Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Academy

GENERAL CURRICULUM

              Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Academy offers a challenging classical curriculum, which establishes the foundation for success in academics, as well as in life. We use traditional, proven educational methods. Catechism, phonics, reading, writing, and mathematics are stressed in the earliest grades, while the upper grades build upon this solid foundation a clear understanding of western civilization, and an appreciation of their American heritage. Most importantly, we provide a truly Catholic culture in which students learn to live, to love, to clearly understand and to defend their faith. Parents, as the primary educators of their children, are encouraged to take an active role in the school. Specific learning objectives are available for each grade. Below is a brief overview of the curriculum.

 RELIGION

Students receive clear, orthodox instruction in the catechism, the Bible and the traditions and customs of the Church. The necessity of daily prayer and the frequent reception of the sacraments for growth in holiness is stressed. Confessions are heard during school hours three times a month, and students assist at Adoration, Benediction and the traditional Mass once a month, on First Friday. We place a strong emphasis on Eucharistic devotion, the love of Our Blessed Mother and daily practice of the virtues. As the teacher has an incalculable influence on the student, we ensure‑that our teachers are orthodox, fervent Catholics who are unabashedly loyal to the Magisterium. Our teachers view each student as a soul for Christ, and they make use of everyday opportunities to instruct and correct students on Christian behavior.

 PHONICS/READING/WRITING

 The ability to comprehend the written word, and to express oneself clearly affects all areas of life and is the crucial foundation of academic achievement. For this reason, the study of the English language occupies a significant portion of the curriculum. Students are thoroughly instructed in phonics and the application of phonics rules to reading and spelling in grades K‑2. In order to build a large and varied vocabulary, the Wordly Wise program begins in grade 2 and continues to grade 9. Along with our structured spelling program, we require that students spell correctly in all written assignments. Mastery of proper grammar, usage and mechanics of English is our goal. Diagramming and nearly daily essays are mandatory in the upper grades, and all students proofread and correct their work to ensure true understanding. Throughout the curriculum students are exposed to truth, beauty, and goodness, and thereby to God, in classical literature selections.

 MATHEMATICS

 Students are given a solid foundation in the basic concepts of mathematics. In order to ensure both understanding and competence, we place a strong emphasis on daily practice and repetition, which allows knowledge to be stored in their long‑term memory. In Kindergarten students learn to count and to recognize symbols, and become familiar with quantitative terms, and with geometric, money and time concepts. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are mastered in grades 1‑3, and students are tested for speed and accuracy in computation. Students in grades 4‑6 become adept at fractions, decimals and three-digit multiplication, along with geometrical concepts. Pre‑algebra, algebra and geometry are the focus of grades 7‑10, and students are placed in these courses based on individual aptitude, not on age or grade level.

 SCIENCE

 A systematic approach to the exploration of science, involving book-learning, hands-on activities and exploration provides students with the foundation for a deeper understanding of science as the curriculum progresses. Students are instructed in life science, physical science and earth science in the elementary grades, while the study of biology begins in ninth grade. The importance of the scientific method is stressed, and students are encouraged to ask questions and to seek answers. Students are taught to see and appreciate the magnificence and infinite variety of God's creation in the world, and to gain a cohesive understanding of how everything is interrelated in the beauty of God's design. OLSHA follows the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church regarding the theory of evolution.

 HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY

 The importance of the western civilization is stressed throughout the entire history program, while the foundation and development of the republic of America to the present day is thoroughly studied. Study of the distinct features of each nation and the use of maps begin in the earliest grades, starting with the local community and expanding to the world in the older grades. Bible history, the histories of ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece and that of Europe lay the foundation for American history. Always, the Incarnation, is the focal point. Students learn about great historical figures using biographies, study the customs of different cultures and memorize dates, names and facts. But emphasis is placed on the significance of events in relation to the Faith. Illinois history is studied in books and on field trips in our native land. Students take both the Illinois and the United States Constitution Test prior to graduation.

 LATIN

 While the formal study of Latin begins in the fourth grade, students learn Latin prayers and phrases beginning in Kindergarten. Latin is a key to the vocabulary and structure of English and many other modern languages, as well as the technical vocabulary of the sciences. Latin facilitates the study of all other subjects and languages. Rhetoric, the art of using language to explain the truth to others effectively, and to persuasively move the will, is also strengthened by the study of Latin. Above all, Latin remains the official language of the Roman Catholic Church, and the birthright of all Catholics.

 MUSIC

 Beginning in Kindergarten, the children learn to sing on pitch. In the primary grades, they begin to learn the most simple ancient music of the Church, as well as traditional folk and patriotic songs. The older students study the history of music, music theory and the great composers, and they sing in harmony and polyphony.

 ART

 The younger students enjoy many craft projects, and illustrate the stories they read, as well as their own. The older ones begin the formal study of art and architecture, and practice drawing from life and in perspective.

 PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 Lively, organized games are opportunities for the youngest students to have healthy exercise, and to learn sportsmanship. The older ones carry on the ideals of sportsmanship, and encourage each other in speed, strength and skill. Each year OLSHA reviews the curriculum in order to make changes for the benefits of our students.