The Academy of Our Lady of Peace follows the New Jersey Core Content Curriculum Standards across all subject areas. We also adhere to the Curriculum Guidelines as set forth by the Archdiocese of Newark.
The schools of The Archdiocese of Newark are in the process of collaborating on a multi-year curriculum mapping project. To view the current completed maps and to learn more about this project, please visit the Archdiocese’s website at https://catholicschoolsnj.org/curriculum-mapping-2
Our faculty and staff are committed to providing a top-quality, Catholic education focused on the spiritual, academic and personal excellence of the individual student.
Our Preschool and Kindergarten programs take place in brightly decorated, sunlit classrooms filled with toys, books and child-centered equipment. These programs are designed to provide hands-on experiences that match the developmental stage of the child.
Our 4-year-old Program offers a thematically integrated curriculum in the subject areas of religion, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, technology, Spanish, library, music, physical education and art. The reading and mathematics curriculum present readiness skills in preparation for Kindergarten. This rich learning environment is organized in the following way:
Our 3-year-old Program also offers a thematically integrated curriculum on a monthly basis according to holidays and seasons. Lessons are designed to introduce and reinforce various topics throughout the school year. Colors, shapes, numbers, and nursery rhymes are just some of the areas covered throughout the year.
Social skills like sharing and playing with others are part of the day to day experience. We practice good listening skills, learn how to follow directions and work on attention span. Fine and gross motor skills are employed during the year to prepare the child for further development in the PreK-4 Year Old Program.
Students enjoy weekly classes in Spanish, library, music, art and physical education. The reading and mathematics curriculum present readiness skills in preparation for Kindergarten. We also enjoy our iPads and many educational apps.
Our Kindergarten Program is designed and integrated to develop the child’s skills in all areas. Learning materials and experiences are developmentally appropriate, meaningful and concrete.
The religion program helps children recognize that God created everything out of love, loves them as they are, and enables them to love others.The language arts goals expand the child’s ability to communicate orally through reading and writing.
During the 2016-17 school year The Superkids Reading program was implemented. It is a core literacy curriculum for kindergarten that teaches all aspects of reading, seamlessly integrated with the language arts. It combines rigorous instruction with highly motivating materials for all different leveled readers.
Mathematical skills are developed through the use of manipulatives, discovery, and problem solving. Our program encourages students to think mathematically rather than simply memorize mathematical drills without understanding.
Classes in computer technology (including the use of our iPad lab), Spanish, art, music, library science and physical education are also a part of the Kindergarten experience.
The strong foundation in reading, phonics, spelling, language arts, penmanship and math is supported by opportunities for applying these skills in religion, science and social studies.
Beginning in the first grade, the building of study skills is reinforced with daily homework assignments. In second grade, students prepare for the sacrament of Reconciliation and our third graders prepare for the Sacrament of the Eucharist in the Spring semester.
Classes in physical education, technology skills, Spanish, music, art, and library science are held regularly during the week.
The rigor of the academic schedule continues to develop in this important level of your child’s education. In addition to the daily schedule which includes religion, reading, spelling, language arts, penmanship and math, regular classes in social studies and science are an integral part of the curriculum.
Music, art, Spanish, technology skills, physical education and library/research skills enhance the weekly academic program. The fourth grade class is self-contained.
The students experience departmentalized classes in religion, reading (literature), language arts, spelling, math, social studies and science. Music, art, computer technology, Spanish, Latin (for Grades 7 and 8), and physical education are part of the students’ weekly academic experience.
The homerooms and classes for these students are on the upper level of the school. A top priority in our Middle School is to prepare our students both academically and socially for their high school years and beyond. We encourage them to become independent thinkers, responsible young adults and grounded in their Christian faith.
Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade spend a busy school week attending special area subject classes in computer science, art, music, Spanish and physical education. The library is also visited weekly by our Preschool to Grade 4 students. These special subjects enrich our students and enhance their Academy experience.
The students attend Mass during the liturgical year and have the opportunity to receive the Sacraments. They help to prepare and participate in Para liturgical services. Prayer experiences are part of the students’ daily schedule. Our students also participate in community outreach programs and collect contributions toward a variety of charities throughout the school year. Special events like the Living Stations of the Cross and the May Crowning are part of the religious traditions of our school.