Kindergarten Curriculum
Religion
Sophia Press text is used in the kindergarten religion program. Kindergarten students attend Mass weekly. Children are taught that they are unique and God has given them special gifts and talents.
Language Arts
The comprehensive, researched-based program, CR Success Learning (formerly known as F.A.S.T. Early Literacy Program) addresses all five areas of reading as well as spelling and handwriting. The teacher works with guided reading groups based on students’ abilities, interests and needs, while incorporating Daily 5.
Mathematics
Using Sadlier
Math, a wide variety of skills are reinforced and extended with centers, hands-on activities, whole and small-group lessons, and manipulatives. Differentiated instruction is used to meet the needs of all students.
Science
Life science, physical science, earth science, and the human body are studied. Students also conduct simple experiments in the classroom and the science lab using STEM.
Social Studies
Students study families, school life, communities, careers, geography, and U.S. history.
Enrichment
Spanish
In Spanish class, students are introduced to numbers (1-10), colors and basic greetings. Through short stories, students are able to recognize words that describe the day and night. They also learn whole songs in Spanish and are introduced to shapes and vocabulary words through group play. Students are also able to recognize and respond to classroom guidelines. Finally, students learn about the Hispanic culture and Catholic faith with short prayers, songs and traditions.
Specials
Classes in music, physical education, art, and library are included each week. Play is also important; centers encourage creativity, self-expression, discovery play, and they reinforce what is taught in the core academic areas.
Enrichment
- All kindergarten students begin to take part in Eucharistic Adoration towards the end of the year. Bible and saint stories and holiday celebrations also reinforce the Catholic values taught at St. Francis.
- Language arts and math concepts are reinforced through center time activities.
- Puzzles, sensory activities, dramatic play, crafts, and developmentally appropriate activities also help foster the growth of the whole child.
- Recess/Lunch: Every day, Kindergartners enjoy 25 minutes of outdoor recess time followed by a 25 minute lunch period. Recess and lunch are supervised by parent helpers. The teacher supervises recess in the morning.
What Parents Say…
“Kindergarten at St. Francis is a wonderful start for our children’s Catholic education. They learn how special they are in God’s eyes. They enjoy all the school has to offer. Art, music, gym, library, computers...all are part of kindergarten!”
“St. Francis offers our daughter a high-quality full-day program in a warm, values-centered environment. The kindergarten programs at St. Francis are exceptional. I wouldn’t send my children anywhere else!”
“...best possible kindergarten experience for our child in terms of academics, socialization and religious education...great to have the option of half-day kindergarten where a child can receive the benefits of a smaller class size and more 1:1 attention. Our daughter had a wonderfully positive year in the 1/2-day kindergarten program. She gained confidence, friends and all the skills needed to enter first grade. We plan to enroll her younger siblings in the same program.”
“My child couldn't wait to go to school every morning. He loved all the songs they sang, the F.A.S.T. reading program and center times. He had so much fun learning all the skills he needed in such a creative environment. We were blessed with a wonderful teacher and year.”
