Educating the whole person

Our Curriculum

Overall, the curriculum is built around the mission of our school to educate the whole person – hearts and minds – for God. Our students strive for academic excellence in our rigorous, but supportive environment where timely feedback, modeling, and cross-curricular approaches serve to lead students toward truth, beauty and goodness.

A love for Jesus and learning

Experienced faculty members foster a love of learning in their classrooms and lead students to strive for their personal best, setting high expectations and promoting a growth mindset. Most importantly, recognizing that Jesus is the reason for our school, the curriculum at Sacred Heart Cathedral School integrates love of Christ and others into every subject area.

Scroll down for more information about our offerings for Primary, Elementary and Middle School students, as well as our Extracurricular and Athletic opportunities.

Rooted in Catholic tradition,
striving for academic excellence.

Primary Curriculum

The curriculum in Pre-K through 2nd grade incorporates elements from various educational philosophies, focusing on educating the whole person.

  • Foundational Skills in Reading and Math
  • Memoria Press
  • Learning Centers
  • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
  • Art
  • Music
  • Library
  • Physical Education
  • Latin
  • Technolog

a strong foundation

In a classical framework, this early stage of learning is called the grammar stage and focuses on building students’ foundational understanding of the structure of the created world. Our curriculum features aspects of the Workshop Way curriculum, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and the use of learning centers.

In addition to the core curriculum, our lower elementary students are formed holistically through physical education, music, art, library and Latin classes, as well as instruction in the use of technology to hone academic skills.

Elementary Curriculum

Students in grades 3 through 5 focus on project-based learning and expanding students’ understanding of math, reading, writing, history and science in an environment that integrates the beauty of the Catholic faith in all things. 

The use of the Sophia Institute Religion series, Spirit of Truth, provides students with a strong foundation in the expression of their Catholic faith through a cross-curricular approach.

  • Project based learning
  • Classroom iPads
  • Spirit of Truth Religion Series
  • Art
  • Music
  • Library
  • Physical Education
  • Latin
  • Technology

Classical approaches like Socratic questioning, the use of sacred art, and moral instruction in the virtues help students make connections, engage with their classmates, and develop a love of learning.  The increased frequency of field trips in the upper elementary grades help students apply their knowledge in real world situations.

Novel studies in small groups, 1:1 iPads in the classroom, and the use of assessment data help students develop independent learning strategies. As in the lower grades, students have special instruction in music, art, library, physical education, and Latin.

a classical approach

Middle School Curriculum

The middle school years are an important time for students to grow in self-awareness of their unique abilities, form life-long friendships, and begin to explore the deeper ideas of the various academic disciplines. Middle school at Sacred Heart is preparation for the rigors of high school, successful careers, and, ultimately, a life of Christian discipleship.

  • 1:1 MacBook Air Program
  • Extracurricular opportunities
  • Lab-based science program
  • Latin
  • On-level or Advanced Math
  • Strong religious formation
  • Fine Arts program
  • Service projects

Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

The curriculum in middle school therefore integrates the classical liberal arts in Humanities classes and fosters student inquiry in our lab-based science program.  

Students encounter truth, beauty, and goodness through discussions of great literature, strong religious formation in the Catholic faith, numerous service projects, and quality instruction by our exceptional faculty.

Our award-winning Science Olympiad teams compete regionally and at the state level in 23 different areas of scientific and technical proficiency. Qualifying students in math may take Honors Algebra at the high school level. We seek to holistically educate each student and form well-rounded, life-long learners.

Our students engage in discussions and service, develop technical skills through our 1:1 MacBook Air laptop program, and strive for academic excellence.

Award winning students

Athletics

“Sport trains body and spirit for perseverance, effort, courage, balance, sacrifice, honesty, friendship and collaboration.”

-St. Pope John Paul II

Flag Football (K-6th)
Football (6th-8th)
Volleyball (5th-8th)
Cheerleading (6th-8th)
Basketball (2nd-8th)
Soccer (K-8th)
Track (K-8th)

Extracurriculars

The curriculum in middle school therefore integrates the classical liberal arts in Humanities classes and fosters student inquiry in our lab-based science program. 

Students encounter truth, beauty, and goodness through discussions of great literature, strong religious formation in the Catholic faith, numerous service projects, and quality instruction by our exceptional faculty.

-Chess Club
-Choir
-Mentoring/Tutoring
-NJHS
-Science Olympiad
-STUCO (Student Council)

Service Learning

For over 100 years, Sacred Heart School has maintained its quality of education and Christian standards. Service to others is a necessary result of our faith and Catholic Social Teaching. 

From volunteer projects to fundraising opportunities, our students initiate and plan numerous service projects throughout the year and relate these service experiences to their faith through class discussions and reflections in humanities.

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