Academics

The educational program at The School of the Madeleine offers an integrated grade-by-grade curriculum that reflects the standards of the State of California and the Diocese of Oakland. The complete grade level curriculum standards may be viewed below and downloaded from our website. In June, 2004, the school received a six-year accreditation from Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

  • SLE's
  • Curriculum
  • Religious Education
  • Student Support

Student Learning Expectations

Our Student Learning Expectations, or "SLE's", are expectations that each student will work toward and exemplify while at the school as well as a graduate. Our SLE's have been developed by the faculty in consultation with our School Board, Parents' Association, and student body.

A Madeleine Student

Develops spirituality by... Expresses a love of learning by...

exhibiting gospel values and knowledge of the Catholic faith

understanding and respecting other faiths and traditions

participating in daily prayer and the liturgical life of the school

achieving curriculum expectations

exhibiting creativity, critical thinking, and enthusiasm

communicating effectively using oral and written expression
Demonstrates responsible stewardship by... Respects self and others by...

serving the community

protecting and caring for the environment

striving for social justice

demonstrating self confidence and resilience

working well individually and cooperatively

expressing trust, consideration, and compassion

Curriculum

Our curriculum includes:

  • Religion/Family Life
  • Math
  • Science & Health
  • Language Arts
  • Spelling
  • Grammar
  • Reading
  • Social Studies
  • Physical Education
  • Technology
  • Spanish
  • Music
  • Art

Guidelines for the Madeleine curriculum are in accordance with the Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines, which follows the State of California frameworks.

In addition to the rich and varied curriculum, the school sponsors a number of programs and events that emphasize the important values of community, respect and learning outside the classroom. Each spring, the schools celebrates Oceans Week, an interdisciplinary whole school science program (MARE) out of The Lawrence Hall of Science. Our after-school Sports' Program introduces children to competitive/team sports. Students may also participate in our band program (fee required) or be part of two choirs. Social development and teamwork are emphasized throughout the grades. In grades 5-8, students participate in overnight trips that expose them to new social situations, leadership opportunities, and an appreciation of their environment.

 

Religious Education

As a Catholic school, the School of the Madeleine is unique because it is a religious community within an academic one. As a religious community, we strive to live the Gospel message of Jesus by providing significant religious activities for our students. Formal religious education is part of our curriculum. Religious Education is woven through the entire Madeleine experience.

The school day begins with a school assembly and prayer. At times, the students are invited to share their class liturgies at a parish Mass on Sunday. Our parish priests are involved with planning Mass or prayer services with the children and teachers. The parish priests are available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation three times a year for students in grades 3-8. Those children who are Catholic have the opportunity to prepare for first Reconciliation and Eucharist. Our service program helps the children understand that it is important to serve as Jesus did. We believe that it is the integration of religious community and the academic commitment to excellence that will enable our children to live happy and healthy lives of faith.

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching are:

  1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
  2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation
  3. Rights and Responsibilities of the Human Person
  4. Option For and With the Poor and Vulnerable
  5. Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
  6. Solidarity
  7. Care for God's Creation

 

Student Support

The school provides counseling services three days per week for social and emotional needs. Students may receive counseling for up to 9 weeks, after which they are referred to outside agencies.

A Special Needs Facilitator chairs meetings designed to assist students who are experiencing ongoing academic difficulty. A Learning Specialist to work with students on an on going basis based on need.

 

 

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