Academics

We see our preschool as a partnership between school and home. The purpose of Little Saints is to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment that promotes the development of the “whole child,” – meeting the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs of the child. In a Catholic Preschool, religious development is of primary importance to us. Our program attempts to guide our “Little Saints” to understand that people and the world are gifts of a loving God. Little Saints Preschool recognizes how eager children are to learn. We strive to provide them with a healthy balance of child directed and teacher-directed, active and quiet activities in both small and large group settings.

A Catholic student’s religious education journey from kindergarten to second grade begins with an introduction to God’s love and the basic teachings of Jesus, helping them understand the importance of kindness and prayer. In kindergarten, they learn simple Bible stories, begin practicing daily prayers, and are introduced to the concept of loving others as Jesus did. As they enter first grade, students experience significant spiritual growth, learning more about the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, while developing a deeper understanding of the importance of forgiveness, grace, and their personal relationship with God. In second grade, they build upon this foundation, understanding the significance of the Mass and the Church’s teachings, and are prepared to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, marking an important milestone in their spiritual growth and faith formation.

In kindergarten, we focus on building a strong foundation for each child's academic journey by nurturing their love for learning. Students are being introduced to the structure of an academic setting, learning how to work with others during small group activities, and becoming engaged during the direct instruction. A love that is continued to be nurtured in first grade by encouraging student participation during direct instruction, small groups, and independent work. Through empowering students to develop ownership of their own learning, they are developing their abilities in Phonics, ELA and Math that will set them up for success in second grade.

In second grade, students truly blossom, embracing new challenges and making wonderful progress both academically and personally. They dive into reading with confidence, explore math concepts with curiosity, and start thinking critically to solve problems in creative ways. Socially and emotionally, they grow more independent, develop empathy for others, and begin to manage their emotions.

At our school, students in grades 3 through 5 experience transformative growth that blends academic rigor, personal development, and deepened spirituality. Academically, students are challenged to think critically, solve problems creatively, and build a strong foundation in core subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, and science. Hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and discussions encourage them to connect their knowledge to the world around them. In 4th grade, they transition from working with a teacher and aide to a single teacher, fostering independence and responsibility. By the end of 5th grade, students are well-prepared with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in middle school and beyond.

Spiritually, students deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions, building on their earlier faith formation. Through daily prayer, liturgical celebrations, and acts of service, they are encouraged to live out Gospel values and grow closer to Christ. While no new sacraments are received during this time, students develop a deeper sense of moral responsibility and spiritual maturity. With a focus on community, compassion, and leadership, they grow into individuals who reflect their faith through their actions and relationships, embodying the mission of our Catholic school.

Middle school is a dynamic and impactful period for students, growing personally, spiritually, and academically. Beginning in sixth grade, middle school students rotate classes taught by qualified and passionate educators covering six subjects: Religion, English/Language Arts (reading and writing), Math, Social Studies, Science and Physical Education. Students participate in electives providing enrichment in areas of cooking, art, pickleball, spiritual faith, and athletics. Diverse teaching styles and subject expertise fosters a richer learning environment for all students, which enhances their flexibility and resilience.

Our middle school curriculum is designed to lay a strong foundation for high school by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, independent learning skills, humility, and service. Through our diverse range of subjects and faith-based learning, students who graduate from St. Elizabeth Seton are well-prepared for their future endeavors as they are Eager to Learn and Ready to Serve.