Academics

The Holy Ghost Catholic School curriculum is in accordance with the curriculum of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Catholic School Policy Manual.

Core Classes
 

Mathematics
Holy Ghost Catholic School’s math curriculum is created by Great Minds. Eureka Math² is the most widely used math curriculum in the United States. This rigorous math curriculum supports productive struggle with a goal in mind of developing conceptual understanding by sequencing mathematical progressions in modules of multiple standards into a related group of lessons. The following are key components to the program’s success:

• Students are taught to strategize and solve math problems in place of memorizing answers to math equations.  
• Eureka Math scaffolds key concepts over time through building a more involved and connected story, with a focus on creating enduring conceptual knowledge. 
• Students gain a complete body of math knowledge, of number sense and how they interact with topics like algebra and geometry. 

Science
The NextGen National Standards in Science are the foundation of the Holy Ghost Catholic School's science curriculum. Critical thinking and hands-on learning are central to the school’s science instruction in all grades. We use STEMscopes, a digital curriculum brought to life through exploratory hands-on kits that promote inquiry and excitement as students engage in real-world scientific connections for grades 6-8. It is built on the research-based 5E lesson model and aligned to standards. Grades pre-k-5th grade use Mystery Science curriculum, a hands-on curriculum that helps students better understand and communicate about the world around them through writing, discussion, and science exploration.

Science Fair is an annual event at Holy Ghost Catholic School. Science Fair allows students the opportunity to dive into an area of interest in a personal way. The hands-on practice allows students to experience scientific processes and solve problems. Primary and intermediate grades work on class projects and middle school students submit individual projects. 

Language Arts/Writing 
In 2019, Holy Ghost adopted Amplify® as a comprehensive literacy program. The program features digital and print components to enhance and support all types of learners. Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts® (CKLA) sequences deep content knowledge with research-based foundational skills for our Pre-K thru 5th grade students. Amplify ELA® engages 6th - 8th grade students in dynamic texts and lively discussion as they make observations, find evidence, and support claims. 

Amplify CKLA and ELA are the highest-rated literacy curriculum, as reported by Ed Reports. Their strengths include the following characteristics:

• focused on all content areas (history, science, literature, and the arts) with systematic, foundational skills instruction
• intentional in teaching students to apply background knowledge
• focused on helping students build a robust knowledge base for accessing and unpacking complex texts so real comprehension can happen
• filled with explicit foundational skills lessons, setting every student up to succeed

Students can dive into complex texts and make observations, grapple with ideas, and make meaning for themselves, bringing personal relevance and previous knowledge to the table — especially given the freedom of thought that comes with knowing there is no one correct answer. Students will be exposed to relevant, real-world texts, fiction, nonfiction, and the classics.  

Students have multiple entry points and the right scaffolding opportunities so that every student can engage deeply with a rigorous curriculum. The challenge is meeting all students where they are, enabling access from any learning level, and allowing room for maximal growth to prepare students for grade-level expectations and year-end testing. All students work on the same text, allowing for more engaged conversation.

Religion
The religion curriculum is based on Catholic doctrine and tradition, sacraments, Bible study, prayer, social justice, and preparation for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist in third grade.
Students in 5th and 8th grades will take the ACRE (Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education) as required by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

• Prayer and liturgical services are held on Thursdays and/or Holy Days and for special events. A student-led Prayer Service begins each school day. All students registered at HGCS are required to take the religion course offered to their grade. The religion curriculum is consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and conforms to the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Curriculum used in Prek-8th grade is a Loyola Press publication. 
• Sacramental Program The sacramental life of the students of the Catholic tradition is an important component of the religion program at HGCS.  Catholic students in the 3rd grade receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and the Sacrament of the Eucharist (First Communion) in the spring. The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are only conferred on students baptized in the Roman Catholic tradition or baptized and received into the Catholic Church. Catholic students in 4th through 8th grades who have not received these sacraments and wish to do so may make arrangements with the principal and the religion teacher. Parents are required to be active partners in the preparation of their children for these sacraments and are required to participate in the parent classes.

Social Studies
The emphasis in Social Studies is on understanding and appreciation of the richness of all cultures as well as preparing students to participate fully in our democracy. Geography and its relationship to the history of people is also an essential part of the curriculum. Students in 4th and 7th grades study New Mexico History as required.

Enrichment Classes
 

Fine Arts 
Classroom teachers relate topics in art to the content areas students are studying. Our students' art has been exhibited at the New Mexico State Fair and community buildings, as well as during the annual All Catholic Schools Art Show.

Spanish
Spanish is taught from pre-k through 8th grade. Studnets learn the Spanish language and culture through hands-on activities such as games, pupperty, learning activities, plays, cooking, as well as writing and memorization. Our middle school studnets learn vocabulary, grammer, and sentence structure. 

Music
In regular Music classes, students learn how to play instruments such as boomwhackers, xylophones, desk bells, drums, read music, sing, and gain an appreciation for different kinds of music and composers. Students play instruments and sing during our weekly Mass. 

Computer Technology
Holy Ghost maintains a computer network of one-to-one Chromebooks. The Google Apps for Education suite of applications facilitates communication and classroom instructions in grades K-8.  Computer use and literacy is integrated into classroom instruction and supports school wide goals. 

Library
HGCS has a well stocked library containing a variety of genres including non-fiction, fiction, graphic novels, and audiobooks available for check-out. 

Physical Education
Promotion of healthy living is the focus of our physical education curriculum. The physical education program involves movement, flexibility, cardiovascular exercise, and games and is designed appropriately for each grade level. The PE program teaches the importance of regular exercise and healthy eating habits. In addition, it stresses cooperation among the students and the development of physical coordination and individual skills.

All students receive a minimum of two 45-minute PE classes weekly.