Curriculum

Curriculum

The Archdiocesan curriculum guidelines align with the Archdiocese of Seattle Religion Standards, Washington State learning requirements, and the Common Core State Standards. The program uses a variety of reading materials, audio-visual resources, and technology tools, along with a multi-text approach. All textbooks are approved by the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Instruction

The instructional program at St. Philomena School is designed to implement effective, research-based teaching practices. These include direct instruction, modeling, guided practice, coaching, problem-based learning, hands-on learning, technology integration, learning centers, writing workshops, close reading, text-dependent questioning, teacher-led discussion, high-level questioning, and observation.

Assessment 

St. Philomena School teachers use a variety of assessments to monitor and support student learning. Students are assessed informally through observations, discussions, questioning, and written responses. Formal assessments include portfolios, written and oral tests, performance tasks, and projects. Parents have access to student grades through the online ALMA system, and report cards are issued three times each year. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 also participate in MAP standardized assessments. Teachers and administrators analyze data from these assessments, along with classroom performance, to guide instruction, monitor student progress, and make informed curriculum decisions.