Primary Program

Building a Strong Foundation in Math, Science, and Language

And Beyond with Art, Music, Technology, and Spanish Classes

 Building a Strong Foundation in Core Academics and Enrichment

At Saint Francis de Sales Catholic School, our Primary Program (Kindergarten through 2nd Grade) is designed to strengthen each child’s academic foundation while nurturing their faith, creativity, and sense of community. Rooted in our Catholic values, students participate in daily prayer, learn about their faith through Bible stories and sacramental preparation, and attend weekly Mass. We believe that religion is the cornerstone of a well-rounded education.

Our academic program focuses on helping students master essential skills in reading, math, and science, while also growing in areas like handwriting, social studies, Spanish, art, music, technology, and physical education.


Subject Areas Overview

Reading and Math

We use the Houghton Mifflin curriculum to guide instruction in both reading and math.

  • Our reading program supports emerging readers as they strengthen fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary skills through engaging stories and leveled instruction.

  • Our math curriculum combines traditional methods with interactive digital tools, giving students hands-on practice with key concepts while allowing teachers to monitor progress and tailor instruction.

Science

Students explore scientific concepts through age-appropriate, hands-on experiments. Lessons introduce the scientific method, promote curiosity, and foster problem-solving skills that prepare students for future inquiry-based learning.

Social Studies

Our social studies curriculum helps students understand their place in the world. They explore their families, communities, and broader society, learning how to be responsible citizens and compassionate neighbors.

Handwriting

Handwriting skills are developed using a structured, developmentally appropriate approach.

  • Printing is the focus in Kindergarten and 1st Grade

  • Cursive is introduced in 2nd Grade, helping students improve fine motor skills and writing fluency

Enrichment Classes

Students attend weekly classes in:

  • Spanish

  • Art

  • Music

  • Technology

  • Library

  • Physical Education

These enrichment areas encourage creativity, communication, collaboration, and a love of learning beyond the core academic subjects.

Meet Our Kindergarten Class

Meet Our Kindergarten Class

Led by Kathleen Hall, the kindergarten class works on continuing to learn the fundamentals of math, science, and reading while exploring the arts, music, Spanish, and religion.

Meet Our First-Grade Class

Led by Laura Perry, the first-grade class deepens students’ knowledge of religion, math, reading, and science while they learn more about their roles in their families, school, and the greater community.

Meet Our Second-Grade Class

Led by Karly Mann, the second-grade class works on expanding their strong academic foundation while adding new skills, like cursive handwriting.

From The Parents...

"The Triglia/Trader family is a 3 generation alumni from SFDS. Our family has been strengthened spiritually, academically and morally throughout the years since my oldest sister attended the first graduating class back in the day. Now I am pleased to say that my son and daughter in law have their two sons, my grandchildren attending as well. I am so thankful to God for our school. We are so blessed to have these fine teachers amongst us to carry on the Sisters of Mercy hard work. The world has sustained some trying times since my oldest sister graduated and our wonderful school has survived and it will survive these times. I remember getting in the school bus (yes we had one bus driven by Mr.Williams to pick up Delmar and Laurel students) when we heard the sad news of President Kennedy’s assassination, preparing us through drills for fear of nuclear war, etc etc. these times are what made us strong and united. (So remember that when you are saddened because your kids have to wear a mask) In yet the annual May processions crowning our mother Mary, the beautiful first Communion processions and proud Confirmations our forever in our memories as well! We have grown to be successful executives, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs buy most importantly dedicated parents, loving grandparents and good human beings. The best investment you can give your children is the gift of a SFDS education!!!! My son will tell you at 40 years old that the foundation that was built for him during the St. Francis de Sales school years is what made him the man he is today. So blessed for our school. Thank you FatherChris LaBarge for continuing the legacy of msgr Stout and thank you Mrs. Traum and our wonderful faculty for continuing the stellar academic education of the wonderful nuns including Sr Maura. God bless our school!"

The Busy Beak

See what's going on in with the academic and extracurricular activities of our Penguins!

This Week @
ST. Francis
De Sales

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