Programs: Overview
Queen of Angels' well-balanced curriculum focuses on teaching students the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed for daily living. A liberal arts approach enables each child to become an independent and self-motivated learner, while appreciating and experiencing the value of interdependence and cooperative learning. Real world experience is integrated into the curriculum through visits and lectures by relatives and community guest speakers and field trips. Religious values permeate the curriculum.
The Queen of Angels Catholic School curriculum is designed to meet and exceed the minimum standards established under state law. Curriculum design incorporates individual growth, team learning, hands-on activities and projects, and cooperative presentations, as well as delivery of facts through lecture and guided reading. Courses include religion, reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, drama, library, wellness, physical education and computer education. Students at every grade level keep a daily journal.
At Queen of Angels Catholic School, we are as concerned with how students learn as with what they learn. Our programs sequentially tailor teaching methods and hands-on learning experiences as developmentally appropriate. We customize instruction.
Early Childhood Program
Toddler two, pre-kindergarten, pre-kindergarten zoom, pre-kindergarten express and kindergarten comprise our early childhood curriculum. This program meets the academic, physical, and social emotional needs of small children, while allowing them, when appropriate, to mix with older students. The early childhood curriculum recognizes and supports children's growth patterns. Learning centers are a prime teaching method. Play is also valued for learning, thinking, communication, and cooperation. Children experience God as our Father and Jesus as our Savior through song, prayer and community worship.
Primary Program
Students in first through fourth grades receive a strong academic foundation. Children are taught to read using both traditional phonics and whole language methods. Our Math program extends beyond the basic fundamentals to include reasoning and the application of mathematics to solve everyday problems. Natural and social sciences encourage children to explore, discover, and invent solutions to problems. Faith fundamentals, personal prayer and participation at Mass are integral to our program.
Middle School Program
Continuing their education at Queen of Angels provides fifth through eighth grade students stability at a critical developmental time in their lives - when they are entering mental, emotional and physical transitions. Preparation for the demands of high school includes, cultivation of such "habits of mind" as curiosity; independence, clarity and incisiveness of thought; tolerance for ambiguity; an ability to solve problems; and an ability to manage time.
The literature program is a gradual movement from learning to read to reading to learn. Writing becomes a vehicle for disciplined and effective expression of thought, research and creativity. Spanish is now being offered to Middle school studies which deepens the structural knowledge of language. Mathematics includes a pre-algebra focus on the application of secured math concepts and a rigorous study of Algebra I.
The sciences include hand-on labs and demonstrations, and require a higher order of thinking skills such as, deductive reasoning and inferences. Participation in a science competition is a requirement. Social Studies require increasing comparative and analytical study across topics in history, geography, economics and government.
The arts take on a focused project in a drama club production.
Religion Program
Religion is taught daily and is integrated into every facet of the curriculum. Religious education emphasizes formational growth as well as content knowledge. Spiritual celebrations include: daily school prayer; small group, age-appropriate masses; all-school liturgies and prayer services; and seasonal celebrations focused on Catholic values.
Standards for knowledge and faith development are provided by the National Catholic Education Association as guided by the documents of the National Council of Catholic Bishops. Topics include: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; church: one, holy, Catholic and apostolic; liturgy and sacraments; revelation: Scripture and faith; life in Christ: personal morality and Catholic social teaching; church history; prayer/religious practice; and Catholic faith literacy.
Catholic identity is a key concern in Catholic education today. The Diocese of Greensburg requires religious education and spiritual formation in our schools, focusing on the role of Catholic education as a mission of the church and preparing students to lead and serve.
The areas of study include:
- Community - integrating diversity.
- Word - teaching the authentic message of the church.
- Worship - expressing Catholicity in liturgy, prayer and daily life.
- Service - providing opportunities for outreach within the school and the greater community.
- Evangelization - spreading the good news of the faith.
- Stewardship - teaching responsibility through the prudent use of time, talent, and treasures.
- Leadership - preparing students as leaders in the church and community.
Specials and Fine Arts Program
- The comprehensive fine arts curriculum enables students to communicate at a basic level in the four art disciplines - art, music, movement and drama.
- Computers are used in the classroom as well as well as in a central lab where sophisticated formal training is provided. This training now includes a class in "Photoshop" for grades 6-8.
- Wellness education promotes positive life skills.
- Physical education classes develop attitudes and skills for making good choices.