Kindergarten
One of the greatest gifts of teaching Kindergarten is watching children discover the world around them with wonder and excitement. From learning their letters and numbers to sharing stories, asking questions, making friends, and becoming more independent, every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow.
At Notre Dame Catholic School, we believe that educating the whole child means nurturing not only academic growth, but also spiritual and personal development. Our Catholic faith is woven throughout each day as students learn about God’s love, the teachings of Jesus, prayer, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and service to others. Through daily opportunities to practice Catholic values, children begin to understand what it means to live their faith and be loving, respectful members of our Catholic community.
Students also participate in school Masses and Eucharistic Adoration, helping them develop a deeper appreciation for the Mass, the Eucharist, and the importance of prayer. These early experiences lay a meaningful foundation for their continued faith formation and prepare them for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in second grade.
English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy
Children develop listening, speaking, reading, and early writing skills. They learn the alphabet, letter sounds, phonics, vocabulary, storytelling, and basic sentence formation while building confidence in communication and expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Mathematics
Children explore numbers, counting, patterns, sorting, addition, subtraction, and measurement. Through hands-on activities and problem-solving, students develop foundational math skills and begin to recognize how mathematics connects to everyday life.
Science
Kindergarteners discover the world around them by exploring plants, animals, living and nonliving things, weather, the five senses, and the environment. These lessons encourage curiosity and a sense of wonder and gratitude for God’s creation.
Social Studies
Students learn about themselves, their families, their school, their community, and the world around them. Lessons include community helpers, maps, national holidays, and important traditions, helping children understand their place in the world and their responsibility to others.
Religion, Faith Formation & Values
Our Catholic identity is at the heart of the Kindergarten experience. Children learn about God’s love, the life and teachings of Jesus, the importance of prayer, and the values of kindness, respect, honesty, forgiveness, and service. Through classroom prayer, Scripture, school Masses, Eucharistic Adoration, and Catholic traditions, students begin building a personal relationship with God. These experiences establish a strong spiritual foundation as they continue their faith journey toward receiving First Holy Communion in second grade.
Social-Emotional Learning and Life Skills
Children learn to identify and express their feelings, share with others, take turns, follow routines, and build friendships. They develop independence, responsibility, confidence, and respect for others while learning to practice patience, kindness, and compassion in their daily interactions. These important life skills help students grow into caring individuals who reflect the values of our Catholic faith.