Academics

 

 

Kindergarten students must be 5 by September 1.

 

Kindergarten students not only develop academic competencies, but a spiritual and moral awareness as well.  Kindergarten students receive daily individual, small group, and whole group instruction in Religion, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies in order to master the skills introduced in Pre-kindergarten.  The use of learning centers, seat work, and field trips help bridge the gap from pre-kinderten to first grade allowing the children to explore their environment both inside and beyond the classroom.

 

St Mary’s students in the elementary grades are taught the core curriculum subjects, which include Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Religion. Art, Spanish, Music, Technology, and Physical Education are included weekly for students.

Students in the 4th – 8th grade are taught using departmentalized classes.  The curriculum of St. Mary Catholic School complies with time allotment and subject requirements of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department (TCCB ED). Various education and athletic opportunities are available to our students as electives and extracurricular activities. The school year is divided into four nine-week quarters. Every grade a student earns both academic and conduct grades. Student performance grades will be the result of an honest, careful evaluation of all phases of the student’s work and effort. Education at St. Mary Catholic School involves the emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual development of children. Evaluation procedures reflect the consideration of each of these aspects. Grades are based on discussions, participation, written work, quizzes, portfolios, projects and tests. The teacher determines the weight of each grade. Teachers will share the grade breakdown at the beginning of the year.  The grading weights are also visible on FACTS SIS, the online grading system.  Students in 8th grade are offered the chance to take Algebra 1 and Spanish for high school credit. 

 

The school excels academically, meeting and exceeding state and national standards.  High standardized test scores demonstrate the strength of the academic program.  SMCS standardized test scores focused on individual growth of each student.  For this reason, school-wide test scores are not released.  The focus is each individual student and their growth and success.  We are focused on the whole student, mind, heart and spirit. 

 

Students are enriched with art, music, and technology. They may choose to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including orchestra, yearbook, chess, sports, spirit squad, crochet, engineering and musical theater.

 

In keeping with the Religious Atmosphere of the school, students are taught the religious connotation for all of our holidays, and the Christian way of conducting themselves in everyday life. Prayer and service are an essential part life at St. Mary Catholic School.