Our excellent core academic program is designed to challenge each student, both intellectually and spiritually. Our Lady of the Lake remains committed to quality curriculum in Language Arts, Math, Religion, Science and Social Studies – supplemented with Spanish, Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer/Technology, and Library/Media.
In addition, students consistently score competitively, or higher, on the national NWEA assessments in comparison with national and local area school districts.
At Our Lady of the Lake, curriculum means more than just text books or the courses we offer. We exist to carry out the Mission of the Church, especially in serving and learning about our Faith. This concept is integrated throughout the school day, no matter the subject. Curriculum encompasses the content taught, the process of teaching and the faith-filled environment of the school.
Religion
Our Lady of the Lake is where faith and life meet. We provide a learning environment where models of the gospel values and beliefs are intertwined in the daily life of our school. We teach a Faith formation program that uses a “heart to head” approach. We model and encourage students and staff to reach out in love and service to others to continue the mission of Christ.
Language Arts
We believe that reading, writing, listening and speaking are essential factors for learning. Our Language Arts philosophy recognizes that educating and empowering students in developing an appreciation for literature, engaging in writing opportunities, becoming effective communicators and allowing children to explore the many facets that construct the richness of language are necessary in the education of lifelong learners. We use MacMillan-McGraw Hill Language Arts Series to correlate with the Minnesota State Language Arts Standards.
Mathematics
Our Lady of the Lake’s math program integrates a variety of instructional strategies to ensure all learners are given an atmosphere to succeed. Hands-on materials are commonly used in the early grades for concrete learners transitioning into more abstract thinking skills for older students. An understanding of basic concepts and core knowledge of mathematical concepts are a necessity for success of students. With this solid foundation, learners use complex thinking skills to solve real world problems at the appropriate levels.
Social Studies
Our Lady of the Lake’s Social Studies program focuses on guiding children to understand different interactions within the society in which they live and how these interactions affect their own lifestyle and others around them. By continuing to instill the attitudes and values necessary for children to function as responsible citizens in our society, OLL’s Social Studies curriculum guides students to work towards a socially just world for all people.
Science
Our Lady of the Lake’s Science program focuses on helping students develop basic skills and scientific concepts. By directing attention to various learning experiences, children develop higher order thinking skills and strategies. Our curriculum encourages students to question and explore the world around them.
Art
Art classes at Our Lady of the Lake focus on exploring the use of various art materials, techniques, and processes. Students study art elements and principles, art of other cultures and times, and styles of art while developing a visual arts vocabulary to use in expressing themselves.
Music
Music education affords children the opportunity for experimentation, creativity, self-expression and visible success. It connects directly to core subjects and it brings the cultures of the world into the classroom. Music education increases student appreciation of all the arts and develops skills for life-long learning and enjoyment.
Physical Education
Our Lady of the Lake’s goal is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to maintain a healthy Christian lifestyle into adulthood. These skills include but are not limited to promoting physical fitness, developing motor skills, instilling knowledge of rules and strategies, and teaching students to work as a team. Social skills such as respect, teamwork, sportmanship and cooperation are an integral part of our physiucal education curriculum.
Spanish
Building the foundation to support a lifelong language learning journey begins now. Students at Our Lady of the Lake learn to utilize the Spanish language to communicate needs, wants, greetings, basic phrases and an array of questions and answers. Students also begin to cultivate an appreciation and understanding of the culture and traditions of Spanish speaking communities.
Technology
Technology provides learning experiences which enhance and expand the learning beyond the textbook, and classroom discussion. Our Lady of the Lake will provide students with many technology tools to aid in a more effective, and in depth learning process.
The main focus of the technology education at Our Lady of the Lake is to integrate several technology skills into everyday classroom academics. These skills are taught through a variety of technology based activities. Students are given the opportunity to experiment with several media outlets including desktop computers, laptop computers, Smartboards, NEO2’s, digital cameras and Senteo Responders. Students are also taught to embrace many different software packages.