Curriculum

St. Ambrose Catholic School is an accredited elementary school that follows the curriculum guidelines of the Diocese of Tucson, the Arizona State Standards and Core Curriculum Standards.  Teachers focus on the core concepts and skills of each subject area and strive to develop these through differentiated instruction which is designed to meet the individual needs of each student. Technology is also incorporated into the everyday curriculum, including the use of SmartBoard Technology. Below you will find a brief description of the St. Ambrose Catholic School curriculum.

Religion

Religion is taught every day through the Traditional Catholic Seasonal Liturgies.  We are currently using the We Believe series by Sadlier. As students progress through each grade level they receive Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.   Our students also attend weekly Mass and are trained as ushers, lectors, gift bearers and altar servers.

Sadlier Religion Program

Math

We are currently using Everyday Math for grades K-5th.  Everyday Math uses a spiraling curriculum to ensure that students are consistently reviewing math concepts.  The program focuses on real-life problem solving with a balance between whole-class and self-directed learning. Everyday Math utilizes numerous methods for basic skills practice and review which include written and choral fact drills, mental math routines, practice with fact triangles, homework, timed tests, a variety of math games, and daily sets of review problems called Math Boxes.  This program follows the Diocese of Tucson Math Standards and correlates to the Arizona State Standards.

Pre-Algebra 6, Algebra 7 & 8

Reading/Phonics/Language Arts

In our primary department, we are currently using the Superkids Reading Program. This program teaches children to become fluent readers by the time they leave the primary grades.  It is built on systematic phonics and integrates reading, writing, spelling and grammar. It follows the Diocese of Tucson Reading/Language Arts Standards and the Arizona State Standards. 

In our intermediate department, we currently use the Harcourt Trophies Reading Series. It delivers research-based instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension. Students read a variety of literary genres and expository texts.  They are able to analyze literary elements such as cause/effect, compare/contrast,  and decoding difficult text.  Students demonstrate their understanding by retelling, discussing characters, predicting, answering questions, and comparing stories.  It also follows the Diocese of Tucson Reading/Language Arts Standards and the Arizona State Standards.

Superkids Reading Program

Spelling & Vocabulary

Spelling and vocabulary are essential subjects that must be refined and developed in all students.  They are utilized not only in Language Arts but in all subject areas including daily conversation.  With this said, we work very closely to ensure that all students are developing a well-rounded approach to utilizing vocabulary and spelling at all grade levels.  

Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Program

Science

We currently use the FOSS Science Kits for grades Kindergarten through 8^th grade. FOSS kits offer active learning experiences which are designed to establish scientific literacy.    Each kit correlates directly with the National Science Education Standards and the Arizona State Science Education Standards by grade level.  The Diocese of Tucson Science Standards are also met as they are based on and exceed the Arizona State Science Education Standards.

Our science program is directly aligned with Catholic identity and philosophy as it encourages respect for all of God’s creation.  It emphasizes the need to assist others and the world through discovery and solving daily problems.  Finally, our science program reinforces character building by requiring students to apply DWP skills to the process of experimentation and inquiry.

Social Studies

MacMillan McGraw-Hill 

Fine Arts

Music Program

Art Program

Coordinated Health

Nurse

Counselor

Physical Education

Computer Lab

Mac Computers

Renaissance Learning Program--STAR Math & Reading

Study Skills & Organization

The 6th grade Study Skills and Organization class is designed to assist your child in becoming self-disciplined, self-motivated and independent in his/her learning.

Study skills and organization are essential to a studentʼs academic success. This class will focus on the following key elements:

• Self-Identification:Students will learn to identify the different ways they learn best. This will be accomplished through self assessment, discussion and one-on-one assistance.
• Study Skills: Students will learn how to use a variety of tools to study important facts and concepts.These tools will include, but are not limited to:note taking, mnemonic devices, visual representations, effective listening and questioning skills.
• Organization: Students will be introduced to several methods of organization for their school work and homework assignments.
• Application of Methods:Students will be given an opportunity to apply study skills methods through cross curricular instruction.
• Independent Progress Monitoring:Students will utilize a system of monitoring their progress through each trimester.One example of progress monitoring is the use of graphs to determine growth over a period of time in a specific subject area.
• Test Preparation:Students will take the practice ITBS.Students will be offered support in how to read questions, manage test taking time, monitor nutrition and well being, and stress relieving skills.

Classroom Management

Discipline with Purpose

Before & After School Care

After School Sports

Volleyball

Basketball

Track