Curriculum
The Educational Day
Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. See "Before and After School Care" for extended day information.
Religion
Religion classes are held daily in each classroom. Using a multi-text approach, it is the goal at Our Lady of Lourdes School to impart the teaching of Jesus within the atmosphere of the Catholic culture. Lessons and liturgies include an appreciation of both Old and New Testament while emphasizing the love and respect of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Reading and Literature
Our reading series is based on Scott Foresman's approach to comprehension and enjoyment of literature in which students in kindergarten through sixth grades are encouraged to read at their own pace. The Medallion Series in Literature, also from Scott Foresman, is used in grades seven and eight. The emphasis here again is on enjoyment, but now includes understanding of literary style and technique. Students are asked to do much reading.
English and Spelling
The English series is chosen for its emphasis on grammar and correct usage in speech and writing. From Loyola University Press, the text in grades one through eight is New Voyages in English. The spelling series is selected because of its demand for usage in writing and logical sequence of presentation. It comes to us from McDougal, Littell and Company.
Math
Lourdes will implement the Sadlier math curriculum in grades K-5. This challenging math curriculum emphasizes basics and continually reinforces concepts while offering opportunities to practice new material. The math curriculum for grades 6-8 is currently under review.
Social Studies
Our study of world customs and peoples comes to us from Houghton Mifflin. Its strength is a whole language approach coordinating themes with other disciplines. It is used from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Science
The science program at Our Lady of Lourdes School is offered in hopes of piquing the curiosity and interest of our students. Taught in broad scope throughout the school using both Scott Foresman and Glencoe materials, science narrows to biology and earth science in seventh and eighth grades for more in-depth study. Each year, students participate in a science fair.
Penmanship
Handwriting skills are taught and practiced in each grade, though not moving out of printing until after second grade. Cursive begins at the end of third grade.
Music, Art, Computer and Physical Education
Music, Art, Computer and Physical Education are part of every student's required curriculum at Our Lady of Lourdes School. Though varying in difficulty from grade level to grade level, emphasis is on skill development, appreciation and proficiency where possible. Each year, the school showcases the talent of our students with an Art Fair.
Health Education
It is the desire of the administration at Our Lady of Lourdes to incorporate a complete health education program at the school. Encompassing all grade levels, the plan is for the range in scope to be from simple hygiene and basic nutrition to respect for mind and body through awareness, proper care and responsible behavior. In accordance with the directives contained in the document from the Pontifical Council for the Family, "The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality," and the Denver Archdiocesan curricular interpretation of the document, "Marriage and Human Sexuality: A Catechesis," Our Lady of Lourdes includes these classes in the general curriculum for all students.