Curriculum

Highland Catholic School offers a wide variety of classes tailored to the individual grade levels.  Please check out the curriculum of each grade, as well as the specialists.  And for more up-to-date information on the classes, check out the Grade Level Blogs and Specialist Blogs.  Here is a brief synopsis of the overall school curriculum.

Language Arts 

Reading, writing, handwriting, spelling and grammar are taught in comprehensive and integrated method throughout the school. Specific classes and lessons in language arts topics are taught through literature/reading or English class. However, teachers in all curricular areas recognize that language arts lessons apply to their lessons as well. For example, students study literature/reading while reading a novel in social studies, writing in religion as they rewrite the Ten Commandments as positive statements, and spelling during a vocabulary lesson in science. We believe this leads to a thorough and integrated approach to learning. 

Mathematics 

Using current research, education theory, and our teachers' extensive experience, we have developed a strategic math program that encompasses traditional methods as well as hands on experiences at all grade levels. Computation is taught via many methods, including memorization of math facts and calculator usage. Application of mathematical concepts is emphasized through problem solving, projects, and the use of manipulative materials. 

Religion 

Highland Catholic School has daily religious instruction in the Catholic faith for all students. Course work includes the study of Scripture and the Gospel message, investigations into the lives of the saints and their works, history of the Church, sacraments, Catholic Social Teachings and the Mass. Service is an integral part of all learning at the school.

Students are involved in projects for the school as well as the community on an ongoing basis. Each year, a school-wide theme is identified to help focus our thoughts and energies towards improvement.

Science

The science curriculum spirals throughout the grades to offer our students a complete course of study for kindergarten through eighth grade. Each grade has highlighted units such as monarch butterflies in second grade, rocks and fossils in third grade, and cell theory and genetics in seventh grade. Learning includes a blend of approaches, including lab experiences. Experts are brought in to offer demonstration classes. Field trips to The Minnesota Science Museum, Minnesota Zoo, and Dodge Nature Center further extend the curriculum. Sixth grade students attend Long Lake Conservation Camp for three days.

Social Studies

Learning in social studies ranges from study of the neighborhood and local community to lessons on state, national, and world history. Volunteers from Junior Achievement conduct mini-lessons in several grades to provide exposure to the world of business and finance. Sixth and Eighth grade students explore a self chosen specific topic through the Minnesota History Day program. Middle School students are invited to participate in the National Geographic Geography Bee competition. Current events are studied to help students grow in their role as informed citizens. Students learn to reflect and act on social issues in light of the Catholic Teachings on Social Justice. Seventh grade students create and implement a spring project around these teachings.