St. Peter’s School curriculum follows the guidelines provided by the Archdiocese of Washington. Teaching strategies are adapted to the learning style and ability of the individual child.

Primary Grades (K-3)
Religion – Our primary curriculum provides instruction for an understanding of the basic beliefs of our Catholic faith. Participation in daily prayers and scheduled liturgies promotes the spiritual growth of each child. In every learning situation, we strive to develop concepts of responsibility, self-control and social skills that reflect the virtues of our faith.

Language Arts – The Language arts are accented in all academic areas. Lessons in reading, phonics, spelling and literature foster fluency for understanding, enjoyment and independent learning. These skills are developed and used in speaking, writing and listening activities that encourage creativity. Classroom libraries are available for children to explore independently. The use of dictionaries and reference materials is also modeled and practiced at each grade level.

Mathematics – Math lessons incorporate the use of manipulatives to teach new concepts. Basic drills are then used to reinforce concepts and strengthen math skills. The children are also taught a variety of strategies for problem solving. Math lessons also include cooperative learning activities, calculator skills and real-life skills using money and measurement.

Science – Science invites students to learn about the world around them, encouraging an active curiosity and developing critical and creative thinking skills through investigation and scientific method. Opportunities for hands-on exploration and experimentation are provided through classroom activities and science centers.

Social Studies – The Social Studies curriculum focuses on families and their relationships within the community, the nation, and the world. This is balanced by experiences related to current events and reflections on important historical figures and events throughout the calendar year. Development of study skills and map skills is also emphasized. Supplemental materials, such as Weekly Reader, are used on each grade level.

INTERMEDIATE GRADES (4-5)
Religion - The students study the Commandments, the Sacraments, and participate in the school wide Virtue’s program. The daily religion curriculum is enhanced by attending scheduled liturgies, participating in activities developed for the virtue of the month, and by weekly classroom instruction by an Associate Priest.

Social Studies - Students study the state of Maryland, US History, and Geography. The program is enhanced through field trips, guest speakers, and numerous supplemental aids (ie.maps, globes...). Students have an opportunity to participate in the school-wide Social Studies Fair.

Science - Students study and are encouraged to take an active role in issues concerning the environment. Their study includes life, earth, space, physical, and health investigations. Hands-on labs, guest speakers, class trips, and Science Fair participation enhance this program.

Language Arts (Reading, Language Arts, Handwriting, Spelling)- Reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking are an integral part of all subjects and fundamental to daily life. In reading and language arts class, students are given opportunities to practice these skills. These opportunities allow each student to achieve through individual learning styles and needs. Students explore writing through lessons in the mechanics of writing, spelling, and grammar usage. Students apply these skills in creative and structured composition writing. Students are exposed to all genres of literature. Word recognition, vocabulary development, and comprehension skills are emphasized to bring meaning to the printed word. Students take an active part in reenacting stories and plays, and in-group presentations. Independent reading and writing skills are developed that allow students to become effective communicators outside the language arts class.

Mathematics - The program provides the students with opportunities to learn and master concepts and skills in all areas of elementary math. This is achieved with manipulatives, videos, transparencies, and other media. Special attention is given to critical thinking and problem solving as well as the use of technology (calculators, scales, etc.).

Middle School (6-8)
English - English concentrates on written expression and comprehension through grammar, spelling and all forms of writing. Students learn parts of speech, sentence labeling, and diagramming. Language mechanics and spelling are also reinforced through daily journal writing, essays, poetry and research papers. Students also experience oral reading to reinforce comprehension and vocabulary in a more relaxed style.

Social Studies - The Middle School Social Studies program emphasizes knowledge of historic events and geographic skills. Development of skills such as map reading, graph and chart reading, cause and effect, and note taking are stressed. Each grade level concentrates on separate areas: 6th world history and culture (primarily ancient), 7th world geography, and 8th United States history (through the civil war). The program is supplemented through current events and participation in the National Geographic Bee and National History Program.

Mathematics - The Math program focuses on the acquisition and mastery of operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Students use problem-solving strategies to solve a wide variety of areas. Students also study proportions, percentages, statistics, ratios, graphing, and probability. Accelerated students are given the opportunity to study Algebra.

Literature – Effective communication skills, both oral and written, are developed throughout the Middle School Literature curriculum. Reading, writing, listening, speaking and critical thinking strategies are used by the students to become successful active readers. Various classical and contemporary genres motivate the student to connect skills taught in the classroom with their own experiences.

Science - Students in the Middle School program explore the general areas of Science using independent and cooperative methods. The area of concentration are as follows: 6th grade - Earth and Space Science, 7th grade - Life Science, and 8th grade - Physical Science including Chemistry and Physics. The current Science Lab is continually increasing its inventory of hands-on investigations. Students use the Scientific Method of exploration is part of every Science experiment. The curriculum is supplemented with the annual Science Fair.

Religion - The religious education covers both Old and New Testaments. The 6th grade studies the Old Testament, learning that the saving actions of God throughout history are most completely revealed in the sending of his only son, Jesus. 7th grade learns that Christ is our Way, our Truth, and our Life through studying the New Testament. The 8th grade learns that the Church is Christ’s presence in the world, which gives glory and praise to the Father and brings His redeeming love to all. The 8th grade lessons are supplemented with Confirmation classes and a confirmation retreat.

Spanish – Student learn the basic elements of Spanish for everyday use, such as basic conversation and beginners grammar. Along with the language, cultural elements have also been introduced through projects, novels and videos.

Art – The Middle School Art Program covers all aspects of fine arts and some art history. 6th grade studies surrealism and fantasy drawing, Egyptian history, perspective drawing and printmaking. 7th grade studies color, Impressionism, and continued perspective studies, 3-D construction, marbleizing techniques, calligraphy, and illumination in graphic arts. 8th graders study modern artists, while working with printmaking, pattern, tessallations, wire sculpture, and refining their drawing techniques. All students are required to do an Art History report on an artist chosen at random and present it to the class.

Computers –

Physical Education – The goal of the Physical Education Program is to create a lifelong interest in active recreation for healthy living. The program encompasses:

Team Sports:

• Volleyball
• Soccer
• Flag Football
• Lacrosse
• Basketball
• Softball
• Track and Field
• Individualized sports -
  Strength and Endurance testing using guidelines for the Presidential Fitness
• Challenge
• Rhythmic Skills -
  Square Dancing
• Health Topics -
  Muscles with emphasis on the heart, bones, nutrition, and substance abuse.
  

All of the above activities are designed to promote skill, strength, coordination, cooperation, self-control, team spirit and good sportsmanship.