Curriculum
The curriculum guidelines set forth by the Diocese of St. Augustine are the basis for our school program. Textbooks and instructional materials are chosen to meet the students’ needs as set forth by the diocesan guidelines. These guidelines are periodically updated and revised in accordance with sound educational and developmental research.

St. Paul’s School offers students opportunities for growth in the following major subjects:

Language Arts
Reading, English, Spelling, Vocabulary, Writing, Library Skills, and Appreciation of Literature

Mathematics
6-8 Grade Math Courses & Pre-Algebra / Algebra I Eligibility

Each grade is split into two sections. All 6th grade students are enrolled in the same math class (Basic Math). 7th grade students may take Basic Math or Pre-Algebra. 8th grade students may take Pre-Algebra or Algebra I.

A 7th grade student is qualified for Pre-Algebra according to the following Diocesan/St. Paul’s prerequisites:

• 85 or above academic average each quarter in sixth grade mathematics
• 90 + national percentile mathematics composite score on fifth and sixth grade standardized test (ITBS)
• Recommendation of sixth grade mathematics teacher

**Optional Criteria: 85% comparable score on a pre-algebra readiness test. This is required for transfer students and for those who do not meet one of the first three criteria above.

An 8 th grade student is qualified for Algebra I according to the following Diocesan/St. Paul’s pre-requisites:

• 85 or above academic average each quarter in seventh grade mathematics
• 90 + national percentile mathematics composite score on sixth and seventh grade standardized test (ITBS)
• Recommendation of seventh grade mathematics teacher

**Optional Criteria: 85% comparable score on an algebra readiness test (e.g. Orleans-Hanna Algebra Prognosis Test). This is required for transfer students and for those who do not meet one of the first three criteria above.

Pre-Algebra/Algebra Readiness Test - Placement Exam
Under the discretion of the math teacher and administration, a student may take an appropriate Diocesan permitted readiness/placement exam as long as his or her pervious year’s records reflected the following:
1) No quarterly grade of a 69 or below
2) No more than 2 quarterly grades between 80-84 OR
3) No more than 1 quarterly grade between 70-79

All students enrolled in 7th grade Pre-Algebra or 8th grade Algebra I must maintain at least an average of 85% and teacher recommendation each quarter to remain in those math courses. Under the discretion of the math teacher and administration, a student can only be demoted based on academics. Upon meeting the criteria listed above, students will be placed in 8th Grade Algebra in their eighth grade year. This placement is probationary and contingent upon ongoing acceptable performance in the Algebra class. This is a high school level course taken for high school credit.

Students in Comprehensive 7th Grade Math will be eligible to take the Algebra placement test if the following criteria have been met:

• A final average of 94% or above in Comprehensive 7th Grade Math
• The recommendation of the middle school teachers and principal
• ITBS Composite Math score from the previous school year

Upon successful completion of the placement test, students may be placed in 8th Grade Algebra. Extra work may need to be completed by the student over the summer months to ensure readiness for the Algebra curriculum. Extra work must be approved by the school math teacher. The math tutor must maintain constant communication with school math teacher. This placement is probationary and contingent upon ongoing acceptable performance in the Algebra class.

Students not eligible to take 8th Grade Algebra according to the criteria outlined above will be placed in 8th Grade Advanced Math.

Religion
The Christian way of life is a vital part of our school atmosphere. All Pre-K - 8 students participate in Catholic religious education classes each day.
Grades Pre K - 8 attend Mass each Wednesday morning at 8:00am and on other special days as scheduled. Students help plan the liturgies and the student choir accompanies the Mass. Parents and family members are welcome to attend Mass with the students. It is also important that Catholic parents attend Mass with their children every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation. Parents are encouraged to show their children the importance of daily prayer by teaching their children how to pray and by participating in morning and evening prayers with their children.
Preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion occur in second grade. Eighth graders prepare for and receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Students in fifth through eighth grade may be given the opportunity to train for altar serving. Religious devotions (Rosary, Stations of the Cross, May Crowning, Adoration, etc.) are held at appropriate times during the year. Confessions are heard on specified school days during the school year.

Computer Literacy
Word Processing, Data Base, Spread Sheets, and Integration with Curricular Subjects.

The Arts
Music, Fine Arts, and Performing Arts

Physical Education
Physical fitness programs appropriate for each grade

Science
General Sciences and Laboratory Experiences

Social Studies
History, Geography, Economics, Florida History, and Current Events

Spanish
Vocabulary, common expressions, grammar, conversation, and culture