Curriculum Information

Information on this page includes:

1. Overview of Curricular Philosophy
2. Curriculum Standards for Grades K-8
3. Middle Grade Program Information
4. Curriculum In-Depth Study Cycle

1.  Overview of Curricular Philosophy

Mission Parish School provides a diverse and rich curriculum that exemplifies our philosophy.  As Catholic educators, we strive to instill morals and values, model Christ-like behavior, and integrate religious instruction throughout the curriculum.  Students participate in daily prayer, attend school planned liturgies, and experience community outreach projects.  These activities guide the students to become faith-filled believers who are actively involved as responsible citizens.

Expectations of students’ learning are outlined for each grade level in each subject area through the in-depth studies which span the curriculum. Effective communication is evident through activities such as oral presentations, sharing time, demonstrations, writing, and the usage of multi-media.  Critical thinking and problem solving are encouraged in all areas such as writing, reading comprehension, scientific experiments, and mathematical problems. Curriculum instruction follows Diocesan guidelines. Additional academic instruction is also provided in Spanish, the A+ Learning System, the Diocesan Spelling Bee, and the Diocesan sponsored Academic Decathlon. The Fine Arts curriculum is greatly enhanced by classroom instruction involving art, dance, drama, music class, the Art Masters program and the Orange County’s Pacific Symphony Class Act program.

Given the ever changing swing of the education pendulum, Mission Parish School has always maintained a well-balanced curricular program.  As educators, we analyze new educational trends and determine what is relevant and necessary to meet the needs of our students. The teachers attend workshops, in-services, conventions, college courses, and read professional articles to acquire the background of these trends.  Currently, particular emphasis is on those relating to methods of alternative assessment and the development of student portfolios. We discuss the effectiveness of new trends and choose what works for the students at Mission Parish School in order to maintain a viable, meaningful instructional program.

2.  Curriculum Standards

To view Mission Parish Schools curriculum standards for Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies for each grade level, please follow the links below:

Kindergarten Curriculum

1st Grade Curriculum

2nd Grade Curriculum

3rd Grade Curriculum

4th Grade Curriculum

5th Grade Curriculum

6th Grade Curriculum

7th Grade Curriculum

8th Grade Curriculum

3.  Middle Grades Program (MGP)

MAKING MIDDLE GRADES WORK

The Mission Parish School middle grades model is based on key elements and conditions that are common to successful schools:

1.  An academic core that is aligned to what students must know, understand, and be able to do to succeed in college-preparatory English, mathematics, and science.  All students in the middle grades need academic core curricula that accelerate their learning, challenge them, and appeal to their interests.

2.  A belief that all students matter ~ Each student needs to have personal relationships with the faculty and staff that take an interest in his or her successful learning, goal-setting, educational planning, and spiritual and personal growth.

3.  High expectations and a system for meeting those expectations ~ Students learn in different ways and at different rates.  Middle grades students need the patience, time, and help to meet more rigorous, consistent standards for all eighth-graders.  The total curricula of the middle grades program should focus on accelerating achievement for all students.

4.  C lassroom practices that engage students in their learning ~ Young adolescents need varied learning activities linked to challenging academic content and opportunities to use newly acquired skills and concepts in real world applications.

5.  Teachers working together ~ All teachers need time to collaborate, plan together, develop and coordinate learning activities, and to share student work and achievement among themselves.

6.  Support from parents ~ Parents must have a clear understanding of and must support the higher standards for performance in the middle grades.

7.  Qualified teachers ~ Middle-grades teachers must know both academic content and how to teach young adolescents.

4.  Curriculum In-Depth Study Cycle

2005-2006

Indepth Study of Family Life

• Guidelines Distributed:  October, 2005
• Indepth Study Due:  April, 2006

2006-2007

Indepth Study of Health

• Guidelines Distributed:  April, 2006
• Indepth Study Due:  January, 2007

2004-2007

Indepth Study of Language Arts ~ Language Arts includes Reading/Literature and

                                                     Writing, English, Phonics, Spelling, and Handwriting

• Guidelines Distributed:  December, 2006
• Indepth Study Due:  June, 2007

2007-2008

Indepth Study of Visual/Performing Arts and Technology

• Guidelines Distributed:  September, 2007
• Indepth Study Due:  June, 2008

2008-2009                      

Indepth Study of History/Social Science

2009-2010                      

Indepth Study of Religion

2010-2011                    

Indepth Study of Math