The curriculum at Archdiocesan Catholic Schools integrates the mission of Christ to teach the Gospel message to all. The Archbishop and Archdiocese are committed to providing strong academic experiences for all students in school communities that reflect two purposes: the teaching mission of the Church and the need to educate youth for life in a way that relies on academic skills and requires sound preparation.
The curriculum consists of all learning experiences that are planned and organized under the principal's leadership, implementing the school's educational goals in a manner that reflects a commitment to Catholic teaching. The curriculum must be consistent with the philosophy of the school, educational policies of the Archdiocese, and requirements of the applicable sections of the California Education Code. The commitment to ongoing academic excellence, personal growth, leadership, and services as components of Catholic Identity extends to all aspects of the academic program.
The curriculum in elementary schools and high schools is planned at each school to meet the overall objectives and the particular needs of the individual school community. The Department of Catholic Schools provides support for curriculum matters. In parish elementary and high schools, the pastor and principal consult on these matters.
The pastor and principal at the parish elementary school are responsible for providing a standards-based curriculum that includes the following areas:
- Religion
- English Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Fine Arts
- Physical Education
The offering of additional instructional programs and services is dependent on the available resources and needs of each school.
* St. Bernardine of Siena School's curriculum also includes Spanish.
Academic Groupings
Students are placed in academic groups based on assessment results and teacher review of academic performance. The purpose of the groupings is to support optimal learning. While parents may provide additional feedback about student grouping needs, teachers are ultimately responsible for determining student academic grouping.
