Curriculum

DEVELOPING THE WHOLE PERSON THROUGH VIRTUE FORMATION, CHRISTIAN SERVICE, AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Click here for Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines

Elementary School

We believe that children thrive in a joy filled, respectful and virtue centered atmosphere. Our school strives to be a safe place to learn new skills, grow in their faith, and become the best versions of themselves. Our dedicated and caring teachers incorporate varied instructional strategies to engage our students and meet the needs of our diverse learners.

Curriculum

Religion

  • Core programs: Christ Our Life and the Bible
  • Student learning is focused on the 4 pillars of the Catechism of the Church: The Creed, The Sacraments, Life in Christ, and Christian Prayer
  • Students receive sacramental preparation for Penance and First Holy Communion in 2nd grade

Reading, Writing, & Spelling

  • Core programs: Reading Wonders, Words Their Way, Voyages in English, Writing by Design, and the MobyMax learning platform
  • Daily independent reading and writing time
  • Weekly visits to the library to learn about literary skills and check out books.

Math

  • Core Program: Progress in Mathematics and the MathReflex learning platform
  • Hands on learning to master math concepts
  • Word problems and critical thinking
  • Students work towards mastery of math facts by the end of 5th grade

Science

  • Core Program: LabLearner emphasizes hands on learning and the Scientific method
  • Students visit to the Science Lab weekly for hands on experiments

Social Studies

  • Teachers use a variety of primary and secondary sources to teach students about U.S., World, and Virginia history

Technology

  • Students visit the computer lab weekly to practice essential computer skills, typing, and word processing

Middle School

Our middle school provides a rigorous and engaging learning environment where students can develop their God given potential. Our teachers are committed to forming the hearts and minds of our young people through faith formation, service, and academic excellence.

Curriculum

Religion

  • Core Program: Loyola Press-Christ Our Life, the Bible, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
  • Students receive sacramental preparation for  Confirmation in 8th grade

Reading and Writing

  • Core programs: StudySync, Words Their Way, Voyages in English, and Writing by Design
  • Use of textbook and novels to foster fluency, expression and comprehension
    • 6th Grade: Focus on Literary, Plot and Character Analysis, Annotations
    • 7th-8th Grade: Focus on Literary Analysis, Dialectical Journaling, Socratic Seminar, Argumentative Writing

Math

  • Core program: Progress in Mathematics
  • Advanced Math is offered beginning in 6th grade (Math placement is based on class grade, NWEA scores, and end of the year test)
  • Four pathways to math success
    • 6th grade Math -> 7th grade math->PreAlgebra
    • 6th grade Math -> PreAlgebra -> Algebra
    • Advanced Math-> PreAlgebra – Algebra
    • Advanced Math-> Algebra->Geometry

Science

  • Core Programs: LabLearner and Glencoe Science
  • Emphasis is hands on learning and the Scientific method
  • Students visit to the Science Lab weekly for hands on experiments

Social Studies

  • Core Program: Prentice Hall: History of Our Nation
    • 6th grade: World History
    • 7th grade: American History: Revolution War to World War I
    • 8th grade: World War I to Modern Day

Technology

  • Students use a school issued Chromebook to navigate digital learning tools such as:
    • Google Drive
    • Schoology
    • PowerSchool
    • Online Research: World Book

Saint James Catholic School
830 West Broad Street
Falls Church, VA 22046

Front Desk: 703-533-1182
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Our school is administered by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Immaculata, PA.