St. Francis of Assisi School

400 Lincoln Road
Brooklyn, NY. 11225
Office: (718) 778-3700

Our Academic Program

Religion

Our Religion program at St. Francis of Assisi School enables students to develop a deeper understanding of their Catholic Faith. Daily Religion classes provide instruction based on the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our Religion Program comprises four interrelated components: message, doctrine, community and service. The content of religious instruction is grade specific following the Diocesan guidelines. In addition to formal religious instruction, students participate in liturgies, celebrate sacraments and take part in community outreach.

Sacramental preparation takes place in the third grade for Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Students in seventh grade are invited to further their baptismal commitment by intensifying their instruction in preparation for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Non-Catholic students participate fully in the religion program and are directed to the parish religious education program when expressing an interest in pursuing further study of the Catholic faith.

Kindergarten

Our goal is to develop the child spiritually, mentally, physically, intellectually, emotionally and aesthetically. Our caring classroom atmosphere enables the children to have a positive first school experience. The developmental approach and the enthusiasm of the teachers readily keep the students actively involved in stimulating and manipulative activities throughout the day. The curriculum is well integrated with a strong emphasis on English Language Arts. The Kindergarten curriculum includes Religion, Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Computer, Music, Art and Physical Education. The program fosters self esteem, appropriate self management and positive interpersonal relationships.

English Language Arts

Our ELA Program is guided by the NYS standards which calls for all students to read, write, listen and speak for:

Information and understanding
Literary response and expression
Critical analysis and evaluation
Social interaction

ELA skills are integrated into all areas of the curriculum. Library and computer classes serve as tools to enhance reading and language expression. Each year students complete a literacy profile that highlights progress for that year.

Mathematics

In our Math Program emphasis is on skills in computation, problem solving, and critical thinking. The seven key ideas of Math, based on the NYS Learning Standards are as follows:

Reasoning
Numbers and Numeration
Operations
Modeling and Multiple Representations
Measurement
Uncertainty
Patterns and Function

These key ideas, taught using manipulative materials, games and activities, develop connections between the concrete and abstract. The student’s classroom experiences are related to life situations enabling students to appreciate the value of the educational experience while becoming more aware of the importance of mathematics in their lives. Heterogeneous instruction is supplemented with flexible grouping and remedial instruction.

Social Studies

In our Social Studies Program, the New York State Standards, which include history, geography, citizenship, government, and economics, are taught to the students at every level. In Social Studies, the curriculum is grade specific.

The program assists students to respond to the needs of the global community. Timely and innovative projects enable students to transfer knowledge obtained from lectures, demonstration, hands-on, and text reading into creative and educational displays.

Science

Our Science Program is designed to prepare students to face the challenges of the twenty-first century by developing critical thinking and processing skills. The students learn how to apply the scientific method when conducting open-ended experiments. Following the NYS standards, formal instruction is enhanced with a fully equipped lab available to teachers and students of all grades. In addition to the lab, our school garden enables students to actively explore and understand the interconnectedness of life. The science curriculum culminates in participation of students in the annual school science fair.

Technology

Our technology program includes two computer labs. The main computer lab has eighteen networked computers, two laser printers, 5 digital cameras, a video camera, and a scanner. The computer lab, three offices, the library and all classrooms are wired for the Internet using a DSL line which was installed in the fall of 2000. Teachers are incorporating technology and the World Wide Web into their lessons. Internet filtering software has been installed to protect the students while using the Internet. A portable lab containing eighteen networked wireless laptops is used by students for electronic lessons and web quests.

Students receive instruction in computer skills once a week. These skills include keyboarding, word processing, creating a database, using spreadsheet, learning PowerPoint, Inspiration and Frontpage.

In the classrooms, teachers incorporate technology as they use the "one computer classroom" software that is available in all subject areas, the internet for research, word processing for reports, and PowerPoint for presentations. Students use the digital and video cameras to enhance projects and presentations.

Foreign Language

Spanish is taught in grades 5 through 8. This is an introduction to the Spanish language and culture through dialogue, song, prayer and written activities. Students learn by communicating with each other in Spanish on various themes of daily life. Their study of Spanish emphasizes grammar, parts of speech, sentence structure and translation.

Physical Education

Physical Education classes are significant in the growth and development of the student and lead to the integration of body, mind and spirit. Students are guided to improve their physical fitness and develop mental alertness, emotional stability, creativity, leadership and self-awareness. Classes are conducted in a structured and cooperative environment.

Art

Art is important to a strong academic curriculum. Through inquiry, critique and creating art, students address issues of identity, culture and social concerns. Our art curriculum reflects the New York State Learning Standards. In addition to art production, aesthetics, art history and art criticism are incorporated and geared to appropriate grade levels. The art program helps to foster creativity, imagination and problem solving skills that are essential for preparing students for their future. Our school offers an art class for students in first grade through eighth grade where they can express themselves through a variety of media and techniques. Students’ artwork is displayed throughout the school for all to enjoy.

Music

The music program’s primary focus is choral music. The students are invited to express themselves creatively using movement and their singing voices. School shows and liturgical celebrations provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their musical proficiency.