"St. Catherine’s has been the best decision we’ve made. The kindergarten program was exciting, creative and challenging. Our son was excited to go to school, and his confidence blossomed with each new day. His teacher was amazing, preparing him not only for first grade, but for life’s little lessons." - Parents of a 2009 kindergarten graduate
Military school…for my 5-year-old?
If you are asking this question, you have the wrong idea about the kindergarten program at St. Catherine’s. In fact, our military program does not begin until the third grade. Our kindergarten program provides a welcoming and nurturing environment for students to learn foundational academic skills.
St. Catherine’s kindergarten program is characterized by hands-on learning, relationship building, excellent communication with parents, and of course, lots of fun. Upon completion of kindergarten, each student will have mastered or exceeded the California state standards for kindergarten. In addition, each student will have developed a love for learning and an enthusiasm for school.
Because our kindergarten class is so small (typically less than ten students), our teacher is able to assess the needs and interests of each student and design differentiated lessons and assignments to help each child reach the highest level of understanding possible.
Kindergarten provides a basic foundation for each child’s spiritual growth. During daily Religion lessons, students learn how much God loves them and how they are called to love and respect each other. Students also participate in weekly school-wide Mass.
Benefits of an All Boys Program
Research shows that boys and girls learn differently and at different paces. This is true throughout a student’s school years, but especially in the early years of education.
Moreover, boys learn best through manipulating and experiencing their environment rather than sitting quietly and listening to a teacher. Boys are very physically active and have shorter attention spans. Our kindergarten program capitalizes on boys’ natural curiosity and energy through hands-on learning and movement. The classroom schedule includes many short activities to keep the boys engaged and focused.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Fristensky is in her third year as the kindergarten teacher at St. Catherine’s Military Academy. She is a California credentialed teacher with a research emphasis on the brain and Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. Mrs. F. loves teaching because, “I love the excitement of seeing the light bulb go on!”
Learn more about Mrs. Fristensky and St. Catherine’s kindergarten program on Mrs. Fristensky’s classroom website.
A Typical Day in Kindergarten
Monday- Thursday Friday
8:05-8:45 Daily Opener 8:00-8:45 Spelling Test
8:45- 9:30 Language Arts/Computer 8:45-9:05 Goal Celebration
9:30-10:00 Math 9:05-9:25 Drawing Folders
10:00-10:15 Snack & Story 9:25-9:45 Math Labs
10:15-10:45 Recess 9:45-10:00 Snack & Story
10:45-11:20 Science/Spanish/Social Studies 10:00-11:00 Reading Labs
11:20-11:35 Printing 11:00-11:20 Recess
11:35-12:00 Religion 11:30-12:15 Mass
12:00-12:10 Sensory Prayer 12:15-1:15 Lunch & Recess
12:10-1:05 Lunch & Recess 1:15-2:00 Art
1:05-1:50 PE/Writing/Music
1:50-2:00 Pack Up & Sing
How does the military program fit in?
The kindergarten class does not participate in the military program, which begins in third grade. They are, however, growing into the structure, honor, and peer leadership of this school-wide program.
Kindergarten students participate in monthly reports, where they are recognized for their achievements in academic subjects and classroom activities. They also look up to our student leaders as role models, stand in formation each morning to hear announcements, and wear a simplified version of our school uniform. This level of participation helps young students to develop confidence and to feel a part of the school community.