The STEM Model
Our class sizes average 12-15 students, which ensures that all students are receiving individualized instruction and the optimal amount of attention from their teachers daily.
Intimate Class Sizes
While our STEM model places an emphasis on developing our students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, the STEM culture of learning permeates all subject areas. In every subject, students are solving real-world problems, teachers implement student-centered and inquiry-based instruction, and interdisciplinary connections are made for a well-rounded education.
Departmentalized and Specialized Teachers
Our classes are departmentalized beginning in kindergarten, which means that all of our students kinder through eighth grade rotate among three teachers and blocks in the day: STEM (science and math), ELA (English/language arts), and Humanities (religion and social studies). This empowers our teachers to specialize in their content areas, and means that our students have three years with each teacher, which builds alignment in instruction and supports a long-term, individualized instructional plan for all students.
Curriculum
Holy Cross School is fully accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The curriculum taught at Holy Cross School is rooted in Common Core State Standards for math and ELA, Next Generation Science Standards for science, ADLA Religion Standards for religion, and California State Standards for social studies. In addition to our core subjects, students receive music and physical education, instruction.
Religion
Students receive religion instruction daily, and second graders prepare for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Our religion curriculum is Blest Are We.
Math
Our math curriculum kinder through eighth grade is Ready Math, a rigorous, blended learning curriculum.
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English/Language Arts
Our English/language arts curriculum focuses on the core disciplinary areas of reading, writing, language, and speaking & listening. In kinder through fourth grade, our ELA curriculum is Wonders Reading. Our middle school curriculum Is a comprehensive, novel study-based curriculum.
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Science
Our science curriculum kinder through eighth grade Is STEMScopes, an inquiry-based, 5E Model of hands-on science learning.
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Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum is teacher created in Kindergarten through eighth grade, based on the California State Standards. Instruction is project-based, and weaves skills and topics taught in ELA and religion.
Religion
Students receive religion instruction daily, and second graders prepare for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Our religion curriculum is Blest Are We.
Math
Our math curriculum kinder through eighth grade is Ready Math, a rigorous, blended learning curriculum.
Learn more
English/Language Arts
Our English/language arts curriculum focuses on the core disciplinary areas of reading, writing, language, and speaking & listening. In kinder through fourth grade, our ELA curriculum is Wonders Reading. Our middle school curriculum Is a comprehensive, novel study-based curriculum.
Learn more
Science
Our science curriculum kinder through eighth grade Is STEMScopes, an inquiry-based, 5E Model of hands-on science learning.
Learn more
Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum is teacher created in Kindergarten through eighth grade, based on the California State Standards. Instruction is project-based, and weaves skills and topics taught in ELA and religion.