundational literacy skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and handwriting, based on the science of reading.

Words Their Way Spelling supports our literacy program by giving children fun, hands-on ways to practice important reading and spelling skills. Through games and word study activities, students build confidence in recognizing sounds, patterns, and meanings, helping them become stronger, more independent readers and writers.

Math:

Our mathematics instruction is designed to support students as they make sense of mathematics, learn that they can be mathematical thinkers, express their mathematical ideas, and develop fluency and skill that is well grounded in meaning. 

While continuing to use enVision math, first grade, students build a strong foundation in number sense and problem-solving. They learn to add and subtract within 20, understand place value, explore patterns, and work with shapes and measurements. Children develop confidence in reasoning with numbers and begin to see math as a fun and useful part of everyday life.

Science:

TCI’s Science Alive Program, teaches First graders to explore the wonders of the world around them through observation, questioning, and discovery. They learn about plants and animals, weather and seasons, and how objects move and change. Experiments and outdoor exploration help students think like young scientists.

Social Studies:

In first grade, while continuing to use TCI’s Social Studies Alive Program, students learn about the world they live in and their role within it. They explore families, neighborhoods, and communities while discovering the importance of rules, respect, and cooperation. Through stories, maps, and class activities, children begin to understand how people work together, celebrate traditions, and make a difference

Social Emotional Learning:

In first grade, we use Harmony, a program that is designed to build healthy relationships among students by having them engage in activities that promote understanding and respect. The program empowers our students with the tools and strategies to feel supported and ready to learn.

English Language Arts:

In second grade, students grow into confident, independent readers. They build fluency and expression while exploring a variety of stories, poems, and informational texts that spark curiosity and imagination. Through guided reading and group discussions, children strengthen comprehension skills, learning to make predictions, identify main ideas, and connect stories to their own experiences. Vocabulary expands naturally as students read and write daily, laying a strong foundation for lifelong literacy and a love of reading.

In second grade, students utilize the Heggerty phonics program to develop strong phonemic awareness and early phonics skills. Our reading program through Wit and Wisdom is a comprehensive structured language program for teaching reading, spelling, and handwriting using multisensory techniques. 

The Fundations program is a  structured, explicit, and multisensory program for teaching Kindergarten students foundational literacy skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and handwriting, based on the science of reading.

Words Their Way Spelling supports our literacy program by giving children fun, hands-on ways to practice important reading and spelling skills. Through games and word study activities, students build confidence in recognizing sounds, patterns, and meanings, helping them become stronger, more independent readers and writers.

Math:

While continuing to use enVision math, second grade students build a strong foundation in number sense and problem-solving. Students deepen their understanding of numbers and strengthen problem-solving skills. They work with addition and subtraction facts up to 100, explore place value, and begin learning the foundations of multiplication and division through patterns and grouping. Students also study measurement, time, money, and basic geometry using hands-on activities that make math meaningful and fun. Emphasis is placed on reasoning, explaining their thinking, and applying math to real-world situations.

Science:

TCI’s Science Alive Program teaches second graders about plants, animals, weather, the solar system, and the properties of matter, building curiosity about how things work. Science lessons encourage questioning, investigation, and critical thinking, helping students develop skills to observe, record, and draw conclusions. By connecting science to everyday life, children begin to see the world as full of discovery and wonder.

Social Studies:

In second grade, while continuing to use TCI’s Social Studies Alive Program, students explore communities, cultures, and the people and events that shape our world. They learn about geography, government, history, and important civic values, discovering how individuals contribute to their communities. Lessons emphasize understanding, respect, and cooperation while helping students make connections between the past and present. Through stories, projects, and discussions, children develop a sense of belonging and a curiosity about the world around them.

Social & Emotional Learning:

In second grade, we use Harmony, a program that is designed to build healthy relationships among students by having them engage in activities that promote understanding and respect. The program empowers our students with the tools and strategies to feel supported and ready to learn. 

English Language Arts:

Third Grade students develop reading skills through various literature: realistic fiction, mysteries, non-fiction, biographies, and poetry. These are designed for students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the literature.
Third Grade writers practice writing skills and strategies across various genres: Narrative, information, persuasive/opinion, fairy tales, and poetry. Focusing on content, organization, spelling, sentence structure, grammar, and handwriting, students practice their craft in whole groups, small groups, and independently.

Math:

Our mathematics instruction is designed to support students as they make sense of mathematics, learn that they can be mathematical thinkers, express their mathematical ideas, and develop fluency and skill that is well grounded in meaning. Computational fluency with whole numbers is a primary goal throughout the elementary grades.

