Curriculum
NDA Philosophy
As a PK-8th Grade Catholic school, Notre Dame Academy provides students spiritual guidance, awareness of their thinking, academic opportunities for excellence, a personal power to achieve their unique potential, and a love for lifelong learning.
Notre Dame Academy believes in developing well rounded students within a strong community that offers a comprehensive curriculum with differentiation available to meet each student’s needs.
Religion Curriculum
Using the Sadlier We Believe series, religion classes are one aspect of faith formation at Notre Dame Academy. This curriculum focuses on the basics of Catholic doctrine, fostering an understanding of the role of students as Catholic Christians in the world today all within an environment where Christian virtues and values are reinforced through prayer, liturgy, and service to others.
Each day begins with all-school prayer. Throughout the day classes share age-appropriate prayer time with their teachers and classmates. On Wednesdays, we have school Mass during which students actively serve as ministers of hospitality, lectors, and cantors fostering leadership skills in all of our students.
Additionally, students attend Adoration once a month, pray the rosary several times during the school year and participate in Stations of the Cross during Lent.
English Language Arts
Reading is the foundation for educational success. Kindergarten through third grade students participate in the Groves Believe and Read program which is designed to help all students learn to read and spell using phonics and a multi-sensory approach. We integrate reading, writing (including cursive handwriting), spelling, speaking, comprehension and listening skills into all areas of learning such as science and social studies. In grades four and five students continue integrating reading and writing into all aspects of school and use the Journeys curriculum.
In middle school, students are placed into a 4-track system based on reading fluency allowing advanced students more of a challenge and those who need additional support the attention they need. In the advanced tracks, students participate in a mock trial and debate. For literature, we use the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt series and for language arts we use the Sadlier text series.
Math
Our kindergarten through fifth grade math curriculum, Math Expressions, focuses on the essential concepts at each grade level to build in-depth understanding of major mathematical ideas. Hands-on and inquiry-driven, the curriculum teaches students how to find solutions and explain their answers. This approach helps develop problem-solving and reasoning skills. When children understand math, they aren’t relying on memorization, leading to higher achievement as they grow.
In middle school, our students are placed into a track system based on ability again allowing those who need a challenge an accelerated track while allowing those who need additional help the time and resources. Tracks include: sixth grade Math Expressions supplemented with All Things Algebra, Pre-Algebra and Algebra using the McGraw Hill/Glencoe Math texts supplemented with All Things Algebra and Geometry using the McDougal Larson text supplemented with All Things Algebra. We have a unique partnership with Holy Family Catholic High School to allow our students to take Honors Algebra II and receive high school credit.
Science
In kindergarten through fifth grade, we introduce the students to the scientific method as they learn to gather data, analyze results, and reach conclusions using the Mystery Science text.
As students move into middle school, we use the Pearson text to teach the three major strands in science including physical science, life science, and earth science. Hands-on learning and experiments are used throughout the curriculum.
Social Studies
We use the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Discover Social Studies text in kindergarten through fifth grade to develop the understanding of various aspects of our community and our world.
As students move into middle school, they are taught the four main strands of social studies including Citizenship and Government, Economics, Geography, and History. Students also learn about the geography of our state, the United States, and the world with the support of the Northern Lights text from the Minnesota Historical Society and the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt United States and World Geography texts.
Top 20
We are lucky to have a unique partnership with the Top 20 Training program which encourages students to be self-aware as well as practice social awareness and relationship skills. The program provides strategies and principles to enable students and adults to use their God-given power to develop their potential and enhance the quality of their relationships and experiences. These principles are woven into every day life at Notre Dame Academy where we prioritize the four cornerstones: Communicate You Matter, Help Others Succeed, Honor the Absent and See the Problem, Own the Problem.
Our Top 20 curriculum is supplemented by our Phoenix Counseling Peace of Mind Social Emotional Learning curriculum and training.
Spanish
Our students participate in Spanish as one of our specialist classes. We introduce Spanish in Kinderstart, our PK program and then in kindergarten through fourth grades, students begin learning about different cultures, traditions, holidays, basic conversational skills, and vocabulary. Middle school students have Spanish every other day and use the SOMOS curriculum. As students graduate from Notre Dame Academy, our level of instruction has given students an edge as many often test into Spanish Two or Honors Spanish in high school.
STEM and Technology
Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics and a 1:1 computer program are essential for creating students who are prepared for high school and beyond. Our middle school classes work on STEM in their regular science classes, providing hands-on STEM activities for each of those grades. This creates a climate of learning where there is a discernible difference from other school programs. Technology is integrated into the classroom and students are familiar with a wide array of devices. Google classroom is used in addition to assignment calendars and other programs that enhance the integration experience. Technology class includes Netsmartz, computer programming, ScreenStrong and coding as well as a goal to be proficient in typing before graduation.
At NDA, students in kindergarten through fifth grade have the opportunity to create, explore, and learn in the Makerspace Labs. There are a variety of structured and unstructured STEM activities that they take part in each week. Some of these activities include learning to code programs for Dash robots and Beebots. They also complete challenges to build a variety of structures within certain parameters using Keva planks, Legos, K’nex, or simple household items. Osmo devices are used with the iPads to work on coding, increase spatial awareness with tangrams, run a business with Pizza Co., and do math and reading activities. Students explore how electricity works with Little Bits and Snap Circuit kits. In addition, many materials are available for free building and creating including Legos, K’nex, wooden blocks, pipe cleaners, straws and connectors, paper and more.
Artistic Opportunities
Notre Dame Academy is well known for its fine arts offerings. The music and band concerts and spring musical are highlights of the year for many. Students in preschool through eighth grades are in music and participate in all of our vocal concerts. Art class begins in kindergarten and band begins in fifth grade.
Music
Vocal music concerts and the spring musicals are long-standing traditions at Notre Dame Academy. Students benefit from a rich interdisciplinary curriculum in music class. Older students may also cantor at Mass.
Art
Our art program offers a variety of media for students throughout their kindergarten through eighth grade experiences including clay, paint, recycled materials and a distinctive integration of classroom subjects.
Band
Students participate in the large band class and have small group sectionals throughout the school year. The NDA Bands share their talents at concerts throughout the year.
Physical Education
Students in kindergarten through grade eight take a Physical Education class all year long. Physical activity is an important part of our lives, and we work hard to learn and practice healthy habits, proper exercise techniques and how to be good teammates. We venture to the outdoors whenever we can.
Health
Students in sixth through eighth grades take Health for one trimester each year. In sixth grade, students use the Top 20 Teens curriculum. Students study their thinking, learning and communicating to become more aware of their own habits as well as learn strategies and tools to assist in more healthy lifelong choices. In seventh and eighth grades, students use the Glencoe Teen Health textbooks that cover physical and mental health. Students discuss topics that include nutrition, physical health, communication, relationships, conflict resolution, safety and environment.