Academics

CURRICULUM 
Many parents appreciate St. Anthony Catholic School because of the religious formation their children receive, the safe and nurturing environment we maintain, and our caring and committing faculty and staff.  Follwing the ADW (Archdiocese of Washington) standards our students engage in learning with field trips and hands on activities.  We offer Algebra I to a select group of eighth grade students that can be applied, and we maintain an active partnership with Catholic University of America that provides benefits to our science program and the professional development of our teachers. Several teachers have been on the school staff for many years; while others are new to St. Anthony.  Our 25 teachers are dedicated to their profession and especially to teaching in a Catholic school.


Academic Curriculum:  The Archdiocese of Washington has undertaken the task of determining which of the curriculum standards have the greatest impact on life-long learners.  These become the focus of the school’s curriculum, and establish student expectations, instructional strategies and assessments for learning.  Strong emphasis is placed on

• Language Arts (Reading, Phonics, English, Spelling)
• Mathematics 
• Science
• Social Studies
• Music
• Visual Arts
• Spanish
• Physical and Health education  
• Band instruction, and special field trips are also offered

Catholic Identity and Religion Curriculum:  Our religion curriculum includes daily morning prayers and prayers before meals, catechism class, celebration of the sacraments and of Catholic liturgical seasons, weekly school Mass, weekly school prayer service, processions, as well as awareness and participation in community service.  For our younger students we offer Catechesis of The Good Shepherd. Each class sponsors a service project with the expectation that each student will participate.  All students, regardless of their faith experience and participate in the religious life of the school.  Sacramental preparation is also conducted in the school.  

Technology:  St. Anthony integrates technology into its curriculum and has a computer lab used by grades Kindergarten through Eighth.  St Anthony offers students endless learning opportunities through the use of innovative, state-of-the-art technology. Students use computers to learn basic keyboarding skills, Internet safety/digital citizenship, create Microsoft Word and Power Point documents, conduct Internet research, work on collaborative group projects using Google Docs, write journals, participate in virtual field trips and much more. Middle school students use their Chrome Books to write, collaborate and access the Internet in all subjects. Technology integration is achieved through project-based learning. Students have the opportunity to study advanced topics in mathematics and language arts.

Standardized Testing:   Archdiocese of Washington Catholic schools uses  MAP standardized tests to measure how well students master the concepts and skills being taught. These assessment tools also compare our students’ scores to others across the country.

We use a computerized assessment tool that offers distinct advantages for teachers, parents, administrators and students—including students with special needs. Family Guide to Map Growth