Curriculum

Core Subjects

  • Religion
  • English/Writing
  • Reading/Literature
  • Vocabulary/Spelling
  • Handwriting
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies/History
  • Science

In addition to teaching the core subjects, Saint Mel School offers several specialty classes to provide a broad education to benefit the “whole child,” and discover who God created them to be.

  • Art – Students in TK-8 participate in the Art Exploration Program.  With the help of dedicated parent volunteer Art Guides, our students explore the world of artists, cultural and fine arts, art mediums and techniques. The program continuously evolves. Art lessons and projects are incorporated into the curriculum and STREAM week. Our students have won many ribbons and special recognition from the annual Art Show and The Young at Art Event at St. Francis High School, Sacramento County Fair, California State Fair, Sacramento River Cats, St. Francis High School Young at Art Event, and the Fair Oaks KIDSTART event.
  • Music – Students in TK-8 attend a weekly music class.  They learn to read sheet music and are introduced to beats and measures.  All grades perform prepared songs for the annual Christmas Pageant and Spring Concert.
  • Spanish – Students in TK-8 attend Spanish immersion classes once a week. using Rosetta Stone.  As students move their way through the program their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, writing, and speaking are enhanced.
  • Physical Education – Once a week, students in grades TK-K participate in P.E. class and focus on practicing motor skills. Twice a week students in grades 1-8 are exposed to various athletic sports and team activities.
  • Computers – Technology classes are attended weekly by students in TK through 8th in our Tech Lab. The program features project-based learning that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, including Art. Our computer teacher teams regularly with classroom teachers to integrate student learning across the curriculum.

Outdoor Education

  • 4th grade: Environmental Living Program at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.  Parent-guided activities include, overnight stay, 1840’s clothing, candle-making, baking, and carpentry. At night, everyone enjoys a campfire and groups take turns keeping a night watch.
  • 5th grade: Point Bonita YMCA Outdoor & Environmental Education Program. 3- days/nights in the Marin Headlands. Hands-on learning outdoor-based earth and life sciences, ecological communities and environmental stewardship which incorporate both California State Science Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Students hike Point Bonita exploring nature while learning the history of the area and creating community through team building activities.
  • 6th grade : Outdoor Science School for 4-days/nights at Sly Park Environmental Education Center in the El Dorado National Forest. Students learn about the natural world through hiking, hands-on experience and exploration, especially in areas of Life Science and Physical Science. Additionally, students participate in Sly Park’s Team Building Program activities, including the Climbing Wall, and providing team problem-solving scenarios.
  • 7th grade : Nature Bridge Environmental Science Program. 4-days/nights in Yosemite National Park. Students learn hands-on science in one of the world’s most stunning geological wonders. Students challenge themselves participate in an inquiry-based learning while hiking and enhancing their awareness and scientific understanding of the natural world and their connection to it.
  • 8th grade: Sierra Nevada Journeys Outdoor School. 4-days/nights at Grizzly Creek Ranch Campus in Portola. All lessons build critical thinking, collaboration skills and inspire natural resource stewardship. This is done through a ropes course, engineering, pond ecology, astronomy, storytelling and night hikes. The outdoor science-based curriculum is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.
  • All grades attend field trips throughout the year. Popular field trips include plays, musicals, local museums, the pumpkin farm, Intel, and Sacramento River Cats. Field trips provide alternative educational opportunities for children away from their regular school environment.

Due to Covid-19, many classes and field trips have been modified during the 2021-2022 school year. 

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