New math, reading curricula enhance SFX learning

 St. Francis Xavier Catholic school in Sartell is enhancing its educational experience for students.

An established pre-K to fifth-grade school, it offers academic excellence balanced with faith-based teaching. Now with a newly established curriculum, which emphasizes math and reading enhancement, the school has also introduced a math-and-reading interventionist, who collaborates with each classroom teacher to assess where help may be necessary, or where more challenging material is needed for those students who are able to work at a faster pace.

“We understand not all students learn the same way,” said Principal Heidi Schloe. “Our differentiated learning approach takes into consideration the unique challenges and skills of each student. Our small class sizes allow teachers to assess and create flexible groupings and apply differing learning styles, adapt pacing and materials that best meet each students’ needs. The role of our interventionist is crucial in assisting our method of applying differentiated learning. It allows us to better serve our students and families and ultimately meet our mission of academic excellence.”

Last year, St. Francis Xavier introduced new math course content named Bridges Math Curriculum. The assessment data shows positive results as students are excelling and performing above grade level compared to national averages.

For this coming academic year, 2023-24, the school will implement a new language-arts curriculum, named Benchmark Advance. It is based on the science of reading, with the intentional connection between reading and writing, along with speech and vocabulary.

Classrooms at St. Francis Xavier are all set up in communal working style, encouraging team-based project work and discussion at an early age. The idea is students learn from discussing a concept before they work on application together. This builds upon many skills such as communication, critical thinking and collaboration.

Faith is another component of student life at St. Francis Xavier. Each day starts and ends in prayer and a weekly school mass is enjoyed as a whole community together. The school welcomes families of all faiths and promotes values led through Christ-centered principles, where acts of kindness and serving the community are promoted. Whether it’s fifth-grade students reading to kindergarten buddies or the school takes part in a local charity outreach, where different grades are involved in different service initiatives, these community projects are all part of student life.

“It’s about highlighting to students and families the value we place on serving others,” Schloe said. “These opportunities are enriching to everyone in so many ways, to those that give, and those that receive.

“We have a very special school community, with engaged supportive parents, amazing teachers and a wonderful student body,” she said. “The kindness and love that surrounds our school is unquestionable and I encourage any local family to come visit and tour our school at any time.”

Located in Sartell, families not only love the small class sizes but benefit from the school offering all of their grades on one campus. Meaning if families have a preschooler or kindergartener and a child in elementary, this school is a one-stop school dropoff for them. Being sought after, St. Francis Xavier highlights that their preschool classes for the 2023-24 academic year are just about full and space in the elementary grades is filling up too. If anyone is looking for an elementary school, please reach out to understand what openings are available for 2023-24. If planning ahead for next year, then early applications are encouraged because preschool and kindergarten spots fill up very quickly.

For more information about St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, contact the school office at 320-252-9940 or visit https://stfrancissartellschool.org/.