St. Viator School balances developmental growth with academic achievement throughout the 1st through 3rd grades, our Primary Grades. The Archdiocese of Chicago curriculum is alignment with the Illinois State & National Common Core Standards. Classroom instruction addresses the whole child – mind, body, and spirit, while providing the basis for abstract, higher-level thinking. Students complete iReady assessments three times each year focused on Reading and Math. The Curriculum Director and Teachers monitor each student for attainment and growth. Classroom instruction and curriculum are adjusted according to the data findings. We watch our Primary grade students become confident learners and role models for others as they grow their sense of personal accomplishment and their self-assurance.

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Literacy Programming

• Student utilize the educational technology tool, Lexia, to support their reading skills

  • Adapts to meet the student where s/he is learning, based on his/her input

• Junior Great Books (JGB) / Book Club Programs

  • Introduced to accelerated readers in Kindergarten

  • Continues through 8th grade

  • Offers opportunity to read advanced literature

  • Group in-depth discussion of themes

 

Faith Education

• Daily classroom prayer

• In-school prayer services​

• Weekly Mass (Wednesdays) at the St. Viator Church site

  • "Prayer Buddies" with older students​

    • ex: Kindergarten partnered with 8th Grade

• Introduced to the traditions of our Catholic Faith

  • Advent

  • Lent

  • Stations of the Cross

  • Liturgical Seasons

• Sacramental Preparation as part of their Religion Instruction

  • 2nd Grade

    • First Reconciliation

    • First Holy Communion

 

"Specials" classes in addition to classroom learning

• Physical Education (gym class)

• Media Studies (computer lab)

• World Languages

  • Live Spanish Instruction

  • Mango Language Learning App (on student iPad)

• Music Class

• Library

 

*We teach fine arts through our unique Art Zone program

 

STEAM Curriculum

​​Math and Science occupy a prominent place in Primary School instruction

• hands-on activities

• inquiry-based units

• 1:1 iPad match

  • technology integrated into traditional classroom structure

• cooperative learning are employed

Program Logistics

• Primary Grade instruction is five days a week (M-T-W-Th-F)

• The school day is from 7:50am – 3:00pm 

• All Primary Students wear the school uniform

• Conflict resolution tactics and anti-bullying techniques taught with the Peace Builders program

• iReady assessments three times each year