Curriculum

Grades K-2

At Saint Raphael Catholic School, our K-2 program nurtures young hearts and minds, providing a solid foundation for a lifetime of academic success and spiritual growth. Our curriculum is a harmonious blend of faith-based education and academic excellence, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for your child.

English Language Arts (ELA)
In English Language Arts, we employ a tailored approach, fostering a love for reading and language development. Using the Science of Reading’s research about reading, teachers work with students in small groups to ensure comprehension and fluency and explicitly teach phonemic awareness, letters, sounds, and sight words through highly sequential, multi-sensory approaches (Heggerty and UFLI). Students are also instructed on various genres of writing, including personal narratives, poetry, and nonfiction.

Math
In our K-2 Mathematics program (Savaas), teachers focus on nurturing logical thinking and fostering confidence in solving mathematical problems. Students are introduced to fundamental arithmetic concepts, cultivating a thorough grasp of the underlying principles and methods that explain the "why and how" of essential math skills.

Science
Our K-2 science curriculum, Project Lead the Way, is dedicated to fostering STEM success for every child. This program is crafted to develop the skills of scientific inquiry, empowering students to confidently ask questions, design experiments, share discoveries, and engage in debates about outcomes. Topics covered include forces and motion, the human body, animal life cycles, seeds and plants, light and sound, electricity, and states of matter.

Social Studies
In K-2, the Social Studies curriculum (Savaas) is designed to expand students’ understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. Our curriculum not only covers geographical knowledge but also instills a sense of global citizenship, encouraging empathy and understanding in our students.

Religion
The Religion curriculum for grades K-2 nurtures our Catholic Identity, centering on fundamental Catholic beliefs, practices, and principles. This inclusive approach ensures that all students can authentically embody their faith. Through daily opportunities, students actively practice and strengthen their faith connections within their families, at school, and within their church and community.

 

Grades 3-5

English Language Arts (ELA)
In Language Arts, students grow in their love of reading through authentic literacy experiences such as novel studies, book clubs, and free-choice independent reading. Students continue to develop their writing skills in narrative, informational, persuasive, and research-based writing. We use the five-step writing process focusing on vocabulary development and elaboration of ideas. Students also develop their skills in spelling and grammar through weekly practice and assessments.

Math
We use the enVision (Savvas) curriculum to guide students in a rigorous math program. Students in grades 3-5 will continue to develop and strengthen number sense and critical thinking skills through independent work, collaborative learning opportunities, and the use of technology (iReady and IXL). While we teach a wide range of math concepts throughout the year, our main focus in grades 3-5 is on multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals.

Science
Our hands-on science curriculum, Project Lead the Way, is designed for students to actively participate in the learning process. Students are encouraged to use their critical thinking skills, make observations, and are challenged to ask and answer questions like true scientists. In grade 3 students will explore topics related to forces and motion, the science of flight, the variation of traits, environmental changes, life cycles, weather, and programming patterns. In grade 4 students will explore topics related to human impacts and natural disasters, geology, energy, computer systems, the structure and function of organisms, and light. In grade 5 students will explore topics related to infectious diseases, matter and energy, the Earth’s water systems, space, and robotics and automation.

Social Studies
We use the myWorld Interactive curriculum (Savvas) and supplemental materials to teach well-rounded social studies units. In grades 3-5 we focus on understanding how individuals, ideas, and events have influenced history. Students will learn about historical figures and their contributions to the world, the structure of local government, North Carolina history, the geographic regions of North America, and early US history.

Religion
We use the Finding God (Loyola Press) curriculum to guide students in learning about the Catholic faith. Topics covered include The Holy Trinity, the sacraments, the liturgy, the liturgical year, saints, and more. We aim to teach religion in an approachable and creative way. Beyond the textbook, students will grow in their faith and Catholic identity through experiencing the sacraments, attending weekly Mass, reflecting on their faith journey, and being active participants in our church and school community.

 

 

Middle School

6TH GRADE

All students attend religion, language arts, science, and one of the two levels of math offered. Students take Spanish as their foreign language. Students also attend physical education twice per week and art and music once per week. Wednesday is Mass day, where the entire school enjoys worship and prayer together.

Religion
Students study the Old Testament to increase knowledge of their Catholic faith; to show evidence of God merciful love throughout salvation history; and to illustrate how Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. We work toward nurturing a deeper relationship with Christ through liturgy, worship, and expose students to different types of prayer and Ignatian spirituality. Ultimately, we encourage students to serve others as Christ calls us to do.

