Curriculum

St. Patrick’s approach to education is to balance priorities in all areas of a child’s development—intellectual, social-emotional, spiritual, and physical—and to foster appropriate growth and development in those areas. The school’s dynamic curriculum has developed over time and will continue to grow and change. Reflecting that continuing development, the Curriculum Guide is published annually and posted on the school’s website. Faculty committees and the administration review the curriculum regularly to take advantage of new ideas and opportunities while maintaining the basic traditional emphasis to which we are committed. Parents are expected to support the Day School’s curricular aims. Parents who have questions or concerns about the curriculum are welcome to speak with the appropriate Division Head. Please understand that the School does not generally permit parents or students to “opt-out” of any part of the curriculum.  

The Early Childhood Division's program is based on a constructivist approach, built around learning and play. Teachers use thematic units to plan activities, hands-on experiences, and conversations that allow children to explore and discover, build skills, and develop creativity. Activities and lessons promote the development of social skills, receptive and expressive language skills, self-help skills, small- and large motor skills, and cognitive skills. Music, science, Spanish (in PK4), and physical education/motor classes complement and extend classroom learning. Weekly Chapel allows the children to worship together through simple lessons and music. 

The Lower School and Middle School academic programs stress the acquisition of strong basic skills within a rigorous yet nurturing environment throughout the grades. The arts program, including studio art and music, reflects the value we place on having young children immersed in creative activity to build specific skills, foster individual expression, and strengthen self-image. Integration of the various disciplines enriches the student experience and promotes creative thinking and problem-solving. The physical education program provides opportunities for every child to develop coordination and self-confidence while acquiring skills and learning the games that will provide a foundation for physical activity, play, and sports for a lifetime. We emphasize healthy interaction with others throughout the school day through direct social-emotional learning (SEL) activities and projects and integrated SEL work. Spiritual growth matters at St. Patrick’s, and weekly Chapel services conducted by the Chaplain and religion classes, taught by the Chaplain or the religion teacher, foster that growth. Kindergarten to Grade 4 students have one religion class per cycle for the entire year. Beginning in Grade 5 and continuing in the Middle School, students have either two periods of religion per week for one or two trimesters.