Corpus Christi offers its students a broad range of essential academic and enriching curricula.
In developing the general curriculum we commit ourselves to educating the whole child in an environment that nurtures spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth. The foundations of the curriculum are based on Diocesan Guidelines, State Frameworks, and National Standards. Applying directives from these documents, the general curriculum reflects the school philosophy and was developed to offer the optimum in each program to meet the studentsʼ capacities for learning. Academics are enhanced by the integration of courses taught by highly qualified specialists in physical education, Spanish, technology, music, and library skills.

As a school fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western
Catholic Education Association, Corpus Christi evaluates key curricular areas annually and
maintains high levels of professional development for its teaching staff.

RELIGION: The formal religion program establishes the heart of the curriculum. Priority is given to the comprehensive development of the subject not only through formal instruction, but from religious experiences. The students practice their faith in the daily living of the Gospel message, frequent prayer, and Christian service opportunities. Incorporated into the religion curriculum is Second Step, a program helping students learn empathy, conflict resolution, and violence prevention. Also included in this curricular area is a program for grades 3-5 called Steps To Respect, a non-bullying program.

LANGUAGE ARTS: The integrated language arts program offers students a range of skills required
to be effective listeners, speakers, readers, and writers. The whole-language approach is enhanced
by phonics, a formal spelling program and structured grammar series. Younger students practice
language skills, which are further developed throughout the grades. Junior high students enjoy
classic novels and literature in addition to applying correct usage and mechanics required in spoken
and written contexts.

MATHEMATICS: Including standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics, this comprehensive math program offers skill building and problem solving at each
grade level. Calculators, computers, and a variety of manipulatives allow for exploration, discovery
and mastery of the prescribed strands in math. An accelerated algebra program provides
challenges for qualified eighth grade students.

SOCIAL STUDIES: The goal of the social studies program is the development of globally literate citizens - individuals with the knowledge, skills, and civic values needed to become active and reflective participants in the world. Our program offers in-depth learning allowing the students time to explore topics, to practice skills in meaningful contexts, and to relate their learning to the world in which they live.

SCIENCE: Science is an active enterprise, made active by our human capacity to think. Scientific knowledge advances when scientists observe objects and events, think about how they relate to what is known, test their ideas in logical ways, and generate explanations that integrate the new information into the established order. Thus the scientific enterprise is both what we know (content) and how we come to know it (process). The best way for students to appreciate the scientific enterprise, learn important scientific concepts, and develop the ability to think critically is to actively construct ideas through their own inquiries, investigations, and analyses. Numerous labs, hands-on activities, and interdisciplinary connections show students how science interconnects in their world.

TECHNOLOGY: Enhancing student achievement and learning are key to the goal of the technology
program. Teachers apply instructional practices to help students become critical thinkers, problem
solvers, and lifelong learners. Technology serves as the thread found throughout the general
curriculum.

FINE ARTS / MUSIC: Valuing arts education as a vital part of being a whole person, we offer students
experiences in which they are exposed to live performances, application, history, general
appreciation, and creation of fine and performing arts. Music and music theory are important parts of the Corpus Christi curriculum, and all students participate in two concerts a year, along with representation at diocesan-wide festivals. Students in grades 4-8 also enjoy the benefit of the parent-managed, “Meet the Masters” visual art program, which raises awareness of a variety of artists and styles, periods, and cultures.

SPANISH: The discipline of studying a foreign language is explored by our students in a “whole”
language experience. From songs and basic vocabulary to conversation and written skills, the
students are exposed to Spanish in a course which provides them with proper pronunciation, social
applications, and some grammar. This exposure invites the development of total language skills,
whether in English or Spanish.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH: To promote good general health, students participate in physical education classes. Younger students also improve their motor skills in a program developed by Jack Capon. Focus on healthy eating habits is also supported by the Children’s Choice lunch program, offering hot and cold selections daily.  Programs such as Second Step, Steps to Respect, social graces, PEP, and instruction on nutrition help to promote good health, body image, and self-esteem, and reinforce the learning outcomes for the students.

SPECIAL NEEDS - STUDENT SUCCESS TEAM: A Student Success Team consists of classroom
teacher(s), resource personnel, and the principal. Together with the parents, the team exists to help
meet the needs of any student who requires intervention and support beyond the usual classroom
procedures. As needed, other professionals may be engaged to help set goals and decide on plans
of action which might include academic accommodations or program modifications which will best
meet the studentsʼ needs. Our school provides a Special Needs Coordinator and Child Psychologist to work with students, parents & teachers to ensure success for a student who has been diagnosed with a learning difficulty.

Student Learning Expectations:

I. “Love and Serve God and Others”  - Become a spiritually grounded individual who:

• demonstrates a knowledge of the Catholic faith and lives by Christian values
• demonstrates respect for all of God’s creation
• acts justly to respect and protect the dignity of others
• practices tolerance, compassion, empathy, acceptance
• engages in the school’s faith community through worship and stewardship
• respects and studies other faith traditions and beliefs

II. “Love Learning” - Become an academically responsible individual who:

• masters  core curriculum according to his/her abilities
• applies critical thinking skills to problem solve
• communicates written and spoken ideas effectively and in collaboration with others
• uses technology ethically, responsibly and effectively
• examines global events and respects cultural diversity
• demonstrates an understanding of visual and performing arts

III. “Love One’s Self”  - Become a self-aware individual who:

• cares for physical, spiritual and mental well-being
• demonstrates self-control and sportsmanship
• demonstrates ability to establish achievable goals
• advocates for academic and social needs
• demonstrates organizational skills
• develops life skills