Special Classes in Catholic Liberal Arts Education

It is telling that certain classes in many private schools are called “specials”, for indeed, they are truly special. In a Catholic Liberal Arts educational tradition, these classes are not merely a part of the curriculum, another box to check on the list of subject areas to study. These are treasured subjects like Music, Spanish, Art, Physical Education, and Technology, subjects that further the mission of the Liberal Arts ideal: to realize the real meaning of being human, as made by God in His image and likeness. These “special” classes reveal something special about us, in our creative capacities. At St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Technology are offered once a week for all students in PreK - Grade 8. Spanish is offered once a week for PreK - Grade 6 and 3-4 times a week for students in Grade 7 and 8.

  • Music

    All PreK-8th students at St. Francis Xavier attend one general music class per week. Students explore music through singing, movement, and a variety of classroom instruments including xylophones, drums, recorders, and ukuleles. Students also prepare music for Masses and special events such as Veterans Day, the Christmas Program, and Catholic Schools Week. Mrs. Eisenberg's goal is that every student leaves SFX having found joy through music.

    SFX also offers a Children’s Choir to both SFXCS students and young parishioners.

  • Art

    All PreK-8th students explore the elements and principles of art, art history, and use to art in community outreach throughout the year. They participate in technology based projects, cross-curriculum projects, and projects integrated with Christian values through an exploration of diversities in cultures with projects that parallel the liturgical season. The art curriculum aligns with the Diocesan curriculum as well as and the state curriculum. The curriculum builds on a spiraling index of skills and standards.

  • Spanish

    All Pre-K through Grade 6 students at St. Francis Xavier attend one general Spanish class per week. Grade 7 & 8 students attend Spanish classes three days a week. These students follow the program Avancemos! which is the same program used at Delone Catholic High School and are graded on their coursework.

    All students Pre-K through 8th grade explore the Spanish language and culture through song, movement, dance, routine conversations, and multiple reading, speaking, listening, and writing experiences. Senora Kane’s goal is that every student leaves St. Francis Xavier with a firm foundation in a second language, a radiating joy in becoming familiar with a different culture, and an appreciation and celebration of similarities and differences.

  • Physical Education

    All PreK - Grade 8 students attend physical education class once a week.

    Class always begins with a cardio warm-up to music followed by stretching and strength building exercises. Prayer and a water break followed by skills practice and game play when appropriate. Phys Ed classes emphasize cooperation, teamwork, respect, safety, good sportsmanship, participation and skill acquisition.

    Students learn basic calisthenics with sequential development, develop a healthy spirit of competition and a spirit of support for others, develop an understanding of rules and regulations, as well as self-confidence and a spirit of teamwork and independence. Physical Education classes promote student wellness, proper nutrition, and the importance of regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience.

  • Technology

    All Pre-K - Grade 8 students attend a technology class a week. The Technology curriculum aligns with the school technology plan. Students are taught internet safety, digital citizenship, and Primary grades practice computer skills as well as use apps to enrich math, reading and writing. Students are introduced to keyboarding, computer components, technology vocabulary, and the use Google applications. Middle School students continue practicing keyboarding, internet safety, researching, and using other apps that enrich the education curriculum.