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The instructional program of St. Thomas More School is
based on the state-approved Graded Course of Study
provided by the Education Office of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati. Standardized testing confirms that students
attending St. Thomas More make the most of their
abilities; school-wide averages place test scores in the
top 15% across the nation. Our comprehensive academic
program, small class sizes and caring staff help each
child to flourish. Grades (Gr. 1-8) and class news is
posted weekly on Edline, a secure website, allowing
parents 24/7 access to student progress and information.
The academic program is described briefly below.
Kindergarten
Academic skills are presented in the kindergarten
program, but the emphasis is on developing mental,
physical, and social skills through varied and
stimulating experiences in preparation for the primary
program. The success of the kindergarten student is
measured along developmental and readiness lines. Both
full-day and half-day kindergarten is offered. Report
cards and midterms are provided each term.
Primary (Grades 1-3)
The focus of the primary grades is the acquisition of
basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Social studies, science, health, music, art, and
physical education are taught, but are not graded as
major subjects since the main focus of the curriculum is
learning to read.
Intermediate (Grades 4-5)
Students in grades 4 and 5 are essentially “reading to
learn.” This constitutes a major shift in instruction
and requirements from the primary grade experience. The
language arts program supports the integration of
reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Some
classes may be departmentalized, to allow specialization
in subject areas such as math, science, and social
studies. Spelling and the mechanics of writing are seen
as tools for written expression, rather than goals of
written expression. As such, spelling assessment is
incorporated in the language arts grade and does not
require a separate letter grade.
Junior High (Grades 6-8)
Grades 6-8 continue development of skills and
understanding in the core subjects: religion, language
arts, science, social studies, and mathematics. Classes
are departmentalized in these core subjects in order to
provide for teachers to share their special field of
interest or expertise, and to ensure continuity of
instruction from grade to grade. At this level students
are grouped by ability for reading, language arts, and
mathematics to enable each to work at an appropriate
pace. Special area studies, such as drama, economics,
photography and publications are offered in a weekly
“Activity Period” for junior high students.
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