Curriculum
Essential Learnings is the core curriculum guide for the principals and teachers in the New York Archdiocese. It is a comprehensive package of basic knowledge and skills in the subject areas of MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS, ART, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, and MUSIC for grades pre-k through 8. Essential Learnings is correlated directly with the New York State Standards and Assessment program and our standardized testing program. Teachers use the Essential Learnings as a guide in their lesson planning. The intent is that while Essential Learnings must be adapted according to local needs and resources, this is done with an understanding of the basic requirements for each grade and subject. Teachers use it in conjunction with a keen awareness of the abilities of the students in their class, their textbook series, and the resources available to them within and outside their local school.
Within the Catholic school system of the New York Archdiocese the curriculum is enhanced by the added dimension of the integration of Catholic values throughout the curriculum. Students learn to connect the message of the Gospel with all aspects of the curriculum and with all aspects of life in accordance with the mission statement of the Catholic Values Integration Program of the New York Archdiocese.
For more detailed information on the core curriculum, check out the Archdiocese of New York's website on elementary curriculum. The links below provide information about our "Specials" programs.