Curriculum & Standards

WE TEACH EVERYTHING

At Saint Benedict, we are committed to providing a high-quality, faith-based education for all students.

Coursework is based on the curriculum guidelines of the Education Office of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. We strive to provide a curriculum that helps our students grow academically and in faith and that prepares them for the next level of education.

St. Benedict believes its math and science instruction sets them apart from other area schools. In math, students in the lower grades master basic skills through the use of hands-on activities and manipulatives. Students in the upper grades expand on the strong foundation of basic skills while pre-algebra, algebra, geometry and problem solving skills are introduced.

Manipulatives are also used to transfer thinking skills from the concrete to the abstract and to high order reasoning. Application of mathematics to everyday life is stressed at every level, culminating with a consumer math unit in 8th grade.

In our science curriculum, students in 4th through 8th grades have daily classes in the Science Lab with an eighty minute lab period scheduled each week. Science process skills are continuously broadened through inquiry, analysis, and the understanding of the scientific method.

Grading Scale

93-100 – A
85-92 – B
75-84 – C
70-74 – D
69 and Below – F

Required Curriculum

  • Religion
  • Language Arts
    • Reading
    • Phonics
    • English
    • Spelling
    • Vocabulary
    • Library Science
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
  • Science
  • Social Studies
    • History
    • Geography
  • Music
  • Art
  • Health
  • Computer
  • Physical Education
  • Spanish
  • Title I programs
  • IU8 services

Accelerated Reading Program

Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade are required to complete the Accelerated Reading Program, a program that partners library books and technology to motivate students to read and to monitor their reading practices. The Accelerated Reading Program has been proven to help all students (average, gifted, and remedial) become successful readers.

Point requirements are as follows.

Kindergarten: 10 points

1st Grade: 12 points

2nd Grade: 16 points

3rd Grade: 20 points

4th Grade: 24 points

5th Grade: 30 points

6th Grade: 48 points

7th Grade: 48 points

8th Grade: 48 points

Students must complete one fourth of their points by the end of the 1st marking period, one half by the end of the 2nd marking period, three fourths by the 3rd marking period, and all points by the final marking period.

Students who do not meet these milestones will be on “academic probation” and will NOT be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities and events or recess until the requirements are met. All points may be earned before school begins, if desired. However, students should be encouraged to read throughout the school year.

ESSENTIAL CURRICULUM

Religion

Language Arts

Reading

Phonics

v

English

Spanish

Vocabulary

Spelling

Mathematics

Algebra

Science

Social Studies

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History

Geography

Music

Art

Health

Computer

Physical Education

Library Science

Title I Programs

IU8 Services

Physical Education

Library Science

Title I Programs

IU8 Services

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Reading Competition

U

Forensics Competition

Diocesan Spelling Bee

Band Class

Choir

Celebrate Diversity

Computer Competition

Multimedia Competition

PA Jr. Academy of Science

Basketball

Holy Name Football

Bishop Carrol Jr. High Sports

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