ACADEMICS
The curriculum at St. Peter School is guided by the academic standards of the Archdiocese of Washington. Teachers use the academic standards to create lessons that challenge all learners.
Religion
  All students attend a weekly school Mass. At Mass, Catholic students in grades 3-8 are invited to receive Holy Communion. Students in grades 3-8 are offered the Sacrament of Reconciliation quarterly. Second graders prepare to receive the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Reconciliation and eighth graders prepare for Confirmation. Students in all grades celebrate the liturgical seasons of the Church, attending a daily prayer service during Advent and walking the Stations of the Cross during Lent. In daily religion classes, students in grades Pre-K-8 are instructed in foundational Catholic prayers, rituals and beliefs. Children study the Bible, research the lives of the saints and perform service projects throughout the year..
   
Language Arts and Literature
 

In preschool years, students are exposed to good quality children’s literature in different genres. They learn the basic concepts of print and the sounds of the alphabet letters. Students begin reading instruction in Kindergarten, and beginning in first grade, they develop reading skills by participating in guided reading groups in addition to having direct phonics instruction. In grades 1-5, students use the Harcourt Storytown language arts series to further their study of literary genre, reading strategies, style and literary conventions. In Middle School, students use an anthology to study and discuss different genres of English literature.

From 1st grade through 8th grade, students participate in the Accelerated Reader program which is highly effective in motivating and monitoring good reading progress.  The program is incorporated into the reading program, the majority of which consists of guided reading instruction, small group work, the development of reading comprehension, and understanding and applying the elements of reading.

Students learn to write their names in preschool. By the early elementary years, St. Peter’s students are taught to write their thoughts and ideas in all the subject areas using proper grammar and punctuation. Students write sentences, paragraphs, poems, stories, reports and labs during elementary school. Kindergarten through fifth grade teachers use the 6+1 Traits of Writing program to aid the students in developing writing skills. During Middle School, students learn to craft a 5-paragraph essay and a research paper.

Students in grades 1-8 also study grammatical concepts and punctuation. They learn proper usage, and how to use synonyms, antonyms and homophones. Grades 1-5 study spelling patterns and study for a weekly spelling test.

 
   
Mathematics
 

Math instruction begins in Preschool as students play frequently with manipulatives. Students in Kindergarten and first grade use the Saxon Math program for learning foundational skills.

Using Sadlier’s Progress in Mathematics series in grades 2-8, students are exposed to the strands of number sense, geometry, calculation, algebra, problem solving, and data and probability. They communicate their reasoning in writing, through discussion, and with pictures. Students are expected to commit the basic facts of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to memory.

In later years, students use their fundamental skills to solve more complex problems and provide proof and support for their ideas. In 8th grade, students learn to use variables, linear sentences, exponents, how to find slope and how to use quadratic equations. Either Math 8 or Algebra is offered depending on student needs.
   
Science
 

Students in Preschool and Kindergarten discover scientific concepts through playing at various centers.  They focus on asking questions and creating experiments while exploring various concepts.  These students build structures, investigate properties of living things, and play with water.

Students in grades 1-8 study different physical, life, earth and environmental science topics using the FOSS program, an inquiry based science program that emphasizes hands-on experiments. Students make predictions, record observations and learn the scientific method.

Students in grades 3 through 8 participate in a city-wide Science Fair.

   
Social Studies
  Students begin their study of social studies by learning about traditional holidays, American symbols and the monuments of Washington, D.C. In second and third grade, textbooks are introduced to help students learn more about their neighborhood and community. Fourth graders learn the regions of the United States, and students in grades 5 and 8 study American History. Sixth and seventh graders study the geography, history, culture and traditions of Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. Students present information using technology both individually and in groups, and field trips highlight important concepts. Teachers of the lower grades use the Harcourt Brace series with the students; teachers of the middle school students use McDougal Littell.
   
Spanish
  All students at St. Peter’s study Spanish. In Preschool through first grade, students have Spanish class once per week. In grades 2-8, students meet twice a week to study the Spanish language, grammar, culture and traditions.
   
Latin
  Middle school students study Latin twice each week. Beyond providing the students with an additional language, the purpose of the Latin program is to provide students with a valuable tool that aids in the study of most other academic areas
   
Art and Music
 

All students at St. Peter’s attend a weekly class in music, Students are exposed to sacred and popular music. The Christmas Concert and the Spring Musical showcase their musical talents.

Students in grades 1-8 attend art class once per week.  During art, children hone their drawing and visualization skills. They study line, color, texture and shape to create abstract and realistic representations in various mediums.

   
Physical Education
  The Physical Education program at St. Peter’s helps students develop motor skills, improve stamina and vitality, and learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices. In weekly physical education classes, the teacher instills the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship at all levels. St. Peter School also provides a Health & Wellness class once each week to compliment the P.E. class. It focuses on overall health, nutrition, confidence, and team skill building.
   
Library and Technology
 

All students at St. Peter’s visit the library at least once per week to choose books for independent reading with assistance from the librarian. The library is central to many school wide activities, such as the Newbery Club, Summer Reading Incentive, Boo! Books, and author visits.

Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum by classroom teachers.  Grades 1-8 have Smartboards in the classroom and laptops and ipads are available for all grades. The technology specialist instructs students on various programs and assists with quarterly technology projects.