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Curriculum By Grade Level

Please click on the bullets below to view detailed curriculum descriptions for each grade level. Clicking the bullet again will collapse the outline.

 

	Preschool 3 Year Old Program --Tuesday & Thursday - 8:15 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. --Religion --Discovery and exploration of numbers and letters. --Social Dynamics --Sensory --Calendar --Art Pre Kindergarten --Monday, Wednesday, & Friday - 8:15 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. --Religion --Continued exploration and discovery of numbers and letters. --Letter of the week --Number recognition --Calendar --Pre-Kindergarten activities --Articulation
	Kindergarten --All Day Program - 8:25 am to 2:55 pm. --Illinois State Standards Curriculum in all subject areas. Religion:  The Kindergarten environment at St. Mary's will nurture the children in an atmosphere of love and respect that points them to God. The foundation of faith is laid down throughout our daily activities. Besides formalized religion classes, the children have many opportunities to participate in all school masses and Early Childhood prayer services. Reading:  A literature based reading program is used at St. Mary's Kindergarten. Our program focuses on five critical areas of instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension.  The core instruction includes reading, phonics, oral language, and writing. Letter of the Week: Letter of the week coincides with the reading program. A comprehensive study of each letter is done on a weekly basis, consisting of letter recognition, letter-sound association, and formal printing of the letters. Math:  An activity based math program is used. Students have the opportunity to explore numbers, spatial sense, positioning, counting, geometry, classification, colors, shapes, reasoning, problem solving, patterning, estimation, addition, subtraction, time, money, and printing of numbers through the use of manipulatives. Social Studies:  The program encompasses the basic strands of the social studies curriculum: culture, geography, government, economics, and history. Science:  The science program includes the study of earth science, life science, human body, and physical science, using observation and hands-on experiments. Enrichment Activities: Theme based enrichment activities to complement and expand on curriculum areas. Physical Education/Health: Twice weekly Library: Weekly Articulation between pre-school and kindergarten teachers ensures necessary readiness for kindergarten.
	First Language Arts: We promote & create a classroom environment that fosters writing. --Writing portfolios --Daily Oral Language skills --Writing process stages --Journals --Letter writing --Reading response activities --Dictionary skills --Literature extension activities --Follows Diocesan Writing Standards Math: We help students understand numbers and link that understanding to specific skills and strategies. --Hands on --Addition & subtraction facts to 18 --Number sense --Graphing --Place value --Geometry/fractions --Telling time --Measurement --Money --Calendar --Double-digit addition & subtraction --Problem solving Follows Illinois State Standards Reading: We help children become better readers and build a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. --Comprehension: predicting, analyzing characters, & sequencing --Build reading fluency --Word identification & word knowledge --Phonemic awareness --High frequency words --Genre & literacy skills --Follows the Illinois State Standards Religion: We help students grow in the knowledge and appreciation of their faith and its transitions. --Celebrate the church year in Feasts & Seasons --Engage students with scripture stories --Learn & participate in prayer services and all school Masses --First & second grade prepares students for third grade which is their sacramental year --Includes “Family Living” curriculum --Follows Diocesan Religious Standards Science: We help students with transitional content through the teaching of process skills and numerous hands-on activities. --Life Science --Physical Science --Earth Science --Human Body --Processing skills --Observation --Predicting --Collecting & interpreting data --Classifying --Estimating & measuring --Communicating --Experiments --Follows Illinois State Standards Social Studies: We teach students important lessons of citizenship, history, and geography. --Study & research skills --Current events --Time-related skills --Communities & neighborhoods --Map & globe skills --Famous Americans --Our country’s history Word Study/Phonics: We help students to see the phonics/reading/spelling & writing connection. --Letter recognition --Long & short vowel sounds --Rhyming patterns --Word Families --Consonant blends & digraphs --Decoding skills --Inflectional endings
