Academics 

St. Anthony de Padua Catholic School prepares our students to excel in high school and beyond. We set high academic standards and teach our children to think critically, communicate effectively and plan for success. Our values of personal responsibility and self discipline influence all aspects of the learning process.

Over many years, St. Anthony's has developed a core curriculum that is comprehensive and rigorous, designed to insure that all students achieve their maximum potential. Consistent with the teachings of our faith, we recognize and encourage a wide range of talents and abilities among our students, reflective of our community's diversity. We maintain our high academic standards through a program of individualized instruction and targeted supplemental learning opportunities, during the school day, after school, at home and through course offerings in the summer.

We are proud of our students' success in academically challenging competitions, such as History Fair and Science Fair, where year after year St. Anthony students place at the state and national levels. St. Anthony students compete and excel in Quiz Bowl and Pentathlon contests. Our ISTEP scores are consistently above the results of both local and Indiana state averages.

St. Anthony's challenging curriculum paves the way for high school honors and Advanced Placement classes; about 18% of our graduates take honors classes in high school. In addition, St. Anthony alumni are well represented among valedictorians, salutatorians and National Merit Scholars at area high schools. For example, Marian High School's top four graduates in 2007 were all St. Anthony alumni.

Pre-K Program (Click to be directed to our Pre-K page)

In our Pre-K Program, we offer your child developmentally appropriate learning experiences, focusing on the cognitive language, social/emotional and physical growth of 4 and 5 year olds.  Through play, literacy activities, and investigation, the curriculum will address the Indiana Foundations forYoung Children.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten is a full-day program at St. Anthony. Our youngest Panthers are introduced to a full curriculum presented in a developmentally appropriate manner. Subjects include religion, math, social studies, science, computer technology, art, and music. Language arts consists of reading, introductory grammar, journaling and handwriting. Parents get involved with presenting our Perceptual Motor physical education program, designed to fine tune a young child's mind-body connection. Kindergarten students visit our Library to make their own selections and listen to books read aloud. Our school's family feeling is nurtured with programs such as 8^th Grade Buddies, where kindergarten students are matched with St. Anthony's "almost alumni" in activities throughout the school year.

Primary Grades

In the primary Grades 1-3, students regularly plan and participate in weekly school Liturgies. Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is our focus in religion for 1st and 2nd Grades. In language arts, reading and writing are emphasized, as our students participate in a variety of programs such as Book It and Writer's Workshop. Math, social studies, science, computer technology, music, art physical education, library and Spanish round out our primary curriculum. Study skills, in addition to speaking and listening skills, are integrated into all subject areas, setting a strong foundation for self-confident, communicative learners.

Grades 4-6 offer engaging learning experiences for our students' continued growth in faith and academics. In grade 5, students move to a departmental approach for core subject areas and begin their participation in History Fair (Grade 5) and Science Fair (Grade 6). Government, North American and world history and geography make up the intermediate social studies curriculum. Our language arts program continues to emphasize writing, while reading is expanded to encompass literature appreciation and vocabulary development. Religion, math, science, computer technology, art, music, physical education, and library are also a part of the intermediate curriculum. Beginning in the 4^th Grade, students can qualify for recognition on St. Anthony's Honor Roll and High Honor Roll. As in previous grades, a variety of field trips enhances the students' classroom knowledge.

Junior High

Junior high students, also known as 7^th and 8^th Graders, are focused on making meaningful contributions of leadership and service to the school community and beyond. Students receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in 7^th Grade, and continue their commitment to service in their 8^th Grade year as well. In addition to their sacramental preparation, junior high students explore morality and ethics within the context of our Catholic faith. Class retreats are designed to encourage spirituality and class bonding, and are always a memorable experience for all involved. The junior high curriculum also includes literature, language arts, pre-algebra (Grade 7) and algebra (Grade 8), physical and life sciences, United States history, physical education,life skills, computer technology , art and music. 7^th Graders participate in History Fair, while 8^th Graders challenge themselves with Science Fair. Many junior high activities have become Panther traditions, such as the Swamp Stomp, Spaghetti Dinner and Chicago trip. St. Anthony de Padua students move on to high school and beyond well prepared to excel.

Parent and Alumni Testimonials

Alumni Wall of Fame Data