Specials

PreSchool to Grade 8 Art

An Art education program should consist of more than just arts and crafts activities. The Our Lady of Mercy Academy art curriculum is designed to improve the student's technical vocabularies, increase their appreciation of various art forms, and provide outlets for their creativity.

Primary Level - At the primary level, the program emphasizes art as a way for children to express themselves and their perception of the world around them. The children are introduced to specific terms, concepts, and experiences with art. Color, line, and form are stressed, and major artists are introduced throughout the year.

Intermediate Level - Students at the intermediate level begin to use their art background to study the basic principles of art. Their understanding of the artistic process is reinforced through a variety of techniques. The Masters and the concept of design are also introduced and discussed.

At the upper-grade level, the art program stresses critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Seventh and eighth-grade students work on projects that require them to think creatively and to apply their knowledge of art principles and techniques in the planning, development, and execution of the assignment.

Throughout the grades, Our Lady of Mercy Academy's art curriculum encourages creative expression and helps students to appreciate the world and all its beauty.

Preschool to Grade 8 

Music at OLMA

The music program at Our Lady of Mercy Academy is designed to instill confidence in beginners, build a strong foundation in the core elements of music—melody, rhythm, harmony, and dynamics—and enrich all other academic subject areas.

Curriculum Highlights by Grade

• Grades Pre-K–3: Students experience the Kindermusik program, using percussion and mallet instruments to develop rhythm awareness. 

• Grades 4–6: Introduction to basic music theory and composition. Students explore a diverse variety of musical styles and representative works to build lifelong appreciation.

• Grades 7–8: Advanced music theory paired with a journey through music history, covering the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras.

Liturgical & Instrumental Opportunities

Formal music instruction is enhanced by liturgical awareness and vocal preparation, directly preparing students to participate beautifully at Mass.

• Instrumental Lessons: Students in grades 3–8 can take weekly instrumental music lessons during school hours. These meet in small groups on a rotating schedule with a certified instructor.

• Special Events & Ensembles: School Liturgies, School Choir, Handbell Choir, Christmas & Spring Concerts, May Crowning, Kindergarten Celebration, and 8th-Grade Graduation.

Technology at OLMA

At OLMA, we empower students with the essential 21st-century skills needed to thrive in a competitive global landscape. Our commitment to digital excellence includes providing a 1:1 Chromebook ratio for all students in grades 1 through 8.

• Digital Citizenship: Beginning in preschool and kindergarten, students learn to navigate the digital world safely—focusing on cyberbullying, evaluating websites, and distinguishing fact from fiction.

• Coding & Critical Thinking: Students learn the language of computers from the start, utilizing block coding languages like Blockly before advancing to complex text-based languages. This curriculum sharpens problem-solving, critical thinking, and storytelling skills.

• 3-D Printing & Design: Combining science and creativity, students use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs and our new 3-D printers to engineer collaborative, real-world solutions to authentic community problems.

Through an innovative, faith-based environment, we ensure our students develop the adaptability, creativity, and technological fluency required for the future.

The purpose of our special education instruction is to meet the individual needs of students in a supportive environment by using modifications of the established curriculum alongside diversified teaching techniques and materials.

Special education needs at OLMA are supported by Bergen County Special Services (BCSS), which deploys expert professionals to provide a comprehensive variety of services. These include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral support, counseling, and more.

 Our dedicated on-site BCSS Special Education teacher provides small group and individualized instruction to help students with study skills, organization, and core academic subjects (English, Math, Social Studies, and Science). Services are available to children from grades K through 8 utilizing both "pull-out" and "inclusion" models for language arts and mathematics. In the pull-out program, students benefit from small-group instruction, while our inclusion program features collaborative teaching within the regular classroom setting.

Additionally, Middle School students with special needs have the option to waive out of the world language requirement. These dedicated periods are instead used to work directly with a teacher, providing them with targeted academic assistance tailored to the individual needs identified in their Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

To ensure learning is exciting, understandable, and engaging, instruction is enhanced through the use of digital programs, hands-on manipulatives, interactive visual aids, supplementary books, and positive behavior modification techniques.

Aquí Se Habla Español - K-8

Our school-wide K-8 Spanish program offers an integrated approach to language learning that develops the student's listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. These four basic skills, essential to attaining proficiency in a foreign language, are emphasized through classroom instruction and practice drills. Projects, videos, and games supplement instruction and enhance learning. In addition, our students gain an appreciation for the culture and customs of Spanish-speaking countries.

PreSchool to Grade 8 Physical Education

Our physical education program helps our students to improve their levels of physical fitness while developing knowledge of various sports and relative proficiency in each. By emphasizing good sportsmanship and fair play, we develop a healthy competitive spirit in each child. In our modern full-sized gymnasium, we make learning fun and we show students how to improve their fitness and skills.

Our Annual Program Events include:

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship
The American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart
The Presidential Youth Fitness Program

OLMA Field Day
 

Kindergarten to Grade 8 Physical Education

Our health program (Kindergarten through grade 8) encourages students to build friendly relationships with others. They gain, self-confidence, practice good hygiene and sportsmanship, and they learn how to deal with feelings that they may have. Our health program uses a variety of different teaching techniques - workbooks, videos, class and peer discussions, group learning activities and games, and some hands-on projects. For grades 1 through 4, a Life Skills program helps the children deal with relevant topics of today, such as peer pressure, bullying, and strangers.

Some of the topics are:
Kindergarten to Grade 2 

Getting along with others
Recognizing and respecting one’s gift and talents and those of others
Good “clean” habits
Social skills
Exploring feelings

Grade 3 to Grade 8 

Friendships and relating to others in your community
Personal care and fitness
Safety skills
Conflict management and resisting peer pressure