Curriculum

Religion

Alpha's student body is composed of students from all religious denominations. As a Catholic School, religion is taught as part of the curriculum to all students. A critical attribute of our religious instruction is an emphasis on respect for all people, their beliefs and practices. Students have an opportunity to share with the class their beliefs and practices, noting both the similarities and the differences.

Language Arts

The Language Arts Curriculum includes reading, writing, grammar, library skills, and speaking and listening skills. These skills are not taught in isolation but integrated throughout the Language Arts curriculum with emphasis on writing skills. The global objective of communication and a love of reading are fostered. Our balanced program provides opportunities for students that foster a love of all genres of literature to last a lifetime.

Mathematics

Alpha's Mathematics Curriculum is a balance of concepts, skills and problem solving. This is accomplished through basic math, mental math, and advanced math that not only challenges the student, but produces confident problem solvers. Effective instructional strategies promote an understanding of applications that students can apply to everyday situations.

Science

The Science Curriculum is a progression of courses that establishes critical thinking skills at all grade levels. Through a hands-on approach students are exposed to different branches of science that fosters scientific inquiry and develops a student's ability to formulate hypothesis, analyze data, and form valid conclusions. It is a cooperative learning process utilizing lab exercises, group activities, discussion, and scientific methods. These skills provide a framework for a student's success in and out of the classroom.

Social Studies

Alpha's Social Studies Curriculum is based on linking and generating knowledge through an understanding of geography, economics, sociology, history, and citizenship. The curriculum connects the past and present to expand a student's knowledge and perspective. Classes are presented in a variety of styles such as auditory, kinesthetic and visual. Music, art and literature are integrated in history lessons to bring history alive. Citizenship is taught through skill lessons, interactive activities and concrete examples. Creative ways of teaching develops a student's understanding of their relationships with their environment. A foundation in Social Studies prepares a student to interact in a local or global environment.

Foreign Languages

Spanish
The Spanish Program includes all students in kindergarten through eighth grade and is an integral part of our curriculum. A student's understanding and mastery of the language is an asset in a global marketplace. Basic skills are taught in K - 3rd grades and expand each year to include more advanced teaching. Spanish also provides an opportunity to study the history, culture and peoples of Spanish-speaking countries.
Chinese
Students in kindergarten through 4th grade are introduced to the basics of the Chinese language. The teacher employs a variety of instructional techniques to make the class interesting and stimulating. Students learn the alphabet, days of the week, money, and vocabulary words needed for simple conversations.

Computers

The Computer Program at Alpha School addresses specific instructional components as identified in the Diocesan Computer Curriculum Guidelines: computers in society, the technical aspects of computers as a problem-solving tool, as an application tool and as advanced technology. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade are taught the skills for using technology, and these skills are reinforced by merging curriculum and computers to create continuous learning. They are also taught specific skills such as keyboarding, graphics, word processing, database, spreadsheet and other applications that are relevant now and in the future.

Library

Alpha's library supports classroom curriculum by integrating media, research, activities, and technology into cooperative learning. Library materials and resources are updated annually thus enhancing instruction and helping to engage students in the pleasure of reading. Through technology students may access the library and do research.

Music

Alpha strives to achieve a well-balanced curriculum of music theory, appreciation, enrichment and performance. Students study the history of particular genres of music including the composers, their background and times in which the music was written. They are taught to identify certain musical themes, read musical notes, and understand the differences in rhythm, melody and tone. Students present a musical program each year that is opened to the community. During the Christmas season, students perform at Light up Night and LaRoche College. Students cantor at the weekly liturgy and provide instrumental selections. Once a week music lessons are offered to band students.

Art

All Alpha students attend a weekly art class taught by a certified art educator. Each grade will build on the knowledge acquired the previous years of art refining perceptual skills, vocabulary and their knowledge of a variety of artists. These perceptual skills will emphasize not only imagination, but sensory awareness and visual recall skills as well. Lessons are designed to enable students to understand elements of art and the principles of design. Vocabulary, observation, art history, overviews of our featured artists and discussions relating to the meaning of art works will be a major focus of each hands-on art activity.  Each piece of art work the students create will reflect their own personalities and will draw from and be based on the style of the artists they study.

Physical Education

The goal of Physical Education is to promote the value of physical activity and how it instills good health, confidence and competition. The teacher instructs students in activities that are appropriate for each grade level enhancing their mental, physical and social well-being. Team activities and individual activities increase motor skills, teamwork, goal setting, and the growth and development of a child. Students learn to follow directions and accomplish a task. Physical Education is part of a wellness program integrating nutrition with exercise and fostering good healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Students in K-4 participate in swimming as part of the physical education program.  In this class, students are taught to swim, strengthen their swimming skills, as well as learn water safety.