Notre Dame de Sion Grade School students working on classwork together.

Academics

Curricular Philosophy

Curriculum and instruction at Notre Dame de Sion Grade School are designed to create a love for learning and transform the hearts and minds of our students.

In order to meet this goal, as well as the needs of our learners, Sion teachers employ several different methods of instruction, including inquiry-based learning, experiential learning, and cooperative and collaborative learning. A sense of purpose that’s planted at home grows at Sion. Curriculum is focused on whole-child development. Sion teachers educate students thinking about their lives inside, and outside of the classroom. This fosters confidence and social and emotional intelligence in students. Sion aspires to equip students with skill sets that will make them successful throughout their lifetime.

Academic Year-at-a-Glance

Sion’s academic schedule varies by grade level and strategically combines core curriculum with enrichment offerings. The school year is divided into four quarters with two semesters. Grade cards are administered at the end of each quarter, with parent/teacher conferences offered in the middle of the first and third quarters to discuss students’ progress. Every grade is offered recess daily, either following or proceeding lunch.

Pre-School Age 2+

Montessori “Petite” Program (Age 2)

A five-day program for children from two to three years old who have established independent walking.
6:1 student/teacher ratio
Within a nurturing environment, a trained Montessori guide fosters the development of gross and fine motor skills, independence, and language.
The Petite students are in a “sensitive period” making it an ideal time to build foundational skills for peaceful social interaction.
Students transition to the next level at three if they are potty-trained and meet the criteria for following directions and interacting age-appropriately with others.

Montessori Early Childhood Program (Age 3-5)

Sion offers a three- or five-day program to support the diverse needs of parents.
12:1 student/teacher ratio.
Peace education in the Montessori classroom extends beyond simply teaching children about conflict resolution. It involves creating an atmosphere where respect, understanding, and collaboration are valued.
Students learn through hands-on experiences and investigation. Most Montessori work is designed to be completed at the student’s pace—they progress as they master new skills.
Montessori encourages freedom with responsibility, self-discipline, self-direction and an internal sense of purpose, motivation and independence.

Kindergarten - 4th

Average class size of 15.
Follow a “traditional period” schedule daily taught in self-contained classrooms.
All core subjects are taught by the student’s homeroom teacher, or departmentalized for math and reading.
Enrichment classes per grade segment follow a six-day rotating schedule — students will attend one of their enrichment classes daily.

5th - 6th

Average class size of 15.
Follow a “traditional period” schedule.
Students change classes by subject.
Enrichment classes per grade segment follow a six-day rotating schedule: students will attend one of their enrichment classes daily.

7th - 8th

Average class size of 15.
Students in 7th and 8th grade move to a block schedule with expanded periods for Math and Reading four times weekly.
Enrichment classes per grade segment follow a six-day rotating schedule: students will attend one of their enrichment classes daily.

PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE

In Math, 93% of our students are at or above grade level (i-Ready 25-26)
In Reading, 95% of our students are at or above grade level (i-Ready 25-26)
Students are well-prepared for the next level: middle school, high school, and beyond
100% of our graduates are accepted to their top choice high school

Enrichment Classes/Specials

Enrichment classes or “specials” (sometimes referred to as FLAMPS at Sion Grade School) round out the student experience in all grades. The frequency at which students attend each of these enrichment courses changes as they progress through the academic grades. This unique group of subjects enriches Sion Grade School student’s academic and personal development.

Foreign Language

Connecting to Notre Dame de Sion’s French heritage, students through 3rd grade receive French language instruction, and students in 4th–8th grade receive French or Spanish. Beginning in 5th grade, foreign language becomes a core subject.

Library

Students in K–5th grade are introduced to a variety of age appropriate literature (among our collection of over 7,000 books). Sion’s certified librarian works with students to help them find something that uniquely appeals to them to encourage “reading for fun!”

Art

A variety of fundamentals and skills are introduced depending on age development: Drawing, Painting, Collages, Mixed Media, Pottery, Perspective, Personal Expression and Art History.

Music

Through song and instruments students explore different sounds and practice improvisation. Intermediate students (5th-8th) learn to play instruments through our band program. Students can choose their instrument: the school provides the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, or percussion.

All K-8th students attend P.E. where they practice strategy, engage in team sports, and build physical strength, leadership, sportsmanship and character.

Swimming

Students through 5th grade receive swim lessons in the school’s historic mosaic tile pool from a Red Cross- certified instructor. Students develop skills by learning different strokes and water safety practices.

Care

Our SEL (Social Emotional Learning) course focuses on helping our students develop essential life skills related to understanding and managing emotions, persevering, building positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and developing empathy.