Academics
Academic Programs
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School employs the Six Traits Writing Program at all levels and in all curricular areas. Our students have been recognized for their poetry and in writing competitions including the Daughters of the American Revolution Historical Essay Contest.
Mathematics is an increasing focus at our school. We want to ensure that our math program is fully aligned to our student needs. Mid-school students are allowed to test into accelerated math programs, including algebra in the eighth grade.
Our science students participate in Science Fun Day (grades K-5) and Science Fair (grades 6-8.) Several of our midschool students compete each year in regional and state science fairs, Science Bowl, and Science Olympiad. Our science program is augmented by the Air Force Research Lab’s Marsville, Starbase LaLuz, and PETES programs which allow our students to learn about space technology from actual space scientists.
Our school computers are completely networked and internet accessible, both in the lab (23 work stations) and in the classrooms (2-4 computers in each room.) Students learn keyboarding, research methods, and presentation skills.
Academic Testing
All students in grades Kindergarten through eighth participate in the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills on a yearly basis. Our test scores are consistently above grade level in all areas. Students also take the Reading and Math Assessments three times a year so that teachers always know when students are progressing or can use extra help. Fourth and sixth grade students participate in the Iowa Writing Assessment in the spring. During the 2008-2009 school year our eighth graders have been chosen to take the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a national skills assessment administered to middle school students at selected schools.
Kindergarten Testing/ Academics, Pre-K
Besides the Iowa Tests, our Kindergarteners also take the Early Prevention of School Failure Assessment at the beginning and end of the school year. The results of this assessment allow the Kindergarten teachers to see where our students stand academically before they start and to adjust the curriculum for individual needs. Our Kindergarten is academically-based, with instruction in Religion, reading, math, language arts, science and health, social studies, Spanish, art, music, and PE. The majority of our Kindergarteners are reading well by Christmas. Our Pre-K class is an academic readiness-based full day program. Its design fosters success in Kindergarten and future learning.
Reading Programs
Reading fluently is important in all academic areas. For this reason, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School has implemented a daily non-interrupted literacy period for all Pre-K through fifth grade students. During this time, students will not be scheduled for any pull-out classes.
Mid-school students attend literature class four days a week and are introduced to classic and high interest books as well as using their literature textbooks. Reading skills are emphasized. Reading deficiencies are accommodated through our very low one to fifteen pupil-teacher-ratio.
Pre-K through fifth graders attend library classes once a week, learning library skills one day and checking out books the other. Mid-school students are encouraged to visit the library during lunch, recess, elective classes, and after school for research and recreational reading.
Our students have participated in a number of reading programs including Reading Albuquerque and Book-It as well as a weekly research contest in our library.
Fine Arts / Specialty Classes / Athletic Programs
The curriculum is enhanced for all students through our Fine Arts/Specialty program. Our music program blends liturgical, educational, and experiential content and activities. The Spanish language and its culture is also part of every student’s learning at Fatima. Art instruction is another special focus. Creativity is encouraged through this medium as well. To become more competitive and effective in our society, all students at OLF are expected to acquire computer literacy and to be able to utilize such skills effectively. OLF competes in the Parochial League. Our 5th-8th boys and girls compete in cross-county, flag football, volleyball, basketball, softball, and track. Coach/Parent support required.