	Second Language Arts: We promote & create a classroom environment that fosters writing. --Writing portfolios --Daily Oral Language skills --Writing process stages --Journals --Letter writing --Reading response activities --Dictionary skills --Literature extension activities --Follows Diocesan Writing Standards Math: We help students understand numbers and link that understanding to specific skills and strategies. --Hands on --Addition & subtraction facts to 18 --Number sense --Graphing --Place value --Geometry/fractions --Telling time --Measurement --Money --Calendar --Double-digit addition & subtraction --Problem solving Follows Illinois State Standards Reading: We help children become better readers and build a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. --Comprehension: predicting, analyzing characters, & sequencing --Build reading fluency --Word identification & word knowledge --Phonemic awareness --High frequency words --Genre & literacy skills --Follows the Illinois State Standards Religion: We help students grow in the knowledge and appreciation of their faith and its transitions. --Celebrate the church year in Feasts & Seasons --Engage students with scripture stories --Learn & participate in prayer services and all school Masses --First & second grade prepares students for third grade which is their sacramental year --Includes “Family Living” curriculum --Follows Diocesan Religious Standards Science: We help students with transitional content through the teaching of process skills and numerous hands-on activities. --Life Science --Physical Science --Earth Science --Human Body --Processing skills --Observation --Predicting --Collecting & interpreting data --Classifying --Estimating & measuring --Communicating --Experiments --Follows Illinois State Standards Social Studies: We teach students important lessons of citizenship, history, and geography. --Study & research skills --Current events --Time-related skills --Communities & neighborhoods --Map & globe skills --Famous Americans --Our country’s history Word Study/Phonics: We help students to see the phonics/reading/spelling & writing connection. --Letter recognition --Long & short vowel sounds --Rhyming patterns --Word Families --Consonant blends & digraphs --Decoding skills --Inflectional endings
	Third Language Arts: --Creation of a portfolio of published writing pieces using the Writing Workshop process and 6+ Writing Traits format --Daily practice of skills in the areas of spelling, grammar, and punctuation --Identification and use of all parts of speech during sentence composition and journal writing activities Math: --Year long emphasis on problem solving using a variety of strategies --Performance assessments all year to develop ability to communicate orally and through writing "how" and "why" a problem was solved --Units of study include: Data and Graphs, Place Value and Time, Money, Multiplication, Long Division, Geometry, Algebra, Fractions, Linear/Standard/Metric Measurement, Probability Reading: --Mandatory participation in monthly Reading/Goal Setting Book-It Program --Literature based direct explicit Reading instruction every day in the critical areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension --Exploration of a variety of Reading genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biographies, etc.) --Literature Circles using Leveled Readers/Practice twice a week --Novel Units based on the interest of students Religion: --Daily prayer around the classroom Prayer Tables --Planning and participation in 3rd and 4th Grade and All School Masses --Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist --Attending of special Advent and Lenten Services including Reconciliation and Stations of the Cross --Curriculum focuses on the study of Church as One, Holy Catholic, and Apostolic Science: --Practice of Science Process Skills including: Observation, Communication, Classification, Estimation, Measurement, Inferencing, Prediction, Operational Definitions, Use of Models, Formulation of Hypotheses, Data Collection and Interpretation, Identifying and Controlling Variables, and Experimentation --In-depth units of study on: Our Solar System, Changes and Materials in the Earth's Surface, Sound, Invention Convention Social Studies: --Study of communities from pilgrims to American Indians to modern day rural and urban --Interactive map study unit --Exploration of local community through unique walking field trips and guest speakers Technology: --Use of four computers in each classroom for reinforcement and enrichment of Math, Spelling, Reading, and Writing skills --Daily activities to develop overall computer skills using classroom software and educational websites --Classroom reference software and internet used during class projects such as: Planet Reports, Titanic, Man Eating Plants, Invention Convention, etc.
