CURRICULUM

As an accredited school, Holy Family developed and maintains a comprehensive curriculum that includes the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, the Texas state compendium.  In addition, all students have instruction in religion and Spanish.  The program is curriculum-driven, rather than textbook-driven, and teachers strive to integrate the content areas and make cross-disciplinary connections.  The goal is to prepare students to succeed in the most rigorous courses in the high school of their choice. 

The following text was created for the application to the U. S. Department of Education which resulted in Holy Family’s designation as a 2006 Blue Ribbon School.

Religion:  Religion class as well as integration of faith throughout the curriculum strives to equip graduates with a moral compass and to foster the ability and the will to be servant leaders of tomorrow.  Beginning with the universal Christian principles in early childhood, Catholic doctrine is taught along with Church history, Church traditions, and expressions of Catholic faith in other cultures.  Opportunities abound to put learning into action through leading worship, setting example, exercising moral choices, and participating in service to the community.

Spanish: Spanish instruction is every second day for pre-k through 5th grade and every day for all middle-school students, with the goal of placing out of the first year of high-school Spanish.  In early childhood, Spanish class mirrors the regular class in teaching counting, calendar, weather, feelings, etc., through a multi-sensory approach.  Elementary grades expand vocabulary and learn elements of Spanish culture, with a natural integration of religion concepts.  In middle-school, formal grammar is taught.

English Language Arts:  Early exposure to letters and sounds leads to writing-to-read activities in the early grades.  Reading, the recursive writing process, speaking, listening, and handwriting are presented as integrated concepts and skills throughout the grades.  Students consider literature in light of themes and values and also the writer’s craft.  The library is an important part of literacy acquisition early on as well as mastery of progressively expert research skills as students mature.

Mathematics:  Concepts and skills are presented with a developmentally appropriate mix of concrete and abstract experiences.  Students are taught to analyze processes and apply to authentic situations so that they will be intuitive about math, rather than just relying upon rote algorithms.  Students who are ready for Algebra I in eighth grade may complete the course for high-school credit.

Science:   The curriculum emphasizes the scientific process using content from the physical, earth, and life sciences.  Lab experiences are common. Students are taught that faith and science are not contradictory.

Social Studies: Students learn the story of their nation and state, as well as that of ancient civilizations. Activities involve students in personally relevant appreciation of the values, mores, and issues of earlier times.  American patriotism is taught, as well as global awareness of world geography and modern cultures.

Health and Physical Education:  The goal is to promote self-respect and positive lifelong attitudes toward personal health and fitness.  Personal health and safety including drug and alcohol awareness are part of  the health curriculum.  Physical education emphasizes collaborative games, developmental skill-building, and lifetime fitness knowledge and skills.
Music:  The program for pre-k through 4th grade includes choral music, theory, movement, and integration of theatre arts and religion.  Students in grades 5 through 8 may take orchestra or band.

Art and Theatre Arts: Skills are integrated through the disciplines, and the courses are electives for middle school.

Other Special Features

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are five-day, full-day programs that are viewed as a gateway to the entire ten-year Holy Family experience.  Using a developmental philosophy, objectives in the three domains of academic, social, and physical development are integrated all day long.  In early childhood (pre-k and k), this integrated classroom approach covers English language arts (at least 40% of the instructional minutes), math (at least 20% of the instructional minutes), science, social studies, health, and art. 

Technology is integrated throughout the program, with classroom teachers using technology applications to teach, and students using them to learn.  Each classroom has five to seven computer workstations.  Cross-age pairings (“buddies”) are used to enhance younger students’ curiosity and progress in technology.  Guidance objectives are also integrated.  For example, the study of Christian human sexuality occurs in religion, science, and health classes, according to the objective’s appropriate placement.

Over a seven-month period, the graduating class demonstrates their academic accomplishment by completing an Eighth-Grade Project, a comprehensive, multi-step assignment culminating in a persuasive essay supported by research and documentation.  Students present the paper, supported by technology, to a faculty panel. 

For a more in-depth description of the READING program, click here.

For a more in-depth description of the MUSIC program, click here.

For a more in-depth description of the TECHNOLOGY plan, click here.