Kindergarten

Literacy: Groves and Wonders Curriculum for Language Arts skills. The Groves approach to literacy is rooted in the Science of Reading, prioritizing explicit, systematic, and multi-modal instruction to ensure all children learn to read successfully by the third grade. Wonders integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening to build foundational literacy skills.

Math: Math Expressions is a research-backed elementary math program by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The Kindergarten curriculum builds number sense through Math Talk, visual five-groups (numbers 6–10 as "5 and some extras"), daily routines, and hands-on problem-solving.

Religion (Spirit of Truth & Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - “CGS”): Spirit of Truth invites students to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ while building a strong foundation in the teachings of the Catholic faith. During Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or “CGS”, students are invited to encounter Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through scripture and the liturgy. The environment is based on a montessori philosophy of self discovery, evoking a sense of spiritual direction for children. Our students spend 90 minutes per week in the CGS space, called an “atrium”. The Atrium provides a quiet space for students to ponder, wonder, and awe at the goodness of God. 

Through our Virtues in Practice program, students focus each month on a specific virtue and the example of a saint, learning how to live the Gospel in their everyday lives. 

Testing: Aimsweb assessments monitor progress of Literacy growth and identify students that may be struggling. These assessments are done during the school day 1:1 with our K-2 Groves Coach and Learning Specialist. 

We monitor each student’s growth through NWEA MAP testing in the Spring, allowing for Kindergartners to begin the year focusing on new surroundings, routines, and responsibility. Kindergarteners will take a Math MAP test in the winter and Spring. 

Movement & Play: Movement and play are important pieces of a child’s development - physical, intellectual, and social-emotional. Students regularly engaged in movement breaks, building physical strength, balance, and coordination. These break “supercharge” their brain growth, improve classroom focus, and lay the foundation for fine-motor tasks like handwriting. Our Kindergarten students also get the opportunity for recess multiple times per day, as well as “free choice” time. 

Kindergartners attend our weekly Mass time with their Fifth Grade Buddy. Other highlights of the school year include seasonal Field Trips to Mud Lake, including Christmas Concert performance, Grandparent's Day, Catholic Schools Week and Carnival, and End of Year Circus - a once in a lifetime opportunity!