Elementary – Grades K-4
A Catholic education is a challenging education. High standards, strong motivation, effective discipline, and an atmosphere of caring all combine to foster excellence and a high quality of student performance. Beginning in Kindergarten we prepare students by helping them form a solid, developmentally appropriate foundation in the areas of reading, writing, math, and language arts. These skills are expanded upon from grade-to-grade, preparing our Elementary students to succeed in Middle School.
Class Structure
St. Alphonsus has one class for each elementary grade. We accept a maximum of 22 students in Kindergarten and 24 students in grades 1-4. Kindergarten is a full-day program, and students must be age 5 by August 31.
Curriculum Spotlight
Literacy Essentials teaches children to read by presenting a thorough, explicit, multisensory explanation of the sound-symbol relationship for the spelling patterns of English (phonetics), as well as the rules and consistencies governing their use in English words (orthography). In K-2, the curriculum integrates all the literacy components: phonemic awareness, orthography/spelling, reading with fluency and comprehension, and writing and grammar. In third grade, the curriculum continues teaching orthography with the other components of literacy chosen by the school (literature, formal grammar, and writing).
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This is a comprehensive program in world and American history and geography, integrating topics in civics and the arts. Core Knowledge History and Geography helps students build knowledge of the diverse civilizations and cultures. There is an emphasis on real content that builds cumulatively and coherently from grade to grade. Possessing a broad base of knowledge builds strong foundations for later learning and opens doors to effective participation and mutual understanding in the wider society.
FOSS, the Full Option Science System from UC Berkeley’sLawrence Hall of Science, is a multisensory experience that engages all learners – not a digital program with add-ons. FOSS builds student understanding of core science concepts through active investigation.
Go Math! is designed using the proven 5E instructional model, guiding students toward proficiency by building on their previous understanding of mathematical concepts. Embedded formative math assessments ensure students get the support they need. Our schedule is set to math classes at the same time across grade levels, allowing students to attend the math class at their instructional level. A few students from each class “walk” up to the next level math class to meet their individual needs and provide an appropriate academic challenge.
The Faith and Life Series leads students to the Person of Jesus Christ and then immerses them in the Mystery of Christ, fostering dispositions in which students desire communion with God through Jesus in the Holy Spirit, a communion in truth, charity, and mercy. Students who are not Catholic or Christian gain an understanding and respect of basic beliefs as well as wholesome values for virtuous living. Our religion curriculum is integrated with daily prayers, weekly Mass, and age-appropriate community service projects.
Comprehensive Education
Integral to our core curriculum are our enrichment programs:
- Physical Education
- Art
- Music
- Spanish (beginning in 3rd grade)
- STEM Lab
- Library
Additional School Activities
Elementary grade students have the opportunity to participate in many school activities that occur both during and after the school day, including:
- Science Club
- Coding Club
- Chess Club
- Girl Scouts
- CYO Athletics
- Jr. FIRST Lego League Club
- Geography Bee
- Spelling Bee
- Christmas and Spring Concerts
MAP Scores
Like public schools, every school in the Archdiocese of Seattle participates in standardized MAP testing. Our students consistently outperform their public and Archdiocesan school peers in every category.
Preparing to Enter the “Great Conversation”
At St. Alphonsus, our students read great books to join the Great Conversation—discovering timeless ideas, heroic characters, and enduring truths. This list highlights many of the titles our 4th–8th graders explore, some in adapted editions. Teachers thoughtfully rotate selections each year to keep the reading experience rich, fresh, and full of wonder.
