Lower School (1-5)

Students in the First (1st Grade) develop their communication and comprehension abilities by asking and answering questions, retelling stories, predicting outcomes, and making inferences. Developing these skills enables all students to become independent readers and writers. First Graders build their math abilities by learning to add and subtract whole numbers, analyze patterns, and develop problem-solving strategies. Additionally, students receive hands-on instruction in science as they ask questions, gather information, make measurements, construct explanations, and draw conclusions during their study of natural resources. In social studies, the students develop an understanding of the relationships between themselves and their environment; distinguish between past, present, and future events, and learn the importance of family customs and traditions. Auxillary P.E. – Three times a Week Music – Twice a Week Computer – Once a Week Spanish – Twice a Week Art - Once a Week

Through the Second (2nd) Grade Language Arts classes, students will begin to learn grammar fundamentals and practice applying these fundamentals to their writing skills. A focus will be directed to their writing techniques teaching our 2nd grade students how to write with sentence fluency, a more descriptive word choice, and forming sentences that support their writing topic. Throughout the year students will have opportunities to improve their listening and speaking skills. Through the 2nd Grade religion classes, students will learn that faith is a gift from God. This faith will grow and develop as they do. Our religion lessons will help the students understand their beliefs as Christians and to then live out these beliefs. Second graders will learn how to evaluate their choices in life to determine if they demonstrate a faith filled person to others. In our 2nd Grade religion class, our churches’ stories, celebrations, and/or beliefs are present each day. The students are then asked to take these lessons and make them part of their daily living. 

Third Graders develop longer, more elaborate sentences using complex vocabulary. As part of their language arts studies, the students' vocabulary building skills are strengthened by identifying prefixes, suffixes, and root words. At this level in reading, strong comprehension abilities are built, and students continue to work on analyzing literature including story elements. Students also improve their math skills in 3rd Grade by multiplying and dividing whole numbers as well as studying fractions and decimals. In science, more emphasis is placed on lab experience as the students examine magnetism and gravity, ecosystems, rocks, soil water, and atmospheric gases. Third Grade students also study heroic individuals in social studies and analyze how these individuals' economic, cultural, and scientific contributions have changed their community and the world.

Fourth Grade (4th Grade) is a big stepping stone in the development of a self-directed, responsible, and independent learner. Fourth Graders’ natural curiosity and their ability to adapt to and eagerly participate in various educational experiences contribute to this development. The use of hands-on materials, group work, and visual aids enhance the educational process. Environment is a crucial part of the learning process. It is our school’s mission to educate the mind, spirit, and heart of the child. St. John Paul II Catholic School provides a comfortable and loving Catholic setting to allow our students room to grow. 

The Fifth Grade (5th Grade) year at St. John Paul II Catholic School is a year of transition. Students improve upon skills taught in the lower elementary grades and are encouraged to think independently and make good decisions. Study skills are emphasized and students are made ready for the step up to Middle School in sixth grade. The main field trip of the year is to Camp Allen.