St. Anthony’s School takes an integrated approach to Math instruction, using Common Core Standards to provide instruction across Math domains for each grade. In grades K-8, students learn about the Number System, Algebraic Thinking and Functions, Ratios and Proportions, Geometry and Measurement, Probability and Statistics, and Mathematical Thinking. Our curriculum teaches problem-solving skills that students can apply to real-life experiences throughout their lives.
Based on the Next Generation Science Standards, St. Anthony’s integrated science curriculum exposes students to life science, earth science, and physical science. Science exploration and data analysis are also touched on. An additional engineering design component is incorporated for all students as well.
Our comprehensive Language Arts program integrates Common Core Standards and so much more! Using teaching practices that are tried and true, students study writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, reading, listening and speaking. Students read a variety of literature and technical text in all grades, and learn to use their language skills to be successful learners and leaders.
Using the Diocese of Fresno Social Studies Standards, students are taught to look at the world around us with a critical eye and a Gospel perspective. Students are exposed to all domains of Social Studies, including history, geography, civics & government, economics, and peoples & cultures. Guided by Catholic Social Justice teachings and the beliefs of the Catholic faith, students learn to analyze historic and current events in light of our Catholic Christian values.
Daily religious instruction is an integral part of the educational program for all students at all grade levels. Religious education in the Catholic school has a three-fold objective: to facilitate the spiritual development of the student and to nurture the student’s personal relationship with Christ, to build community through active participation in Christian service and through the promotion of global awareness, and to develop enlightened Catholics through the academic knowledge of the faith. Our second graders (and older students who wish to receive the Sacraments) prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharist, which is an exciting time in their faith formation.
Critical to the holistic development of each student, Physical and Health Education are an important component of our academic program. Students participate in classes twice a week and learn about healthy behaviors and practices, as well as developing large and small motor skills, sports skills, and the value of an active lifestyle. The importance of sportsmanship is also emphasized so that students have the skills to be good teammates and learn the importance of integrity and fair play.
A critical skill in our 21st century global world is an understanding of and an appreciation for other languages. Research shows that the younger students are when exposed to a foreign language, the more likely they are to become fluent in more than one language. Students in grades K-8 learn Spanish through Rosetta Stone online program. One of the Sisters from St. Anthony’s Parish supplements Rosetta Stone with a weekly visit to the younger grades. Students who are already fluent in Spanish have the opportunity to do a more in-depth study of English, or if they are already fluently bi-lingual they can study other languages such as French, German, and Italian.
So much of the human experience is expressed through various types of art. As part of the holistic education provided at St. Anthony’s, students have a weekly art class with a dedicated art teacher. The art curriculum teaches principles of art, while exposing students to the works of master artists throughout history. Each grade level focuses on understanding and learning specific techniques used by the artists from a specific time in art history like Renaissance, Neoclassical, and Modern Art to name a few. Art is a favorite for many students and a great way for students to express themselves creatively.
A weekly music class for all grade levels helps to round out our comprehensive curriculum. Students not only learn about the importance music has in the expression of our Catholic faith and prayer life, but they also learn how to read music and how to perform musical selections. Students explore the genres of music and learn about great composers and musicians throughout history and from around the world. Students in grades 4-5 learn how to play the recorder, while those in grades 6-8 learn to play guitar.