Core Curriculum

St. Anastasia Catholic School is proud of its dedicated and certified faculty. The faculty is actively involved in the creation of the curriculum and the selection of textbooks. The core curriculum consists of classes in Religion, Math, Science, Language Arts (Reading, Grammar, Spelling and Writing), Social Studies and Handwriting. The school uses annual national standardized testing (IOWA) to benchmark achievement and as a diagnostic tool. St. Anastasia students score in the top 25 percentile in the nation on standardized test scores. The curriculum and objectives are created and evaluated by the Diocese of Palm Beach and by the faculty and administration to challenge students to exceed state standards. Research-based strategies in differentiated instruction and varying modalities that suit diverse learning styles challenge our students who need extra stimulation and support students who need additional assistance. The core curriculum is creatively designed with projects, learning centers, reports, skits, field trips and other exciting learning opportunities that students enjoy.

Enrichment

Our students are blessed to be enriched daily with experiences that go above and beyond our core curriculum. As part of our mission to nurture the mind, body and spirit, we strive to enhance our students’ learning experience with a variety of opportunities that include:

Enrichment Classes in Critical Thinking and Math
Enrichment classes begin in second grade through eighth grade. In second through fourth grade, students who qualify for the Enrichment Program participate in critical thinking, project-based learning by working on reports, projects, computer technology, art and science. In fifth and sixth grade, students participate in Enrichment Math while preparing for pre-algebra. Honors Math is offered in seventh and eighth grade. The seventh grade students study Pre-algebra, which is an eighth grade course. This course prepares the students for Algebra in eighth grade. The eighth grade students study ninth grade Algebra. In 2010, 96% of our eighth grade students were placed in Honors Geometry at John Carroll High School. The algebra curriculum is state approved for high school credit. This enables high school seniors to take Calculus their senior year, which in John Carroll and many other high schools in the state, is offered as an AP course. Successfully passing the Calculus AP exam will allow students to receive college credit.

Remedial Services

Speech and Language:
Speech and language therapy is available to students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade who exhibit communication delays or disorders. Students with delays in language, articulation, fluency and voice quality are evaluated, diagnosed and determined eligible for therapy on site and will receive therapy during school hours.

Learning Resources:
St. Anastasia offers identified students a specialized program to address specific learning needs. Assistance is provided on a resource basis. In grades one to five, Learning Resource Specialists assist students in Reading. In sixth through eighth grade, Learning Resource Specialists assist students in Language Arts, Math and Science.

Title I Reading Program:
St. Anastasia offers the Title I Program taught by a state certified teacher. Instruction is individualized and structured. Participation in this program will enable your child to receive basic reading instruction in a smaller teacher/student environment. The goal is to help them better reach their potential. The students meet three times a week for approximately thirty to forty minutes.

Specialists:
Specialists available to our students at St. Anastasia Catholic School include tutors, psychologists, psychiatrists, behavioral specialists and physical and occupational therapists.

Guidance Counselor and Assessment Testing:
St. Anastasia Catholic School has a Guidance Counselor on staff that can assist with many different student needs including: Individual Counseling where the student will meet with the counselor individually to discuss a specific problem; Group Counseling where students with similar counseling issues meet in groups to develop the necessary skills to meet their goals; and
Guidance Lessons where the counselor will teach character education lessons to students in grades kindergarten through eight throughout the school year.

Arts & Music

Band:
St. Anastasia Catholic School boasts an award-winning band program consisting of the Royal Ram Symphonic Band, the Sixth Grade Concert Band, the Fifth  Grade Band and the Jazz Band. The Symphonic Band is the primary performing organization at St. Anastasia Catholic School charged with enhancing and promoting the quality of educational activities. T

Choir:
Choir is offered for students in grades five through eight as part of the music period. The Choir performs at Liturgical events, community and special events. Students learn the basics of melodies, rhythms and harmonies. The Fifth and Sixth Grade Choruses will be responsible for music at school liturgical events such as the Living Rosary, Holy Day masses and the Advent Celebration. The Seventh and Eighth Grade Chorus will strive to be the competitive choir.

Music:
Music education is a part of our students’ regular curriculum. Beginning in kindergarten, students study the basics of music including melody, rhythm, harmony, expression. Through fun and interactive lessons, primary grades learn music through movement and rhythm instruments. The intermediate grades learn music through recorders, keyboards and hand bells with an emphasis placed on the theory and history of music.

Art:
The Art Program at St. Anastasia Catholic School is part of the students’ regular curriculum and follows the National Standards for Fine Arts and the Florida Catholic Conference Accreditation Requirements. The Art Program provides an environment that promotes creative freedom and self-expression. Through exposure to studio art, art history and a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional media, students in all grade levels create art using the elements and principals of design. The students use a variety of mediums including: pencil and ink drawing, watercolor and acrylic painting, collage, clay, printmaking, sculpture and more.