Academics

CURRICULUM DESIGN

 The complete curriculum is geared to fulfill the requirements set by the Diocesan Office of Education and to meet or exceed the Standards set by the State of California.  St. Basil’s School has adopted standards for core content areas. 

Religion:  Christian understanding and formation are developed through a program presenting Catholic doctrine, liturgy, Scripture, prayer, and moral development, Christian social action, and the Church, throughout each unit of the school year.  St. Basil’s uses texts from RCL and the Bible.  Students are prepared in the classroom for the Sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. We celebrate these sacraments with the parish program.  Families must be willing to participate in the Parish Sacramental Preparation Program as a condition to their child receiving these Sacraments.

Family Life:  Reverence for life as taught by the Catholic Church is promoted throughout Grades K-8.  This includes Christian Catechisis in human sexuality and skills which encourage self-esteem, self-respect, and self-discipline.

Reading:  McGraw-Hill, Integrated Language Arts, is used in Grades K-5.  This is a developmental reading program that emphasizes word analysis and comprehension in the primary grades and comprehension and study skills in the intermediate grades. Activity books provide application of skills in all grade levels. The 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades have a literature program by Scott Forsman.

Mathematics:  The chapters in Scott Foresman, California Mathematics, Grades K-6 are organized around basic skills with emphasis on practice and reinforcement.  Grades 7-8 use Prentice-Hall Algebra.  There is an emphasis on the realistic application to other subject areas such as science and social studies.

English:  Grades K-2 have a specially designed program appropriate for each level by McGraw-Hill.  The McDougal Littell English Series is used in Grades 3-5.  Grades 6-8 use Writer’s Choice by Glencoe Publishing.  These programs are designed to prepare the student to write and speak effectively.  They include the teaching of grammar, usage, mechanics, the development of creative writing skills and an appreciation of literature and poetry.

Social Studies:  History, geography and civics are studied in the context of cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds of various groups within society.  Houghton-Mifflin are publishers of the Social Studies texts used at St. Basil’s School. 

Science:  Grades K-8 use Scott Foresman/Prentiss Hall Science Series - a developmental program emphasizing skills in organizing, quantifying and generalizing.  The seventh and eighth grade curriculum stresses life science, physical science, and earth and space science.  Supplementing the Jr. High science program is a fully equipped lab for experimentation.

Spelling:  Correct spelling is expected in all subjects and is an integrated program throughout all curricular areas.  Handwriting skills are encouraged at each grade level.

Computer Literacy:  This program is designed to follow the Diocesan guidelines for computer skills necessary to function in a computer and technology-oriented society.  Topics included in the curriculum are “Computers in Today’s Society,” general knowledge of computer hardware and software, and computer ethics.  All programs are designed for the appropriate Grade K-8 levels.  Strong emphasis is given to supplementing the classroom math and reading programs.

Physical Education:  Supervised periods of physical education for all students are held on a regular basis (except for those who are legitimately excused in writing for health reasons).  Skill development, sportsmanship, and physical exercise are the key elements of the program.

Spanish:  A general introduction to the Spanish language and culture is offered in Grades 4-8.