Curriculum

The total curriculum is geared to fulfilling the standards set by the Diocese of Sacramento Catholic School Department, (www.csdsac.org/curriculum.html), which meet or exceed the standards set by the State of California.  Parent booklets of standards are available in each classroom and on the school website.

Religion:  Christian understanding and formation are developed through a program presenting the Church, Catholic doctrine, liturgy, Scripture, prayer, moral development, and Christian social action throughout each unit of the school year.  St. Basil’s uses texts from RCL/Benziger and the Bible.

Students are prepared in the classroom for the Sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation.

Family Life:  Reverence for life as taught by the Catholic Church is promoted throughout Grades K-8.  This includes Christian Catechesis 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. Literature is taught in 6th, 7th and 8th grades through a variety of texts.

Mathematics:  The chapters in Scott Foresman, California Mathematics, Grades K-5 are organized around basic skills with emphasis on practice and reinforcement.  Grades 6-8 use Prentice-Hall Mathematics, California edition, with an emphasis on the realistic application to other subject areas such as science and social studies.


English/Language Arts:  Grades K-5 have a specially designed program appropriate for each level by McGraw-Hill. Grades 6-8 use Write Source by Houghton Mifflin.  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.  McDougall-Littell and Harcourt are publishers of the Social Studies texts used at St. Basil’s School.

Science:  Grades K-6 use Scott Foresman Science and grades 7-8 use Exploring Science by Prentice Hall.  Grades K-8 also use Full Option Science System, developed by Lawrence Hall of 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 K-8 program is designed to follow the Diocesan guidelines for computer skills necessary to function in a computer and technology-oriented society.  In addition to teaching general knowledge of computer hardware and software, topics included in the curriculum are “Computers in Today’s Society" and computer ethics.  All programs are grade-level appropriate.  Computer classes supplement the classroom curriculum.

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

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

Fine Arts:  Art is taught in grades K-8 and Music is taught in grades 3-8.