Academics

Saint Ann Catholic School is an extension of home. We believe parents are the primary educators of their children. Parents give children a lifelong love of learning, Saint Ann gives them lifelong critical thinking skills necessary to be successful and meet the challenges of our changing world.

Saint Ann School has two full-day preschool classrooms for 3-4 year olds. Our preschool program benefits from a literacy partnership with UIC. Our students spend the day in a print rich environment that fosters reading readiness and concepts of print. A preschool day includes read alouds, shared reading, independent "reading", shared and guided writing, hands-on science, song and dance. Preschool enjoys a nap, free play time, and choice centers (computer, listening, blocks and patterns, science table, etc.)

Our kindergarten classroom continues builiding on concepts of print to develop students into independent readers and writers. Students enter Kindergarten able to write their name and identify their letters and some basic sigh words. By the time they leave Kindergarten, students are reading leveled books in guided reading groups.

Saint Ann students learn to read and interact with text through the Guided Reading framework, which allows children to develop as individual readers within the context of a small group. Teachers create a balanced literacy program based on guided reading and supported by read aloud, shared reading, interactive writing, and other approaches. Students master their math facts and concepts with Saxon Math and delve further into the study of the world around them in science and social studies. Catechism and a formal religion program also begin in these grades.

The homeroom system begins in 5th and 6th grade. Our 5th and 6th graders split time between their two teachers and begin to learn advanced study skills and organization. In an effort to build unity and to foster social/emotional growth, our 7th and 8th graders participate in a House System. Each student is assigned to one of four Houses, each led by a faculty member. These Houses meet once a week to particpate in activities and lessons regarding social justice, peer pressure, etiquette, and academics. The House meetings end with a friendly competition between Houses with points awarded and tallied throughout each quarter.

In order to ensure that our seventh & eighth grade students gain information and adequate exposure to area high schools, Saint Ann has a High School Preparation Program. Faculty members help arrange school visits, shadow days, prepare students for entrance exams, fill out paperwork, and apply for financial aid. It is our goal to have all of our current eighth grade students accepted into a high school by their graduation on May 30, 2008. Below, you will find a list of high schools where our current 8th graders have been accepted.