Curriculum and Enrichment
A Catholic education is a challenging education. High standards, strong motivation, effective discipline and an atmosphere of caring all combine to foster excellence and a high quality of student performance.
Curriculum
The curriculum and instruction at St. Alphonsus Parish School is aligned with the Washington State’s Grade Level Expectations as established by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Olympia, Washington. The exception to this is our Religion curriculum which is set by the Archdiocese of Seattle.
Half of our Washington State certified teaching staff at our school hold advanced degrees and average 17 years of teaching experience.
Beginning in Kindergarten we prepare students by helping them form a solid, developmentally appropriate foundation in the areas of reading, writing, math, and language arts. In addition, elementary students study science, social studies, religion, physical education, art, music, and technology. Students’ skills are expanded upon from grade-to-grade preparing our Elementary Grade students to succeed in Middle School. Teachers have strategies for helping students in their areas of weakness and challenge students in their areas of strength.
Class Structure
St. Alphonsus has one class per grade in Kindergarten (full-day), 1st and 2nd grades. We have two combined 3rd/4th grade classes.
Spanish Infusion Program
Over the years at St. Alphonsus the importance of understanding other cultures and learning another language has been important. The school has made a commitment to infusing Spanish into the curriculum.
For the 2010-11 school year we are hosting a Spanish intern from Columbia through the Amity Institute.
The students at St. Alphonsus are exposed to Spanish instruction with the primary goal of interrelating foreign language with cultural awareness.
Spiritual Enrichment
Our religion curriculum is integrated through daily prayers, daily religion lessons, weekly Mass, and age-appropriate community service learning projects.
Additional School Activities
Elementary grade tudents have the opportunity to participate in many school activities that occur both during and after the school day, including:
Junior Olympics * Christmas and Spring Concerts * Annual Art Show * Ski Bus * Spanish Dance * Science Club * Chess Club * Knitting Club * Family Night Bingo * CYO Athletics * Jogathon