The core curriculum at Villa Maria is designed to help each student make maximum progress on his or her individual goals. Because our students come to Villa Maria with a variety of learning difficulties, teachers employ an eclectic approach, adapting and modifying methods of instruction to meet individual student needs.
Lessons are multisensory and address the multiple intelligences of the students. Teachers use direct instruction, peer cooperative learning activities, hands-on, real life experiences, repetition, and review as required. Students develop basic skills necessary for learning as well as critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of concepts.
Morning classes are one hour long and focus on development of reading, math, and language arts skills. Students are grouped according to their abilities and skills in these subjects.
For afternoon classes students are grouped by grade level. The curriculum includes science, social studies, study skills, art, music, keyboarding, word processing, writing, and religious or ethics instruction for all students. Curriculum is theme-based and integrated throughout the content areas. Visual and auditory perception instruction is included in the younger students’ curriculum. The physical education program emphasizes individual goals, self confidence, and all facets of visual motor development. Health education is integrated into the curriculum.
A formal social skills and guidance program is incorporated into the curriculum. The school social worker conducts social skills classes and also meets with individual students as well as small groups of students who share similar concerns. In conjunction with the Student Council, the program provides opportunities to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility, and moral standards of behavior.
Reading 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 more
Mathematics
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 more
Science
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