Academics and Faith

In pre-kindergarten, children begin developing early literacy skills by recognizing and using letters. They explore phonological awareness through rhymes and beginning sounds. In math, students are introduced to patterns, shapes, and numbers up to twenty. Science is hands-on, as children observe weather and natural patterns while experiencing simple natural phenomena. Religion centers on God’s love, with children learning simple prayers such as the Sign of the Cross. Students begin to understand Christian identity with God as Father and Jesus as a friend.

Kindergarten students continue building foundational literacy skills by learning print concepts, recognizing letters and simple words, practicing listening and speaking, and practicing beginning early writing. In math, they work with number sense by counting, adding, and subtracting, while also exploring shapes, measurement, comparison, and the basics of base-ten. Science includes observing the seasons, identifying changes in the natural world, learning about living things and their needs, and beginning to explore forces and motion. In religion, children reinforce basic prayers, learn simple Bible stories like Creation, Noah, and the birth of Jesus, and become more aware of the Church’s seasons and sacraments in simple form. They also begin to understand their identity as children of God while practicing kindness and fairness.

First graders develop their reading through phonics, short texts, and comprehension of a story’s plot, including its characters, settings, and events. They master writing sentences and continue practicing speaking and listening skills. In math, they extend their skills in addition and subtraction, further explore shapes, and strengthen their understanding of measurement, geometry, and number operations. Science invites them to notice patterns in the natural world, such as day and night or weather, and to start asking questions as young explorers. In religion, students develop a knowledge of the Holy Trinity as well as a deeper understanding of what the Church is. Students are introduced to the Sacraments, more Bible stories, and beginning moral teachings, such as the Ten Commandments.

Second graders increase their accuracy in reading, compare different texts, and write short paragraphs. Their vocabulary expands as they engage with new words. In math, they deepen their understanding of base-ten, work toward fluently regrouping addition and subtraction, and begin early explorations of fractions, geometry, and measurement. Science includes studying plant life cycles, states of matter, the rock cycle, and simple machines that demonstrate force and motion. In religion, children prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion while learning more deeply about the Eucharist, sin, and forgiveness.

Third graders read more complex fictional texts and informational works, and begin writing with greater purpose, supporting their ideas with details. Math introduces multiplication, division, and formal study of fractions, along with area, geometry, and an introduction to data and statistics. Science expands into the basics of energy, ecosystems, weather and climate, and continuity between physical and life sciences, all reinforced by hands-on experiments. In religion, students gain a deeper understanding of the Mass, the liturgical year, Scripture from both Old and New Testaments, the lives of the saints, Christian morality, and the responsibilities that come with growing in faith.

Fourth graders master “reading to learn,” practicing skills like identifying themes, summarizing, and making inferences. They write narratives and explanatory texts while strengthening vocabulary. In math, they expand fraction skills by adding and subtracting fractions, work with multi-digit multiplication and division, learn about decimals, and explore geometry concepts such as angles and lines along with data and graphing. Science focuses on Earth systems, including the water cycle and weather, Utah ecosystems, rocks and fossils, and more complex life science topics, often through investigations. Religion emphasizes deeper catechism content such as the Creed, sacraments, Church history, moral teachings, stewardship, and forms of prayer, with saints providing examples of Christian living.

Fifth graders tackle more complex informational texts, compare sources, and begin persuasive writing. They develop research skills and practice grammar, sentence structure, and all types of writing, while also analyzing literary elements like plot and figurative language. In math, they extend their knowledge of fractions and decimals, learn about volume and operations with larger numbers, and work with geometry, measurement, and interpreting data. Science integrates physical science concepts like force, motion, and energy, with life science topics such as ecosystems and reproduction, and Earth science such as weather and cycles, all alongside engineering and problem-solving. In religion, students explore the Seven Sacraments more deeply, discovering their meaning, purpose, and symbols. They learn how sacraments guide different stages of life, strengthen faith, and connect them to the Church community, while also beginning to understand symbols, rituals, and their role in daily life.

In middle school, students engage with increasingly complex texts across genres, writing arguments and informative pieces, and strengthening grammar and conventions. They analyze literature and informational works for author’s craft and purpose, develop research and public speaking skills, and integrate literacy across content areas. Math broadens into ratios, proportional reasoning, statistics, probability, and expressions and equations, while also deepening understanding of rational numbers, functions, and geometry theorems as preparation for high school math. Science becomes fully integrated, covering life, physical, and earth sciences, with students modeling systems, analyzing data, exploring the Earth-Sun-Moon system, energy, matter, biodiversity, and engineering design challenges. Religion supports students in navigating questions of faith during adolescence by focusing on grace, sin, virtues, morality, liturgy, and sacraments, while also learning Church history and connecting faith with culture. Preparation for Confirmation emphasizes the Holy Spirit, gifts, fruits, and profession of faith. Students are guided to develop personal prayer lives, practice stewardship, engage in service, and grow in leadership as they deepen their Christian identity and prepare for high school faith life.