Lourdes Academy provides its students with a curriculum that is a balance of academics, religion, and special
subjects. Our curriculum is based upon the Florida Sunshine State Standards (for core courses) and Diocese of
Orlando standards (media, art, religion).
To view the Sunshine State Standards, please click here www.floridastandards.org.
To view the Diocese of Orlando Standards for religion, please click HERE.
Curriculum development is an ongoing process. The Principal oversees the curriculum with grade level teams
meeting monthly to discuss ways to integrate subject matter across the school. Adoption of new textbooks is
planned to meet the Sunshine State Standards’ requirements as well as standards from the Diocese of Orlando.
Once a new text is adopted, faculty and administration plan for integration.
Early Childhood Program
The learning environment of the Early Childhood Department (grades pre-kindergarten to second) nurtures the whole child. Each child, being unique, is given the
opportunity to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually through developmentally appropriate activities.
The curriculum that is followed by the Early Childhood Department is developed by the Diocese of Orlando using the Florida Sunshine State Standards as a point of
departure. It is a compilation of important concepts in Early Childhood education supported by current research, the National Association for the Education of Young
Children guidelines, and the Florida Catholic Conference accreditation standards. Any development or revision of this curriculum is completed with the input of the
Early Childhood educators at Lourdes Academy along with the school administration.
Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate and builds through each grade level, encompassing the major subject areas of Religion, Math, Language Arts, and
Science. Social Studies is also covered using special themes such as United States History, Community and Cultural Awareness. These subjects are integrated daily.
Religion in Early Childhood emphasizes God’s love and encourages the children to witness Jesus’ presence in his/her daily lives. Classes participate in daily prayer
and - from Kindergarten on - in weekly school mass. Children are taught to value their uniqueness as children of a loving God. This environment promotes faith,
knowledge and a sense of community where children can feel loved and are able to trust.
Portfolio assessment is used on a smaller scale as a means of evaluation. Samples of student work are used for display as well as for parent/teacher conferences.
The work samples are used at conferences to show areas of strength as well as areas of needed improvement.
Writing across the curriculum begins at the pre-kindergarten level with drawings. Children dictate descriptions of his/her pictures to the teacher. Letter introduction
also begins at this level. In kindergarten, drawings are usually more detailed due to improvement in small motor skills through formal handwriting instruction and
practice. Morning Messages and the use of journals help to develop reading readiness, letter-sound skills and sight word recognition. Inventive spelling can be seen
as a progression of the writing process. In first and second grades, further development of creative writing skills, handwriting and grammar are emphasized.
Special area subjects in Early Childhood include: Music, Art, Technology, and Physical Education/Health. Special area teachers work in conjunction with classroom
teachers and school administration on activities that relate to classroom academics as well as special events at the school.
Music classes for pre-K to second grade are designed to help a young child explore his/her world through music. Music activities reinforce language and physical
development, and brain research indicates that music can help with children's mathematical abilities. Introduction to the world of sound begins with the discovery of
the child’s natural singing and speaking voice, and helps to spark the creativity of the child from within.
Concepts of Art are taught by the Art teacher in Kindergarten through second grade and by the classroom teacher in Pre-K. Projects allow for creativity and uniqueness
while developing already growing fine motor skills. Throughout the year, students learn about the elements and principals of art and how to use them in his/her
artwork. Special techniques are combined with many types of media to work on craftsmanship and problem solving through art. The creative process, creative
expression, culture and heritage, artists and art history are touched upon at various times during each project. Art expression is also encouraged within the regular
classroom, where projects relate to current themes.
Each Early Childhood class visits the Library as often as possible to learn to choose books for enjoyment and reference. Children in pre-K and kindergarten are
introduced to many genres of literature. In first and second grades, the children are given greater exposure to the various components of literature. Accelerated
Reader and Book-It Programs are also available to students in these grade levels.
