Academics

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of Our Lady of the Lake Parish School is derived from the Standards established by the State of Washington and the Archdiocese of Seattle. As a result of the 2006-07 accreditation process, the school embarked on a curriculum review that resulted in newly adopted curricula for Religion, Math, and middle school Language Arts. Adoption of new curriculum occurs each year. The content overview was developed during fall of 2008 and completed in the fall of 2009. This overview provides a brief overview of the topics covered in each grade level.

Mission Statement

The school's mission is to carry out the teaching ministry of Our Lady of the Lake Parish by providing an excellent K-8 school program that provides a strong academic foundation and encourages OLL graduates to live out the values of the Catholic faith.

Philosophy

Our Lady of the Lake Parish School believes it is a nurturing Catholic community of religious leaders, staff, parents, students and parishioners. Together, this community aims to:

     Build on the talents and needs of each student

     Infuse academic learning with religious faith

     Develop confident, competent and caring adolescents, capable of fulfilling their potential

Curriculum

The basic curriculum at Our Lady of the Lake Parish School complies with Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and Archdiocesan Curriculum Guidelines and provides for the development of the students' spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.   Our Lady of the Lake Parish School provides an academic program which includes classes in the following subject areas: religion, mathematics, reading, language arts, social studies, science, music, physical education, library skills, art, computer education, family life, and substance abuse awareness. Outdoor education is offered to students in grades 4 and 5. A Learning Differences Specialist is on staff to identify and work with students who have learning differences.

Curriculum Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is the OLL curriculum determined?
The basics of the curriculum are laid out explicitly by the Archdiocese. Specific learning expectations and benchmarks have been prepared for each grade level in the areas of science, mathematics, language arts, reading, social studies, physical education, technology and music. They are in process for religion. These expectations and benchmarks are based on recommendations set out by national and state educational standards.
The teachers design the specific activities and assignments which enable students to reach the expectations and benchmarks.

Can I examine a copy of these learning expectations and benchmarks?
Certainly. A copy is available at the school. Do you realize that these documents contained detailed information in a language that can be overwhelming to readers without training in educational standards?

How are textbooks chosen?
The Archdiocese selects acceptable textbooks through a committee made up of professional educators. The textbooks are chosen by the Archdiocese to enable teachers in a particular grade to cover the learning necessary to meet the learning expectations and benchmarks in that grade.

What should I do if I have concerns about my child's curriculum?
The first step will be for you to define clearly what your concern is and why you have developed that concern. It will be important for you to put in writing the evidence that led you to develop your concern.

Next, schedule an appointment with your child's teacher. Bring with you the things you have written down. Recognize that the teacher has worked very hard to thoughtfully construct the learning activities, and that the learning environment is rarely ideal. Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say. Good listening and the ability to imagine oneself in the other's shoes is a vital component to a successful parent-teacher interaction. Summarize in writing or verbally what you and the teacher agree to do as the next step.

If you feel that your needs are not adequately addressed by the teacher, and subsequent discussion does not improve the situation, schedule an appointment with the principal. When you talk to the principal, be sure to note actions the teacher has taken as well as those concerns you still have.

You will notice that none of the steps outlined above include discussion of your concern with other parents. This is because discussing your concerns with other parents is not a constructive way to address your concerns about your child's curriculum.

When are updates made to the curriculum?
On a regular cycle the Archdiocese convenes a committee of educators to develop a list of approved textbooks for the Catholic schools. At OLL, curriculum goals and expectations are reviewed on a regular basis by staff following this cycle. In depth curriculum studies occur in a regular cycle in conjunction with the accreditation/self-study process.