OUR CURRICULUM IS COMPRISED OF SEVERAL SPECIALIZED SUBJECT AREAS THAT ARE INTEGRATED WITH ONE ANOTHER AND PROVIDE A RIGOROUS, WELL-ROUNDED APPROACH TO STUDENT LEARNING. PLEASE CLICK ON THE HEADINGS BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH SUBJECT AREA.
Our curriculum follows the standards of the National Council of Teachers of English, the State of Maryland International Reading Council and the Curriculum Standards for Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Differentiated instruction along with flexible grouping accommodates learners of all levels and builds reading and writing success.
Reading instruction in all grades PK-5 focuses on providing students with a range of texts of varying complexity to build foundational as well as critical thinking skills. Students grow in their ability to understand key ideas and details of text, to recognize various types of writing and structure of texts, and to integrate knowledge and ideas of the text with other sources of information. Students also begin to analyze and interpret texts. Foundational skills developed include print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition and fluency, and vocabulary acquisition and use. Public speaking opportunities are provided in the upper grades.
Grades PK-3
Focus: Phonological Awareness, Decoding, Sight Recognition
The language arts program includes exposure to a wide variety of literature and content reading materials, instruction in beginning reading skills such as letter and sound recognition, concepts of manuscript printing, writing group and individual stories, and developing story sense and comprehension skills. The book we use is FUNDATIONS.
Kindergarten-Grade 5
Focus: Background Knowledge, Vocabulary, Language Structures, Verbal Reasoning, Literacy Knowledge
Students use WIT & WISDOM, a comprehensive curriculum in which students read authentic, complex texts while practicing reading, writing, speaking and listening, and vocabulary together to build knowledge of the world around them. It is taught in tandem with Fundations (through grade 3) and Geodes (through grade 2.
In grades 1–2, students learn handwriting, use of manuscript on ruled paper, and cursive letters, using Wilson Fundations style.
Grades Kindergarten-2
Focus: Skilled Reading, Fluency
GEODES by Wilson are readable texts (books) with specific decoding strategies (taught in Fundations) used in tandem with explicit instructions in vocabulary and content knowledge.
Writing instruction progressively builds students’ abilities to write opinion, information/explanatory and narrative texts. Students also practice poetry and other styles of writing. Gradual introduction to shared and independent research is begun in these grades, including short research projects.
Spelling and English grammar conventions and mechanics accompany and complement instruction in other language arts and content areas. Typically, weekly spelling lists are compiled by the teacher and communicated to parents with a routine assessment of spelling mastery.
In grade 3, students learn handwriting, use of manuscript on ruled paper, and cursive letters, using Wilson Fundations style. Continued practice of cursive and its application to independent work takes place in grades 4-5.
Grades 6–8
The language arts program emphasizes critical reading and thinking skills, appreciation of great literature, public speaking, composition and research skills. Teachers guide students in self-directed learning, communication skills and integrated technology. Students develop their ability to work interdependently and collaboratively in conjunction with reading and writing applications for high school and college readiness. Examples of literature discussed and analyzed include To Kill a Mockingbird, Bud Not Buddy, the works of Poe and Shakespeare, and forms of poetry. Both the English teacher and literature teacher collaborate to incorporate the two disciplines into a seamless instructional program that allows students to apply their understanding of grammar and mechanics to their literary analyses. Books used in coursework are The Language of Literature (McDougal Litell) and the Voyages in English series.
Areas of study include:
- Classic and contemporary literary genres (novels, short stories, drama, biography and other nonfiction, poetry)
- Critical reading strategies
- Literary analysis
- Literary devices
- The writing process
- Journal writing
- Narrative, persuasive, informative and interpretive writing
- Research techniques and formal reports
- Grammar, vocabulary and spelling
- Forms of public speaking
Our curriculum follows the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Math and the Curriculum Standards for Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
GRADES PK-6
MSS students in Pre-K through grade 6 use the Singapore Math Method, a highly effective and internationally regarded program that instills a deep understanding of mathematics.
The Singapore math method focuses on mastery through the intentional sequencing of concepts. Students learn to think "mathematically" and rely on the depth of knowledge learned from previous leassons. Singapore math not only helps students become more successful problem solvers, it will help our MSS students gain a sense of confidence and resourcefulness because of the program's conceptual depth. This naturally prepares students to excel in more advanced math.
GRADES 7–8
The math program continues to develop those concepts and skills that form the foundations for higher math, including facility in computation, critical thinking, problem solving and applications. Math at this level is differentiated based on ability.
- 7th grade: Students are differentiated according to ability and readiness into Course 1 or Course 2. Course 1 begins Pre-Algebra. Course 2 focuses on proportional relationships, equations and inequalities, geometry, and statistics and probability.
- 7th- and 8th-grade Pre-Algebra: Students study rational numbers and exponents; proportionality and linear relationships; creating, comparing and analyzing geometric figures; and sampling.
