The curriculum of Mary of Nazareth, a Blue Ribbon School, is a challenging and rigorous implementation of the academic standards set forth by the ADW Catholic Schools Office. In grades K-5, the core subjects of reading and language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and religion are taught. Weekly instruction in Spanish (two classes per week), art, music, physical education, library, and computer technology are supplemental classes for these grades. Small group instruction optimizing student learning is offered for reading and language arts, as well as an intervention program for grades K-5.
Educational research over the past two decades has proven that small group reading and language arts instruction benefits all learners. Mary of Nazareth School strives to engage, challenge, and support all learners through our instructional approach to reading and language arts.
Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through third grade there are three (3) reading classes per grade. Each class consists of a teacher and an instructional assistant who work with no more than 20 children (1:10 adult/student ratio). There is always an adult available to work with the individual child and to provide differentiated instruction during every reading and language arts lesson. Each learner has multiple opportunities for an adult to praise, stimulate, and aid the child’s progress throughout the class period.
In fourth and fifth grades there continues to be three (3) reading and language arts classes with a teacher to student ratio of 1:20. The reading groups are a combination of proficient, on grade level, and developing readers. The class makeup provides all students with opportunities to receive the vital developmental skill instruction along with opportunities to demonstrate their reading skills with their peers.
Mary of Nazareth School utilizes Sadlier Progress in Mathmatics in kindergarten through fifth grade. In middle school, students use McGraw Hill and Sadlier programs.
In grades 4-5, students move into four appropriately paced small group instructional classes. As a result, math class size in these grades is significantly reduced. Students continue to build on the fundamental skills learned in their primary years while utilizing the Sadlier Progress in Mathmatics series. Educators at Mary of Nazareth School align the resources, lessons, and assessments with the ADW standards to provide a complete and rigorous program. Students also have access to digital content and curriculum with the Sadlier series. All students and teachers have IXL education software accounts which track student and classroom performance and identify areas for academic improvement. Mary of Nazareth has surpassed National Blue Ribbon score requirements for math in grades four and five for the past 15 years.
14131 Seneca Road
Darnestown, Maryland 20874
Phone: 301 869 0940
Fax: 301 869 0942
The Annual Giving Campaign at Mary of Nazareth Catholic School is a community tradition.
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