Our Curriculum

ICSJ offers a dynamic and rigorous curriculum designed to foster academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and spiritual development. Our primary grade levels build upon the strong social, cognitive, and spiritual foundation provided in our early childhood program, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of middle school. Teachers collaborate closely with the ICSJ student support team to meet the unique needs of each child, emphasizing individualized attention and nurturing a positive, inclusive classroom environment.

Innovative Learning Approaches

At ICSJ, we embrace innovative educational strategies to develop critical thinkers and problem solvers. Our classrooms are designed to foster active learning through cooperative groupings and hands-on activities, encouraging students to experiment, explore, and make choices. We utilize an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to connect and reinforce skills across subjects, promoting deeper understanding. Projects that involve families further extend learning beyond the classroom, creating a strong home-school continuum. This approach helps build a unique, family-like atmosphere at ICSJ.

Our Curriculum Framework

From preschool through third grade, ICSJ utilizes a co-teaching model, where two full-time, certified teachers work together in self-contained classrooms. This structure allows for differentiated instruction and ensures that students' social, emotional, and academic needs are met. In grades fourth and fifth, each classroom is supported by a certified teacher and a differentiation specialist to further tailor instruction to individual student needs. This ensures that students are both challenged and supported throughout their learning journey.

Language Arts

Our Language Arts curriculum encompasses a comprehensive range of skills, including reading, writing, research, listening, speaking, phonics, vocabulary development, and handwriting. In alignment with the CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) framework, our instruction integrates phonics with grammar and writing skills, ensuring a strong literacy foundation. The Writer’s Workshop model and the Daily Five framework allow for authentic differentiation, enabling students to explore literature through leveled books, independent reading, and literature circles. These strategies help foster a love for reading and writing while addressing individual learning needs.

Science

ICSJ’s science curriculum follows the Amplify Science program, emphasizing hands-on activities, observations, data recording, and scientific inquiry. Students engage in experiments and field trips that deepen their understanding of life, physical, earth, and space sciences. STEM concepts are integrated into lessons, and technology is used to support inquiry-based learning, allowing students to become active participants in the scientific process.

Mathematics

Our SAVVAS Envision math curriculum connects real-world applications with mathematical concepts, enabling students to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Early elementary students explore foundational concepts such as number logic, geometry, fractions, and time. As students progress through grades, they develop greater depth in their understanding, working through multi-step problems and engaging in written explanations, creative application, and analysis.

Social Studies

The HMH Social Studies curriculum explores the student’s role within the local and global community. Students develop an appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity while learning about history, geography, and civic responsibilities. Projects integrate regional studies, and field trips to local museums enrich students’ understanding of the subject matter.

Religion

Our Sadlier Religion curriculum emphasizes core Catholic values, Scripture teachings, and the importance of service. Students regularly participate in prayer services and liturgies, strengthening their spiritual life. Catholic students also prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. We focus on nurturing faith-filled leaders who can navigate a secular world with strong moral foundations.

Beyond the Core

ICSJ’s enriching curriculum extends beyond the core subjects, offering specialized instruction in physical education, music, visual arts, Spanish, and STEM. These subjects enhance students’ academic experience and foster holistic development.

• Music classes provide students with exposure to music theory, instrumental instruction, and a variety of musical genres, culminating in two annual music programs.
• Physical Education classes foster teamwork, fitness, and healthy habits. PE is offered at varying frequencies depending on grade level, from twice weekly for PreK-3rd Grade to three times weekly for Grades 4-8.
• Spanish is taught with an immersion focus, beginning in PreK and continuing through middle school, promoting both language proficiency and cultural understanding.
• Art classes allow students to explore visual arts through hands-on projects, studying various artistic techniques and cultural influences.
• STEM education is integral, with weekly classes in our two dedicated STEM Labs for students in PreK through Grade 5, and a continued focus on STEM concepts in middle school.
• Broadcasting: Students also participate in the Dolphin News Network (DNN), a daily broadcast that highlights campus events, shares announcements, and fosters community spirit across both ICSJ campuses.