- 8th-grade Algebra I: Students demonstrating proficiency in pre-algebraic concepts move on to study linear, exponential and quadratic expressions and functions; radical functions and geometry; and statistics and probability.
Books used:
- Math in Focus: Singapore Math by Cavendish
- Course 1 McGraw-Hill (gr 7)
- Course 2 McGraw-Hill (gr 7)
- Pre-Algebra McGraw -Hill: An Accelerated Pre-Algebra Program
- Algebra 1 McGraw-Hill
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Science instruction includes hand-on expermental studies of apples, pumpkins, the seasons, animals, plants, insects, weather, melting and freezing, the Five Senses, and Keeping a Healthy Earth.
KINDERGARTEN
Science instruction includes Engineering and Technology, force and motion, plants, animals, weather, the sun, natural resources, and ecology through Next Generation Science Standards.
GRADES 1–2
- 1st grade: Students study Engineering and Technology, sound, light, plants, animals, the Solar System, and ecology using Grade 1 Scholastic Science.
- 2nd grade: Students study earth science, including plant structures, animal life cycles, food chains, animal and plant classifications by type, and earth and sky.
GRADES 3-5
Science instruction includes hands-on experiments, as well as opportunities for individual STEM/Science Fair projects (optional in Grade 3-4; mandatory in gr 5).
- 3rd grade: Students study plant and animal life cycles, vertebrates and invertebrates, the water cycle, matter and energy, earth’s seasons, moon phases, and planets in the solar system.
- 4th grade: Students study the scientific method, ecosystems, electricity, magnetism, simple machines, weather, the Chesapeake Bay, Engineering and Design, Earth's Systems, Energy, Waves, Structure, Function, and information in animals
- 5th grade: Students study rocks and minerals, earth’s structures, forces and energy, stars and galaxies, and the human digestive, respiratory, circulatory and excretory systems.
Grades 6–8
Science is inquiry-based and dynamic as students gain the skills and knowledge they will need for high school. Our Science Club and Engineering Club provide additional opportunities.
- 6th grade: Students study earth sciences, including weather, the geologic time scale, continental drift and plate tectonics, as well as the scientific method.
- 7th grade: Students study life sciences, including animal classification, characteristics and behavior, as well as genetics and heredity, evolution and environmental science.
- 8th grade: Students study the physical sciences, including beginning chemistry and the periodic table, sound and light wave characteristics, the electromagnetic spectrum, speed and motion, and forces such as gravity and friction.
Book: Glencoe iScience series
Our curriculum follows the Curriculum Standards for Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
PRE-K
The early childhood programs integrate social studies through hands-on learning, stories, music, play, art projects and special visitors to the classroom. Special social studies projects and exploration may be centered around themes related to communities, holidays, and countries and cultures around the world.
KINDERGARTEN-Grade 2
Kindergarten integrates social studies through hands-on learning, stories, music, play, art projects, and special classroom visitors. Special projects and exploration may be centered around themes related to communities, Native Americans, Pilgrims, holidays, and countries and cultures around the world.
Grades 1 and 2 integrate social studies through hands-on learning, stories, music, play, and art projects. Special projects, research, and exploration may be centered around types of communities and their relatinships with each other, the significance of holidays and national days of honor, geography, and countries and cultures around the world. Beginning map skills are taught. Grades 1 and 2 are also introduced to early American history and government, and citizenship.
Book used: McMillan/McGraw-Hill All Together
Grades 3–5
The social studies curriculum includes progressive development of themes related to culture; sense of historical time; people, places and environments; groups and institutions; power, authority and governance; economics; global connections; and citizenship. Each grade level develops these themes in units.
Grades 3 and 4 subscribe to Scholastic News to discuss current events.
In grades 3–5, students explore Maryland state history and government, states and capitals, and American government and U.S. Presidents. U.S. history is studied in greater depth, beginning with the first Americans, the early explorers and colonization and continuing through the westward expansion. Trips to educational sites such as the Mud College Schoolhouse and the Renfrew Institute for Cultural & Environmental Studies expand upon the curriculum.
Grades 6–8
Students continue to develop competencies in social studies with a much more in-depth study of ancient, American and world history. Curricula over these years also provide a greater emphasis on processes and reasoning. Students develop the ability to recognize connections among academic disciplines and apply new skills and ideas to new situations.
- 6th grade: Students study ancient civilizations. Beginning with the early cultures in the Indus and Tigris/Euphrates river valleys and finishing in feudal Europe, they learn about Egypt, China, Greece and Rome.
- 7th grade: Students study world cultures. They discuss various regions, delving into how geography, history and culture have shaped residents and life in those regions today. Students also discuss the organizations and characteristics that bring all of us together, no matter which region we call home.
- 8th grade: Students study American history. They begin with the arrival of European colonists in the Americas and the foundation of the 13 American colonies. Students learn about the American Revolution, the creation of the Constitution and American Government, further development of the American nation and culture, westward expansion, sectional division, and end with the Civl War and Reconstruction.
