Academics
At Sacred Heart Area School, our academics are rooted in Catholic Christian virtues, fostering a love of learning, academic excellence, and the development of the whole child ~ mind, body, and spirit.
Upon This Rock: Understanding the Papacy in Times of Transition
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A Catholic Teaching Moment
At Sacred Heart Area School, faith and learning go hand-in-hand. In response to the passing of Pope Francis, our students and staff are engaging in a special lesson titled, “Upon This Rock: Understanding the Papacy in Times of Transition.”
This teaching moment explores the life and legacy of Pope Francis, the sacred process of electing a new Pope, and what this means for us as Catholics. Through prayer, reflection, and age-appropriate academic activities, students from Preschool through 6th grade deepen their understanding of the Church’s leadership and their own role as young disciples.
Rooted in faith, guided by tradition, and inspired by hope ~ our students are learning to live and lead with Christ at the center.
Please click here to review our:
Curriculum
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Scope & Sequence
At Sacred Heart Area School, we want parents to feel informed and confident about their child’s learning journey. A Scope & Sequence is a roadmap for what students will learn throughout the school year. It outlines the key skills, topics, and concepts covered in each subject and grade level, ensuring a well-structured and faith-filled education.
Scope refers to the breadth of learning—the specific topics and skills students will study.
Sequence refers to the order of learning—how these topics build upon each other over time.
For example, in math, younger students might begin with basic number sense before moving on to addition, subtraction, and eventually multiplication. In reading, they will start with phonics and comprehension before advancing to more complex texts and critical thinking.
Our curriculum is designed to support academic excellence while nurturing Catholic Christian virtues, character formation, and a love of learning. If you have any questions about what your child is learning, we’re happy to help!
Please click here to review our:
2024-25 Scope & Sequence (March, April, May)
2025-26 Scope & Sequence
Summer 2026 Learning Plan
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Cursive
Exciting Update: Cursive Writing Returns to Sacred Heart!
At Sacred Heart Area School, we are committed to providing our students with a well-rounded education that nurtures both academic excellence and essential life skills. As part of this commitment, we are excited to reintroduce cursive writing into our curriculum!
Why Cursive?
Research shows that learning cursive improves brain development, reading skills, spelling, and writing fluency. It also helps students develop focus, creativity, and discipline… skills that benefit them in all areas of learning. Additionally, cursive is an important lifelong skill for reading historical documents, signing their name, and personal note-taking.
Our Plan
Starting March 31, 2025, all students in 2nd grade and up will begin learning cursive, with the goal of completing at least 50% of their written assignments in cursive by the end of the school year.
For the 2025-26 school year:
✅ 2nd grade will officially begin cursive instruction and write at least 50% of assignments in cursive.
✅ 3rd grade and up will transition to 100% cursive for all written work.Supporting Our Students
We understand this will be a new skill for many students, and we are committed to making this a positive and encouraging experience. Teachers will guide students with age-appropriate lessons, plenty of practice, and support to ensure success.
We are excited to see our students build confidence and develop this valuable skill! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
📖✍️ Sacred Heart Area School ~ Where Tradition Meets Excellence!
Click here to review our Implementation of Cursive Writing Plan.
Innovative Learning
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STREAM, 2025-26
What is STREAM at Sacred Heart Area School?
At Sacred Heart Area School, we believe in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. STREAM education integrates Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math to provide students with a hands-on, faith-centered learning experience.
Through STREAM, students explore God’s creation, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in real-world problem-solving ~ all while deepening their Catholic Christian faith. Whether they are building models, coding simple programs, creating sacred art, or studying the wonders of nature, our students learn to see the beauty of God’s design in all subjects.
By blending faith with innovation, STREAM prepares students to be lifelong learners, compassionate leaders, and creative thinkers who serve their communities with knowledge and purpose.
Click here to review our STREAM by Grade Level implementation ~ 2025-26.
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Hybrid Options for Homeschoolers in 2025-26
Hybrid Enrollment for Homeschool Families
Flexible. Faith-Filled. Enriching.
At Sacred Heart Area School, our Hybrid Enrollment program offers homeschooling families the best of both worlds: faith-based instruction, academic enrichment, and a supportive school community - while keeping the flexibility of home education.
Students can attend in person either:
One day a week (Thursday only) – $520/year
Three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) – $1,300/year
(Full-time tuition is $2,600/year)Hybrid students join us for Mass, science labs, computer labs, art, music, organizes sports, and more.
Thursday-only families can expect a full day of hands-on learning, social engagement, and Christ-centered instruction from 8:15 AM to 2:30 PM.
