St. Francis Borgia School has a record of over 60 years of academic success. We ensure that our students receive the highest quality education. Below are some of our curriculum highlights.
Classroom Curriculum:
Mathematics
Our math curriculum focuses on computational skills and problem solving applications. We connect these skills and applications to the daily lives of our students. Writing is an integral part of our math curriculum. In writing, students learn to think logically, increase math knowledge, express ideas clearly, and learn multiple ways to solve a problem. Our math curriculum is based on the National Math Standards. A High School based Algebra program is offered to our eighth grade students.
Reading: Our reading curriculum stresses the development of competence in reading comprehension and vocabulary. We also want our students to enjoy reading. The program uses a literature based basal reading approach with a strong emphasis placed on supplementary and enrichment reading outside of the classroom. The teachers also include literature based reading programs in their classrooms.
English: Our english curriculum stresses the development of competence in grammar, punctuation, and usage.
Spelling: Our spelling curriculum encourages the application of spelling principles to daily work in reading and writing.
Composition: Our composition curriculum encourages various types of writing experiences while providing instruction in the mechanics of coherent writing. The students follow the writing formula provided by the Illinois State Board of Education. Cursive handwriting is also practiced in first through eighth grade.
Penmanship: Students in the primary grades are taught the fine-motor skills required for legible penmanship.
Science
Our science curriculum serves to introduce the students to major concepts and generalizations in the physical, life, and the earth sciences. Students will use experimentation, inquiry, and sound research techniques. There is a science fair requirement for students in eighth grade.
Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum helps students to further develop reading and thinking skills. The students gain knowledge in map skills, basic geography skills, current events, peace and justice issues, American History, and World History.
Religious Education
Religious Education is the core curriculum at Saint Francis Borgia School. It is the reason for our existence. In addition to daily formal classroom instruction, the curriculum is enriched by school liturgies, prayer services, and traditional developmental practices. In the curriculum students learn to understand the teachings and traditions of the Church. There is also a strong emphasis on Christian service to others. Family support is essential to our Religious Education curriculum. Parents are the primary educators of their children. They need to be aware of their responsibility to attend Sunday Mass and encourage participation in the Sacraments. They set the example for the entire family. Parents are expected to take an active part in the formal instructions that accompany the Sacramental programs.
Specials:
Computer Education
Our computer education curriculum is required for all students. It is formally taught in our two computer labs. The students learn keyboarding, coding skills, word processing, research, and strengthen their reasoning skills. Students also learn how to be safe online by using the Common Sense curriculum. Desktop computers, iPads, and Promethean boards are available in the classrooms. They are used as tools to enhance learning.
Physical Education
Our physical education curriculum is required for all students. Physical fitness, motor coordination, safety, and sportsmanship are the main areas of the curriculum.The President’s Physical Fitness Program is incorporated in third through eighth grade.
Fine Arts
Music and Art are a vital part of our school curriculum. The Fine Arts are utilized throughout all curricular areas.
Spanish
Our spanish curriculum is required for all students. The curriculum is taught using the TPRS (total physical response and storytelling) method. Students practice everyday word structures and experience cultural learning.
School Library
Our school library has thousands of nonfiction and fiction books. We have sets of encyclopedias and other reference books. We encourage students to use the library’s resources for enjoyment as well as for completing assignments. All grades visit the library weekly.