	Fourth Language Arts: --Creation of a portfolio of published writing pieces using the Writing Workshop process and 6+ Writing Traits format --Daily practice of skills in the areas of spelling, grammar, and punctuation --Identification and use of all parts of speech during sentence composition and journal writing activities Math: --Year long emphasis on problem solving using a variety of strategies --Performance assessments all year to develop ability to communicate orally and through writing "how" and "why" a problem was solved --Units of study include: Data and Graphs, Place Value and Time, Money, Multiplication, Long Division, Geometry, Algebra, Fractions, Linear/Standard/Metric Measurement, Probability Reading: --Mandatory participation in monthly Reading/Goal Setting Book-It Program --Literature based direct explicit Reading instruction every day in the critical areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension --Exploration of a variety of Reading genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biographies, etc.) --Literature Circles using Leveled Readers/Practice twice a week --Novel Units based on the interest of students Religion: --Daily prayer around the classroom Prayer Tables --Planning and participation in 3rd and 4th Grade and All School Masses --Attending of special Advent and Lenten Services including Reconciliation and Stations of the Cross --Exploration and celebration of our Catholic heritage with in-depth units on topics including The Goodness of God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, The Church, Social Justice, and Family Living Science: --Practice of Science Process Skills including Observation, Communication, Classification, Estimation, Measurement, Inferencing, Prediction, Operational Definitions, Use of Models, Formulation of Hypotheses, Data Collection and Interpretation, Identifying and Controlling Variables, and Experimentation --In-depth units of study on: Weather and Clouds, Simple Machines, Electricity and Magnetism, Plant and Animal Structures and Functions, Ecosystems, and Environment, Invention Convention Social Studies: --Year long study of the five regions of the United States of America and how they are interdependent --Memorization of all 50 states, their locations, and their capitals --Exploration of the land, climate, resources, history, culture, and economics of each region --Concentrated unit of study on the state of Illinois and the Illinois Prairie (Field Trip to Fermi Lab) Technology: --Use of four computers in each classroom for reinforcement and enrichment of Math, Spelling, Reading, and Writing skills --Daily activities to develop overall computer skills using classroom software and educational websites --Classroom reference software and internet used during class projects such as State Floats, Illinois Unit, Animal Junior Research Paper, Invention Convention, etc.
	Fifth Language Arts: The fifth grade Language Arts curriculum includes grammar, writing, vocabulary skills, speaking, listening skills, and poetry. The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to write with fluency, communicate well, and listen and speak effectively. These skills are applied and reinforced in all content areas Math: --Problem solving using many different strategies --Calculating mean, median, mode and range --Using place value to compare and order numbers through and beyond the trillions place --Creating models of decimals through the trillionths place --Classifying polygons and one, two and three dimensional shapes --Computing perimeter and area of polygons --Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions --Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals --Converting units in the metric system --Converting units in the customary system --Converting percents to fractions and decimals --Calculating theoretical and experimental probabilities Reading: The 5th grade reading curriculum focuses on skills needed for students to read and comprehend a range of fiction and nonfiction materials. These skills are taught while reading literature selections. Students also conduct 2-4 novel studies through the year. The reading skills covered include: --Vocabulary --Plot identification --Character analysis --Setting identification --Predicting --Finding sequences --Summarizing --Identifying the main idea --Identifying the theme --Differentiating fact and opinion --Comparing and contrasting --Cause and effect --Using graphic sources --Viewpoint --Making judgments Science: Scientific Inquiry: --Think like a scientist --Conducting a Scientific Investigation --Making Metric Measurements --Thinking Critically --Organizing Information --Creating Data Tables and Graphs Life Science: --Characteristics of living things --Classifying living things --Adaptation --Physical Science --Elements and compounds --Mixtures and solutions --Measuring motion --Newton’s Laws of Motion --The effect of friction on motion --Forms of energy --Electrical energy --Light --Sound Earth Science: --Layers of the earth --Changes of the earth’s surface --Characteristics of rocks and minerals --Earth’s resources --Protecting land and water resources --The solar system --Stars --Constellations Social Studies: --Social Studies curriculum takes students around the world in grade 5 --Grade 5 covers the Western Hemisphere including texts on Geography, Canada & USA, and Latin America. --Maps are a key feature as well as hands on art activities related to the topic being studied. --The favorite project for grade 5 is making a family totem pole. --Teams are assigned each quarter in all of the