In all that we do at SWCA, we strive to deepen our students’ and our own relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is grounded in and nourished by prayer and the Sacraments, deepened by the study of the teachings of the Catholic Church, and strengthened and made fruitful by the practice of virtues—for example, by being truthful, taking personal responsibility for completing work, following rules and directions, and treating teachers and classmates with respect. Students begin their formal religious instruction with the story of Salvation History contained in the Bible and the learning of basic prayers. While continuing to deepen their familiarity with and love for the Bible and the practice of prayer, students starting in the fifth grade receive instruction in the doctrines of the Catholic Faith.

The study of Latin is an indispensable foundation for the study of language and the development of logical thinking. Latin is the mother of the Romance languages— French, Italian, Spanish, etc.—and many words in English have Latin roots. But to study Latin is also to study how language works—how people fit words together in sentences to express ideas. Early instruction in Latin is adapted to the learning style of young children: children like to memorize, to sing songs, to learn rules. In studying Latin, students not only learn Latin but also develop their capacity for logical thinking and acquire skills and habits they need in other academic subjects and, indeed, throughout their lives. As with all subjects, the key to introducing Latin is “slow but steady,” gentle but consistent.

In keeping with the tradition of classical education, the study of the English language and literature is undertaken in tandem with the study of history.

In the Grades 3 and 4, students work on and perfect basic skills in reading, writing (including penmanship), phonics, and grammar. Students are evaluated and receive personal attention to make sure their skills are where they need to be before they move on. Resources include The Well-Trained Mind reading and writing programs as well as high-quality classics of children’s literature, fables, myths, fairy tales, songs, and games. History in the Grades 3 and 4 focuses on the Bible—Salvation History—and geography. Learning geography through maps, games, and songs is an indispensable preparation for the study of history beginning in the fifth grade.

Students in Grades 5 through 8 continue to work on vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and writing mechanics while developing their ability to write and speak effectively and persuasively, and to read and think critically.

In Grades 5 through 8 students learn history chronologically and read literature from the periods studied in history, as follows:

Fifth Grade: Ancient History and Literature

Sixth Grade: Medieval History and Literature

Seventh Grade: European History from the Renaissance to Modern Times

Eighth Grade: American History and Literature

Fifth and sixth grade students will study Ancient and Medieval History while reading the myths and legends of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages—for example, The Epic of Gilgamesh, Jason and the Argonauts, the tales of Troy, Beowulf, The Song of Roland, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Nibelungenlied, and Robin Hood—in high-quality abridgments or retellings.

In the Grades 7 and 8, students learn about global history from the Renaissance to our own times while also reading the prose and poetry of great authors such as Shakespeare, Cervantes, the Romantics, Charles Dickens, Robert Louis Stevenson, Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain—just to name a few!

Mathematics instruction employs traditional methods that combine incremental skill development and regular review and practice to ensure that students are solidly prepared to go on to high school math. Where necessary, students receive individual help to make sure their understanding and skills are where they should be before they move on. Content includes basic operations, the order of operations, ratio and proportion, fractions, operations with fractions, numerical attributes of basic shapes, area, volume, basic graphical representations, and facility with translating word problems into mathematical symbols.

As human beings, we first learn about God through His works. In science class, through reading, nature walks, trips, and hands-on activities, students are guided to discover and marvel at the created world; to develop an appreciation for its beauty and variety, and respect for the laws that govern it. While being invited to respond to the created world with joy, awe, humility, and gratitude, students are taught the importance of good stewardship and of the respectful, prudent use of nature’s abundance.