CURRICULUM

 St. Barbara School follows the course of instruction determined by the Superintendent of Schools of the Diocese of Orange, and that of the State of California. Immediate Scope and Sequence found in the Teacher Manual governs the daily learning.

Kindergarten: Kindergarten is an academic program that helps five and six year olds develop language, motor and social behavior skills. Textbooks in reading readiness, language arts, mathematics, and religion as well as learning units in science and health are used to help develop skills and attitudes. Reading is taught in kindergarten.

Middle School: Middle school (grades 6-8) is departmentalized, preparing students for high school. Subjects include religion, mathematics, literature, English, social studies, science and all-school curricular programs.

Subjects: Subjects are organized around the four main areas of religion, mathematics, reading, English, and include the basic courses in social studies, science, and spelling.

All-School Curricular Programs: Physical Education, health, art, music, dance, computer/technology and library are taught as all-school programs. Teachers develop age-appropriate curriculum and classes for all grade levels.

Scholastic Reading Counts Program: Students in grades K-8 participate in this program that evaluates reading levels, monitors student progress, and sets student reading goals. Students are required to meet their quarterly reading goals. Awards are given to students who attain levels of achievement based on point values.

Educational Trips: Each class participates in educational field trips during the school year. These trips are related to the curriculum and are supervised by the teachers and parents. Trips include Outdoor Science Camp in 6th Grade, Washington D.C. Trip in 8th Grade, and Inside the Outdoors and Astro Camp in 5th Grade.

Inclusion Program: Recognizing that a Catholic education should be available to all who so desire, St. Barbara School has implemented an inclusion program to meet the needs of each student.  With a motto of “Committed to Student Excellence”, students are offered the opportunity to develop their God-given talents to their full potential.  St. Barbara School has an Inclusion Specialist for students who have been identified as needing special services to insure academic success. 

Title I:  Students with special needs in mathematics and reading are remediated by a Title I instructor.  These students must meet the criteria established in the “No Child Left Behind” document administered through the Garden Grove School District.