Social Studies classes. --Leadership roles and team building skills are polished as students work alone or in groups on separate occasions. --Competition between teams is encouraged especially during review activities. --Students share what they already know and/or what they can infer about every region. --Generalizations can be made noting similarities in geography, location, and resources. --Emphasis is placed on turning facts into written ideas. --Essay questions are required on all tests, a skill that is formulated throughout Jr. High. Speaking/Listening: --Fifth grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions, and respond appropriately to the speaker. --Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions. --They will listen effectively in formal and informal situations --They will speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience --They will participate in small and large group discussions and presentations Writing: --Fifth grade students will develop skills in capitalization, punctuation, vocabulary, composition skills, and proofreading. --Students wil use the writing process including pre-writing, writing, revising, peer editing, and final draft --Students will compose narrative, persuasive, and expository essays --Compose a portfolio of published writing pieces using the Writing Workshop process and the 6+1 Writing Traits
	Sixth Language Arts: --The sixth grade language arts curriculum includes grammar, writing, vocabulary skills, speaking, listening skills, and poetry. --The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to write with fluency, communicate well, and listen and speak effectively. --These skills are applied and reinforced in all content areas Math: --Creating scatterplots, circle graphs, stem and leaf plots, line graphs, and line plots --Using exponents and scientific notation to write equivalent numbers --Using the order of operations to solve problems --Graphing in the coordinate plane --Comparing and solving problems with integers --Solving Proportions by cross multiplying --Calculating areas of circles, triangles, quadrilaterals and irregular figures --Calculating volumes and surface areas of three-dimensional solids --Calculating probabilities of compound events --Problem solving in all areas of mathematics Reading: The 6th grade reading curriculum focuses on skills needed for students to read and comprehend a range of fiction and nonfiction materials. These skills are taught while reading literature selections. Students also conduct 2-4 novel studies through the year. The reading skills covered include: --Vocabulary --Plot identification --Character analysis --Setting identification --Predicting --Finding sequences --Summarizing --Identifying the main idea --Identifying the theme --Differentiating fact and opinion --Comparing and contrasting --Cause and effect --Using graphic sources --Viewpoint --Making judgments Science: Scientific Inquiry --Think like a scientist --Conducting a Scientific Investigation --Making Metric Measurements --Thinking Critically --Organizing Information --Creating Data Tables and Graphs Life Science --Adaptation --Ecosystems --The movement of energy through an ecosystem --Features of the major land and water biomes Physical Science --Elements and compounds --The effect of heat on matter --Mixtures and solutions --Forms of energy --Light --Sound Earth Science --Earth’s resources --Protecting land and water resources --Weather and climate --Making weather forecasts Social Studies: --Social Studies curriculum takes students around the world in grade 6 Grade 6 completes the Eastern Hemisphere including texts on 1) Europe and Russia, 2)Asia and the Pacific, and 3) Africa. A fourth text, The Ancient World is used as a resource for each continent. --Students explore the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, Egypt and China. --These topics also lend themselves to art projects including Greek dioramas, Roman plays, and Egyptian tomb treasures. --Movies, some of which are computer generated, correspond to the chapters in each text. --They take a virtual tour of the geography of each region, giving students a "bird's eye view" of the landforms in the region. --They also follow tourists or explorers into the country. --Teams are assigned each quarter in all of the Social Studies classes. --Leadership roles and team building skills are polished as students work alone or in groups on separate occasions. --Competition between teams is encouraged especially during review activities. --Students share what they already know and/or what they can infer about every region. --Generalizations can be made noting similarities in geography, location, and resources. --Emphasis is placed on turning facts into written ideas. --Essay questions are required on all tests, a skill that is formulated throughout Jr. High. Speaking/Listening: --Sixth grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions and respond appropriately to the speaker. --Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions. --They will present material orally --They will make presentations to individuals and small groups --They will participate in small and large group discussion and presentations --They will express ideas clearly when speaking Writing: --Sixth grade students will develop skills in capitalization, punctuation, vocabulary, composition skills, and proofreading. --Students will write five paragraph essays --Students will use the writing process including pre-writing, writing, revising, peer editing, and final draft --Students will compose narrative, persuasive, and expository essays --Students will continue their portfolio of published writing pieces using the Writing Workshop process and the 6+1 Writing Traits format