Book: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Social Studies (Ancient Civilizations, gr 6; World GEogrpahy, gr 7; US History, gr 8)
As our religion and family life programs progress through each grade, they encourage students to personally embrace the faith of their childhood, prepare them to move into high school with sound Catholic values and convictions, and motivate them to become actively involved in their church community. We strive to build a community of faith in word and action through the formal religious instruction that takes place each day as well as through learning about and modeling gospel values in word and action.
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
As our religion and family life programs progress through each grade, they encourage students to personally embrace the faith of their childhood, prepare them to move into high school with sound Catholic values and convictions, and motivate them to become actively involved in their church community. We strive to build a community of faith in word and action through the formal religious instruction that takes place each day as well as through learning about and modeling gospel values in word and action.
Pre-Kindergarten
Topics of instruction from the book God Made the World (Loyola Press) include basic prayers, God Made People, Holy Things, Earth, Living Things, Surprises, and all major religious holidays.
Kindergarten - Grade 8
All students have the advantage of participating in daily formal religious instruction. The curriculum follows the Curriculum Standards for Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and includes Catholic faith tradition, scripture, Church doctrine, prayer, sacramental life, morality and community/service appropriate for students’ age and grade level.
Christ Our Life, 2016 (Loyola Press) is the primary textbook used. Each level of study focuses on learning about an aspect of the Catholic faith and our journey with God. Grades for religious instruction are included on the trimester progress reports.
FAITH FORMATION
Daily instruction in Catholic faith and opportunities to celebrate faith through prayer, liturgy and service are integral to Mother Seton School’s educational program. In addition, teachers integrate Gospel values and Catholic teaching into content areas, and integrate faith and values formation into students’ daily experiences. Students are introduced to our Vincentian Family Saints—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac and St. Catherine Laboure--from their first days at Mother Seton School. They are encouraged to model their lives on the virtues of humility, simplicity, charity, love of the Eucharist and love of Mary as exemplified by the saints in the Vincentian Family. Student activities such as Prayer Partners, seasonal outreach projects, charitable fund drives and service learning provide opportunities to put faith into action.
Sacramental Preparation
Following Archdiocese of Baltimore guidelines, immediate preparation for reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation is conducted at the child’s home parish. Eucharist and Reconciliation preparation usually takes place in second grade, and Confirmation in middle or high school. Parents should contact their parish’s religious education coordinator for information about the parish sacramental preparation program.
Family Life & Safe Child Education
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is committed to providing holistic catechesis for family life and child protection to children and their parents. This catechesis blends moral and values-based formation with clear and factual information.
Contents and materials of the Family Life and Child Protection program are made available to parents upon request. Family Life (RCL Benzinger) is the primary resource used. All teaching materials have been approved for use by the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Spanish is taught by trained, native-fluent instructors using the Berlitz Method. This method presents language learning in the context of real-lkife situations, with extra, targeted practice of grammar and vocabulary. Students learn through listening and speaking, supported by reading and writing.
Once students walk into the Spanish classroom, they speak and are spoken to in Spanish. This immersive approach has been proven to help increase achievement and overall language acquisition success. Berlitz requires the constant active exchange between student and teacher, and even true beginners speak a minimum of 50% of their lessons (compared to teacher talking time), with students in levels 5 and up speaking a minimum of 70%.
Depending upon entrance requirements of various high schools, students may be eligible to enter Spanish II.
Children learn to express themselves and think creatively through our visual and performing arts program that includes music classes, art classes, band, choir and theater productions.
MUSIC EDUCATION (K-8)
Students in grades K–8 participate in weekly music instruction. Students learn music history, music theory, and how to read, sing and play music on a variety of instruments. Instruction helps build music appreciation in the student. The music program for third grade integrates a recorder program, introducing students to instrumental music in preparation for their opportunity to join extracurricular chorus or instrumental band in fourth grade.
Visual Arts Education (1-8)
Student creativity is emphasized in our visual art program, which encompasses everything from animation to stoneware clay. The study of famous artists, culture, art history, various media, color theory, and basic elements and principles of design assists the development of each student’s talent. A variety of subject matter is integrated from an enriched academic curriculum.
Through our smART Masters Art Club, middle school students have the opportunity to work closely with the art teacher on service projects.
Obstacle courses, fitness competitions, the Snow Sports Club, family fun and fitness programs—we take a creative approach to building physical skills and keeping children active. Once a week students from grades K–8 participate in physical education classes. PE helps students develop coordination, strength, agility and endurance. The PE curriculum also helps teach students about various sports, health and fitness, and teamwork.
- PE Sports and Skills
- Exercise with Music
- Hoop Games
- Baton Relays
- Track and Field
- Obstacles
- Running
- Ribbonball/Frisbee
- Discus
- Bowling
- Bocce Ball
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Gymnastics
- Floor Hockey
- Soccer
- Badminton, Wallball, Tetherball
- Softball
- Golf
