Pre-Primary and Primary grades at peckwas prep
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
Learning is all about having fun at this level. We focus on learning to work and play together through circle time, games and hands-on activities.
We take the foundations laid in pre-k and move towards increased reading skills, early math confidence and more in-depth exploration of science, health and social studies. Hands on STEM is also introduced. There is also a strong focus on motor skills, as well as social skills and interaction, which helps our kindergarteners graduate ready to tackle the primary grades.
Kindergarten
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
Our kindergarten combines the best of a well-rounded academic curriculum with the best early childhood practices. a mix of large and small group work as
well as individual choice activities are provided every day.
We take the foundations laid in pre-k and move towards increased reading skills, early math confidence and more in-depth exploration of science, health and social studies. Hands on STEM is also introduced. There is also a strong focus on motor skills, as well as social skills and interaction, which helps our kindergarteners graduate ready to tackle the primary grades.
First Grade
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
Second Grade
There is a strong emphasis on learning good student skills such as writing down assignments, learning to Write proper sentences and use punctuation, as
well as adjusting to the demands of a full day of learning.
Students begin "specials" in art, music and foreign language in first grade. in addition, math skills advance and reading confidence and phonics mastery grow. Science and social studies topics become more involved, as do STEM experiences. Introductory writing skills are explored, all while still providing lots of teacher support and opportunities for hands on learning.
Second Grade
Second Grade
Second Grade
Second grade is a time of increasing independence, with students building on the skills obtained in first grade. Expectations and the level of challenge in every subject area increase, as the subject matter becomes more detailed.
Reading becomes more challenging with longer stories and increased comprehension work. We continue to build upon and enhance math skills. The larger world begins to be explored in social studies, and science topics become more advanced as STEM education continues. Teacher support is still a key component of student success in second grade.
Third Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
In third grade, expectations for our students increase. Students are challenged to take on more advanced written work, and to become more independent students with the support of their teacher.
Science and social studies become more in-depth, as do STEM challenges, and reading becomes novel based as story elements are introduced along with increased comprehension skills. Advanced operations begin to be tackled in math, and students are writing more. In addition to all of this, our third graders are being prepared for the challenges of middle school.
middle school and junior high at peckwas prep
Fourth Grade
Fourth Grade
Fourth Grade
Classes are rich in teacher interaction and discussion, and students are introduced to a vast amount of new material while also being challenged to become more mature and independent learners.
Advanced operations are an important part of math instruction, and science and social studies take previously introduced concepts to a higher level as STEM activities become more exciting. Novel based reading encourages students to refine their comprehension skills as they learn to interpret what they are reading. There is an emphasis on being self motivated and applying what has already been learned to new material.
Fifth Grade
Fourth Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth grade is one of the biggest "jumps" that our students make in terms of work load, material and expectations. our primary goal is to help them adjust to these new challenges in a positive way.
In math, students are applying basic operations to advanced problem solving and algebraic equations, and our reading program continues to encourage comprehension and interpretation. Science explorations include developing good lab skills while exploring advanced concepts in biology, earth science and physics. STEM challenges continue, and American history is introduced in a discussion rich format.
Sixth Grade
Seventh and Eighth Grades
Seventh and Eighth Grades
A variety of researched based writing activities encourage writing skills. Sixth graders are challenged to take on more responsibility and solidify the work skills that will take them successfully into junior high.
Math studies include advanced multi-step problem solving, mixed operations and algebra. World history is introduced via discussion and projects, and science lab skills and STEM skills are refined as topics become more challenging. Reading continues to encourage students to become fluent, and to comprehend and interpret the things they read across a variety of genres and subject areas.
Seventh and Eighth Grades
Seventh and Eighth Grades
Seventh and Eighth Grades
In junior high, we drive our students to be self motivated and to learn and work at their full potential. We continue to challenge our students and keep them engaged as they look ahead to high school. A variety of research based projects are assigned to allow students to learn how to gather information from a variety of sources. Technology is integrated into the curriculum and students are encouraged to use a variety of formats.
Students are encouraged to express their opinions, interpret information and show what they are learning though projects and presentations. Advanced work is expected, and students gain experience in note taking and developing study skills. Advanced instruction continues in science and social studies, encouraging students to question and assimilate information into their existing framework. We strive to engage students at a higher level of thinking that goes beyond repeating back information to applying that information to a variety of situations.
Most Peckwas Prep students continue on to selective admission programs in public and private high schools across Chicagoland. We are proud of the fact that we have 100% first choice high school admittance into a variety of selective admission Catholic schools, as well as admission into Chicago's selective admission, InterBaccalaureate and Noble programs.