Academics
Other Programs
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Art
St. Paul's Academy teaches fundamental principles and skills in art, and fosters visual literacy and self-expression. Art instruction is offered at all grade levels, including preschool. In the lower grades, students read about an artist, study the artist's works, and may create work that emulates key concepts and/or techniques.
Later projects are often based on the elements of art (line, shape, form, color, value, space, texture, and pattern). As students explore these elements, the principles of good design (balance, variety, emphasis, unity, rhythm, and movement) are taught to help students organize successful compositions. The development of each child's aesthetic sense and emotional expression are a valuable part of the art curriculum. Art concepts and vocabulary are taught using a variety of techniques and materials. Students are encouraged to experiment and discover through experience. The work of artists from different historical periods and cultures are integrated into the teaching.
Music
St. Paul’s Academy develops students' music skills so that they are able and eager to participate in our music curriculum and in programs beyond ours. We foster a life lifelong love of music.
At each grade level, participation is essential to learning. Students master pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, form, and style through hands-on instruction and through their own singing, dancing, composing and performing. Our youngest students play Orff xylophones, glockenspiels and a variety of non-pitched percussion instruments. In Grades 4 and 5, they learn to play the recorder and perform as an ensemble. In middle school, students create and notate their own music using software applications and our wireless computer lab.
Students also have the opportunity to join one of the instrumental groups in our after school enrichment program. Violin class is offered for students in Grade 1 or higher. Beginning Band is offered in Grade 5, and Intermediate Band is open to students who have one year of experience with a band instrument. All of these groups meet two days per week.
Physical Education and Athletics
Our Physical Education (PE) program views each student as a unity of mind and body. Its mission is to improve physical fitness, flexibility, and strength – and teach physical skills, and game rules and strategies.
Together, the PE and Athletics programs provide a platform upon which students enjoy improving their health and reaching new personal milestones. Along the way, they build social and team skills and create relationships.
We model and teach that health and friendship are the ultimate forms of victory.
St. Paul's Academy maintains a vibrant PE schedule and continues to build its team sports program. Through our traditional PE classes and an innovative Fit For Life program, students spend over two and a half hours a week exercising. The program provides movement-centered instructional activities that allow students to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to enjoy a physically active lifestyle.
Despite its small size, St. Paul's Academy maintains an interscholastic schedule in basketball, tennis, volleyball, and track. The athletic program is an important aspect of the school's overall curriculum that helps in furthering the school's mission of a more holistic development in each child.
Travel
Students Grade 6 and above embark on an annual travel adventure that opens their eyes to the broader world, and heightens their interest in an area of study:
- 6th Graders enjoy four days on Canoe Island in the San Juan Islands to experience/study the island environment, Native culture, and explorers.
- 7th Graders spend three days on the Olympic Peninsula where they experience/study forest ecology, watershed science, and cooperative outdoor skills.
- 8th Graders travel 11 days to London, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Oxford, and Salisbury to experience/study British culture, history, and literature.
- 9th Graders enjoy eight days in Montreal, Canada where they experience/study the French language and culture.
House League
To foster student camaraderie and leadership, St. Paul's Academy in 2004 launched a House League modeled upon old, well-established leagues at many fine European and American schools. Each student and teacher belongs to one of four Houses; Ferlin, Ershig, Kaiser, or Hess. Each House appoints leaders and works with the faculty to plan school-wide events that are academic, sporting, and/or service oriented.
