Grades 1-5
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Our Elementary School students follow a curriculum that exceeds the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards. All courses conform to the Newark Archdiocese School Office Curriculum Guidelines. Our students consistently exceed local and national averages in standardized test scores.
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First Grade is a year of discovery and foundational growth at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Along with fostering a deep respect for others, our first-grade program establishes a vital foundation for all subsequent learning.
In First Grade, students learn through a dynamic curriculum designed to meet individual developmental needs. To accurately track and nurture student growth, Kindergarten through Third Grade utilizes a standards-based report card, allowing teachers to carefully assess individual skills and competencies. Reading instruction includes a flexible, ability-grouped program that features a strong phonics component rooted in the Science of Reading.
Core academic classes consist of:
Communication Arts (including English grammar, sentence structure, writing skills, spelling, and handwriting)
Reading & Phonics (differentiated and literature-based)
Math
Science
Social Studies
Religion
Specialized instruction continues with weekly Specials, including Art, Physical Education, Spanish, Technology, and Music. This interdisciplinary learning experience nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, setting our students on the path to becoming well-rounded scholars.
In Science, our students engage in scientific discovery through a spiraling curriculum that seamlessly weaves together the brilliance of Next-Generation Science Standards and the richness of current ELA and Math standards. Students engage in immersive experiments with research-grade science equipment and experience hands-on encounters with the wonder
s of science and tec hnology. Prayer is a vital part of our day at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Students begin and end their day in prayer, instilling the importance and essence of our Catholic values.
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Second Grade is a year of academic expansion and spiritual milestones at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. The primary goal of our second-grade program is to build upon and strengthen the foundational skills learned in first grade while introducing more complex concepts.
In Second Grade, students learn through a dynamic curriculum with a heavy emphasis on reading, mathematics, and communication skills. To accurately track and nurture student growth, Kindergarten through Third Grade utilizes a standards-based report card, allowing teachers to carefully assess individual skills and competencies.
Core academic classes consist of:
Communication Arts (focusing on communication skills, spelling, and the introduction of manuscript writing)
Reading (with a strong stress on phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension)
Math (a comprehensive core program combining print and online resources to foster conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and STEM applications)
Science
Social Studies
Religion (including dedicated preparation to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist)
Specialized instruction continues with weekly Specials, including Art, Physical Education, Spanish, Technology, and Music. This interdisciplinary learning experience nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, setting our students on the path to becoming well-rounded scholars.
In Science, our students engage in scientific discovery through a spiraling curriculum that seamlessly weaves together the brilliance of Next-Generation Science Standards and the richness of current ELA and Math standards. Students engage in immersive experiments with research-grade science equipment and experience hands-on encounters with the wonder
s of science and tec hnology. Prayer is a vital part of our day at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Students begin and end their day in prayer, instilling the importance and essence of our Catholic values.
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Third Grade is a year of academic enrichment and treasured traditions at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Each core subject in this curriculum offers intentional opportunities for both advanced enrichment and skills reinforcement.
In Third Grade, students learn through a dynamic curriculum designed to deepen their critical thinking and foundational skills. To accurately track and nurture student growth, Kindergarten through Third Grade utilizes a standards-based report card, allowing teachers to carefully assess individual skills and competencies.
Core academic classes consist of:
Communication Arts (placing a strong emphasis on writing skills, usage, and spelling)
Reading
Math (covering math fundamentals alongside measurement, geometry, fractions, multiplication, decimals, and probability)
Science
Social Studies
Religion (highlighted by our wonderful tradition where third graders reenact the Nativity at our Christmas concert)
Specialized instruction continues with weekly Specials, including Art, Physical Education, Spanish, Technology, and Music. This interdisciplinary learning experience nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, setting our students on the path to becoming well-rounded scholars.
In Science, our students engage in scientific discovery through a spiraling curriculum that seamlessly weaves together the brilliance of Next-Generation Science Standards and the richness of current ELA and Math standards. Students engage in immersive experiments with research-grade science equipment and experience hands-on encount
ers with the wonders of science and tec hnology. Prayer is a vital part of our day at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Students begin and end their day in prayer, instilling the importance and essence of our Catholic values.
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In fourth grade, students begin the transition to a traditional report card, moving away from a standards-based system. To help prepare them for middle school in two years, students also begin rotating through a variety of different teachers. Core academic classes include:
Language Arts
Reading & Literature
Math
Science
Social Studies
Religion
Specialized instruction continues with weekly Specials, including Art, Physical Education, Spanish, Technology, and Music. Throughout the year, fourth graders focus on essential organizational habits—learning to take notes in outline form, organize data, analyze information, and read for a purpose.
In Science, our students engage in scientific discovery through a spiraling curriculum that seamlessly weaves together the brilliance of Next-Generation Science Standards and the richness of current ELA and Math standards. Students engage in immersive experiments with research-grade science equipment and experience hands-on encounters with the wonders of science and technology.
Prayer is a vital part of our day at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Students begin and end their day in prayer, instilling the importance and essence of our Catholic values.
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Fifth Grade is a year of growth and transition at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Students are becoming confident leaders while learning to hold themselves accountable and grow as individuals.
In Fifth Grade, students learn through a dynamic and collaborative curriculum that both nurtures and challenges them. To prepare them for the academic expectations ahead, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on essay writing and oral presentation.
Core academic classes consist of:
Language Arts
Literature
Math
Science
Social Studies
Religion
Specialized instruction continues with weekly Specials, including Art, Physical Education, Spanish, Technology, and Music. This interdisciplinary learning experience nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, setting our students on the path to becoming well-rounded scholars.
Prayer is a vital part of our day at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Students begin and end their day in prayer, instilling the importance and essence of our Catholic values.
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