Language Arts
The middle school language arts program offers a continuum of curriculum to both challenge and enrich each student’s middle school experience. Students study a broad scope of writing, grammar, and literature with a focus on the essay and research paper. Students are introduced to novel study through “the seminar”. Students study short stories, poetry, and Greek Mythology.

Math
There are two math options for students in sixth grade math. Student placement is be determined by previous year classroom grade, standardized testing scores, and score on placement test as well as teacher recommendation.

Math 6.0
During this course students review and prove mastery in all operations with decimals and fractions. Students begin work with integers including all operations, the coordinate plane and algebraic equations. Students work with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving perimeter, area, surface area, and volume. We continue to develop an understanding of statistical thinking. Ratio, rate and proportional thinking is connected throughout the year.

Math 6.1
This is an advanced class which in addition to the Math 6.0 curriculum above, expands students work to include rational numbers in basic operation, equations and geometry. Students apply their proportional thinking to solve problems involving scale drawings. Students learn how to use and apply the Pythagorean Theorem. Finally, students explore the probability of simple and compound events based on samples.

Science
Sixth grade science is an engaging, interactive class immersing students in scientific skills and concepts. Three major branches of science are covered including physical, earth and life science. Physical science includes the topics of energy, waves and properties of matter. Earth science includes teachings on space as well as the structure and composition of the earth. Life science concepts include ecosystems and plants. Scientific skills are incorporated throughout the year with an emphasis on the scientific method through labs, hands on activities, projects and student presentations. All students design, complete and present their own science fair projects.

Social Studies
Students examine social, economic, and political institutions and think about similarities and differences among societies. Students draw on history and the social sciences, but the primary discipline of 6th grade social studies is geography, especially cultural geography. Students focus on the regions of Europe and South America. We work on an integrated group project in cooperation with our Spanish classwork, when we study Spain.
 

7TH GRADE

All students attend religion, language arts, science, and one of the three levels of math offered. Students have a choice of either Spanish or Latin. Students also attend physical education twice a week, art, and music once per week. Wednesday is Mass day, where the entire school enjoys worship and prayer together. In addition to their regular schedule on Wednesday, students attend their elective class.

Religion
The goal is to increase students knowledge of their Catholic faith through the study of the New Testament, Paul the Apostle, and the life and works of Jesus Christ. The 7th grade religion class strives to nurture a deeper relationship with Christ through liturgy, worship, and exposure to different types of prayer and Ignatian spirituality. Students are encouraged to serve others as Christ calls us to do.

Language Arts
The middle school language arts program offers a continuum of curriculum to both challenge and enrich each student’s middle school experience. Students study a broad scope of writing, grammar, and literature with a focus on the essay and research paper.

Math
There are three math options for students in seventh grade math. Student placement is determined by previous year classroom grade, standardized testing scores, and score on placement test as well as teacher recommendation.

Math 7 (Math 7.0)
During this course students review and prove mastery in all operations with decimals, fractions, and integers. Students work with rational numbers in basic operation, equations, and geometry. Students expand their work with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving perimeter, area, surface area, and volume. We continue to develop an understanding of statistical thinking. Students apply their proportional thinking to solve problems involving scale drawings. Students learn how to use and apply the Pythagorean Theorem. Finally, students explore the probability of simple and compound events based on samples.

Pre-Algebra (Math 7.1)
The focus is on formulating and reasoning about expressions and multi-step equations and inequalities; modeling and solving linear equations and inequalities and systems of equalities and inequalities; understanding and using functions; analyzing two and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angles, similarity and congruence; understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem; translations, reflections, rotations, and dilations of figures on the coordinate plane including calculating surface area and volume of cones, pyramids, and spheres.

Math 1 (Math 7.2)
This course deepens and extends the understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Additionally, students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. Geometric relationships and properties are strengthened and extended by combining algebraic and geometric concepts through coordinate geometry including formulas for distance, area, and volume. Students study bivariate data and summarize, represent, and interpret data using single variable statistics. Students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that utilizes their ability to make sense of problem situations. Students may receive high school credit for this course.

Science
Students begin the year studying the atmosphere, weather forecasting, and climate change. We then move into cell biology and genetics. Other topics covered are motion, force, and human biology. The students participate in a lab where they get to dissect frogs. We constantly relate what we are learning to the world around us to make what we are learning relevant and meaningful.

Social Studies
Students examine social, economic, and political institutions and think about similarities and differences among societies. Students draw on history and the social sciences, but the primary discipline of 7th grade social studies is geography, especially cultural geography. Students focus on the regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia.
 

