Classes from Kindergarten through ninth grade Confirmation preparation are held in the Ambridge Building adjacent to the Church on Monday afternoons during the academic year. High School seminar classes are on Sunday mornings in Siena Hall. Registration forms and K-9 calendars are available online or in the parish office. High School calendars and semester outlines are distributed by the teacher; classes are on a three year teaching cycle.

Our Kindergarten uses IMAGE OF GOD (Ignatius Press) interactive workbooks. First through eighth grade texts are FAITH AND LIFE (Ignatius Press) and THE NEW ST. JOSEPH BALTIMORE CATECHICISM. FAITH AND LIFE introduces the principal components of catechesis: Creed; Commandments; Sacraments/Liturgy; Prayer/Scripture. THE BALTIMORE CATECHISM presents the same material in a succinct and direct format well suited for memorization. Our curriculum corresponds to the four pillars of THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, our ninth grade text: 1) what we believe (Creed); 2) what we do (Commandments); 3) the means to our end (Sacraments/Liturgy); and 4) what we hope for (Prayer and Scripture.)

Brief Overview, K-8

Kindergarten: We encourage parents to take advantage of this early classroom experience in preparation for first grade. Creative projects help focus young minds and bodies, not always an easy task, and augment classroom instruction. Children learn about God and Creation; what is means to be made in God’s image; choices that please God; and prayer.

Grade One: Our Heavenly Father. This year introduces the life of Jesus, the Trinity, and our part in God’s plan of Salvation. We teach basic prayers and passages of Scripture, and begin early preparation for the Eucharist. Lesson plans include Old Testament and New Testament stories, Mary, and the Communion of Saints. There is also emphasis on growing to know, love, and trust God.

Grade Two: Jesus Our Life. This year concentrates on Sacramental preparation in the context of the 10 Commandments and Salvation History: God's mercy and love; our response to God’s gifts and responsibility as followers of Jesus; the Ten Commandments, Creation and Redemption. Our aim is to prepare second grade students for Confession and Holy Communion, and to help them appreciate God's love for them shown in these two sacraments. Students must complete a Sacramental form (it can be found on the website) and submit it with a copy of his or her baptismal certificate with registration. It is due no later March 1st. Special situations may make it impossible for families to attend all classes during a Sacramental Year. Home Schooling for this Sacramental year is not encouraged, but possible with prior permission and good cause; however, all children must attend classes beginning in March. There are mandatory rehearsals on the two Saturdays prior to first Communion.

Grade Three: Our Life with Jesus. Third grade lessons are centered on God's plan from Creation to the Incarnation; redemption; the birth of the Church at Pentecost; our life in the Church; the importance of Confession, Communion and the Mass; and the Creed. We strive to show students that they belong to God's people, and that their family is an important part of his family, the Church.

Grade Four: Jesus Our Guide. This year introduced God's plan to save his people from sin (Salvation History) and how we participate in that plan. We also encourage love for God’s Word, his Law, and his Church. Scripture is emphasized, most especially the relationship of the two Testaments. This is an important year to review the Commandments, stressing repentance and forgiveness through the Sacrament of Confession. At this level, students should have access to a Bible.

Grade Five: Credo: I Believe. The articles of the Creed are the basic belief of our Catholic faith, and by fifth grade students should be able to demonstrate a fuller understanding of it, as well as key concepts in the Gospels. Our aim is to help fifth grade students grow in knowledge of God and his Church through better understanding the faith we profess. Note: This year completes Book 1 of the Baltimore Catechism. The Creed will be covered again in greater depth in eighth and ninth grades. Grade Five is an excellent time to review basic concepts and prayers.

Grade Six: Following Christ. This year assumes a greater level of maturity as students begin the second book of the Catechism. Our theme is love: love for neighbor, love for the law of God, especially in the Ten Commandments, and love for the presence of Jesus in the Holy Mass. We discuss the interaction of God's law and his gifts of grace that help us fulfill it. The completion of sixth grade marks the transition from elementary to middle school. A “benchmark” test at the close of the year will greatly assist 7th and 8th grade teachers; a similar test at the end of 8th grade is advised in anticipation of 9th grade Confirmation.

Grade Seven: The Life of Grace. Seventh and eighth grade class attendance is very important in preparation for our high school confirmation program as we concentrate on Grace, God’s gift of Himself, with an emphasis on transmission of grace through the seven sacraments; God's loving gifts of revelation, the Incarnation, and the Church. The role of grace in developing the virtues is taught as the foundation of moral life. This year fosters appreciation for the gifts of reason and faith, and the importance of an informed conscience. Grade 7 is an important review year for grades 4-6. Also, it is an excellent opportunity to revist the Commandments and Beatitudes as they relate to emerging challenges in the lives of young teenagers.

Grade Eight: Our Life in the Church. This year is centered on the Church: its founding by Christ and birth in the Holy Spirit as One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic; Fathers and Doctors of the Church; Saints and the role of the religious and laity; and hierarchical structure and the role of the Magisterium. After completion of Grade 8, students “graduate” to Confirmation preparation. By the conclusion of this academic year, students should know basic prayers and church teaching. The benchmark quiz at the end of the year will be useful for the 9th Grade Confirmation teacher. Since Grade 8 is considered a pre-Confirmation year, all students wishing to be Confirmed are encouraged to register.