Reading. The literature-based Reading series begins on a foundation of solid phonics skills. After acquiring basic learning strategies, and enjoying their first Reading books in the primary grades, children are equipped for unlocking texts in the content areas. The acquisition of higher level thinking skills sequentially throughout the intermediate and middle grades contributes to appreciation of various literary genres and raises competence in every academic area. "Reading Partners" enhance the expression of "reading with a purpose" through a deliberate collaboration of younger with older students.
Mathematics. Our school has adopted an instructional program for Mathematics developed under the National Council of Mathematics Teachers Standards. It focuses on problem solving through reasoning, communication, and manipulatives. We strongly believe computational proficiency is an essential element in this process. Number sense, estimation, mental math, patterns, relations and functions are key elements of every topic.
Spelling. Formal spelling instruction promotes independent spellers. It is a system teaching patterns and principles, which pupils learn to transfer from the structured lesson to new and unfamiliar words. this is a necessary competency for communication.
English. Cathedral School places strong emphasis on developing proficiency in English grammar. The course of English provides the best materials linking grammar usage and mechanics to writing and speaking. A strong foundation in Language Arts provides students with strategies for interpreting and understanding concepts and processes in all academic fields.
Writing/Speaking. In accordance with the Common Core State Standards Initiative and NCEA Educational Guidelines, children learn the conventions of standard spoken and written English for creative and expository purposes. With writing opportunities occuring in every area of the curriculum, they advance from prewriting through drafting, revising, editing and proofreading, to publishing, supported by grade-level appropriate experiences.
Individual class projects include drama, prose and poetry contests, and oral research reports. Grades 5-8 compete annually in the state Civic Oration Competition.
Penmanship. Penmanship instruction follows a professionally recognized model of basic skills, and monitors their application throughout the curriculum. Adjusting to their grade, children are encouraged in correct formation as a vehicle for clearer communication both in school and at home.
Social Studies. Students at Cathedral School study and experience the natural progression from individual awareness to global appreciation. Social Studies skills include the study of time, mapping and related graphic skills. Critical thinking and research skills enhance the study of History, Government, Economics and Geography.
Science. Interests probe such areas as the biological, earth, electrical, natural, physical, and space sciences. Taking a "hands-on" approach to problem-solving, children form scientific concepts through critical thinking and investigation. Students explore, question, hypothesize, research, experiment, analyze, and draw conclusions. In a parallel learning process, they collaborate for support and information, drawing on emerging personal resources of respect, cooperation, understanding, compromise, and decision making.
Music. Individual creativity is fostered for all ages of children through singing and playing percussion instruments. Students at all levels receive a gradual and general explanation of music history and theory. They learn terminology, reading notes and rhythms, identifying composers, instruments and musical styles through a combination of lectures, recordings, videos and guests.
Students in all grades participate in two public performances each year.
Physical Education. Basic physical exercise, balance skills and motor coordination are the major focus of our Physical Education program. Competitive sports, rules, techniques and teamwork are components of Physical Education classes at appropriate grade levels.
Art. Cathedral School is blessed to have a wonderful collaborative art program with the Maine College of Art (MECA). Founded in 2002 by Dolores and Craig Foster, the program is a community-based approach to providing a high quality art education to our students.
Each week, grades K-8 are offered art instruction from local art students and practicing artists specializing in a variety of disciplines. Classes are held at Cathedral in our especially dedicated art room. Students are exposed to the foundations of art and introduced to art in the community through regular field trips and visits to the Maine College of Art, local galleries and museums.
The primary objective of the program is to provide students with an understanding and appreciation for art, both in the classroom and throughout the community. The program is designed to integrate art into a classic elementary and middle school curriculum helping students recognize and apply the principles of art throughout their school years and into their adult lives.
Technology. Cathedral School strives to have its students recognize and utilize computers as a "tool for learning". Our updated lab consists of 12 laptop computers all linked to a main server and supervised access to the Internet. Additionally, students in grades 6-8 utilize laptop computers equipped with wireless Internet capability and various software applications including the Microsoft Office package. The integration of computer technology is critical in presenting and enriching today's curriculum.
Foreign Language. Cathedral School elects to teach Spanish to our students in the elementary grades as well as grades 6, 7 and 8. However, with many different ethnic groups represented in Cathedral's student body, a varied mix of languages and cultures are woven into the rich tapestry of learning experiences in all grades.