Academics

St. Sylvester School offers a challenging high school preparatory curriculum that maintains continuity across all grade levels. We take pride in the fact that each year, our graduates gain admission to prestigious high schools in the area and share stories of how well-prepared they felt for their next step. Explore our curriculum and programs in more detail.

Every Student.
Every Day.

Early Childhood

Our early childhood program is rooted in the belief that play is a crucial component of learning and development. Guided by this philosophy, our curriculum is designed to make every playful interaction a catalyst for cognitive, social, and emotional growth. We hold the conviction that through play, children not only discover their surroundings but also cultivate the essential skills needed for lifelong learning. At St. Sylvester, we celebrate each child's unique journey of growth, knowing that the skills they acquire through play will empower them for future challenges and opportunities.

PreK - Kindergarten

Learn More

Elementary

We believe students thrive in a supportive environment, which is why our academic program prioritizes a positive atmosphere with high expectations. In Grades 1-5, students build a strong foundation in core subjects, while I-Ready testing helps identify their strengths and challenges for personalized learning. Teachers work collaboratively with students to foster growth, ensuring that each learner feels understood and cared for. Our approach to education emphasizes the importance of knowing and loving each student for optimal learning.

First - Fifth Grade

Middle School

Middle School students in grades 6-8, also known as Jr. High, rotate core classes such as reading, math, science, and social studies to establish a strong foundation for high school. Our emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration prepares students for future academic challenges, leading to consistent acceptance of our 8th graders into top local high schools. Additionally, we foster a nurturing environment that encourages a love for learning and helps students build confidence and resilience for lifelong success.

Sixth - Eighth Grade

Math Centers

Math centers are designated learning stations within classrooms that allow students to engage in hands-on activities to practice their math skills. These centers serve as a valuable addition to traditional teaching methods, helping students understand the practical applications of math in everyday life.

Elementary

In grades 1 to 3, we divide into two groups during math sessions. One group engages with whiteboards and manipulatives, while the other focuses on completing the online lesson. This approach fosters student independence and enables me to work more intimately with a smaller group, ensuring they receive the focused attention they require.

Intermediate

In the intermediate department, our Math centers for 4th and 5th grades are organized in two distinct ways to encourage collaborative learning.

First, we utilize small groups at rotating stations, where students engage in cooperation and employ the “talk it out - work it out” techniques to both teach and learn from one another. Second, we implement the divide and conquer approach, where students form two larger groups to concentrate on note-taking, independent practice, and assisting their peers who require support.

Middle School

In middle school, we build on these foundational strategies by incorporating project-based learning into our math curriculum for 6th to 8th graders. Students work in teams to tackle real-world problems, which requires them to apply mathematical concepts in practical ways.

This collaborative atmosphere not only enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also promotes communication and teamwork.

Additionally, we encourage students to take on specific roles within their groups, allowing them to lead discussions or facilitate brainstorming sessions, thus fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning.

Fostering a Love of Literacy

Speaking, Reading & Writing

Across all grade levels, students engage in a demanding curriculum aimed at enhancing their vocabulary, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. In the elementary department, there is a strong focus on phonics to boost fluency. Meanwhile, in the middle school department, the emphasis is on developing critical thinking skills, public speaking, and professionalism to effectively prepare students for high school.

Elementary

During 1st and 2nd grade, the Fundations phonics curriculum emphasizes phonics to develop independent, fluent readers. Students choose their reading assignments to foster engagement and enjoy writing narrative stories, nonfiction, and opinion pieces while learning grammar. In 3rd grade, students read class novels to explore story elements and improve narrative writing through storytelling, while also enhancing vocabulary and presentation skills via book reports.

Intermediate

The reading curriculum for 4th and 5th grade novel studies emphasizes analyzing themes and building fluency through engaging texts. Students will also participate in presentations and projects, respond to short questions, and expand their vocabulary to enhance their understanding of the literature.

Our writing and vocabulary program includes various activities such as journal writing, narrative writing, and short responses, promoting creative expression. It also offers publishing opportunities for stories and poetry, along with opinion writing, enhancing skill development and confidence in students' writing abilities.

Middle School

The middle school program emphasizes novel studies that engage students with creative projects, helping them identify complex themes and expand their vocabulary. By examining character motivation and diverse genres, students improve reading comprehension and appreciation for literature.

Independent reading fosters responsibility and a lifelong love of reading, while organized writing types—expository, narrative, short response, argumentative, and compare and contrast—help convey information and express ideas effectively. Additionally, collaborative discussions allow students to share insights and deepen their understanding of the texts. This multifaceted approach not only enhances their analytical skills but also encourages a greater connection to the material and each other.