Our Physical Education and Health curriculum focuses on the overall well-being of our students. P.E. classes are structured to begin with a variety of basic exercises
and fun games to work specific areas of skill (eye/hand, eye/foot coordination, under/over hand throwing, spatial awareness, body positioning). Teamwork is promoted
and students are encouraged to develop qualities of good sportsmanship and leadership in an atmosphere of respect. At the first and second grade levels, students
participate in the President's Physical Fitness Challenge. Health instruction focuses on personal wellness, nutrition and safety.
The learning environment of the Early Childhood Department (grades pre-kindergarten to second) nurtures the whole child. Each child, being unique, is given the
opportunity to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually through developmentally appropriate activities.
The curriculum that is followed by the Early Childhood Department is developed by the Diocese of Orlando using the Florida Sunshine State Standards as a point of
departure. It is a compilation of important concepts in Early Childhood education supported by current research, the National Association for the Education of Young
Children guidelines, and the Florida Catholic Conference accreditation standards. Any development or revision of this curriculum is completed with the input of the
Early Childhood educators at Lourdes Academy along with the school administration.
Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate and builds through each grade level, encompassing the major subject areas of Religion, Math, Language Arts, and
Science. Social Studies is also covered using special themes such as United States History, Community and Cultural Awareness. These subjects are integrated daily.
Religion in Early Childhood emphasizes God’s love and encourages the children to witness Jesus’ presence in his/her daily lives. Classes participate in daily prayer
and - from Kindergarten on - in weekly school mass. Children are taught to value their uniqueness as children of a loving God. This environment promotes faith,
knowledge and a sense of community where children can feel loved and are able to trust.
Portfolio assessment is used on a smaller scale as a means of evaluation. Samples of student work are used for display as well as for parent/teacher conferences.
The work samples are used at conferences to show areas of strength as well as areas of needed improvement.
Writing across the curriculum begins at the pre-kindergarten level with drawings. Children dictate descriptions of his/her pictures to the teacher. Letter introduction
also begins at this level. In kindergarten, drawings are usually more detailed due to improvement in small motor skills through formal handwriting instruction and
practice. Morning Messages and the use of journals help to develop reading readiness, letter-sound skills and sight word recognition. Inventive spelling can be seen
as a progression of the writing process. In first and second grades, further development of creative writing skills, handwriting and grammar are emphasized.
Special area subjects in Early Childhood include: Music, Art, Technology, and Physical Education/Health. Special area teachers work in conjunction with classroom
teachers and school administration on activities that relate to classroom academics as well as special events at the school.
Music classes for pre-K to second grade are designed to help a young child explore his/her world through music. Music activities reinforce language and physical
development, and brain research indicates that music can help with children's mathematical abilities. Introduction to the world of sound begins with the discovery of
the child’s natural singing and speaking voice, and helps to spark the creativity of the child from within.
Concepts of Art are taught by the Art teacher in Kindergarten through second grade and by the classroom teacher in Pre-K. Projects allow for creativity and uniqueness
while developing already growing fine motor skills. Throughout the year, students learn about the elements and principals of art and how to use them in his/her
artwork. Special techniques are combined with many types of media to work on craftsmanship and problem solving through art. The creative process, creative
expression, culture and heritage, artists and art history are touched upon at various times during each project. Art expression is also encouraged within the regular
classroom, where projects relate to current themes.
Each Early Childhood class visits the Library as often as possible to learn to choose books for enjoyment and reference. Children in pre-K and kindergarten are
introduced to many genres of literature. In first and second grades, the children are given greater exposure to the various components of literature. Accelerated
Reader and Book-It Programs are also available to students in these grade levels.
Our Physical Education and Health curriculum focuses on the overall well-being of our students. P.E. classes are structured to begin with a variety of basic exercises
and fun games to work specific areas of skill (eye/hand, eye/foot coordination, under/over hand throwing, spatial awareness, body positioning). Teamwork is promoted
and students are encouraged to develop qualities of good sportsmanship and leadership in an atmosphere of respect. At the first and second grade levels, students
participate in the President's Physical Fitness Challenge. Health instruction focuses on personal wellness, nutrition and safety.
