Academics
Self-confident. Conscientious. Motivated. These are just a few of the distinctive characteristics of Holy Child Academy students. HCA teachers cultivate these qualities within a nurturing academic environment where students develop an aptitude for critical thinking, confidence in presenting to large groups, a passion for lifelong learning, and dedication to serving others.
From Montessori materials in Early Childhood classrooms to innovative technological tools, including a one-to-one Middle School Netbook/Chromebook Program, and the Innovation Lab for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education, students benefit from the varied approaches that faculty members implement. They are motivated to learn and are challenged by their teachers.
OUR TEACHING METHODS
The hallmark of an HCA education is individualized attention. The goal is to meet the academic needs of each child and their ideal way of learning. HCA teachers adapt their instructional methods to integrate a variety of learning styles, including visual, verbal, auditory, and kinestic (physical). Holy Child Academy offers a continuum of education starting with the Early Childhood Montessori Program for children ages two to five. Each phase of the curriculum focuses on helping students build a strong foundation for academic success. The academic curriculum is challenging with students receiving concentrated instruction in religion, language arts (literature, writing and grammar), mathematics, science, social studies, Spanish, art, and music. In addition, HCA students engage in hands-on experiential learning inside and outside the classroom.
THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY
The school environment at HCA also provides students with plenty of opportunities to socialize with peers, develop friendships, and learn conflict resolution skills. As a school community, students and teachers offer daily prayers to start and end the day, and HCA marks the liturgical seasons with religious celebrations. While the tenets of the Catholic faith are taught, children from all faiths attend the school, and they and their families are welcomed as part of our diverse community. In addition, community service projects are essential to school life. Students make greeting cards for hospital patients, visit with nursing home residents, or cook casseroles for those in need.With a multitude of extracurricular activities HCA students can explore a variety of interests such as music, performing arts, and sports. Students can do it all at Holy Child Academy!
THREE SCHOOLS IN ONE
HCA has three divisions of schools, the Early Childhood Program (age two to kindergaden), the Lower School for Grades 1-4, and the Middle School for Grades 5-8.
The HCA curriculum emphasizes reading, writing, grammar, science, social studies, math, and religion, while including special instruction in Spanish. music, art, and physical education are also an integral part of the curriculum for each grade. The Montessori Program offers a variety of manipulative materials which tap children’s natural inquisitiveness and promote learning. These daily hands-on activities capture the children’s excitement for learning as they become more aware of the world around them.
NURSERY THROUGH KINDERGARTEN
Nursery through Pre-K Montessori methodology and materials allow children the freedom to develop their natural curiosity in a thoughtfully prepared environment. In addition to lessons in art and music, children progress at their own pace, with teacher demonstration and guidance, in learning areas that include practical life, sensorial tasks, language, and math. The HCA Kindergarten program incorporates some Montessori materials from Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten programs, but also incorporates more traditional aspects to help the children prepare for education in the Lower School. Learn more
FIRST THROUGH FOURTH GRADE
Small group instruction allows students to master math and language arts concepts at a pace that suits their needs, while lively classes in science, religion, foreign language, social studies, music, and art expand their horizons beyond the classroom. Technology enriches all learning, and athletics and physical education classes build skills and foster teamwork. Learn more
FIFTH THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE
Students rise to new levels of maturity, self-assurance, and self-reliance as they hone critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills in every subject area. Accelerated learning in language arts, math, science, and foreign language stretches the curriculum beyond traditional boundaries while social studies and religion bring insights of global challenges to the classroom. Numerous programs build athletic, leadership, musical, and theatrical skills, while community outreach reinforces a commitment to a world beyond the school. Learn more