Science:

In third-grade science,  students develop the ability to ask questions to define a problem, then plan and carry out a simple experiment. Students use inference to construct explanations based on their observations and then design solutions. Students continue to develop their skills for describing results orally and in writing.

Social Studies:

In third grade social studies, we focus on map skills and regions of the United States. When learning map skills, students explore political and physical maps and determine the use of keys and symbols.  Map skills continue throughout the year as the students learn about the five regions of the United States, ultimately identifying each state and capital independently.

Executive Functioning

The Rush Executive functioning System refers to the mental skills students use to plan, organize, manage emotions, and complete tasks, like having a personal manager inside their brain. These skills include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. When our students build strong executive functioning skills, they gain confidence, stay on track in the classroom, and develop habits that support learning and life beyond school.

English Language Arts:

Fourth-grade students explore literature through whole-class novels, literature circles, historical readings, and independent silent reading books. Students learn to analyze the individual author’s writing style and respond to the literature. In addition, students identify story structure and sequencing, examine cause and effect relationships, identify literary terms, and make inferences and predictions.

Writing is an important focus in the fourth-grade classroom. The emphasis on the writing process continues throughout the year as students develop writing pieces in various genres, including personal narratives, book reviews, personal and business letters, poems, journal entries, and research papers. 

In addition to reading and writing, students improve their understanding of character development, leads, conclusions, and dialogue, among other literary concepts. They practice public speaking and critical thinking by giving oral presentations on projects and discussing literature in class.

Math:

In fourth grade math, students build confidence with larger numbers and more complex operations. They learn multi-digit multiplication and division, explore fractions and decimals, and deepen their understanding of geometry and measurement. The curriculum builds the foundation they will need for algebra and geometry. 

Science:

The fourth-grade students build on knowledge from previous years to build a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. They begin to connect the structure of living organisms to particular adaptations for survival. Students use models of waves to understand how energy is transferred by sound and light. Students learn how fossils provide evidence of what plants and animals lived long ago.

4th Grade Science Night: Our young scientists showcase their discoveries with experiments and demonstrations that spark curiosity and confidence.

Social Studies:

In fourth grade social studies, students explore the history, geography, and cultures of the United States. They learn about early settlements, regional differences, and how communities have developed over time. Through maps, projects, and stories, students discover how people, places, and events shape our nation and their own roles as informed citizens.

Executive Functioning

The Rush Executive functioning System refers to the mental skills students use to plan, organize, manage emotions, and complete tasks, like having a personal manager inside their brain. These skills include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. When our students build strong executive functioning skills, they gain confidence, stay on track in the classroom, and develop habits that support learning and life beyond school.

English Language Arts:

The ELA curriculum consists of five areas of study: reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. Fifth-grade students develop skills through balanced instruction consisting of whole group discussions, partner/group work, and individual work. Students read various genres of literature throughout the year, such as realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry. 

Our fifth-grade writing program aims to immerse students in different modes of writing, get them comfortable with the writing process, and have them take risks. There is a focus on the author’s craft, organization, word choice, grammar, voice, and revising.  Fifth-grade students implement learned writing skills frequently through essays, projects, responses, and daily classwork.

Math:

In fifth grade math, students expand their understanding of numbers and operations by working with fractions, decimals, and percentages. They tackle more complex word problems, explore volume and geometry.

Science:

In fifth grade science, students explore the world through the lens of scale. Beginning with tiny atoms and the states of matter, moving through cells and living organisms, and discovering how populations interact within ecosystems. They learn how energy from the sun supports life and drives Earth’s natural cycles. Through hands-on experiments, modeling, and observation, students practice thinking like scientists while strengthening their ability to use evidence to explain their ideas clearly.

Social Studies:

In fifth grade social studies, students explore the story of the United States from its earliest beginnings through the formation of the nation. They learn about Indigenous cultures, European exploration, and the founding of the colonies, developing an understanding of how people, events, and ideas shaped our country. Through maps, discussions, and projects, students connect past to present and grow in their understanding of citizenship and community.

5th Grade History Fair: Students bring the past to life through creative presentations and research, building skills in storytelling, analysis, and public speaking.

Executive Functioning

The Rush Executive functioning System refers to the mental skills students use to plan, organize, manage emotions, and complete tasks, like having a personal manager inside their brain. These skills include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. When our students build strong executive functioning skills, they gain confidence, stay on track in the classroom, and develop habits that support learning and life beyond school.

Religion:

Our religion program uses Finding God by Loyola Press to help students grow in faith, compassion, and understanding of God’s love. Faith is woven into daily life through prayer, reflection, and service to others. Students participate in weekly Mass and engage in service projects that put Gospel values into action.