Middle School Program
The ultimate goal of the Lourdes Academy Middle School is to prepare each student for success during the high school years. Along with a core curriculum of
Mathematics, English, Grammar, and Literature, Science, and Social Studies, Lourdes Academy provides opportunities for the student to explore other areas including
Physical Education, sports, music, drama, foreign language, computer skills, and art as well as research skills. Religion classes are mandatory and an integral part
of student life at Lourdes Academy. The improvement of verbal and written communication skills is continuously stressed throughout the curriculum.
In Mathematics, high performing students pursue high school Algebra in the eighth grade. The Pre-Algebra program for all other students begins in grade six and
builds with each grade level. Mathematics is supplemented by student participation in math enrichment through a computerized software program entitled - SRA Math
which is implemented in the Computer Lab.
In English, grammar, and literature are used to reinforce writing skills for each student. Each middle school teacher focuses on grammar so that writing skills are
reinforced across the curriculum. The students complete research papers for Science and History classes. Students receive the integrated writing skills so important
for high school success. Literature exposes students to a wide variety of literary forms including plays, poetry, novel studies, and great works of fiction. Students learn
the basic elements of plot, character, theme, and become versed in completion of character studies. Students also are learning how to analyze literature at the same
time. All of our middle school students participate in our Accelerated Reading Program in order to enhance their reading level. At the completion of each book read
each student is able to test their knowledge by taking an automated test in our Media Center. The Accelerated Reading Program tracks the books each student has
read, the level of the book, and the overall score and points received. This assists the teacher in tracking each child’s reading level and if necessary, implement
additional initiatives. Each child’s Accelerated Reading result is shared with parents at appropriate intervals.
Three levels of Science are offered at Lourdes Academy. In the sixth grade year, Earth and Space Science introduces students to the world and universe in which they
live. This curriculum is closely linked to the Social Studies curriculum, which in sixth grade emphasizes world civilizations. For example, plate tectonics are
discussed to consider the landforms caused by the movement of plates throughout the world and how those landforms affect or affected the civilizations that thrived in
those areas. The Science curriculum emphasizes how plate tectonics create those landforms and how the earth continues to change. Emphasis on beginning
laboratory skills is started in the sixth grade. In seventh grade, lab skills are enhanced to include microscope techniques as students are introduced to Life Science,
ranging from cells to the complexity of the human body. The eighth grade Physical Science class introduces basic concepts in physics and chemistry. This integrates
both Science and Math curricula. For example, in Pre-Algebra and Algebra classes, solving simple equations and manipulating those equations to obtain different
variables supplements the Science curriculum. Then, in Science, these equations are taken to develop formulas for solving specific scientific principles like speed
and acceleration and the use of integers in balancing chemical equations.
The Social Studies curriculum seeks to promote citizenship and an understanding of our relationship with the world around us. The curriculum includes World
Civilizations at the sixth grade level, Geography at the seventh grade level, and American History at the eighth grade level. The literature classes frequently read work
pertinent to the time period in history being studied. As previously stated, Social Studies and Science work together to give the student a total concept of the world in
which we live. Each level incorporates current events into lessons by way of discussion and by reading the newspaper or researching pertinent topics on the Internet.
Physical Education works to promote the students’ understanding of proper body mechanics, health, sportsmanship, and overall wellness. Health curriculum is
coordinated with Life Science curriculum, each reinforcing the other. Students are provided with opportunities to participate in both competitive and noncompetitive
sports. Many middle school students enjoy a varied extracurricular sports program that promotes team concepts and sportsmanship. Students are expected to
maintain excellent academic grades, as well as set examples in conduct and behavior.
Music classes in sixth grade and beyond help the student to develop a more advanced knowledge of the world of music, its structures, and its composers.
The Spanish language is taught in 6th and 7th grades with Rosetta Stone. In the 8th grade, advanced students have the opportunity to obtain high school credit in
Spanish with the Florida Virtual School.