Faith In Action
At Sacred Heart Area School, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole person by integrating our Catholic faith in Christ into every aspect of our students' lives. We strive to foster both spiritual and academic growth within a compassionate and supportive environment. Through our commitment to love and respect for all, we aim to inspire each student to achieve their fullest potential and to live out the Gospel virtues in service to others.
Catholic Liturgical Calendar Teacher Guide
Objective:
Teachers will develop a foundational understanding of the Catholic liturgical calendar, key feast days, seasons, and traditions to effectively teach students and integrate Catholic values into daily learning.
Implementation Timeline:
This will be a year-long instructional guide, with lessons and activities aligning with key seasons and feast days.
Lessons & Calendar Guide
August – Teacher Formation & Preparation
Objective: Provide teachers with foundational knowledge of the liturgical calendar.
Activities:
Faculty meeting: Overview of the Liturgical Calendar
Training on how to incorporate Catholic traditions in daily lessons
Introduction to key prayers, Mass parts, and traditions
September – Introduction to the Liturgical Year
Objective: Introduce students to the structure of the Catholic liturgical year.
Focus: What is the Liturgical Calendar?
Key Topics:
The cycle of the liturgical year
Ordinary Time (Green) – Understanding the importance of day-to-day faith
How the calendar prepares us for major feast days
October – Marian Devotion & The Rosary
Objective: Teach the significance of Mary in Catholic tradition.
Focus: The Rosary & Our Lady of the Rosary Feast (Oct. 7)
Key Topics:
Teaching students the mysteries of the Rosary
The role of Mary in the liturgical calendar
November – All Saints & All Souls
Objective: Teach students about the Communion of Saints and praying for the deceased.
Focus: All Saints' Day (Nov. 1) & All Souls' Day (Nov. 2)
Activities:
Research on patron saints
Writing prayers for loved ones who have passed
December – Advent & Christmas Season
Objective: Prepare students for the coming of Christ through Advent.
Focus: Advent (Purple) & Christmas (White)
Key Topics:
The four weeks of Advent & significance of each candle
The Nativity Story
Teaching about the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1)
January – The Epiphany & Baptism of Jesus
Objective: Understand the significance of the Epiphany and Jesus’ baptism.
Focus: Epiphany (Jan. 6) & Baptism of the Lord
Activities:
Scripture reflection on the visit of the Magi
Discussion on the meaning of baptism
February – Ordinary Time & Lent Preparation
Objective: Help students understand repentance and preparation for Easter.
Focus: Ordinary Time leading into Lent
Key Topics:
The importance of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving
Ash Wednesday & the meaning of sacrifice
March – Lent | Lenten Teaching & Learning Packet for Teachers
Objective: Deepen students’ understanding of Christ’s Passion.
Focus: Lent (Purple) leading into Holy Week
Key Topics:
Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving
Different types of prayers: adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, supplication)
Connecting with the Suffering of Jesus
April – Holy Week, Easter, Earth Day & Divine Mercy
Objective: Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ and His Divine Mercy by deepening our understanding of sacrificial love, new life, and our call to stewardship.
Liturgical Focus: Easter (White) & Divine Mercy Sunday (Second Sunday of Easter)
Activities Include:
Stations of the Cross (concluding Lenten prayer tradition)
Holy Week in the Classroom ~ The significance of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil
Explaining the joy and meaning of Easter
Earth Day ~ Hands-on learning from the Catholic Earth Day Packet, emphasizing God’s creation and our role as stewards
Discover the beauty of Divine Mercy through age-appropriate lessons, prayers, and activities that help students grow in love, trust, and forgiveness ~ centered on Jesus’ message to St. Faustina.
May – Marian Devotion & Pentecost
Objective: Teach students about the role of Mary and the Holy Spirit.
Focus: Month of Mary & Pentecost
Key Topics:
May Crowning & Rosary
The Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church
June – The Sacred Heart & End of Year Reflection
Objective: Celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus and reflect on the liturgical year.
Focus: Feast of the Sacred Heart & preparing for summer
Activities:
Classroom devotion to the Sacred Heart
Reflection on the students’ spiritual growth
Additional Teacher Resources
Weekly Mass Prep: Provide teachers with resources to help students understand the readings.
Monthly Saints Spotlight: Highlight a different saint each month in class discussions.
Interactive Calendar: A classroom display of the liturgical year with color-coded seasons.
Classroom Prayer Integration: Encourage prayer aligned with the liturgical calendar.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
First Friday Adoration
At Sacred Heart Area School, we observe First Friday Adoration, a cherished Catholic tradition dedicated to honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. During this time, the Blessed Sacrament ~ the consecrated Eucharist, which Catholics believe is the true presence of Jesus ~ is displayed in a sacred vessel called a monstrance on the altar.
