Academics

Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy has its mission to educate the whole child spiritually, physically, and intellectually.  At each grade level, students learn to work individually as well as cooperatively as they prepare for the future.

Academic courses are outlined (governed) by New York State Learning Standards and the Diocese of Brooklyn.  Faculty members continuously update themselves through professional development and research new methods to ensure those NYS standards are applied.  SFACA offers a standard curriculum that supports a traditional as well as a progressive academic discipline in Religion, English Language Arts/Reading, Social Studies, Science, Art, Technology, Physical Education, Music, and Spanish in grades 6 – 8.

The development of the whole child is the primary consideration at SFACA. Therefore, the curriculum includes both cognitive and affective domain to promote growth.  At SFACA students flourish in a secure environment where instruction is tailored to fit every students’ needs with an emphasis on Catholic-centered values.


English Language Arts

Our ELA Program is guided by the NYSCCLS which clearly outlines the reading standards for informational text, foundational skills for writing standards, speaking and listening standards and language standards. ELA skills are integrated into all areas of the curriculum.

Mathematics

Our math program emphasizes the important skills needed for computation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The seven key ideas of math, based on the NYSCCLS 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 students’ classroom experiences are related to life situations enabling each child to appreciate the value of the educational experience while becoming more aware of the importance of mathematics in their lives.

Social Studies

“To ensure that students across New York State are ready for college, careers and participation in civic life, the New York State Board of Regents has adopted the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework (NYS SS Framework), which maintains the learning standards in Social Studies while incorporating Social Studies practices and Common Core learning standards with Social Studies content. Components from the NYS SS framework work interdependently in both instruction and assessment.” (taken from NYS K-12 Social Studies Field Guide).

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 the participation of students in the annual school science fair.

Academic Support

Title 1 is a NYC federally funded program providing academic support to students who are struggling in their regular classrooms. Title 1 teachers work with students in the areas of ESL, Math and Reading/Literacy. Students attend these classes 2-3 times a week. The sessions are from 45 minutes to one hour. Title 1 teachers work closely with the regular classroom teachers in order to align the curriculum.


Independent Providers

Here at St. Francis of Assisi four independent teachers work with students individually who have been evaluated by the NYC Board of Education and are entitled to receive additional support. Additional services may include academic support, speech/language services, occupational therapy and counseling. Presently at St. Francis, we have three independent academic providers as well as the speech/language provider.