	Seventh Language Arts --The 7th grade language arts curriculum includes grammar, writing, vocabulary skills, speaking, listening skills, and poetry. --The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to write with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, communicate well and listen and speak effectively. --These skills are applied and reinforced in all content areas. Literature --Seventh grade literature focuses on interpreting texts by using elements of plot, setting, theme, and character point of view. --A wide variety of literature is read to expand student's familiarity with authors, style and different genres. --Students focus on analyzing words in their context to increase vocabulary and reading comprehension. --The year includes units on Science Fiction, Art Research, The Holocaust, and Contemporary Author Studies. --Some books read during the year are Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, The Giver by Lois Lowry, Tangerine by Edward Bloor, Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Math/Algebra --Writing Algebraic Expressions --Analyzing patterns in problem solving algebraically --Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers --Solving proportions and percent applications --Pythagorean Theorem --Solving Equations and Inequalities --Trigonometric Ratios: Sine, Cosine, Tangent --Graphing Linear Functions in the coordinate plane --Solving Multi-Step Equations --Probability and permutations of events --Area of irregular figures --Calculating volume and surface area of all three-dimensional solids Religion Seventh graders will learn through Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic faith.Catholic values are discussed and integrated not only in Religion, but also in all learning.The focus is on: --God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit --Morality (how Catholics live) --Universality of the church --Major church doctrine (what Catholics believe) --The Paschal Mystery & The Incarnation --Planning, assisting in liturgy and other forms of worship --The sacraments (Confirmation) --Church history --Social justice --Christian ministry (spreading the gospel) Science Scientific Inquiry --Think like a scientist --Conducting a Scientific Investigation --Making Metric Measurements --Thinking Critically --Organizing Information --Creating Data Tables and Graphs Cells and Heredity --Cell Structure and Function --Cell Processes and Energy --Genetics: The Science of Heredity --Changes over Time --Environmental Science Populations and Communities --Ecosystems and Biomes --Living Resources --Land Resources --Air and Water Resources --Energy Resources Social Studies --The text for Grade 7 is called American Nation, published by Prentice Hall. This American history text has been widely used by schools because it is so complete. --Seventh graders also pass the US Constitution Test. It is incorporated into curriculum immediately following the chapters on the American Revolution and the writing of a new constitution. --Grade 7 art projects include Mayan animal containers from paper mache, designing new coins, new flags and preparing foods of the day. --Movies are available for all chapters of this text. --Teams are assigned each quarter in all of the Social Studies classes. --Leadership roles and team building skills are polished as students work alone or in groups on separate occasions. --Competition between teams is encouraged especially during review activities. --Students share what they already know and/or what they can infer about every region. --Generalizations can be made noting similarities in geography, location, and resources. --Emphasis is placed on turning facts into written ideas. --Essay questions are required on all tests and are a skill that is formulated throughout Jr. High. Speaking/Listening --Seventh grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions and respond appropriately to the speaker. --Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions. --They will demonstrate presentation skills --They will participate in small and large group discussion and presentations --They will express ideas clearly when speaking Writing --Seventh grade students will apply skills in capitalization, punctuation, vocabulary, composition skills, use of transitions, literary techniques, and proofreading.. --Use the steps of the research process --Write a research paper --Use the writing process including pre-writing, revising, peer editing, and final draft --Narrative, expository, persuasive and description essays --Continue portfolio of published writing pieces using the Writing Workshop process and the 6+1 Writing Traits format