Students and staff are invited to spend time in quiet prayer and reflection. This sacred experience fosters spiritual growth, reverence, and a deeper connection with faith. Even for those who may not share the Catholic belief in the Eucharist, we ask that everyone maintain a respectful and prayerful silence as a sign of courtesy and reverence.
As students and staff enter and exit the church, it is important to move quietly and reverently to preserve the peaceful and sacred atmosphere of Adoration. This is a special time for stillness, personal reflection, and a deepened awareness of God’s presence in our lives.
The Penitential Act
The Penitential Act is a part of the Catholic Mass that takes place at the beginning of the celebration, after the introductory rites and before the Gloria. It serves as a moment for the congregation to reflect on their sins, seek forgiveness, and prepare their hearts for the celebration of the Eucharist. The Penitential Act emphasizes the themes of humility, repentance, and God's mercy.
Structure of the Penitential Act:
Introductory Dialogue:
The priest invites the congregation to acknowledge their sins, often saying:
“Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.”Confiteor (I Confess):
One common form of the Penitential Act is the Confiteor, where the congregation confesses their sins aloud. It goes like this:
“I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary, ever Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.”
The congregation responds, saying:
“May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.”Other Forms:
In some Masses, particularly during the seasons of Advent and Lent, the Kyrie (Lord, have mercy) is sung or said following the Confiteor. The priest or deacon may say:
“Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.”
This is followed by the congregation's response:
“Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.”Absolution by the Priest:
After the Penitential Act, the priest pronounces a general absolution, saying:
“May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.”
This absolution is a prayer of mercy and is not the same as the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) but prepares the congregation to partake in the sacred mysteries of the Mass.
Significance of the Penitential Act:
The Penitential Act reminds the faithful that before they approach the altar to receive the Eucharist, they should first examine their hearts and seek reconciliation with God. It helps the congregation reflect on their need for God’s mercy and forgiveness. It also sets the tone for the Mass by focusing on the themes of repentance, mercy, and preparation to encounter Christ in the Eucharist.
🌿 Peaceful Hearts Curriculum
At Sacred Heart Area School, we believe that nurturing a child’s heart is just as important as nurturing their mind. Our Peaceful Hearts Curriculum provides students with age-appropriate lessons in emotional awareness, respectful behavior, and Christ-centered conflict resolution. Rooted in Catholic virtues, these lessons help children grow in kindness, self-control, and faith ~ so they may become peacemakers in both school and life.
Respecting Others and Handling Emotions in a Christ-Centered Way
Preschool - 6th grade students explore the importance of keeping their hands to themselves and learning faith-filled strategies for managing anger, such as talking to a teacher, taking deep breaths, and asking God for guidance. Through stories, discussions, and simple activities, students practice how to respond to big emotions with kindness, respect, and self-control.
Click here to review the lessons.
Philosophy of Assessment
At Sacred Heart Area School, our approach to assessment is deeply rooted in our Catholic faith and our commitment to nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. We believe that each student is a unique creation of God, deserving of an educational experience that honors their individual gifts and potential.
To ensure that we meet the needs of every student, we conduct comprehensive assessments at the beginning of each school year. These initial evaluations allow our teachers and specialists to develop personalized educational plans, tailored to help each student grow academically, spiritually, and socially in alignment with our Catholic virtues.
Throughout the academic year, we engage in ongoing assessments that provide clear, actionable information to both parents and teachers. These assessments serve as a tool to monitor student progress, identify areas of strength and growth, and ensure that every student is on a path toward fulfilling their God-given potential.
Our assessment process is dedicated solely to supporting student progress. We believe that through thoughtful, faith-driven assessment practices, we can guide our students not only toward academic excellence but also toward becoming compassionate, faith-filled members of the community.
WCEA Accreditation: A Commitment to Excellence
Sacred Heart Area School is proud to have earned full accreditation with a Status of Candidacy from the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA). This accreditation marks an exciting milestone in our school’s journey, signifying our commitment to providing a high-quality, faith-based education.
WCEA is a respected organization that sets high standards for academic excellence, faith formation, and operational quality in Catholic schools. Schools accredited by WCEA must meet rigorous criteria, ensuring they offer a well-rounded education that nurtures both academic success and spiritual growth. This accreditation also connects us to a network of Catholic schools dedicated to continuous improvement and high educational standards.
Being accredited by WCEA allows Sacred Heart Area School to proudly display our dedication to offering the best possible education for your child. We are also able to list our WCEA accreditation with SEVIS for those applying for F-1 student visas.
At Sacred Heart, we are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where your child can thrive academically and spiritually. We invite you to be part of our school community, where excellence, faith, and continuous growth are at the heart of everything we do. Enroll today and give your child the opportunity to grow and succeed in a school that is committed to their future!
