It is our mission for all children to be successful, have fun, and develop a lifelong love of learning!
Academics
St. Andrew Catholic School has amazing teachers who make learning a fun and engaging experience every day! St. Andrew Catholic School provides students with a challenging, yet rewarding academic curriculum, enriched with religion, the fine arts and physical education. Our high academic standards, coupled with the infusion of the Catholic faith in all subject areas, not only prepares students for the rigors of high school and beyond, but also prepares them to become faith-filled leaders of their communities. We’re different because:
Teachers of all subject areas plan lessons to allow for cross-curricular linking of topics.
Catholic social teachings are incorporated into all subject areas.
Use of technology is incorporated into all subject areas.
We meet children where they are in their educational journeys. Learning is student-centered and may include individualized attention, small group instruction, large group instruction, departmentalization, computerized instruction, and cooperative learning. All grouping arrangements are made in view of the learning needs of individual students.
Pre-K4 and VPK
At St. Andrew Catholic School, we offer a nurturing, welcoming environment for all children and families. We recognize and respect children for their unique personalities, backgrounds, and needs, and want them to feel valued for the gifts they bring to our classroom community.
Our curriculum and teaching style is based on a balance of learning through play, along with developmentally appropriate instruction in various individual, small group, and whole group settings. Instructional assistants support the teacher. We also encourage the important role of family support and involvement in their child’s learning experience!
We also participate in the Florida VPK Program. For more information, please click below.
Elementary (Grades K-5)
Our elementary grades include Kindergarten through Grade 5, which are primarily self-contained classrooms. The core curriculum includes instruction in reading, language arts, math, science and social studies, enriched with classes in art, music, physical education, library and technology. Religion is infused throughout all classes.
We meet students where they are in their educational journeys. Our learning objectives are carefully developed at each grade level. Smaller class sizes allow teachers love and know the children as individuals and give them with the ability to tailor their lessons to the ability levels of their students. Instructional assistants support the teacher.
Our rigorous curriculum focuses on basic skills that develop higher level thinking skills. Lastly, students in grades K-5 learn in a nurturing, small class environment where building confidence and positive self esteem is key to the academic success.
Middle SChool (Grades 6-8)
While our middle school curriculum builds on the lessons and skills learned during the elementary years, students at this level learn in a departmentalized setting taught by teachers who specialize in particular subject areas. With increased responsibilities, students learn time management skills, note-taking skills, gain self-confidence and ultimately are prepared in every way for high school. In middle school, students move to separate classes for instruction by subject specialists.
One-on-one technology is integrated through project-based learning.
In addition, students are encouraged to uphold their responsibilities as members of the school and the greater community, developing an awareness beyond themselves. Within the school, students have opportunities for leadership. Beyond the school, we aim to provide students the understanding to realize their impact as global citizens.
Enrichment
At St. Andrew Catholic School, we believe in the importance of educating the whole child. Therefore, we offer developmentally appropriate enrichment classes designed to enhance and extend the traditional classroom curriculum, assist students in gaining confidence, and develop their innate talents. Offerings for students in grades full day PreK-4 through grade 8 include computer, media center, music, art, and physical education. Studies show that students better excel in their academic subjects when those classes are in conjunction with the arts and physical movement.
Resource Program
The goal of our Resource Program is to provide a caring environment where students receive small group instruction at their ability level. Intervention is provided to develop specific skills identified through classroom teacher observation and diagnostic testing. Using relevant learning strategies, technology enhancement and directed instruction, resources students are encouraged to achieve personal goals and increase academic success.
Progress Testing
To ensure the overall quality of the curriculum at St. Andrew Catholic School and to monitor the progress of each individual student, standardized achievement tests are given annually to students. Parents generally receive a copy of test results, and scores are recorded in the child’s cumulative record folder. Tests we administer include:
Florida VPK Assessment (state law requires pre- and post-assessment)
FLKRS — basic concepts test given to kindergarteners in the Fall
Terra Nova — administered to children in grades 2-8 in the Spring; measures child’s academic progress
Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education (ACRE) — administered to students in grades 5-8; measures both faith knowledge (as well as beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, and practices
MAP Testing — administered to children in K-8 during the Fall, Winter and Spring
Student Performance Expectations
The Curriculum in the Diocese of Orlando is based upon the expectations of broad areas of knowledge and competence that Catholic school students achieve by the time they graduate from the 12th grade. These espectations are considered on-going student performance goals throughout all grade levels. These student performance goals are a priority as elementary schools and high schools develop curriculum and deliver instruction.
(A more detailed description of student performance expectations can be found in the parent-student handbook.)
Academic Records
Copies of student records are available to any parent/guardian when requested. For students transferring to another school, the original records must be sent using the United States Postal Service according to state law. A summary form of academic record is kept at SACS for eternity.
St. Andrew Catholic School is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference. All teachers are licensed by the state of Florida. The curriculum meets and exceeds standards set by the State of Florida and the Diocese of Orlando.
The Buckley Amendment
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
St. Andrew Catholic School adheres to the Buckley Amendment regarding access to student records and academic confidentiality.
- Students may not grade the work of other students.
- Graded student work may not be displayed.
- A student should never be asked to state his/her grade aloud.
Parent volunteers may not grade student work.