Curriculum Guide

Our primary and lower school curriculum integrates foundational reading skills with rich content knowledge in literature, history, science, and the arts. Grounded in the science of reading, we balance systematic instruction in phonics, fluency, and comprehension with engaging, content-rich units that foster a love of reading. Students receive consistent practice in comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing so they can become confident, skilled readers and communicators prepared for academic success and lifelong learning. In middle school, we continue this strategic approach through a novel-based curriculum, integrating rich literature and nonfiction to build critical reading, writing, and analytical skills. Students engage with diverse texts that explore complex themes and historical contexts while developing mastery in literary analysis, argument writing, and varied genres. Writing instruction emphasizes organization, voice, and audience awareness through a structured process from drafting to publishing. Through projects, discussions, and research, students deepen their understanding of language and culture, advancing their ability to think critically and communicate effectively. 

At Sacred Heart Schools, our social studies courses explore human behavior within social and environmental contexts, encompassing history, geography, economics, and civics. We guide students from preschool through 8th grade to progressively develop stronger inquiry skills, supported by a strong knowledge base and effective research and media-literacy skills. Beginning with foundational questioning and observation in early grades, students advance to critical thinking, analysis, and evidence-based reasoning by middle school. This growth supports a deepening understanding of diverse human experiences, cultures, and values, growing a social awareness which impels to action.

Our science program nurtures students’ natural curiosity through hands-on exploration across physical, earth, and life sciences, integrating technology, literacy, and math. In Primary School, students learn about strong questions, start to record observations, and complete experiments to help visualize some of the core class concepts. In Lower School, students build scientific inquiry skills and consider ethical and social aspects of science. Middle School emphasizes responsible, problem-based learning where students design experiments and understand that all outcomes contribute to scientific discovery.

Our math curriculum engages students at every level in active exploration and skill building to achieve deep understanding. In Primary School, students explore six key strands - numeration; operations and computation; probability and statistics; geometry; measurement; and patterns, functions, and algebra - through hands-on activities. Lower School builds on this foundation by strengthening number sense, computation, and problem-solving skills while fostering mathematical practices such as perseverance, precise reasoning, strategic thinking, and collaborative discussion. Middle School emphasizes learning through experience before formalization, connecting math to real-world contexts with tasks that develop reasoning, sense-making, and communication using mathematical language, preparing students to think critically and confidently about math.

At Sacred Heart Schools Chicago, our faith-rooted religion program nurtures each child’s spiritual growth, self-worth, and respect for community while preparing them for academic and moral challenges. Students explore God’s presence through liturgical celebrations, prayer, and Sacred Heart traditions, deepening their understanding of Jesus’ teachings, the Holy Spirit, and ethical values such as fairness and justice. As they mature, students develop critical thinking by engaging with complex texts, dialogue, and ethical questions, building a strong moral compass and broad cultural awareness. Children of all faiths and beliefs are welcomed, respected, and encouraged to explore spirituality in a meaningful, inclusive environment that fosters good citizenship and lifelong personal growth.

The music program nurtures the natural creative impulse in each child through a wide range of vocal and instrumental activities. The program consists of three primary activities: singing, instrument playing, and musical academics. Singing is taught as a form of personal expression, for enjoyment, and as a form of prayer. Instrument playing accompanies singing and is used as a practical expression of other music skills, such as keeping time and music reading. In the academic portion of class, students explore the history of Western music, orchestral music, American folk music, and African-American spirituals. Children learn to enjoy music and to participate with confidence. Children at all grade levels participate in performances.

Theatre Arts in middle school offers a dynamic, hands-on exploration of storytelling and performance. The curriculum nurtures public-speaking, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation and skill set in theatre arts.

The intent of physical education is to motivate students to create, improve and maintain their personal health and fitness.  Physical well-being is directly linked with academic learning.  The healthy, physically active child is more likely to be intellectually motivated and alert.  Physical education promotes the social skills that are increasingly viewed as essential for success in school.  Physical education at Sacred Heart offers activities that allow students to make developmental transitions from childhood to adolescence.  Games and sport are viewed as a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Competition is put into proper perspective.  Students are encouraged to develop a positive outlook to personal fitness and relate to others in encouraging ways.  The program helps students develop an age-appropriate level of fitness, a broad spectrum of physical skills, and the enjoyment, understanding and self-confidence needed to motivate a lifetime of active participation.

At Sacred Heart Schools, we seek to purposefully and intentionally integrate technology in our SK-8th grade classrooms to enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities to dive deeper into the curriculum.

Our technology serves as a tool for problem-solving, collaboration, exploration, analysis, decision-making, and learning in the classroom. Through the intentional and age-appropriate use of technology, we encourage autonomy in learning, provide opportunities for growth, and leverage opportunities to collaborate with the community at large.

All students and educators at Sacred Heart are provided with technology tools that best support the curriculum while paying particular attention to the developmental needs of the students.