Kindergarten - 8th Grade Curriculum

Language and Communication

• Literacy strategies integrated into all subject areas. Teachers and staff work as a collaborative group to meet the needs of each student.
• K-8 leveled reading library
• Small guided reading groups used to target students individual reading levels.
• Power Hour, intense small group instruction with teacher and reading aides, used daily in lower grades
• Reading tutoring with STAR Volunteer Reading Program
• Spanish taught in grades K-5 and 7-8
• Latin taught in grades 6 and 7

Religious Instruction

• Regularly scheduled religion classes
• Daily prayers and intentions
• Monthly all-school and class Masses
• Visits by school pastor
• Liturgical Choir program offered for grades 4-6
• Liturgy and Music director engages students in meaningful reading and song during the celebration of the Mass

Math and Science

• K-8 Curriculum: Macmillan McGraw-Hill Math Connections. Includes diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment, data-driven instruction, intervention options, and performance tracking, as well as remediation, accelerations and enrichment tools.
• Middle School Curriculum: Holt, Rinehart & Winston. Multiple forms of assessment give students experience with state-standardized tests. Powerful intervention tools integrated into every chapter and every lesson. Algebra readiness begins early in the program to provide students with the strong foundation they need for success in algebra.
  
• 7th and 8th grade students complete in school, diocesan, and Salt Lake Valley Science and Engineering Fairs.
• 8th grade students complete in Mathematical Association of America’s Mathematic Competition.

Technology

• computer classes one to two time a week teaches students vital computer skills while supplementing the core curriculum
• Students learn Microsoft programs such as Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Publisher.
• provide research opportunities to facilitate classroom curriculum and assignments

Cultural and Fine Arts

• Music theory and application instruction for grades K-8
• Art instruction for grades 1-8 once a week
• Liturgical Choir program for grades 4-6
• Students in grades 7 and 8 are encouraged to join the St. Ambrose adult choir
• Optional Concert and Cadet Band program for grades 5-8 before school twice a week
• 8th grade mock trial team competes against other middles schools from across the state.

Community Service

• All students participate in monthly community service projects. Past projects include:
1. Thanksgiving dinner baskets for St. Patrick’s Parish
2. Collecting food and item donations for the Utah Food Bank, YWCA, and the Road Home.
3. Fundraising for deserving foundation and organizations such as the Themba Project, Namibia Peace Corps, and Heifer International
4. Student performances for Parish Senior groups  
5. Visits made to homebound member of St. Ambrose Parish who live in the neighborhood.
6. Knitting scarves and hats for the St. Ambrose Parish Giving Tree at Christmas.

Sports and Athletics

• PE Classes once a week for grades PK 4 through 8.
• Presidential Fitness Award Program for grades 4-8
• Gold Medal Schools Program
• Ski program on six Friday afternoons in January for grades 3-8
• PARA sanctioned volleyball, basketball, and baseball for grades 3-8