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CURRICULUM
& METHODS:
The curriculum at Academia San José Elementary School is prepared in accordance with the guidelines from the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of San Juan and the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Effort is made to offer a curriculum that is child centered within Catholic
beliefs and values. The required curriculum for all grades includes classes in Spanish, English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science and Religion each day of the week in 50 minutes periods. Physical Education, art, and computer classes are offered to all grades once a week for a 50 minutes period.
The Religion class is the main reason for our existence. Parents interested in having their children instructed in the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith trust Academia San José Elementary School to instill in their students a love for Jesus lived through participation in the Sacraments and a love for His Blessed Mother as our mother also. Students are taught that God is our loving and merciful Father and that Jesus, our Savior, is present in the Blessed Sacrament. All students are encouraged to serve others without consideration
of religion, race, or nationality. In grades three through eight the school offers the opportunity for students to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation once a month.
The curriculum for each grade seeks to reinforce and build on the skills learned in the previous grade. Reading is an integral part of the language arts program in both Spanish and English classes. An annual book fair sponsored by the school library gives all students the opportunity to purchase reading material according to individual interests.
As Spanish is the native tongue of Puerto Rico, it is a required subject in all grades along with English. Both the English and Spanish curriculum follow a progressive sequence from grade to grade, integrating basic language skills in comprehension, writing, reading and speaking. Oral and written reports put into practice the use of correct grammar and effective expression in both languages.
The art class gives the students the opportunity to express themselves in a variety of art forms. Throughout the school year, students are given the opportunity to express through their art different liturgical seasons such as Christmas, Lent, and Easter. These art works keep the entire school aware of the current liturgical season.
Physical education class helps the students to develop physically, that they may grow healthy in mind and body. Through participation in intramural competition and competition with other schools, students learn to respect others, learn that one does not always win, and learn to be good losers.
The computer class introduces students to the use of a computer as a learning tool. Students are taught that the internet is a privilege that demands personal responsibility for its use in a moral and healthy manner. Teachers are encouraged to provide for the use of the computer in student assignments. |