Computer skills are also taught throughout the grade levels at Lourdes Academy. In Middle School, the emphasis is placed on improving keyboarding skills and
research/preparation for presentations.
Religion involves personal and group prayer, as well as Bible catechesis and Catholic social teaching as the main focus of this curriculum. Applying the Scripture to
everyday life is explored during discussions of the weekly Mass readings and an interpretation of the Homily. Students participate in traditional as well as
contemporary forms of worship and service in their classrooms and church community. Opportunities for our students’ participation in social justice activities are
planned throughout the year. In this way they see their faith in action.
The ultimate goal of the Lourdes Academy Middle School is to prepare each student for success during the high school years. Along with a core curriculum of
Mathematics, English, Grammar, and Literature, Science, and Social Studies, Lourdes Academy provides opportunities for the student to explore other areas including
Physical Education, sports, music, drama, foreign language, computer skills, and art as well as research skills. Religion classes are mandatory and an integral part
of student life at Lourdes Academy. The improvement of verbal and written communication skills is continuously stressed throughout the curriculum.
In Mathematics, high performing students pursue high school Algebra in the eighth grade. The Pre-Algebra program for all other students begins in grade six and
builds with each grade level. Mathematics is supplemented by student participation in math enrichment through a computerized software program entitled - SRA Math
which is implemented in the Computer Lab.
In English, grammar, and literature are used to reinforce writing skills for each student. Each middle school teacher focuses on grammar so that writing skills are
reinforced across the curriculum. The students complete research papers for Science and History classes. Students receive the integrated writing skills so important
for high school success. Literature exposes students to a wide variety of literary forms including plays, poetry, novel studies, and great works of fiction. Students learn
the basic elements of plot, character, theme, and become versed in completion of character studies. Students also are learning how to analyze literature at the same
time. All of our middle school students participate in our Accelerated Reading Program in order to enhance their reading level. At the completion of each book read
each student is able to test their knowledge by taking an automated test in our Media Center. The Accelerated Reading Program tracks the books each student has
read, the level of the book, and the overall score and points received. This assists the teacher in tracking each child’s reading level and if necessary, implement
additional initiatives. Each child’s Accelerated Reading result is shared with parents at appropriate intervals.
Three levels of Science are offered at Lourdes Academy. In the sixth grade year, Earth and Space Science introduces students to the world and universe in which they
live. This curriculum is closely linked to the Social Studies curriculum, which in sixth grade emphasizes world civilizations. For example, plate tectonics are
discussed to consider the landforms caused by the movement of plates throughout the world and how those landforms affect or affected the civilizations that thrived in
those areas. The Science curriculum emphasizes how plate tectonics create those landforms and how the earth continues to change. Emphasis on beginning
laboratory skills is started in the sixth grade. In seventh grade, lab skills are enhanced to include microscope techniques as students are introduced to Life Science,
ranging from cells to the complexity of the human body. The eighth grade Physical Science class introduces basic concepts in physics and chemistry. This integrates
both Science and Math curricula. For example, in Pre-Algebra and Algebra classes, solving simple equations and manipulating those equations to obtain different
variables supplements the Science curriculum. Then, in Science, these equations are taken to develop formulas for solving specific scientific principles like speed
and acceleration and the use of integers in balancing chemical equations.
The Social Studies curriculum seeks to promote citizenship and an understanding of our relationship with the world around us. The curriculum includes World
Civilizations at the sixth grade level, Geography at the seventh grade level, and American History at the eighth grade level. The literature classes frequently read work
pertinent to the time period in history being studied. As previously stated, Social Studies and Science work together to give the student a total concept of the world in
which we live. Each level incorporates current events into lessons by way of discussion and by reading the newspaper or researching pertinent topics on the Internet.
