Elementary
Elementary English Language Arts (K-5)
At The School of Saint Elizabeth, our Elementary English Language Arts program lays the foundation for lifelong literacy by nurturing confident readers, thoughtful writers, and effective communicators. Rooted in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS-ELA), our program is designed to meet the developmental needs of each child while fostering a love of language, learning, and expression.
Building Strong Foundations in Literacy. In grades K–5, students engage in a comprehensive literacy experience that integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In a structured, supportive environment, students develop essential skills in phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Our classrooms are rich in language and literature, where students encounter engaging stories and informational texts that spark curiosity, build knowledge, and strengthen their understanding of the world around them.
The Orton-Gillingham Approach at The School of Saint Elizabeth
The School of Saint Elizabeth applies the Orton-Gillingham Approach to support students in developing strong reading, writing, and spelling skills. This structured, multisensory, and research-based approach is especially effective for learners who find literacy challenging, including those with dyslexia.
Instruction is explicit, sequential, and tailored to each student’s individual needs. Teachers adjust pacing and lessons to build on strengths while addressing areas for growth, ensuring every child gains confidence and success in literacy. Rooted in decades of research, the Orton-Gillingham Approach breaks down language into manageable steps, helping students build a solid foundation and achieve lasting academic success.
Growing Readers and Thinkers
Students are guided to become independent and confident readers. Through differentiated instruction and small-group learning, teachers meet students where they are and support them in progressing toward grade-level expectations. As students grow, they begin to think more deeply about texts—making connections, asking questions, and developing critical thinking skills that prepare them for future academic success.
Developing Writers with Voice and Purpose
Writing is introduced early and developed with intention across all grade levels. Students explore a variety of writing types, including narrative, opinion, and informational writing. They learn to organize their ideas, use evidence from texts, and express themselves clearly and creatively.
Through guided practice, feedback, and revision, students gain confidence in their ability to communicate through writing.
Communication, Collaboration, and Confidence
Our program emphasizes speaking and listening as essential components of literacy. Students participate in discussions, share ideas, and collaborate with peers in a respectful and supportive classroom community.These experiences help students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and learn to value diverse perspectives.
Integration of Technology and STREAM Connections
Technology is thoughtfully integrated to enhance literacy instruction and engagement. Students use digital tools to explore texts, conduct research, and present their learning in creative ways.
Our Elementary ELA program also supports STREAM learning, encouraging students to make connections across subjects. By integrating literacy with science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and mathematics, students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for learning.
Fostering a Love of Reading and Learning
At Saint Elizabeth, we believe that developing a love of reading is essential. Students are encouraged to read for enjoyment, exploration, and personal growth. Through independent reading and classroom experiences, they build habits that support lifelong learning.
Students are supported in becoming:
- Curious and engaged readers
- Creative and thoughtful writers
- Respectful and confident communicators
- Independent and reflective learners
Nurturing the Whole Child Through Literacy
Our English Language Arts program not only develops academic skills but also supports the growth of the whole child. Grounded in faith and community, students learn to use language to express themselves, connect with others, and understand the world with empathy and purpose.
Strong Mathematics Curriculum (K–5)
The School of Saint Elizabeth provides a strong, research-based mathematics curriculum for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Our program builds a solid foundation in number sense, operations, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Students develop fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, while gaining a deep understanding of fractions, decimals, geometry, and measurement. Instruction emphasizes both conceptual understanding and skill mastery, helping students understand not just how math works, but why. Through hands-on learning, real-world applications, and collaborative problem-solving, students build confidence and perseverance. Differentiated instruction ensures that all learners are supported and challenged, preparing them for continued success in mathematics and beyond.
Science Curriculum (K–5) – STREAM Certified
The School of Saint Elizabeth offers a dynamic, STREAM-certified science curriculum for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. STREAM—Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics—integrates multiple disciplines to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
Through hands-on experiments, inquiry-based learning, and project-based activities, students explore scientific concepts while developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Lessons are designed to connect across subject areas, helping students understand how science applies to everyday life.
