Each year is a new adventure for your child at Holy Name of Jesus School. Students develop skills in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science and Catholic faith. Music and art, physical education and nutrition, library, Spanish, STEM and technology are also part of our students' education. An education at Holy Name of Jesus School is about far more than just academics. It also encourages students to apply these skills to understand the world around them and make it a better place. See below how your child will learn and grow throughout the school year at each grade level.
See our full curriculum offered at each grade level.
Kindergarteners are introduced to our world in fun and diverse ways. Students develop knowledge of or skills in areas including:
- Identifying words, letters and sounds, developing vocabulary and journal writing
- Understanding and writing numbers 1-30 and exploring addition and subtraction
- Introducing our natural world through experiences and experiments with plants and animals
- Engaging in music, arts and performance—including the Kindergarten Opera
To round out their kindergarten experience, students visit specialists in art, library, music, physical education, science lab, Spanish and technology at least once a week. They also learn through exciting field trips to Apple Jack’s Orchard, Westwood Nature Center, Elm Creek Park Reserve and the Children’s Museum.
First graders develop skills in comprehension and applying concepts learned to grow in their understanding of concepts learned, including:
- Using context to grow vocabulary and understand meaning when reading
- Strengthening hand-eye coordination and learning about nutrition in physical education
- Counting money, telling time and learning concepts in geometry, as well as fractions
- Developing Spanish language skills through learning the Spanish alphabet, prayers and vocabulary
First graders meet with specialists in music, Spanish and physical education twice per week, plus art, library, STEM, and technology specialists once per week. Students have the opportunity for learning outside the classroom through field trips to different nature centers, a play performance and visits from the Como Zoo.
Second-graders build upon basic academic concepts by applying skills in math, reading, art, music and more to further their competencies and understanding of these areas. Specific examples include:
- Learning about light, matter, the water cycle and living organisms in science
- Enhancing reading comprehension, as well as grammar skills, through thematic literature selections
- Understanding music on a deeper level, including identifying notes and their values, pitches and time signatures
- Adding and subtracting two- and three-digit numbers, as well as basic multiplication and division
Second graders also prepare for and celebrate their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Field trips to Honey Bees, the Science Museum and a play performance, plus the annual Thanksgiving Feast, round out the year.
Third graders take an active role in their learning through hands-on experiments in science, writing and language skills, and experiencing our country’s history in a new way. This includes:
- Learning cursive handwriting and applying the writing process to further develop writing skills
- Praying, counting, spelling and responding to questions using target vocabulary in Spanish
- Developing computer presentations and typing skills, with a goal of 85% accuracy and 15 WPM
- Expanding upon knowledge of multiplication and division facts, as well as decimals and fractions
Third graders may choose to join choir at this age, and they also participate in a Presidential Wax Museum in February. Students have the opportunity for learning outside the classroom through field trips to the Arboretum, Kelley Farm, Murphy’s Landing and a dramatic play.
Fourth graders apply and expand upon the core skillsets developed in reading comprehension, writing, mathematics, music and other subjects to excel in more complex lessons, including:
- Using knowledge of sentence structure, grammar, punctuation and cursive technique to grow writing skills
- Expanding upon mathematical concepts through math lab, SmartBoard activities and an introduction to algebra
- Exploring the regions of the United Statesand how we act as part of a global community
- Understanding and applying rules, strategies and teamwork in games and other athletic activities
Fourth graders have the opportunity to join band this year and participate in concerts, as well as solos and ensembles. The students also embark upon field trips to River Rendezvous and Mill City, as well as a visit to our state capitol.
Fifth graders develop strong academic, organizational, and problem solving skills while taking an active and collaborative role with peers through challenging and meaningful opportunities including:
Solidify understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions and mixed numbers
Develop a broader math number sense and foundation for applying computation skills to solve real world mathematical problems
Generate an individualized scientific question of interest and conduct a controlled experiment to answer the question with a culminating science fair project to enhance communication skills
Creating art through drawing, ceramics, printmaking and computer generated artwork
Analyzing literature and dissecting the components of language to enhance writing skills
Sight reading music, identifying melodic intervals and scales, and singing in up to four-part harmony
Students also complete lessons in family life, safe touch, and anti-bullying. Field trips include Physics Force presented by the University of Minnesota, Art Institute of Minnesota, Hyland Hills ski trip, DEM CON Recycling Center. A five month intergenerational service learning project through our partnership with SummerWood Assisted Living facility is a highlight of the fifth grade experience.
Sixth graders develop leadership skills and prepare for junior high and high school through challenging and exciting opportunities in learning, including:
- Identifying and classifying organisms, parts of cells, earth science and basic engineering
- Using both conceptual and real-world scenarios to test and enhance mathematical problem-solving skills
- Reinforcing grammar, spelling, comprehension, literary, vocabulary, language and critical thinking skills
- Speaking, reading and writing in Spanish, and understanding how to use and apply the language in conversation
Students also have the opportunity to join Schola and the Sixth Grade Student Council. Field trips are taken to Wolf Ridge, the Science Museum and Valleyfair. They also participate in fundraisers for IOCP and present Live Stations of the Cross during Lent.