5th Grade - 8th Grade
The Cathedral-Carmel curriculum is composed of the following subject areas: Catholic Religion, English language arts, math, science, social studies, and physical education. In addition to the core subjects, the following enrichment classes are also offered:
5th grade: Study Skills, Keyboarding, STEAM, Art, Band, Creative Arts
6th grade: STEAM, Art, Band, Creative Arts
7th grade: Art, Band, Creative Arts, French, Handbells, Yearbook
8th grade: Art, Band, Creative Arts, French (continued from 7th grade), Yearbook
Religion - Cathedral-Carmel School is committed to carrying out the three dimensions of educational ministry of the church: announce the message revealed by God which the Church proclaims, build fellowship in the life of the Holy Spirit, and also give service to the Christian community and the entire human community.
Cathedral-Carmel School strives to provide a Christian environment and religious education program that are particularly conducive to the growth of the total child. This includes preparation and reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the 8th grade.
English Language Arts - In grades 5-8, the English Language Arts program strives to enhance the student’s listening, reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary building writing to express, discover, record, reflect on ideas, and to problem solve. In addition, students are exposed to various creative activities, such as art, poetry writing, story writing, reference skills, etc.
In grades 5-8, reading courses are designed to teach reading skills through the use of literature. Students focus on both fiction and nonfiction in the development of comprehension. Courses develop literary skills, vocabulary and critical thinking which will prepare students for the tasks they will encounter at high school level so they can successfully complete a college preparatory or vocational curriculum. Current state and national standards in reading and responding, information resources, writing, proofreading, and speaking and listening are integrated into the school curriculum.
Beginning in seventh grade, students who meet the requirements will be invited to participate in the Accelerated/Bilingual ELA classes (ABL). These classes combine French within the 100-minute ELA courses. These challenging courses offer advanced and challenging coursework to meet the needs of accelerated learners and provide high school credit for French I (7th grade) and French II (8th grade).
Mathematics - Each student actively participates in a learning environment guided by a classroom teacher and supported by the home and school community. The student develops mathematical understanding through individual, group, and whole class instruction that includes investigating, discovering, communicating, and reasoning. Math courses in grades 5-8 are designed to implement the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards and the current state and national standards.
Our math curriculum in grades 5-8 uses a "spiral" approach to ensure deep understanding and retention of concepts. This means that instead of teaching a topic once and moving on, we revisit concepts at increasing levels of complexity throughout the year. This helps students build on prior knowledge, connect new ideas, and truly master the material, preparing them for higher-level math in high school.
Beginning in sixth grade, students who meet the requirements will be invited to participate in the Accelerated Math (6th-8th grade) and Algebra (8th grade). These courses offer advanced and challenging coursework to meet the needs of accelerated learners. Algebra, if completed successfully, will provide a high school credit for Algebra I.
Science - In grades 5-8, the science courses are designed to provide an opportunity for all students to become scientifically literate and reflective of the inherent nature of scientific knowledge, methods, and processes. Our science curriculum blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. Students will have the opportunity to visit the school science lab to further explore and apply their knowledge.
Current state and national standards and benchmarks in physical science, life science, earth and space science are integrated into the school curriculum.
Social Studies - In grades 5-8, each course emphasizes a different aspect pertaining to history. Our social studies curriculum engages learners with a compelling narrative of the history, geography, economics, and government of our great state and nation. Beginning with the Medieval period in fifth grade, though the modern era in eighth grade, the comprehensive Social Studies text series supports the Louisiana State Standards.