	Eighth Language Arts: --English class involves parts of speech, writing, speaking, listening, word analysis through vocabulary skills, the study of grammar, and poetry. --The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to write with fluency, communicate well and listen and speak effectively. --These skills are applied and reinforced in all content areas. Literature --8th grade literature expands the development of analyzing characters, theme, plot, and responding to the literature from creative, personal, and critical viewpoints. --Students study vocabulary from the story and class discussions enhance reading comprehension. --Students read literary criticism and work together in literature circles on units in Historical Fiction, Art Research, Plays, and Contemporary Author Studies. --Some books read during the year include Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Pearl by John Steinbeck, Nothing But the Truth by Avi, and West Side Story by Arthur Laurents. Math/Algebra: --Evaluating variable expressions with integers and rational numbers. --Solving Equations and Inequalities. --Solving two Equations with two unknowns. --Graphing Linear, Quadratic, Rational, Radical, Exponential and Absolute Value Functions by hand. --Using TI-83 Graphing Calculators to solve, graph, and calculate maximums, minimums, and intersections of functions. --Solving Quadratic Equations by several methods. --Factoring Polynomials. --Calculating probabilities of independent and dependent events. --Advanced applications of Pythagorean theorem, trigonometric ratios, and --distance formula. --Solving equations that have complex and real solutions. Solving cubics and higher polynomials Religion: Eighth graders will learn through Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic faith.Catholic values are discussed and integrated not only in Religion, but also in all learning. The focus is on: --God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit --Planning, assisting in liturgy and other forms of worship --The sacraments --Service and responsibilities --Morality --Church teachings and life choices --The four Marks of the Church --The growth of Christendom --The Medieval Church & The Renaissance reformation --The gospels: the roots of Christianity Science: Scientific Inquiry --Think like a scientist --Conducting a Scientific Investigation --Making Metric Measurements --Thinking Critically --Organizing Information --Creating Data Tables and Graphs   Physics --Describing and Measuring Motion --The Nature of Force --Newton’s Laws of Motion --Work and Machines --Forms of Energy --Energy Conversion and Conservation --The Nature of Heat Chemistry --Properties of Matter --Characteristics of Solids, Liquids and Gases --Elements and the Periodic Table --Atoms and Bonding --Acids and Bases Social Studies: --The text for Grade 8 is called American Nation, published by Prentice Hall. This American history text has been widely used by schools because it is so complete. --Grade 8 begins the year reviewing the first half of the text for three weeks. --The Civil War is the first new topic and others such as Immigration, WWI, The Great Depression, WWII, up to present day bring rich, interesting topics for study. --Near the end of the year the IL Constitution is passed. (All students must pass the US and IL Constitution tests to graduate.) --Art projects are incorporated whenever possible, including sculpting, sewing and dancing. --Teams are assigned each quarter in all of the Social Studies classes. --Leadership roles and team building skills are polished as students work alone or in groups on separate occasions. --Competition between teams is encouraged especially during review activities. --Students share what they already know and/or what they can infer about every region. --Generalizations can be made noting similarities in geography, location, and resources. --Emphasis is placed on turning facts into written ideas. --Essay questions are required on all tests and are a skill that is formulated throughout Jr. High. Speaking/Listening: --Eighth grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions, and respond appropriately to the speaker. --Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions. --They will use presentation skills appropriate to the situation and audience --They will participate in small and large group discussion and presentations --They will express ideas clearly when speaking Writing: --Eighth grade students will apply skills in capitalization, punctuation, vocabulary, composition skills, use of transitions, literary techniques, and proofreading. --Students will utilize a variety of sentence structures --Students will use consistency in verb tense --Students will use figurative language and literary devices --Narrative, expository, persuasive and description essays --Continue portfolio of published writing pieces using the Writing Workshop process and the 6+1 Writing Traits format

Why We Value Our Catholic
Elementary and Secondary Schools

Young people of the third millennium must be a source of energy and leadership in our Church and our nation. Therefore, we must provide young people with an academically rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education and faith formation designed to strengthen their union with Christ and his Church. Catholic schools collaborate with parents and guardians in raising and forming their children as families struggle with the changing and challenging cultural and moral contexts in which they find themselves. Catholic schools provide young people with sound Church teaching through a broad-based curriculum, where faith and culture are intertwined in all areas of a school’s life. By equipping our young people with a sound education, rooted in the Gospel message, the Person of Jesus Christ, and rich in the cherished traditions and liturgical practices of our faith, we ensure that they have the foundation to live morally and uprightly in our complex modern world. This unique Catholic identity makes our Catholic elementary and secondary schools “schools for the human person” and allows them to fill a critical role in the future life of our Church, our country, and our world (Catholic Schools on the Threshold, no. 9).

--From "Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium," by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005