​​​​​​​Section 5-01 – Curriculum

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 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 teachings.  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 service as components of Catholic Identity extends to all aspects of the academic program.

The curriculum in elementary and high schools is planned at each school to meet these overall objectives and the needs of the individual school community.  The Department of Catholic Schools provides support for curriculum matters.  The Archdiocesan high school curriculum is coordinated by the Principal with senior academic and administration staff.  While the Principal may raise curriculum issues with consultative school boards and groups, the Principal reserves responsibility for curriculum matters.

Topic 5-01-1 – Religion Curriculum​

Canonical Authority of the Diocesan Bishop

In accordance with Canon Law, the Archbishop exercises full authority over the religious instruction and formation programs in all Catholic schools of his Archdiocese, including both schools of the Archdiocese and schools in the Archdiocese that are owned and operated by religious orders, institutes, or governing boards.  The authority of the bishop extends to but is not limited to the content of the Religion curriculum, the hiring of teachers of Religion, the visitation of schools, and the use of the title “Catholic school."  The Archbishop may exercise this authority in person through designated delegates such as the superintendent(s) from the Department of Catholic Schools.

Textbooks, Teaching Materials, Resources and Content of Instruction

Textbooks, other teaching materials, and resources are chosen based on sound doctrine, attention to both cognitive and affective domains, continuity with the program of instruction, and adequacy in meeting the needs and capabilities of the students in the school.

All Religion textbooks are to have the approval of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Catechism.  Other materials and resources used by teachers are to meet the same standards as textbooks regarding sound doctrine and appropriateness for students.

The content of instruction must conform to the authentic teaching of the Church as summarized in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and must clearly distinguish defined doctrine from personal opinion and theological interpretation.  It will stress the relevance of religious truths and principles to the personal lives and daily concerns of the students.​

The USCCB “Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age" guides the written course outlines that must be developed and followed for each high school course.  Course outlines are to be framework-based and not textbook-based.

High School Curriculum

All high school students are expected to enroll in a Religion class each semester.  The national core curriculum for teaching Religion to high school students, approved by USCCB in November 2007, guides the religious instruction within each Archdiocesan, parish, and private high school within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  All high schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are required to follow the USCCB sequence of courses as stated below:​

YEAR                                       FALL SEMESTER COURSE                    ​     SPRING SEMESTER COURSE

Freshman                                 The Revelation of Jesus Christ              Who is Jesus Christ? (Christology)
                                                    in Scripture                                                 

Sophomore                              The Mission of Jesus:  The Paschal      Jesus Christ's Mission Continues in the
                                                   Mystery (Spiritual Life)                             Church (Ecclesiology)
                                                                                                               
Junior                                      Sacraments as Privileged                          Life in Jesus Christ
                                                  Encounters with Jesus Christ                  (Morality and Social Justice)
                                                    (Sacramental Theology)                                  
 
Senior                                      Catholic Social Teaching                           Responding to the Call of Jesus Christ (Vocations)

                                                                                                                         
Class time, assignments, and accountability for Religion classes are comparable to that of all academic areas.  Specifically, Religion is to be taught each semester of the Catholic school program for an average of 240 minutes per week, in conformity with the norms governing the weekly instructional time for courses earning one full unit of credit.​

​