Academics
Academics
Academic Excellence:
- 100% of 8th grade students are accepted into their high school of choice.
- Students in 4th-8th grade are recognized each quarter for Honor Roll academic achievement.
Our graduates continue their academic success in high school, including enrollment in honors classes, academic honors awards, and high scores on the ACT test.
DBR Learning Standards
St. Alphonsus follows the curriculum and learning standards adopted by the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Click
here to access information about diocesan standards and curriculum.
Curriculum
What Families Can Expect
- A strong academic foundation with a clear progression from PK3 through 8th grade
- Engaging, structured instruction that supports all learners
- Faith integrated into daily learning and school life
- Opportunities for advanced coursework and high school credit
- A supportive environment focused on the development of the whole child
Our early childhood program provides a nurturing, faith-filled environment where students begin building the foundation for lifelong learning. Through a balance of structured activities and purposeful play, students develop the skills necessary for social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth.
Our PK3 and PK4 programs are full-day programs, giving students time to learn, play, and grow in a consistent and supportive routine each day.
- PK3 students use Frog Street to build early literacy, math, and social skills. Students explore concepts such as weather, seasons, plants, animals, and their five senses through hands-on activities and guided play. Social studies focuses on family, classroom routines, and learning how to be part of a community.
- PK4 students use the OWL (Opening the World of Learning) Program. Instruction becomes more structured while continuing to emphasize discovery and active learning. Students explore basic science concepts and begin learning about community helpers, maps, and the world around them.
In both PK3 and PK4, we use Heggerty Phonics to build strong early literacy skills. Finding God is used for religion to help our students learn about God’s love and creation, prayers and Catholic traditions, as well as learning faith through stories, music, art and hands-on activities.
Students are also introduced to the life of the school through weekly Mass, pep rallies, and traditions such as the Living Rosary, helping them feel connected and supported from the start.
Program Information:
- Children entering PK3 must be three years old by September 30
- Children entering PK4 must be four years old by September 30
- Students should be able to use the restroom independently.
Our elementary program is designed to provide a strong academic foundation in a structured and supportive environment. Students participate in a variety of engaging and meaningful learning experiences that promote independence, critical thinking, and a love of learning.
Kindergarten–2nd Grade
In the early elementary years, the focus is on building strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and math.
- Students entering Kindergarten must be five years old by September 30.
- Students learn to read through the Superkids Reading Program, a phonics-based program that provides explicit, step-by-step instruction in decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Students practice using texts that align with their skill level, helping them build confidence and develop into independent readers. Reading, writing, spelling, and phonics are taught together so students can consistently apply what they are learning.
- Math is taught through My Math, with an emphasis on understanding concepts and applying skills to real-life situations.
- In science, students explore plants, animals, weather, and matter through hands-on activities that encourage curiosity and observation.
- In social studies, students are introduced to families, communities, geography, and important people and events, along with basic citizenship and economic concepts.
- Religion through Finding God is integrated throughout the day, helping students grow in their faith while learning to treat others with respect and compassion. 2nd grade students are also growing in faith through sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
3rd–5th Grade
In upper elementary, students build on foundational skills and are encouraged to think more independently and take greater ownership of their learning.
- Reading instruction is centered around Read Side by Side, a novel-based program that uses chapter books and rich texts to strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Students participate in book clubs where they engage in discussion, share ideas, and apply reading strategies in meaningful ways. Writing and grammar skills are further developed through Voyages in English.
- In science (Elevate Science), students explore ecosystems, the human body, energy, forces, and Earth’s systems through hands-on investigations and real-world connections.
- In social studies, students use Gallopade, including Louisiana My Story and United States: Our Nation, to study Louisiana history in 3rd grade and ancient civilizations through the Renaissance in 4th and 5th grade, along with geography and early government concepts.
- Faith formation continues through Finding God, helping students deepen their understanding of their faith and apply it in their daily lives. Students grow in their Scripture knowledge, prayer, sacraments, Church teachings, and virtues.
Our middle school program prepares students for the academic expectations of high school while continuing to support their growth as independent learners. Students engage in rigorous and relevant learning experiences that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsibility. Middle school students are also given opportunities to take ownership of their learning and develop the skills necessary for success in high school and beyond.
- English Language Arts
Middle school students in ELA build strong reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. They read literature and informational texts, analyze themes, characters, author’s purpose, and use evidence to support their ideas. Students also write essays, research papers, and creative pieces while strengthening grammar, vocabulary, communication, and discussion skills that prepare them for high school and beyond. - Math
Using Glencoe Math, students develop strong problem-solving and reasoning skills. Many students have the opportunity to earn high school Algebra I credit in 8th grade. - Science
Students follow a structured progression:- 6th Grade: Earth Science
- 7th Grade: Life Science
- 8th Grade: Physical Science
- Instruction includes labs, experiments, and real-world applications. Students may earn high school credit in Physical Science.
- Social Studies
Students continue their study of U.S. history using Gallopade, including America: Our Nation. Instruction focuses on history, civics, geography, and economics while developing analytical and critical thinking skills. - Religion
Middle school students use Finding God to deepen their understanding of Scripture, Catholic teachings, sacraments, morality, prayer, and the mission of the Church. They learn to apply their faith to real-life decisions, relationships, service, and leadership while growing as thoughtful and active disciples of Christ. Students also explore age-appropriate themes from Theology of the Body, learning about human dignity, respect for self and others, healthy relationships, and God’s plan for the human person.