Academy Curriculum

RELIGION:

The Mission of Guardian Angels Schools is to proclaim Jesus in the context of the Gospel.  The Academy approaches Faith formation in a hands-on way.  Prayer is all-important and service is stressed with service hours required in all three grades.  The student is challenged to “put on Christ” in a way that will shape his/her way of life in Roman Catholicism.  Students discover daily how their Religion impacts their lives.

LANGUAGE ARTS: 

Students work on grammar structures of the English language including diagramming sentences.  The writing process is stressed as well as listening skills and oral presentation.  Reflective journaling is also an important component.  The curriculum is structured to promote excellent communication skills.

LITERATURE:

The anthology-based program includes excerpts from great literature.  A multi-cultural approach gives students an understanding of the many flavors of literature.  The Accelerated Reader program is a major component of Literature, with students both encouraged and required to do out-of-classroom reading.   Award-winning novels are also integrated into the curriculum at all three levels. 

SOCIAL STUDIES:

Grade six undertakes the study of Ancient Cultures.  Grade seven does Latin American and Canadian studies.  The eighth grade studies U.S. History to Reconstruction with an emphasis on the Constitution of the United States and U.S. Government structure.  The focus of all Social Studies is research and authentic assessment.  The classes are taken through rigorous note-taking skills and Internet use.

MATHEMATICS:

The math curriculum integrates whole number operations, metrics, algebraic formulae, and geometric concepts in a way that connect mathematics with the real world.  Advanced students study high school Algebra at Bishop Foley Catholic High School as part of the Guardian Angels/Foley Building Bridges Program.

SCIENCE:

Following the state objectives for Science, our Academy experiences many scientific disciplines in a hands-on approach in our science lab and greenhouse.  Sixth grade studies Astronomy, Geology and Botany.  Seventh grade focuses on Chemistry and introductory Biology.  Eighth grade includes Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Science, and introductory Physics.  

 SPECIAL STUDIES

FOREIGN LANGUAGE:

Spanish will be taught to all students.  Research has shown that proficiency in a foreign language is crucial in understanding the structure of English.  A multi-cultural atmosphere also helps the student to understand his/her place in the world community.

ART:
Art classes will introduce students to different mediums such as drawing, painting, and sculpture.  It will also develop a background in the history of art and art of other cultures that connects their other studies.  Advanced students will attend pottery classes as part of the Building Bridges program.
 

COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY:  
Computer classes are part of the Academy curriculum. Keyboarding is strengthened in the Academy along with web page development and multimedia presentation skills. Traditional software including Microsoft Office XP is also studied.  Advanced students have the opportunity to further their skills at Bishop Foley High School.

MUSIC: 
Sixth grade will participate in vocal music.  The sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will participate in vocal music as well as have the opportunity to participate in band..

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:  
The program will foster healthy habits and lifetime fitness.  Classes emphasize healthy competition and Christian good sportsmanship.