8TH GRADE

Students attend religion, language arts, science, and one of the three levels of math offered. Students have a choice of foreign language either Spanish or Latin. Students also attend physical education twice per week and art and music once per week. Wednesday is Mass day, where the entire school enjoys worship and prayer together. In addition to their regular schedule on Wednesday, students attend their elective class.

Religion
Students increase their knowledge and practice their Catholic faith through the study of Catholic morality and Church history. Religion nurtures a deeper relationship with Christ through liturgy, worship, and exposure to different types of prayer and Ignatian spirituality. Students are encouraged to serve others as Christ calls us to do.

Language Arts
The middle school language arts program offers a continuum of curriculum to both challenge and enrich each student's middle school experience. Students study a broad scope of writing, grammar, and literature, with a focus on the essay and research paper.

Math
There are three math options for students in eighth grade math. Student placement is determined by previous year classroom grade, standardized testing scores, and score on placement test, as well as teacher recommendation.

Pre-Algebra (Math 8.0)
The focus is on formulating and reasoning about expressions and multi-step equations and inequalities; modeling and solving linear equations and inequalities and systems of equalities and inequalities; understanding and using functions; analyzing two and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angles, similarity, and congruence; understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem; translations, reflections, rotations, and dilations of figures on the coordinate plane including calculating surface area and volume of cones, pyramids, and spheres.

Math 1 (Math 8.1)
This course deepens and extends the understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other, and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Additionally, students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. Geometric relationships and properties are strengthened and extended by combining algebraic and geometric concepts through coordinate geometry including formulas for distance, area, and volume. Students study bivariate data and summarize, represent, and interpret data using single variable statistics. Students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that utilizes their ability to make sense of problem situations. Students may receive high school credit for this course.

Math 2 (Math 8.2)
The students study quadratic expressions, equations, and functions; comparing their characteristics and behavior to those of linear and exponential relationships. New methods for solving quadratic and exponential equations are developed. The characteristics of advanced types of functions are investigated. The link between probability and data is explored through conditional probability and counting methods. Students experience more complex geometric situations and deepen their explanations of geometric relationships, moving toward formal mathematical arguments. Students may receive high school credit for this course.

Science
Students study the teenage brain, disease, the hydrosphere, ecology and evolution. There is a lot of discussion relating to the world around us and current affairs. Many disciplines are integrated throughout the course, including the arts, technology, Socratic discussion, and experimentation including field work. As we are preparing them for high school, students are also learning skills and techniques to help them transition successfully.

Social Studies
Students examine the history of North Carolina from the first inhabitants to contemporary times. The key concepts are geography, civics, economics, culture, and government, including an understanding of local, state, and national governments.
 

SPECIALS

Music
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord" (Ps. 100) is the cornerstone of music at SRCS. The curriculum is designed to foster an appreciation and growth for students with limited or extensive backgrounds in music. All grade levels gain experience in vocal and instrumental music. Students are provided the opportunity to learn drumming, handchimes, and ukuleles in the general music curriculum. Grade level music theory and history help students to ascertain notation and different genres of music. Upon graduation from SRCS, I hope students will feel confident in joining a musical group in high school.

Visual Arts
The Visual Arts program at SRCS teaches our students to keep their eyes open to see the beauty in what God has created and what they can create themselves. We instill in them a confidence of their own abilities. Students learn the elements and principles of design through projects with a wide variety of techniques and media. The focus is to have the students learn how to evaluate, understand and appreciate many styles of art as well as be able to express themselves through their own art. Our middle school studio classes prepare students for high school Art 2. Students are offered enrichment opportunities through clubs and camps.

Physical Education
Providing a platform for all students to express their God given abilities is the foundation of our 4th through 8th grade PE program at SRCS. Students are engaged in following a curriculum which teaches and re enforces the application of basic skills. Taking the hand off from our K - 3 PE instructor my students apply their skill development along with the components of fitness, (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility) to team building activities, fitness training, and team sports to not only create well rounded athletes but well rounded individuals who are recharged and rejuvenated when class is over. Our classes are high energy where students are offered opportunities for free expression and choice creating an inviting and vibrant learning environment for all.

Elementary Spanish
The elementary Spanish class gives the students the opportunity to acquire a basic mastery of the following four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will practice vocabulary, grammar and communication skills through engaging and challenging activities in the classroom. Students will learn to make simple greetings, express basic courtesy, ask basic questions, express basic needs, and personal likes and dislikes they can use in different scenarios. They will learn also about Spanish culture including Spanish holidays and the importance of a second language.