Overview
St. Catherine’s primary program is characterized by cooperative learning, a differentiated curriculum, and a family atmosphere. Grades 1, 2, and 3 are taught in a multi-age classroom where each student masters or exceeds the California state standards for his specific grade level.
With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive the individual attention they need to reach their fullest potential. The multi-age structure allows each student to be taught based on his unique needs and abilities, being challenged and supported where needed.
In the primary grades, students come to know the goodness of God and His great love for them. Students learn to see God’s gifts of life and freedom, to know God’s mercy, and to make a faith-filled, loving response to God in prayer. Students also attend weekly school-wide Mass and actively participate as readers.
Multi-Age Classroom
Did you know Abraham Lincoln was taught in a multi-age classroom for twelve years?
The multi-age classroom offers many benefits. This structure allows many students to succeed and excel beyond what they would in a traditional single grade level classroom.
In the multi-age classroom, students learn that knowledge is continuous. While students are taught according to their specific grade levels, they are also exposed to the knowledge and skills being taught in other grades. In this way, students are able to see the links between what is learned from year to year, creating a lasting understanding of key concepts.
The multi-age classroom also provides flexibility because students are not confined to content from a single grade level. Each student is taught based on his individual abilities and needs. Students have the opportunity to be challenged in areas where they excel and supported in areas where they need additional review.
Cooperative Learning
The multi-age classroom lends itself to cooperative learning, an important life skill that serves students well in future grades and in their adult lives.
First and second grade students are paired with older “mentor” students in such a way that each boy has something to offer the other. These pairs stay together throughout the year and support one another. When a younger student has a question about content, he is able to ask his “mentor.” This helps both students as the younger student hears an explanation in the words of his peer and the older student’s knowledge is reinforced by explaining the content aloud.
Benefits of an All Boys Program
Research shows that boys and girls learn differently and at different paces. This is true throughout a student’s school years, but especially in the early years of education.
Moreover, boys learn best through manipulating and experiencing their environment rather than sitting quietly and listening to a teacher. Our primary program capitalizes on boys’ natural curiosity and energy through hands-on learning and movement.
Meet the Teacher
Ms. Willey has 18 years of teaching experience, including 3 years at St. Catherine’s Military Academy. She has her Masters degree in education and is a California credentialed teacher. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching her students become confident to try new things.
Mrs. Byard is the aid to the primary class during morning instruction and the school librarian in the afternoon. She has over 26 years of experience as a teacher. She has been at St. Catherine’s for 11 years and has taught kindergarten, first, and second grade. She has also served as vice-principal for the school. Mrs. Byard loves teaching because of the excitement students show when they understand something new for the first time.
How does the military program fit in?
First and second graders do not participate in the military program, which begins in third grade. They are, however, growing into the structure, honor, and peer leadership of this school-wide program.
First and second graders participate in monthly reports, where they are recognized for their achievements in academic subjects and classroom activities. They also look up to our student leaders as role models, stand in formation each morning to hear announcements, and wear a simplified version of our school uniform. This level of participation helps young students to develop confidence and to feel a part of the school community.
Third grade students are fully engaged in St. Catherine’s military program. They participate in drill practice and obstacle course exercises Monday through Thursday. They also earn ribbons, cords, and promotions to recognize and reward positive behavior and achievement. As the youngest members of our military program, third graders are able see the long-term results of hard work and positive choices by the achievements of their junior high leaders.