The Archdiocese of Atlanta prescribes the curricular standards and benchmarks that must be achieved at each grade level for each subject. OLA Catholic School implements the prescribed curriculum. The goals of the curriculum, as outlined by the Office of Catholic Schools, are to
- Communicate the Gospel message.
- Engender a sense of responsibility as members of a church community.
- Empower learners to accept responsibility for the acquisition and use of knowledge.
- Cultivate a desire for continuous learning through formal and informal education.
- Engender a sense of responsibility as citizens within a democracy.
- Empower learners to make informed choices.
- Use independent and critical thinking.
- Strive toward connectedness of all learning.
- Implement instruction, which is developmentally appropriate
- Strive toward clear and accurate communication through the development of a variety of skills.
- Represent all subject areas resulting in comprehensive literacy.
- Use all available technologies to support instruction
- Implement effective prevention programs as early as possible for students who demonstrate learning challenges
- To ensure a thorough foundation of knowledge for successful transition into secondary study.
Religion (Grades PK-8)
Daily religious instruction is based upon Catholic faith-based traditions of the Roman Catholic faith and the four pillars of the catechism of the Roman Catholic church — creed, prayer, liturgy, and morality. The We Believe textbook series is utilized to emphasize the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. There is a strong focus on the study of faith, so students understand exactly why they are called to be active participants in the world around them, even at an early age.
Pre-Kindergarten
Program Components
Phonemic awareness, theme-based units of study, faith-based curriculum emphasizing bible stories and Mass themes
Kindergarten through Second Grade
Language Arts Program Components
Phonemic awareness, phonics, mnemonic recognition, guided reading, writing, handwriting
Math Program Components
Number recognition, computation of mathematical operations, introduction to geometry (shapes/patterns), time, money and problem solving, concepts and estimation
Science and Social Studies Program Components
Weather/seasons, five senses, animals, habitats, matter, earth through time, light and color scientific inquiry, community, cultural diversity, simple economics, government, civics
Spanish (Enrichment)
Includes an introduction to the language, culture and traditions through music, hands-on activities, and conversational phrases
Third through Fifth Grade
Language Arts Program Components
Reading comprehension, written expression, vocabulary, spelling, critical thinking skills
Math Program Components
Computation, problem solving, geometry, estimation, statistics, algebraic concepts
Science Program Components
Life cycles, geology, energy, plants, animals, introduction to kingdoms, scientific method/inquiry
Social Studies Program Components
Grade 3— US and World communities, geography, civics, economics
Grade 4— Geography and regional studies of the United States
Grade 5 — Geographic study of the Americas (North and South), ancient origins to present
Spanish (Enrichment)
Includes an introduction to the language, culture and traditions through music, hands-on activities, and conversational phrases
Sixth through Eighth Grade (Middle School)
Language Arts Program Components
Grammar, writing, vocabulary, spelling, literature, novel studies
Math Program Components
Computation (properties and estimation), problem solving, measurement, properties and conversion, statistics, geometry, algebraic concepts and functions. Advanced level – Pre-Algebra (Grade 7), Algebra (Grade 8)
Science Program Components
Grade 6 — earth science, space, scientific method, scientific inquiry
Grade 7 — life science, scientific method, scientific inquiry
Grade 8 — physical science, chemistry, scientific method, scientific inquiry
Social Studies Program Components
Grade 6 — Ancient Civilizations of Europe, Asia, and Africa
Grade 7 — Early American History to the Civil War
Grade 8 — American History from Reconstruction to Present, Georgia History, the Constitution
Spanish Program Components
Core curriculum, introduction to the language, culture and traditions using speaking, listening, writing, projects, and story-telling techniques