Physical Education works to promote the students’ understanding of proper body mechanics, health, sportsmanship, and overall wellness. Health curriculum is
coordinated with Life Science curriculum, each reinforcing the other. Students are provided with opportunities to participate in both competitive and noncompetitive
sports. Many middle school students enjoy a varied extracurricular sports program that promotes team concepts and sportsmanship. Students are expected to
maintain excellent academic grades, as well as set examples in conduct and behavior.
Music classes in sixth grade and beyond help the student to develop a more advanced knowledge of the world of music, its structures, and its composers.
The Spanish language is taught in 6th and 7th grades with Rosetta Stone. In the 8th grade, advanced students have the opportunity to obtain high school credit in
Spanish with the Florida Virtual School.
Computer skills are also taught throughout the grade levels at Lourdes Academy. In Middle School, the emphasis is placed on improving keyboarding skills and
research/preparation for presentations.
Religion involves personal and group prayer, as well as Bible catechesis and Catholic social teaching as the main focus of this curriculum. Applying the Scripture to
everyday life is explored during discussions of the weekly Mass readings and an interpretation of the Homily. Students participate in traditional as well as
contemporary forms of worship and service in their classrooms and church community. Opportunities for our students’ participation in social justice activities are
planned throughout the year. In this way they see their faith in action.
Elementary Program
The primary goal of our Religion curriculum is to have children learn, understand, and relate our Catholic faith to their own lives. This is linked into all other lessons,
regardless of subject matter. Children grow in awareness and understanding of Jesus’ mission, teaching, death, and resurrection. They also become active
members in celebrating Mass and Eucharist.
Language Arts consists of the broad subject areas of reading, writing (including spelling, grammar, usage, and penmanship), listening, and speaking. Our goal is to
give children tools to communicate and effectively interpret the spoken and written word. Teachers provide children with many opportunities to develop and strengthen
the love of language, to use language creatively, and to develop their capacity to reason. Students in the elementary level engage in a writing process that extends
throughout the curriculum. Writing across the curriculum is achieved by creative writing which is not limited to a specific subject, learning to spell reading words that
are used in the different types of writing, and writing summaries in areas such as Social Studies, Reading and Religion.
Grades four and higher participate in our Accelerated Reading Program in order to enhance their reading skill. At the completion of each book read, students are able
to test their knowledge by taking an automated test in our Media Center. The Accelerated Reading Program tracks the books each student has read, the level of the
book, and the overall score and points received. This assists the teacher in tracking each child’s reading level and if necessary, implement additional initiatives. Each
child’s Accelerated Reading result is shared with parents at appropriate intervals.
The elementary Math curriculum uses a wide variety of activities to develop computational and problem solving skills. Lessons in grades three through five cover
number sense and operation, algebra, geometry and spatial sense, measurement, data analysis, and probability.
Many Math lessons are also linked to Science and Social Studies skills. This integrated approach enables students to develop knowledge and apply skills in more
than one area of study. As children undertake Science activities, for instance, they develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, which they can apply to other subjects.
The Science curriculum covers areas of earth science, life science, and physical science. Through Social Studies discussions and investigations, children appreciate
the history of our country and begin to develop a global view of the world. Social Studies in third grade focuses on Communities and Early Civilizations, fourth grade
focuses on Florida History and fifth grade focuses on American History.
Special area subjects in third through fifth grades are Music, Art, Computer Science, and Physical Education/Health. Special area teachers work with classroom
teachers and administration to enhance lessons being covered in class and help with school-wide activities and special events.
Music classes are concerned with the structure and use of music in every day life. Students learn about instruments and their sounds, musical forms, and musical
styles. Students learn to play simple instruments, construct simple melodic passages, and perform folk dances. They continue to develop their singing voices and
learn how to sing simple harmonies.
Throughout the year students learn about the elements and principles of Art and how to apply them in their own projects. Special techniques are combined with many
types of media to work on craftsmanship and problem solving through art. The creative process, creative expression, cultural heritage, and art history are touched
upon at various times during each project.
