Academics: Fueled by Technology, Grounded in Faith, Designed for Success
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Our K-8 curriculum reflects our mission of providing a Christ-centered, academically excellent education. It is streamlined and longitudinal, meaning that, when a student enters Kindergarten here, they follow a sure academic path, in five distinct courses, from Day One of Kindergarten to Graduation Night after Grade 8. Each course in each grade builds upon the foundation of the year prior, ensuring a complete and well-rounded education for every student. We further monitor this longitudinal journey via MAP testing and NYS ELA and Math exams from Grades 3-8, providing even more scaffolding as a scholar completes their journey here.
From Grades K-8 there are five core courses, taken daily: Religion, Science, Math, ELA and Social Studies. From Grades K-5, there is a self-contained teacher, and/or a full time aide, depending on class size. Grades 6-8 are taught departmentally, with one teacher teaching each of the 5 core subjects to our Grade 6 Section, and one section daily to each of our Grade 7 and Grade 8 sections, each of which there are 2. In addition, once per week students have their "specials:" Physical Education, Music, Art and World Languages. There is also a daily period devoted to grammar. Aside from these, we also offer a section of advanced math for those who qualify in Grade 8: Algebra I.
As for standardized testing, there are two kinds thereof: MAP testing and NYS ELA and Math testing. MAP testing helps guide instruction and curriculum throughout the year. The exam is not one where one "teaches to the test." This exam is designed to track progress from quarter to quarter, and from year to year. They are given in ELA and Math 3 times per year: September, January and May. The NYS ELA and Math exams are administered once per year, at its end.Both sets of exams, as well as a good deal of classwork, are done on Chromebooks. From science labs to math problem solving to historical presentations, Chromebooks are at the heart of the classroom experience here at SMSG. We aim to maintain as close to 1:1 as we can, as our commitment to technology in the classroom - long a SMSG staple - remains steadfast. Every student is given their own Chromebook to keep at school in order to make this happen.
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