Curriculum

St. Margaret Mary is dedicated to providing excellence in education in a loving, Catholic environment.  We strive to develop the whole child spiritually, academically, and socially. Technology is integrated in both curriculum and teaching methods to meet student needs in a technological world.

 

In addition, Saint Margaret Mary offers:

  • Students in sixth through eighth grade have the opportunity to take honors math and English.
  • Students in eighth grade are given the opportunity to earn high school credit in English I, Physical Science, World Geography, and Algebra I.
  • All students participate in a core curriculum enriched by the inclusion of the following: music, art, computer, library skills, physical education, Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math Programs.

 

Early Childhood Programs
Our program begins with an Early Childhood Program which currently includes Pre-K 4, kindergarten and first grade. Additionally, it will include an Early Childhood Development SMM Pre-KProgram for three year olds in the fall of 2012. At Saint Margaret Mary, we offer a stimulating and secure learning environment while integrating our Catholic faith. The Early Childhood Program is designed to meet the developmental needs of young children and includes hands-on learning centers, outdoor play, art, music, and movement. Children are encouraged to grow in independence, explore the world around them, and learn through developmentally appropriate learning activities. The curriculum addresses all domains of early childhood development in the areas of phonemic awareness, prewriting/writing, reading, math, science, social studies, and religion. The kindergarten program builds on the learning and development gained in Pre-K. Daily learning centers, hands-on instruction, and curriculum based art activities help our students achieve academically in a positive, Christian atmosphere. Language arts instruction includes journal writing, phonemic development, and the introduction to a wide variety of literary forms. Math work consists of calendar math, use of manipulatives, number sense, and sequencing. Science and social studies skills are taught in a meaningful, active and integrative manner. Catholic Identity Standards and Louisiana State Standards are implemented in each area of study.

 

Elementary School
Our elementary classes continue with grades first through fifth and focuses on creating a loveSMM Elementary of learning while emphasizing the state standards of curriculum. Hands-on investigation, a variety of learning opportunities, and focus on higher level thinking skills help students at Saint Margaret Mary reach their full potential. Our elementary students receive a strong reading, math, and language arts curriculum as well as science, social studies, and religion in a self-contained class. Classroom novels supplement the classroom reading program and introduce students to a variety of literature. Daily journaling on a variety of topics reinforces writing skills and improves writing quality and creativity. Students participate in enrichment courses including computer lab, library, physical education, and art. Both the Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math Programs are used to reinforce and practice important concepts.

 

Middle School
Students in our middle school grades participate in rigorous academics, enrichment courses, SMM Middle Schathletic teams, and leadership programs with a strong emphasis on Christian values.  Our middle school curriculum is determined by the state standards and guidelines and incorporates the Catholic Values Standards. Students are challenged and engaged as they acquire necessary skills in the core subject areas of reading, math, English, science, social studies and religion.  Middle school students also benefit from the Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math programs. Students in sixth through eighth grade have the opportunity to take honors math and English. Students qualify for honors placement based on grades, Terra Nova scores, and a placement test. Students in eighth grade are given the opportunity to earn high school credit in English I, Physical Science, World Geography, and Algebra I.