Students at St. Robert Bellarmine receive a strong academic foundation that prepares them for the challenges of high school and beyond. A values-based curriculum also helps them grow to see themselves as unique individuals in relationship to God and the global community.

"I'm extremely pleased with the progress my son has made since transferring to SRB. The nurturing environment really makes a difference." Parent of a recent transfer student

Addressing Individual Needs
Flexible special learning groups in reading and math allow us to address the individual abilities and needs of students. A full-time Reading Specialist is also available.

Language Arts
We believe it is critical to develop the ability to use language to effectively convey ideas. Our curriculum stresses skills in grammar, composition, reading, spelling, library science, and handwriting. As the most basic and essential subject taught in the elementary grades, reading is given high priority. English stresses skills in capitalization, punctuation, dictionary usage, grammar, and the writing of sentences, paragraphs, and letters. At all levels, we maintain a close relationship between Reading and English classes so students come to appreciate both comprehension and writing as the twin skills of language. Poems and essays written by our students are regularly included in nationally-judged anthologies.

Mathematics
Our math curriculum has an emphasis on conceptual manipulative work in the lower grades and a focus on disciplined analysis and accuracy in the middle grades. Critical thinking skills are stressed so students learn to productively apply not only arithmetic skills, but also mathematical concepts. Beginning in fifth grade, students begin a progressive course of study with the ultimate goal of algebra and geometry in eighth grade. Each child is placed in the math series which seems to best suit their needs. Every student in the appropriate grade is eligible to try out for the math teams.

Science
Studies include a range of subjects and principles including the environment, the animal kingdom, astronomy, geology, scientific methods, life science, and earth science.

Social Studies
The Social Studies program begins with the concepts of community and human relationships. These concepts are very close to our school’s purpose as a faith ministry of our parish. History and Geography form the core of the program. We are concerned throughout the sequence with broadening our students’ understanding, appreciation, and critical analysis of cultural, political, and economic diversity—essential characteristics of the contributing adult in our society.

Spanish
Beginning in Kindergarten, students participate in the Spanish program. Younger students begin to learn the language at an age-appropriate level through songs and activities. Students will learn basic vocabulary and elementary language patterns. Reading and the telling of stories will give insight into daily life and culture. The emphasis is on acquiring vocabulary through the development of both listening and reading skills. The acquisition of speaking and writing skills are developed. Attention is also given to developing an awareness of Spanish-speaking cultures. Children will also learn Catholic prayers in Spanish.

Art
Students have weekly art lessons. Projects draw their inspiration from class curriculum. These experiences help students develop an understanding of art as a visual means of expression.

Music
Students have weekly music classes and experience music in a variety of ways including singing, listening, and movement.

Physical Education
Our PE program helps students master individual goals related to physical coordination and a healthy lifestyle. PE instruction reflects the current sports season and/or worldwide events such as the Olympics or World Cup. Classrooms also have recess daily, which gives students time for unstructured physical play that complements academic pursuits.

Religion
We use the Silver Burdett Religion Series as a text, but Religious Education permeates all that we do in our school. The series focuses on stories from scripture and from the lives of saints in our tradition and connects those stories to the day to day lives of the students and the world. Our students also put their faith into action through service projects, character eduction, prayer services, retreat days and participation in Friday liturgies.

Study and Homework Help
Students in 5th and 6th grade have study periods supervised by teachers built into their school day. Homework Club is offered for 7th and 8th grade students, providing supervised time with help from three junior high teachers after school on Tuesdays through Fridays. Junior High Tutors are also available help younger school children one-on-one in particular subjects. Parents can arrange this tutoring by calling the principal. Students also have library class.

Technology
We have two computer labs at SRB. Students have computer class once a week. They use subject related software to reinforce what they learn in other classes, and also use Word and PowerPoint to work on projects. The students have taken virtual field trips on the Internet to places such as Washington D.C. and New York City.

Other Areas
Our Prayer Partners program pairs each child in the junior building with a student in the senior building for sharing activities such as reading and prayer, providing creative and positive ways for children to learn to be responsive, cooperative, and respectful.

SRB is also part of Catholic Area Network (CAN), a group of 16 Catholic elementary and secondary schools and three universities that collaborate to articulate and integrate curriculum and expectations from preschool through college. The goal is to enhance student achievement, making sure that elementary school students are well prepared for high school, and that high school graduates are prepared to thrive when they go to a college or university.

Learn more: For more information and to schedule a visit, please call 773-725-5133 or email our Principal, Carrie Mijal.