Saint Mary's Catholic School

The curriculum of St. Mary’s Catholic School is a blend of Archdiocesan, State, and National content area standards that are updated and modified accordingly through regular communication with local and state educational leaders. In doing this, St. Mary’s maintains current academic requirements for students entering both public and private high schools.

Did You Know?

- Approximately 1/3rd of the 7th grade class regularly qualifies for participation in the Duke Talent Identification Program.

- St. Mary's middle school students who participate in Advanced classes consistently experience a smooth transition into high school AP and CPA track classes.

Specifically, our curriculum includes religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, Spanish, media, art, music, computer and physical education.

Religion is the heartbeat of SMS. The goal for the religion curriculum is to instill in students an enthusiasm for living the Christian faith, while providing an in-depth religious education, including experiences in prayer, the sacraments, and service. Religion is offered during designated periods of each class’s daily schedule. Furthermore, it is lived out and reinforced in our daily actions as a praying Christian community. Students participate in liturgies, celebrating a variety of themes directly relating to everyday living, as well as special occasions such as feast days of saints.

The Language Arts curriculum incorporates reading, writing, speaking, listening, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary in assisting students in the acquisition of effective language skills. At the heart of our language arts program is SRA/McGraw-Hill’s Imagine It! reading and language arts curriculum. Winner of the 2008 Industry Award of Excellence by the Chicago Book Clinic Book and Media Show, Imagine It! combines the latest and most innovative knowledge about Differentiated Instruction with proven teaching approaches based on research, field study, documented classroom success and teacher input. It contains all the elements recommended by the National Reading Panel: instruction in phonological and phonemic awareness, explicit phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Imagine It! has been fully implemented at St. Mary’s from Pre-K through 6th grade, making our Language Arts curriculum one of the strongest in north Georgia.

The study of Mathematics as a means of exploring the world plays an integral role in the education of each student. While contributing to the development of the whole person, mathematics enriches life and provides students with practical tools for daily living. A hands-on approach to the basic mathematical ideas and concepts encourages children to experience mathematical relationships and interconnections. Enhancing our Mathematics curriculum in the Middle School is the incorporation of MathScore as a supplement to classroom instruction. MathScore is a progressively adapting, grade and competency appropriate website proven to help students master over 200 topics from addition and multiplication all the way through Alegebra I. Provided to our families at no additional cost, MathScore is another educational advantage that makes Saint Mary’s unique.

The Science curriculum provides students with a basic knowledge of science as it relates to their own experiences. Students utilize a hands-on, inquiry-based science program that integrates and develops basic knowledge, investigative experience, and curiosity through student involvement. Middle school students have the added benefit of laboratory experience. Enhancing our Science curriculum is the incorporation of SEPUP (The Science Education for Public Understanding Program) in the Middle School. One of the most unique aspects of SEPUP materials is its issue-oriented approach: SEPUP curriculum uses personal and societal issues to introduce and explore science concepts.

The school’s Social Studies curriculum begins with a study of communities and regions and their interactions. 4th grade introduces the students to U.S. history and Georgia history. World history is addressed in 5th grade with a study of the Eastern hemisphere and continued in 6th grade with a study of the Western hemisphere. A more detailed study of U.S. history and Georgia State history completes the curriculum in 7th and 8th grade.

Spanish is rapidly becoming the country’s second language, and it is our obligation to introduce St. Mary’s students to the advantages of being bilingual. Spanish, therefore, is offered as an academic enrichment subject in middle school to prepare students for more advanced studies in high school and college. With the foundation we provide, St. Mary’s students will have the ability to pursue Advanced Placement Spanish by their Junior or Senior year of highschool should they so choose.

The SMS Computer Lab features 25 desktop computers and one mobile laptop cart with 20 wireless enabled notebooks. The curriculum includes instruction in keyboarding, MS Office, and safe and appropriate educational Internet usage. Computers within the lab and throughout the school are networked for the school’s intranet and can access the World Wide Web via LAN or Wi-Fi.

Physical Education classes assist in the development of physical, motor, and developmental skills, while teaching the importance of teamwork and providing lifetime fitness skills. Swimming is offered in Grades 3 and 5.

The Guidance Program plays a vital role in the school’s curriculum. Through individual and group guidance, students are assisted in developing the self-confidence, responsibility, and social skills necessary to become productive members of their community. More information on Guidance is available in the designated Counselor’s Corner link.

Students are encouraged to visit the Media Center and check out books on a daily basis. The Media Center provides a wide range of teaching materials that play an integral role in enhancing the school’s instructional program. Use of these valuable resources helps to develop each student’s ability to effectively conduct research and retrieve information. The media center is also equipped with the most modern interactive whiteboard technology.

The Fine Arts curriculum develops and stimulates the artistic abilities inherent in all children. Art and music develop many valuable skills, including physical and mental coordination, self-expression, group participation, and cooperation. Saint Mary’s students put on at least one musical each year and perform at various PTA, civic, and community events.