St. Joseph School is committed to educating the "Whole Child", preparing him/her with the skills to be successful in the 21st century, and a good and thoughtful citizen driven by faith and the example of Christ.
Our curriculum follows the Common Core Standards, National, and Diocesan guidelines and offers an integrated and critical thinking approach to subject matter. The following is a generalized overview of the scope of the subjects offered. Specifics for each grade level are explained by the teacher.
Religious Education
Religious instruction will be an integral and continuing element of the educational experiences of students in all grades. The Religion program includes the study of Scripture, participation in the Liturgy with emphasis on the Mass and Sacraments, and the importance of personal prayer life. Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are part of our Second Grade curriculum. Parents are involved as active partners through workshops that are offered in celebration with the parish Religious Education Department.
The students participate and help plan liturgies, prayer services, and celebrations to increase their active participation in their faith life development. These are done both within the school community and in partnership with the larger parish community. Children and their families are expected to attend Mass on a regular basis in order to support this commitment and model enthusiasm for an active faith life.
Language Arts
The goal of the Language Arts program is to develop effective communicators. This means that all instruction will be with the intent to empower literate, fluent, and life-long readers and writers in all subject areas.
Social Studies
The Social Studies program emphasizes the value of the diversity of our heritage. It is designed to promote knowledgeable and responsible citizenship. The Social Studies program includes the study of: People and Communities, California, the United States, Cultures of the World - ancient and modern, and the United States Constitution and Government.
Mathematics
The Mathematics program is designed to provide a meaningful understanding of facts and the application of processes. It includes Problem Solving, Estimation, and Mental Arithmetic, Numbers and Operations, Geometry, Measurement, Relations and Functions, Probability and Statistics, and Logical Thinking. The program incorporates active learning centers and applications to other areas of the curriculum.
Science
The Science program is designed to develop in the students the skills necessary for observing, communicating, comparing, measuring, organizing, relating, inferring, and applying. The emphasis is on hands-on learning, which incorporates lab experiences and creative challenges. It encompasses life, physical, and earth sciences.
Caritas Creek Camp at CYO Camp
As part of the Environmental Science curriculum, Fifth and Eighth Grade will attend Caritas Camp either in the fall or spring. Caritas is a five-day outdoor education camp experience that incorporates religion and science education. An extra fee for Caritas is charged to parents during the Fifth and Eighth Grade year. A limited number of scholarships are available to families in financial need. All students are required to attend camp and will be held accountable for the curriculum covered during this outdoor education experience.
Physical Education
The Physical Education program provides the students with the opportunity to acquire and develop physical skills, confidence, teamwork, and physical and mental well-being. Motor development, eye-hand coordination, and physical fitness are emphasized, as well as seasonal sports, first aid, health, and drug awareness.
Technology
The goal of the Technology program is to produce young citizens who are competitive and productive in today’s global market. By integrating the current curriculum with skills and information that are based on and utilize computer technology, students learn to apply technology skills to real-life situations, preparing them with 21st-century skills.
Spanish
The Spanish program is designed to develop conversational, written, and verbal skills, as well as awareness and appreciation for the Spanish-speaking cultures for all grades. Eighth Grade graduates can advance to second-year Spanish in high school based on successful completion of the High School Entrance Exam.
Music
The objective of the Music program is to increase sensitivity to music as an art through the understanding of its elements. The program encompasses listening, reacting, singing, performing on instruments, playing games, and dancing. Program participation is required for all students in Grades TK-5.
Art
The objective of the Art program for all grades is to develop and encourage creative expression. We explore different media and introduce appreciation for different artists and art forms. Art is also integrated across the curriculum.
School Choir
Students in Grades 4-8 may audition for membership in the St. Joseph Catholic School Children’s Choir. Students are responsible for all work missed in their regular classrooms during that period. The choir will perform at school liturgies, morning assemblies, and occasional parish Masses and community functions.