Core Curriculum
What Works
Teacher ingenuity—the kind that broadens the learning possibilities—is everywhere in evidence in work under way in the classrooms. It is not unusual to see each of the four children in a classroom doing something different and, often, that “something different” is a teacher-designed learning experience tailored to a child's special needs.
The core curriculum at Villa Maria is designed to help each child make maximum progress within his or her own capabilities. Morning classes include one hour each of reading, language, and mathematics instruction, where students are grouped according to their ability and skills. Afternoon subjects include science, social studies, the arts and physical education, in which students are grouped together by grade level.
Special emphasis within the curriculum is also given to social development, incorporating opportunities for developing citizenship, leadership, responsibility, and moral standards of behavior. Learn moreReading and Language
Reading instruction at Villa Maria uses a variety of materials and incorporates the Lindamood-Bell processes for decoding and comprehension. Orton Gillingham strategies are employed for reading and spelling. For language instruction, grammar and mechanics are directly taught. Learning about sentence structure and expanding sentences begin in first grade. Students use structured outlines to organize simple paragraphs and longer compositions. Grades 4 through 9 have writing labs with networked, on-line computers available. Learn moreMathematics
Mathematics instruction at Villa Maria is multisensory. Students work at the appropriate skill level, while teachers provide remediation necessary to bring achievement to grade level. Knowledge of basic facts is reinforced and strategies for calculations, conceptual understanding, and problem solving are taught. Learn moreScience
Science is taught throughout the year as part of our full curriculum at Villa Maria. Students are exposed to a wide variety of scientific concepts, including the life, physical and earth sciences. Through hands-on activities, scientific concepts are made accessible to students, enabling them to experience the joy of discovery and to acquire a fundamental understanding of the sciences and their applications in today's world. Learn more
Social Studies
Social Studies is another component of our comprehensive curriculum at Villa Maria. Beginning in the primary grades with the study of neighborhoods and communities, students progress to the study of American history and geography, to the study of ancient civilizations, to the study of world history and geography. Hands-on activities, art and craft projects, outside field trips and more are incorporated into lessons, helping students to engage in history and to develop a larger perspective of themselves and their world. Learn more