Curriculum

Saint Bernard School follows the elementary school curriculum set down by New York State. We follow the New York State Learning Standards. All standards set down by the Office of School Support Services of the Diocese of Brooklyn are also adhered to. 

Course of Study

Religion is an integral part of the education at Saint Bernard. Every day begins with prayer. Mass is attended bimonthly by each class. Prayer Services are held monthly.

Math instruction begins in Junior Pre-K and continues through grade 8, from number recognition and counting skills to basic facts to pre-algebra and algebra. The Silver Burdett Mathematics Series is used in grades K to 4. Grades 5 to 8 use a more algebraically based series. As of the 2008 - 2009 school year, we offer a Math 9 Algebra course to the top math students. These students take the Algebra Regents in June, and are eligible to start high school one year ahead in math. In June 2009, all ten students who took the Regents received a grade of 75 or higher.

Social Studies instruction begins with our primary students. They learn how our little corner of Brooklyn is part of the larger world. From learning about their neighborhood, students progress to learning about their borough, city, state, country and the world. Grades 7 and 8 complete an intensive two-year program of study in American History.

Science instruction begins in our early childhood program. Our younger students make observations about the world around them and do simple experiments. Grade 7 concentrates on life science, while grade 8 concentrates on earth science. All students attend science lab on a weekly basis. As of 2010 - 2011, we will offer an Earth Science Regents course to our top Eighth Graders. This is one less regent they will have to take in High School.

English/Language Arts - Encouragement in speaking and listening skills evolves into learning the alphabet and sounds, then formal reading and writing. Phonic instruction is part of the curriculum. Supplementing classroom instruction is a library period scheduled for each class every week.

Computer / Technology instruction is offered to all students in grades Junior Pre-K to 8.

Art instruction is offered to all students in Pre-Kindergarten to grade 8. Students are instructed in proper drawing techniques.

Physical Education is taught to all grades. The development of gross motor skills is emphasized. Skills for various sports are taught in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Music is offered to all students.

Spanish instruction is offered to all students beginning with simple words and phrases and progresses to complete conversations by grade 8. Many of our students enter high school able to begin foreign language instruction on level 2 due to their years of study. Spanish culture is also taught.

Library Science - Reading techniques for each genre are emphasized, literary videos are shown and basic research skills and library activities are closely correlated with classroom ELA instruction. As of the 2009 - 2010 school year, students use a Library Science Skills workbook rich in ELA supplements.