Technology, collaboration, and innovation are embedded throughout instruction, empowering students to investigate, design, and discover. This interdisciplinary approach prepares learners to think deeply, work collaboratively, and become confident, future-ready problem solvers.
Social Studies Curriculum (K–5)
The School of Saint Elizabeth provides an engaging Social Studies curriculum for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 that builds an understanding of community, history, geography, and citizenship.
Students explore their roles in family, school, and local communities before expanding their learning to include national history, world cultures, and global awareness. Through stories, discussions, projects, and hands-on activities, students develop respect for diversity and an appreciation of how people live and work together. Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry, and real-world connections, helping students understand the past and present while preparing them to be responsible, informed citizens.
Religion (K–5) – Catholic Formation
The School of Saint Elizabeth provides a faith-filled Religion curriculum that nurtures students’ spiritual growth and deepens their understanding of the Catholic faith from Kindergarten through Grade 5.
Students learn the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Sacraments, Scripture, and Catholic traditions in an age-appropriate and meaningful way. Daily prayer, liturgical celebrations, and service opportunities help students live their faith through words and actions.vRooted in Gospel values, the program encourages students to develop a personal relationship with God while fostering kindness, respect, compassion, and a commitment to serving others.
Latin (K–5)
The School of Saint Elizabeth introduces students to Latin from Kindergarten through Grade 5, building a strong foundation in language, vocabulary, and classical roots that enhance learning across all subject areas. Students explore basic Latin vocabulary, phrases, and word structures in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Early exposure to Latin strengthens English language development, improves reading comprehension, and supports success in science, math, and vocabulary-rich subjects.
With the application of interactive activities, songs, games, and cultural connections, students develop curiosity about ancient Rome and the lasting influence of Latin on modern languages.
Art (K–5)
The School of Saint Elizabeth offers a creative and engaging Art program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, encouraging imagination, self-expression, and skill development.
Students explore a variety of materials, techniques, and artistic styles while learning the elements and principles of design. Lessons are designed to build creativity, fine motor skills, and confidence as students express ideas visually. Through hands-on projects and exposure to artists and cultures from around the world, students develop an appreciation for the visual arts and the role creativity plays in everyday life.
Physical Education (K–5)
The School of Saint Elizabeth provides a dynamic Physical Education program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, promoting lifelong health, fitness, and well-being. Students develop fundamental movement skills, coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship through age-appropriate games and activities. The program emphasizes physical fitness, motor skill development, and healthy habits in a fun and supportive environment. Active participation ensures students build confidence, learn cooperation, and develop an appreciation for staying active and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Music (K–5)
The School of Saint Elizabeth offers a vibrant Music program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, fostering creativity, expression, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Students explore rhythm, melody, harmony, and musical notation through singing, movement, listening activities, and hands-on instrument experiences. Instruction is designed to build foundational musical skills while encouraging confidence and participation. Exposure to a variety of musical styles and traditions, students develop an understanding of music as both an art form and a means of cultural expression, while building collaboration and performance skills. In addition to weekly music class, students in grades 2-5 have the opportunity to join our extra-curricular chorus programs that meet either during recess or after school, depending on the program.
Media & Technology (K–5)
The School of Saint Elizabeth provides an engaging Media and Technology program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 that builds essential digital literacy and responsible technology use.
Students learn foundational computer skills, safe and ethical online behavior, and age-appropriate digital tools to support learning across all subject areas. Instruction includes keyboarding, coding basics, research skills, and creative technology projects. The program enables hands-on experiences, and students develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence as they use technology to explore, create, and communicate in a connected world.
Library (K–5)
The School of Saint Elizabeth’s Library program fosters a lifelong love of reading and learning for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5.
Students are introduced to a wide variety of literature, authors, and genres while developing essential research and information literacy skills. Lessons focus on building strong reading habits, understanding how to locate and evaluate information, and using the library as a resource for learning and discovery.
The curriculum focuses on storytelling, guided exploration, and independent reading opportunities, and students grow into curious, confident readers who enjoy exploring books and ideas.