Computer skills are taught in the computer lab. Students are instructed in the proper terminology and use of the computer, and then use programs to practice
keyboarding, language, and/or math skills. Students often use the computer for research and type and publish their work.
The elementary Physical Education curriculum focus on our students being fit in mind, body, and soul. Every year students go through the President’s Physical Fitness
Challenge test. Classes are structured with a variety of basic exercises and fun games to work specific skills like eye/hand coordination, eye/foot coordination,
under/over hand throwing, spatial awareness, and body positioning. These skills, plus good sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and leadership, lead students to
lifelong good health.
The primary goal of our Religion curriculum is to have children learn, understand, and relate our Catholic faith to their own lives. This is linked into all other lessons,
regardless of subject matter. Children grow in awareness and understanding of Jesus’ mission, teaching, death, and resurrection. They also become active
members in celebrating Mass and Eucharist.
Language Arts consists of the broad subject areas of reading, writing (including spelling, grammar, usage, and penmanship), listening, and speaking. Our goal is to
give children tools to communicate and effectively interpret the spoken and written word. Teachers provide children with many opportunities to develop and strengthen
the love of language, to use language creatively, and to develop their capacity to reason. Students in the elementary level engage in a writing process that extends
throughout the curriculum. Writing across the curriculum is achieved by creative writing which is not limited to a specific subject, learning to spell reading words that
are used in the different types of writing, and writing summaries in areas such as Social Studies, Reading and Religion.
Grades four and higher participate in our Accelerated Reading Program in order to enhance their reading skill. At the completion of each book read, students are able
to test their knowledge by taking an automated test in our Media Center. The Accelerated Reading Program tracks the books each student has read, the level of the
book, and the overall score and points received. This assists the teacher in tracking each child’s reading level and if necessary, implement additional initiatives. Each
child’s Accelerated Reading result is shared with parents at appropriate intervals.
The elementary Math curriculum uses a wide variety of activities to develop computational and problem solving skills. Lessons in grades three through five cover
number sense and operation, algebra, geometry and spatial sense, measurement, data analysis, and probability.
Many Math lessons are also linked to Science and Social Studies skills. This integrated approach enables students to develop knowledge and apply skills in more
than one area of study. As children undertake Science activities, for instance, they develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, which they can apply to other subjects.
The Science curriculum covers areas of earth science, life science, and physical science. Through Social Studies discussions and investigations, children appreciate
the history of our country and begin to develop a global view of the world. Social Studies in third grade focuses on Communities and Early Civilizations, fourth grade
focuses on Florida History and fifth grade focuses on American History.
Special area subjects in third through fifth grades are Music, Art, Computer Science, and Physical Education/Health. Special area teachers work with classroom
teachers and administration to enhance lessons being covered in class and help with school-wide activities and special events.
Music classes are concerned with the structure and use of music in every day life. Students learn about instruments and their sounds, musical forms, and musical
styles. Students learn to play simple instruments, construct simple melodic passages, and perform folk dances. They continue to develop their singing voices and
learn how to sing simple harmonies.
Throughout the year students learn about the elements and principles of Art and how to apply them in their own projects. Special techniques are combined with many
types of media to work on craftsmanship and problem solving through art. The creative process, creative expression, cultural heritage, and art history are touched
upon at various times during each project.
Computer skills are taught in the computer lab. Students are instructed in the proper terminology and use of the computer, and then use programs to practice
keyboarding, language, and/or math skills. Students often use the computer for research and type and publish their work.
The elementary Physical Education curriculum focus on our students being fit in mind, body, and soul. Every year students go through the President’s Physical Fitness
Challenge test. Classes are structured with a variety of basic exercises and fun games to work specific skills like eye/hand coordination, eye/foot coordination,
under/over hand throwing, spatial awareness, and body positioning. These skills, plus good sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and leadership, lead students to
lifelong good health.
| 1014 North Halifax Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL. 32118 * PH: 386.252.0391 * FAX: 386-238-1175 www.lourdesacademy.net |
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