Students at this level take the classes listed below. In order to pass to the next grade, each student must pass every subject at his/her level of competency. If a student does not pass a subject, an approved individualized remedial program will be mandatory, after which a decision regarding promotion will be made by the administration.
Available classes include religion; Social Studies; science; reading; English; spelling; math; penmanship; Physical Education; and enrichment classes.
Sacred Heart K-5 teachers focus on phonics, spelling, fluency, analytical and interpretive skills in literature, reasoning, and communication.
Sacred Heart elementary school teachers target each student’s developmental level and work with level appropriate materials to improve each student’s understanding of written language. They use programs to expose students to a variety of written materials. Students receive both small group and whole group instruction to create a strong reading foundation. This approach allows teachers to meet each student’s individual needs while challenging them to achieve their best.
The Sacred Heart math curriculum focuses on a student’s logic and reasoning skill development. Students work extensively on math concepts to provide a stronger foundation for higher grades and the need for logic. Math instruction builds upon a student’s previous math concepts with a strong emphasis on problem-solving.
All Sacred Heart elementary grades work through the three basic components of the sciences. These include Life science, Earth science, and Physical science. Our science curriculum uses a problem-based discovery approach. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) projects are also incorporated into the science curriculum. STEM learning is collaborative and project-based, Students work closely together in a hands-on way to solve real-world problems or problems society might face in the future.
Sacred Heart students learn good citizenship, history and the different cultures with our social studies curriculum. In K-1, students focus on communities and cultures around the world, including American subcultures. There is a strong focus on how to be a good citizen. In 2-3 grades, students expand their foundational knowledge of culture and citizenship with the addition of geography. Fourth grades students focus on Virginia history. Fifth grades students are introduced to in-depth topics in U.S. History.
All students are required to participate in physical education classes unless a written excuse has been signed by the parent. Students are tested each year for the President’s Physical Fitness Test. Appropriate attire is necessary for gym classes and must follow the school’s dress code. Students who are unable to participate in physical education activities will be given written assignments.