Our Elementary Education Program consists of the Primary grades of first, second and third grade, and the Intermediate grades of fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.  Throughout our Elementary Education Program, our curriculum focuses on four main tenets of teaching:

• Integrated Curriculum places an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking to help students understand the relationships between subject areas
• Scientific Instruction uses an interactive science curriculum including hands-on science experiments and in class dissections, with a strong emphasis on STEM activities in mathematics and science.
• Technology is used to develop informational skill sets across subject areas.  Interactive Smart Boards in each classroom integrate with textbooks, as well as with our iPads and Chrome Books used in every classroom. 
• Catholic Identity is an integral part of the daily learning, and Catholic faith and values are incorporated in both classroom and schoolwide activities, including monthly school mass led by students.

Weekly Specials

Students in every grade participate in weekly specials, which include Art, Technology, Library, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish.  Specials rotate throughout the week, so each day includes a different special.  Our Art program has students work on long term projects which allows students to discover new artists and techniques to develop their artistic abilities.  Our full time librarian and technology instructors teach developmentally appropriate lessons for each grade such as conducting in-depth author studies, performing academic research, or coding and computer programming.  Our Music program features the use of recorders and ukeleles, and prepares students for our Annual Christmas Show performance. Weekly Physical Education takes place both indoors and outside, and helps students to develop good sportsmanship and achieve their fitness goals.  Our full time Spanish instructor works with each class to improve their Spanish language skills, while also teaching about Spanish culture and traditions.

Instrumental Music

Students at St. Mary Magdalen School also have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. We have a relationship with Northeastern Music Programs, and interested students are invited to participate in our band instrumental musicprogram in as early as 4th grade (orchestra students may join as early as 3rd grade). Please visit their website to learn more about the program, or ask your child about our fall recruitment program in early September.

Primary Grades

Our Primary Grades of first, second, and third grade are self-contained classrooms.  These grades are taught by certified elementary education teachers and are assisted by an aide in the classroom through the lunch period.  Our integrated Language Arts curriculum uses a range of techniques grounded in phonics, spelling and grammar to build strong literacy skills in our students.  Cross curriculum concepts rooted in science, social studies and religion create meaningful connections across subjects as they are reinforced in the language arts curriculum.  Mathematic concepts are introduced in gradual steps to create a strong foundation that challenges students as they progress through the grades.  A full overview of the Diocecean grade leveled curriculum can be found here.

Technology is intergrated into our classrooms through the use of touch-screen Smartboards, which provide an online learning component that connects with our textbook materials.  Students also have access to both iPads and Chromebooks throughout the day to develop technology skills while reinforcing curricular content.  

Students in these grades follow a consistent classroom routine that allows them to develop independence and responsibility for themselves and their classroom.  Both independent and group work is utilized to promote self-reliance as well as develop positive peer relationships.  Primary grades enjoy lots of outdoor play, including a lunch recess as well as an afternoon recess on our playground and surrounding campus.  

Intermediate Grades

Our fourth, fifth, and sixth grades focus on increased independence, responsibility and leadership.  Students are grouped into smaller math and language arts cohorts within their class so they are working on concepts with peers working at the same level.  These smaller groups allow students to learn at their own pace, and utlize their peer relationships to challenge each other and discuss their ideas.  Our Intermediate Grades switch teachers during the day to foster responsibility and prepare them for changing classes in middle school and high school.  Our Math and Science programming highlights STEM learning, and uses hands-on and real life examples to reinforce concepts and teach students to problem solve effectively.  A full breakdown of the intermediate diocesan grade level curriculum can be found here.

Our Intermediate Grade classrooms are increasingly integrating technology into the classroom throughout the day.  Interactive Smart Boards are used to present lessons, and are linked directly with our textbooks.  Students also have individual access to Chromebooks in their classroom, and manage much of their coursework through the Google Classroom platform.  Using an online platform allows students to access their materials from anywhere, organize their assignments by subject, and submit work virtually.  Teachers are able to offer feedback directly to students in real time, as well as upload content or explore websites and links that help expand learning resources.