Overview
The Elementary School Program at Quincy Catholic Academy offers a rigorous academic curriculum which includes and goes beyond the MA state standards and focuses on creating a mindset for success at an early age. Teachers design engaging lessons to meet the unique strengths and challenges of each student in all subject areas. The curriculum of the Elementary Program is designed to build upon skills learned each year and introduce more advanced skills at each grade level. We teach students to think creatively and critically and to take ownership of their own learning.
At every grade level, students receive:
- Active learning in a supportive and challenging environment
- Emphasis on reading, writing, and critical thinking skills
- Catholic values embedded daily
- Systematic, real-life approach to the study and understanding of mathematics
- Exposure to the wonders of the world through an adventurous approach to social studies and science
- The exciting experience of shifting from the “learning to read” to “reading to learn”
The experienced and dedicated staff is committed to building a foundation for intellectual growth, faith formation, personal development, and life-long learning. Incorporating state-of-the-art technology, the Academy provides an education for the 21st century.
Kindergarten Program (K2)
(Must be 5 years old by August 31st)
What To Expect: More than any other grade, Kindergarten sets the stage for a true love and discipline for learning. At QCA, our Kindergarten standards are high but presented in a loving and supportive environment. Joy exudes from the K2 classes, as the students navigate through the limitless “aha” moments!
Kindergarten Program Objectives
Full day program where students learn in a highly structured environment with an academic program emphasizing math and language arts.
Creative Lessons
Students engage in creative lessons to encourage curiosity and academic growth
Extra-Curricular Activities
Students participate in physical education, music, art, computer science and library studies
Purposeful Lessons
Students are exposed to real world investigations of the physical world around them (science) and they discover the connections between themselves and their community (social studies)
Individualistic Approach
Students are evaluated daily so that teachers can identify students’ individual strengths and weaknesses and tailor instruction accordingly
Individualized Assessments
Students are assessed with MAP testing, an adaptive test that evaluates each child’s individual progress rather than a standardized test, which evaluates against peers
Comprehensive Studies
Students are exposed to science and social studies activities
The Elementary Years (Grades 1-5)
What To Expect: The Elementary School years, between grades 1-5, are the “golden years”. Students are inquisitive, enthusiastic and imaginative. QCA’s teachers seize these qualities to the fullest by creating an environment of excitement for learning – building on conceptual skills, tapping into relevant connections and creating cooperative learning activities.
There is an atmosphere of respect between teachers and students as well as students and their peers. The result is a kind of educational magic that permeates throughout the classrooms!
Elementary Program Objectives
ELA Program
QCA’s ELA Program is second to none, with a strong emphasis on the basics such as phonics, grammar, vocabulary, spelling and handwriting, balanced with a literature-based approach to the traditional classics, more modern writers and young adult works.
Math & Science
QCA’s research-based math, science, and technology curriculum promotes a strong focus on reasoning and conceptual skills. Students who are exposed to reasoning skills early on become more confident, independent learners. Students are able to develop a deeper understanding of the mathematical concepts and apply the skills learned in everyday life.
Religion
The QCA curriculum is designed to build Catholic identity around core Catholic beliefs, practices, and principles so all students, including diverse learners, can truly embody their faith. The study of the Catholic faith helps children of all religions better understand God’s plan for their lives. Students are immersed in all basic beliefs of Catholic faith with emphasis in Grade 2 on the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Enrichment
All students participate in enrichment programs to develop art, music, physical education, library, technology skills and social/emotional learning.
