St. Anne School's current set of courses is relevant, challenging, integrated across content areas, and grounded in the California State Subject Frameworks as well as State and National Academic Content Standards. These rigorous curricula are delivered through highly skilled teachers, state of the art technology and up to date textbooks and support materials.
In Language Arts students acquire the skills necessary to be competent readers, writers, listeners, spellers, and communicators. Phonics, spelling, and vocabulary development are integral parts of the curriculum at all grade levels, but are heavily emphasized in the primary grades.
Our Mathematics program moves students steadily from what they already know to mastery of new grade level skills. Students stretch beyond computation, and develop analytical and problem solving skills. Students develop skills that empower them to explain and justify what they are doing and create formal proofs for their operations.
In Social Studies students learn about their immediate communities and the larger communities of their country and world. Students gain an appreciation and acceptance of a variety of cultures. Grade level appropriate field trips and field studies are important elements of the Social Studies program.
Our Science program strives to promote scientific literacy and the use of the scientific method for inquiry. Students participate in many “hands-on” activities and scientific experiments to hone in on proper scientific protocol and techniques. In addition to formal science instruction within their classroom, students receive specialized instruction within our Science Lab each week with an emphasis on lab activities.
The Spanish program emphasizes communication, beginning with listening and speaking skills and progressing to reading and writing skills in the upper grades. Middle School cross curricular projects in the Computer Lab provide students the opportunity to practice reading and writing foreign language through the use of technology. Students gain a deeper awareness and appreciation of the influence of Hispanic culture in their local environment and the world.
In Computers students receive specialized instruction in the computer lab on a weekly basis. Guided learning in the computer lab is divided into three phases: awareness, instruction, and mastery. General technology awareness, network awareness, keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, electronics presentation, proper Internet usage and desktop publishing are taught at appropriate grade levels. Computer technology is also integrated into classroom instruction to foster both independence and high achievement as effective communicators.
Our Physical Education curriculum places an emphasis on safety, sportsmanship, motor development, physical fitness, health, and self and team discipline through student participation in a variety of sports, games, and teacher facilitated discussions. The curriculum includes the use of “Fitness Gram.: This program allows our P. E. staff to measure and evaluate the level of our 4th through 8th grade students’ physical fitness, and provides detailed feedback to students and to their parents. Our Middle School students participate in the Presidential Fitness program, allowing them to compete against national standards for fitness.
Our Music program focuses on student participation. Along with learning basic music theory and history, students sing, move, interact, and play basic instruments. Middle School students study and discuss music theory, acoustic theory, and the digital revolution. String Instrumental Music Instruction is available for students in grades three through eight, for interested students. Our String Ensemble is a performing arts group that performs at both school concerts and assemblies.
The Art curriculum utilizes a hands-on approach as students experience the different methods and processes of creating art. Student projects are based on the principals and elements of design. Pertinent art related current events and cross-curriculum subject matter are incorporated in the lessons as well. Students gain an appreciation for the visual arts encountered in their everyday lives.
The Religion program promotes knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Tradition. The curriculum is designed to preserve, enhance, and supplement the students’ religious upbringing in their homes and churches. The School's goal for students is that they become educated, thoughtful, wise, compassionate, and humble by living out the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Woven throughout St. Anne School’s curriculum are the four Expected School-Wide Learning Results (ESLRS).
First, St. Anne students are expected to be effective communicators through speech, writing, foreign language, the arts, and with the assistance of technology. They are to become objective and critical listeners who will be able to express opinions intelligently. These skills are taught at all grade levels throughout the curriculum utilizing role playing, public speaking, current events, reading aloud and presentations. Students are provided ample opportunities to express their opinions in an intelligent manner via morning assembly, student council, Mass and student performances.
Second, St. Anne students are expected to be academic achievers. They are to think critically, solve problems, and approach situations from several viewpoints, analyzing, interpreting, and applying new information to master concepts and skills. The curriculum teaches appropriate skills in note taking, research, time management, and organization through the development of study skills, science labs, computer labs, and research projects.
Third, St. Anne students are expected to become lifelong learners, committed to their personal development. Students should enjoy the arts as an audience and as participants. Appreciation of cultural differences in all people and responding with understanding, consideration, and acceptance is a goal at St. Anne.
Finally, St. Anne students are expected to develop personal characteristics that reflect the character of Jesus Christ in their lives. The school and its curriculum emphasizes that students be responsible contributors, and give back to the school and the community of their time, energy, talents, and resources. The school and its curriculum emphasize the understanding that ours is a spirit of gratitude and love as we support others in the challenges of life. With this in mind, St. Anne students and families participate in programs that include Thanksgiving Food Baskets, Operation Christmas Child, Adopt-a-Family, Bink-a-thon, and our comprehensive St. Anne’s Community Service Program, required of all middle school students.