A Natural Structure/Montessori Approach

Is suited to the full development of the student according to his needs, development and abilities;

• Recognizes, in its choice of subjects and experiences, a hierarchy of values with certain subjects having intrinsic value over others and, thus, contributing more to the attainment of the educational aims of the School;
• Provides for the progressive mastery of material that constantly challenges the developing abilities of the student;
• Is integrated through the coordination of several subjects and activities with a common philosophy permeating the whole; and
• Promotes self-discipline in the student as exhibited in conduct, study, memorization, thinking, expression, and imagination.

• Religion:  The Religion curriculum presents the beauty, logic, and saving truth of the Catholic Faith by the study of the following: Catholic doctrine; the seven Sacraments and the history of the Church; the primacy of St. Peter and the role of the Magisterium; papal encyclicals and the Fathers of the Church; the teaching of the Church Councils; and the lives of the Saints.  In addition, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of Penance, days of recollection and atonement, service in the Corporal Works of Mercy, Rosary prayers in English, Latin and Spanish, private personal prayer, fasting and sacrifice will be integrated into the class schedule on a regular basis.

• History:  History is studied “at its deepest level as salvation history” (Pope John Paul II).  The student is led through the course of human history from the classical world to early Christianity through the flowering of Christian civilization to the modern world.  Memory is broadened and perfected through the retention of “the four facts of history:” persons, places, dates, and events.

• Language Arts:  Critical and aesthetic reading of literature, literary analysis, vocabulary, rules of grammar, composition, and research skills are the emphases.  Literature, with an emphasis on the Classics, determines the scope and content of the Language Arts program at all levels.  Extensive reading and written expression form the basis of the curriculum.

• Languages:  Latin is required of all students enrolled in the Immaculata.   Latin merits a special place in a Catholic curriculum given its rich heritage in Western civilization and its privileged place in the life of the Church.  Latin study leads the student to an understanding of the logic of language, and Latin roots are the basis of some 60% of English vocabulary.  Vocabulary recognition and usage is the highest indicator of performance on the verbal section of the SAT, and Latin is the root language for major professional fields of study.  

• Mathematics:  The realm of mathematics is primarily in the mind; it strengthens the ability of the student to handle abstraction. Elementary Mathematics, Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-calculus, and Calculus are offered. 

• Science:  The science curriculum helps the student develop an appreciation of the order and beauty of creation and introduces the student to the scientific disciplines. Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science are included in the curriculum with particular emphasis on stewardship of earth.

• The Fine Arts:  The art and culture of Western civilization has flourished under the patronage of the Catholic Church because it views beauty as the “attractive radiance of the truth” of Divine Revelation.  The study of the Fine Arts is integrated throughout the School’s curriculum as a complementary and vital part of the student’s education. Students are exposed to the masterpieces in art, music, and architecture which comprise Catholic culture through the centuries.  The student learns the classical criteria for beauty and how beauty in art is at the same time an expression of Divine beauty and a vehicle to lead the mind and heart to God.  The entire student body forms a choir for liturgical singing and will learn pieces from the great treasury of Catholic music, including Gregorian chant, as well as other types of music.  

• Immaculata Strings: Students in Grades 2-4 receive instruction in Flutophone and then graduate to our Violin Program. Students in Grades 2-12 may receive instruction in Violin, Cello and/or Bass. 

• Music: Our comprehensive Music Program offers individual and group instruction              in singing, performance, instrumental ensemble,and backstage production. 

• Physical Activity:  The need to develop and discipline the body is important, especially during adolescence. Physical activity will be integrated into the schedule each week.  This may include: physical fitness, running, team sports (including golf, soccer, basketball), aerobics and walking.