The St. Austin Catholic School curriculum is the manifestation of the school's culture of learning. The culture of learning implies learning non scholae, sed vitae (not only for school, but for life), and takes place both in and out of a classroom. The St. Austin Catholic School curriculum is held up by four essential standards:
- Rigor
- Thought
- Authenticity
- Diversity
Students who complete the course of studies at St. Austin Catholic School will be able to:
- Continue to develop a deeper understanding of who they are in relation to God, others and all creation. They will understand they have a role to play as stewards and builders of the Kingdom of God.
- Appreciate and respect the achievements and contributions of men and women of diverse cultures, creeds and races.
- Meet the intellectual, social and ethical challenges of living in a technological society.
- Think critically so that they will be prepared for responsible citizenship, life-long learning and productive employment in society.
- Demonstrate competency in a broad-based curriculum as defined by the accrediting agencies Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Fields of Study
Foundation content areas of study are:
- Language Arts: The goal of the Language Arts curriculum is to enable students to receive the written word appropriate to their grade level and to express themselves proficiently in both the written and the spoken word.
- Math: The goal of the Mathematics curriculum is to enable students to become mathematically literate. This term denotes an individual's ability to explore, to conjecture, and to reason logically, as well as to use a variety of mathematical methods to solve problems.
- Religion: The Religion curriculum provides opportunities for the student to develop a personal prayer life, actively participate in the liturgical experiences of the Church, and exercise personal commitment through the sharing of spiritual gifts, temporal goods, and service. The child will develop awareness of a loving God; of church; of the Bible; and the importance of prayer in life. The child will develop a good sense of morals.
- Science: The goal of the Science curriculum is to enable students to have a basic scientific understanding of the natural world and its processes to guide their decisions through life. As Christians, we have a responsibility to be the caretakers of God's world, and Science supplies the tools and understandings to enable us to do that.
- Social Studies: The goal of the Social Studies curriculum is to enable students to be sensitive to God's generous gifts of the world and its people. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic church, students will be prepared to participate in the democratic process and emerge as well-rounded, responsible adults ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
- Art: All students, Grades K-8, enjoy Art as part of their regular curriculum. The Art curriculum exposes students to a variety of art genres, with special emphasis on integrating art (form and content) into the core subjects of Religion, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.
- Library: The St. Austin Catholic School library program is a curriculum adjunct designed to supplement and strengthen students' language arts and research skills, and to enrich their love of learning. As part of the library program, students in grades 2-5 participate in the Junior Great Books program. This program of higher literacy gives students the opportunities to interact with thought-provoking stories as they develop the reading, oral communication, and critical-thinking skills. Because the emphasis is on discussion and interpretation, all students are able to contribute, and as a result, will grow in their ability to read and enjoy challenging literature.
- Music: Music classes are available to all students, Grades K-8. Through the music curriculum, students are exposed to a variety of musical genres, developing an appreciation for music as a part of a well-balanced life, and preparation for the varied prayer and worship experiences of the school.
- Physical Education: The goal of the Physical Education curriculum is to enable students to appreciate safety, good health, and healthy lifestyles. Students will be familiar with recreational games as well as team sports.
- Spanish: In Grades Kindergarten - 4, Spanish is presented through a casual style, with emphasis upon folklore and common expressions in the Spanish language. Spanish is presented in a much more formalized manner in Grades 5-8, where the emphasis is upon the mechanics and literature of the Spanish language.
Academic Enrichment
Technology: At St. Austin Catholic School, technology is not a separate curricular subject. Technology is integrated into each class’ regular instruction in all content areas. Students use state-of-the-art technology to enrich subject areas and demonstrate mastery through the use of higher-order thinking skills. Much like the Library, technology is a resource tool used to enrich and supplement the learning process.
Field Trips: The faculty and administration of St. Austin Catholic School consider field trips a very important component to help define a quality curriculum. Located at the doorsteps of the University of Texas, the Texas Capitol, and scores of cultural venues, students at St. Austin Catholic School enjoy a host of field trips which enhance the learning experience and make learning fun and memorable.
Electives: Middle School students also choose from a variety of elective opportunities.
Academic Competitions: Through participation in activities such as Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA), Science Fair, and National Geography Bee, students are afforded opportunities to utilize their developing academic skills in a context other than the usual school setting.
More detailed information about the Scope and Sequence by subject and grade level may be found in the school's Curriculum Guides, which are housed in the school's library.