Curriculum

  Curriculum (Pre-K to 8th):

Enrichment Classes:

Holy Ghost School offers enrichment classes for all students in Pre-K to Eighth grade. The enrichment classes offered for each class are: Art (new data), Computer (K-8th), Library, Spanish, Physical Education, Electric Piano/Music, Pre-Band, Tennis and Band (4th - 8th). 

Pre-K:

Holy Ghost offers 3 developmentally appropriate Pre-K classes. Each class has a full time, certified teacher and full time assistant with a pupil teacher ratio of 11/1. The curriculum is child centered, including A-Beka Phonics, High-Reach Thematic Learning Program, religion, and learning centers. Organizational tools called Thinking Maps are used throughout the lessons. Kagan Structures (cooperative learning groups) are established to insure equal participation among the students. 

Kindergarten:

There are 3 sections of Kindergarten classes with the maximum capacity of 24-26 students. Each class has a full time, certified teacher and full time assistant with a pupil teacher ratio of approximately 13/1. The curriculum is child centered and based on a balanced approach to literacy, including phonics, writing and reading groups. Organizational tools called Thinking Maps are used throughout the lessons. Kagan Structures (cooperative learning groups) are established to insure equal participation among the students. The curriculum is tailor made to meet the needs of all children at their levels. 

First - Second Grade:

There are 4 sections of 1st grade with a maximum capacity of 22-24 students. There are 3 sections of 2nd grade with a maximum capacity of 27 students. All teachers are certified. All classes are taught using a balanced literacy approach. This approach includes shared reading, guided reading and writer's workshop. The students are engaged in learning, using a multi-sensory approach.  Organizational tools called Thinking Maps are used throughout the lessons. Kagan Structures (cooperative learning groups) are established to insure equal participation among the students. The curriculum is tailor made to meet the needs of all children at their levels with religion taught daily.

Third - Fourth Grade:

There are 3 sections of 3rd and 4th grade with a maximum capacity of 27 students. All teachers are certified. In 3rd grade, all teachers teach their own language arts block. The children switch classes for math, science, social studies, and religion.  In 4th grade, all teachers teach their own language arts block and math. The children switch classes for science, social studies, and religion. The students are engaged in learning, using a multi-sensory approach. Organizational tools called Thinking Maps are used throughout the lessons. Kagan Structures (cooperative learning groups) are established to insure equal participation among the students. The curriculum is tailor made to meet the needs of all children at their levels. 

Fifth - Eighth Grade:

There are 3 sections in each grade level with a maximum capacity of 27 students per class. All teachers are certified. The students switch classes for science, social studies, math, and religion in 5th - 8th grade. Holy Ghost offers a semi-block language arts schedule in which reading, spelling, English, and writing are taught with an emphasis to integrate reading and writing skills. A Computer Resource Lab meets every other week for on-going projects. Library meets every other week rotating with computer. Spanish and physical education are taught on 3 day rotation. Tennis, band, and electric piano are also offered for a small fee. Organizational tools called Thinking Maps are used throughout the lessons. Kagan Structures (cooperative learning groups) are established to insure equal participation among the students.

Special Programs:

After-Care Program:

Holy Ghost School has an after care program offered from 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM for all Pre-K to eighth grade students. Pre-K and Kindergarten students are kept separate from the other after care students.

Write-On:

A creative writing class for students in grades 4-8. This program will foster the love of writing through language enrichment activities where students will be immersed in the writing process. The students will complete a poetry anthology, mystery, fictional short stories and non-fictional works. The class is innovative and challenging. It is held two days per week during the enrichment period. All students are eligible to enroll. The instructor is a certified elementary teacher. 

COUNT-On (Concentration On Understanding Number Theories):

A mathematics class for students in grades K-4. The curriculum will include a hands-on approach to mathematics with a balance of developing number sense, memorizing facts, and solving critical thinking problems. The class is two days per week during the enrichment period. Students who need extra help in the area of mathematics are eligible to apply. A rubric will be used to determine eligibility. The instructor is a certified elementary teacher. 

B-QUEST:

This program provides an enriching, challenging, and innovative curriculum for the accelerated and/or gifted learner. First through eighth grade students must be eligible to enroll. Eligibility criterion is based on standardized test scores and classroom performance. B-QUEST is offered 2 days per week.

B-LEV (Boosting Learning through Educational Variety):

This program specializes in the area of language arts. Students who are challenged in this area may be screened/tested. K through 8 grade students must be eligible to enroll. B-LEV is taught in the place of the traditional language arts block. Language arts grades are provided by the B-LEV teacher. The B-LEV teacher is degreed in the area of special education. There is no fee for this class. 

Pre-Kindergarten:

Holy Ghost School offers Pre-Kindergarten classes with 4 year olds in which the A-Beka reading program is taught and continued throughout Kindergarten. 

Pre-Band:

This enrichment class is an excellent way of introducing music and a fun way of participating.  It provides your child with the opportunity to learn notation, rhythm patterns, fingerings, etc.  without having to cope with the intricacy of a band instrument.  It also allows you and the music teacher the chance to evaluate your child’s music aptitude before selecting a band instrument and making a major financial investment.

Electric Piano / Music Classes:

Holy Ghost School offers these classes for students in Pre-K to 8th grade and is taught every week by Dr. Ted's Musician Center.

Tennis:

Tennis is offered two days per week to students from Pre-K - 8th grade and is taught by 2 tennis professionals from Oak Knoll Country Club.