The instructional program at St. Rose Catholic School continually strives toward implementing the best and most appropriate teaching practices. These practices include: circulating, direct instruction, coaching, guided practice, presenting, modeling, problem-based learning, hands-on experience, use of technology, incorporating learning centers, writing process/workshops, employing close reading, text and evidence, questions and answers, teacher directed questions and answers, high level questioning, discussion, and observing.
Elements of our Religion Curriculum
- Religion is taught regularly as part of the school curriculum, using the Standards approved by the Office of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Seattle, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
- Sacrament of Penance – Opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Penance are made available to the students throughout the school year. This is not meant to take the place of the students receiving this Sacrament on their own or with their families.
- Community Service – Each student and class takes part in Christian service activities throughout the year. Our Middle School students are asked to plan and execute a service project that relates to their interests and the needs of the greater community.
- Mass -Students in grades pre-4 to eighth grade will go to all school weekly mass every Thursday and on Holy days of Obligation.
- Students are exposed to many different types of prayer throughout the school year. Students are expected to actively and reverently participate in Stations of the Cross, the Living Rosary, Advent prayer services, daily prayer, Adoration, and Novenas.
All Other Academic Areas:
English Language Arts
The English/language arts curriculum (Savvas My View) is aligned with the Common Core State Standards for all grade levels. Students are taught a variety of skills and strategies in learning to read, including decoding, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary development. Writing classes are based developmentally on the fundamentals of grammar, usage, spelling, and mechanics, as well as writing a variety of forms for different audiences and different purposes, including argument writing, informative/explanatory writing, and narrative writing.
Mathematics – The math curriculum (Envision 2.0) is aligned with the Common Core State Standards for all grade levels. The program emphasizes individual student abilities, and students can be placed in accelerated math classes if appropriate. The math program also emphasizes basic math facts and hands-on activities, and group games.
Social Studies/History
A variety of topics are incorporated into our social studies curriculum. Some of those topics include communities, geography, map skills, United States history, world history and Washington State history. Students who successfully pass Washington State History in seventh grade have it waived in high school.
Science
Science is taught at all grade levels incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards and the content domains of physical, life and earth/space sciences. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities that include engineering design are also infused into the curriculum. Additional enrichment activities in the science field include Destination Imagination after school program and Middle School electives.
Music
Students in grades pre3-8th receive music instruction weekly. Curriculum is focused on age appropriate instruments as well as reading music, singing, dancing and identifying instruments. Students in grades 5th-8th have the opportunity to participate in band. Middle school students perform a Spring musical each May.
PE
Physical education is aligned with the Washington State standards. Students work on health, coordination, movement, and physical activities. Positive active participation and developing lifestyle skills in physical education is at the heart of our physical education curriculum.
Library
Students in grades pre3-8th visit the school library once per week and students are given the opportunity to check out books to read for growth in reading and academic skills, as well as for enjoyment.
Art Appreciation
Students in grades Kindergarten-8th grade attend a monthly Art Appreciation class where they learn about the various elements, principles, history, and cultural context in which art was created in order to build a better understanding and appreciation of visual arts.
