Academics
BUILDING UPON THE FOUNDATION LAID IN CORE COURSEWORK
Saint Patrick Academy holds that the early years of development are a better predictor of future success than even the college years. Therefore, the curriculum is integrated, experiential, and value-based, providing a foundation for the love and pursuit of wisdom. Students in Preschool through 8th Grade encounter a lively and life-changing curriculum that prepares them well for future success and happiness. Students study language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and religion in developmentally-appropriate classes.
Building upon the foundation laid in core coursework, SPA offers innovative academic enrichment that brings local programs and opportunities into the school day. The school has partnered with New Heights in Portsmouth, NH to create a 30-week long series of classes for students in Grades 3-8 all focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Classes in the SPA STEM Sequence include Geocaching, Orienteering, Robotics, Engineering Challenges, and more.
The school has a long history of offering Spanish classes for students through a unique model of immersion and cultural recognition. Most graduates go on to easily place into Spanish level 2 and are equipped for honors classes in high school.
research on the k-8 model
Higher Achievement
Research from New York City, our nations largest school district, found that entering a stand-alone middle school causes a sharp drop in student achievement. It is one that students might never recover from. Read more >>
Better Behavior
Although many U.S. educators embraced the middle school concept during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, some educators refused to jump on the bandwagon. As a result, parents, teachers, and administrators at many schools that remained K–8 discovered anecdotally that their students demonstrated fewer behavioral problems and higher academic achievement than many of the students who enrolled in stand-alone middle schools. Read more >>
Less Transition: More Stability
Moving from one school to another adversely affects student performance. Read more >>
Greater Opportunities for Leadership
It is good for younger kids to have older role models in the building every day; it gives them an understanding of the purpose and progression of education . . . it is good for older kids to be role models and mentors; this arrangement gives them more of a sense of accountability to their younger admirers. Some feel that this configuration lends itself to a more community type atmosphere. Read more >>
Curriculum Overview
The Saint Patrick Academy curriculum is integrated, experiential, and value-based. It provides a foundation for the love and pursuit of wisdom. Preschool through 8th Grade encounter a lively and life-changing curriculum that will prepare them well for future success and happiness.
Preschool
Preschool at Saint Patrick Academy is a safe, caring and playful environment for Early Childhood Education. We’ll help your child learn fundamental social, emotional and cognitive skills needed for primary school and beyond. Learn more about our preschool program here.
lower school
Lower School at Saint Patrick Academy includes grades K-4, where students begin to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learn more about our lower school here.
Middle school
Middle School at Saint Patrick Academy is where our students build upon the foundation from core coursework. We offer innovative academic enrichment programs and opportunities, such as our partnership with New Heights, and focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Learn more about our middle school program here.
