Our instruction provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the concepts and skills necessary to function well in a world that depends on the daily application of mathematics. We believe that cultivating enthusiasm for mathematics is an important component of a successful mathematics curriculum, and we do that through proper motivation and consistent teaching in a positive atmosphere.

The current curriculum mirrors the New York State Common Core Mathematics Standards. Specifically, the math program focuses on three components:

• Conceptual understanding
• Procedural fluency
• Problem-solving

Each is incorporated using grade-appropriate instruction, manipulative teaching tools and calculators. Ultimately, the student will see math as an integrated body of knowledge critical to a functioning society.

Our science program educates students to use inquiry as a tool to understand scientific concepts and master the skills to appreciate and embrace the ever-expanding body of scientific knowledge.
Consistent with the philosophy and requirements of the New York State Science Standards, the Archdiocesan curriculum urges active learning in which students:

• Describe objects and events
• Ask questions
• Acquire knowledge
• Construct explanations of natural phenomena
• Test those explanations in many different ways, and
• Communicate their ideas to others

We believe there is a strong coherence between religion and science in grasping the mechanics of nature. We teach students that a strong Catholic faith does not exclude one from seeking scientific knowledge, and that science can help humans better understand and appreciate the wonder of God’s creation. We incorporate church teaching and doctrine into discussions of scientific ethics and moral decision-making as it relates to being good stewards of the earth.

Our social studies instruction reflects the competencies and concepts embedded in the New York State Standards for Social Studies and the New York State Assessments. The five specific content areas are:

• History of the United States and New York
• World history
• Geography
• Economics
• Civics, citizenship and government

We expand on the state standards to provide each student with the knowledge, skills, understanding and disposition toward democratic values that are necessary to participate in a culturally diverse American society and an interdependent world.
We add the dimension of Catholic values to help children connect the message of the Gospel, the teachings of the Catholic Church and its impact on world history, and the role of Catholics in America to the other aspects of the curriculum.