Grades 1-5

At St. Anselm School, students in Grades 1–5 learn in a supportive, student-centered environment that challenges them to think critically and grow confidently.

Our dedicated faculty includes a classroom teacher and instructional aide at every grade level, along with the support of a reading specialist, resource teacher, counselor, and technology coordinator. Through small-group instruction in reading and mathematics, integrated technology, and individualized support, we are able to meet the unique needs of every learner and help each child reach their full potential.

Students engage in a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum that fosters creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and academic excellence. All curriculum and instruction are aligned with Archdiocesan standards, ensuring a strong educational foundation rooted in faith, character, and service.

Grades 1-5 Curriculum

Religion

Our Grades 1–5 religion program nurtures students’ faith through age-appropriate instruction grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church. Students use the Augustine Institute’s Word of Life, Open Light Virtue Series, and Family Life Curriculum to deepen their understanding of Scripture, Catholic teachings, virtue, and living out their faith.

Students attend monthly school Masses and participate in daily classroom prayer, fostering a strong sense of faith, community, and service.

Math

Our math curriculum is the Houghton Mifflin Go Math series. All of our students are grouped into small math groups taught by the homeroom teacher and a math specialist. The curriculum is rigorous and develops critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to help students gain a strong foundation in math.

Language Arts

St. Anselm offers a comprehensive language arts program designed to develop strong, confident readers and writers. Students use the Scott Foresman Reading Program (K–3), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Journeys California (4-5), Step Up to Writing (K–8), Wordly Wise (4–8), and Handwriting Without Tears (K–5).

Through literature circles, reading centers, grade-level novels, writing instruction, and vocabulary development, students strengthen their reading, writing, comprehension, and communication skills. An Accelerated Reading group provides additional challenge and enrichment for students who are ready to extend their learning.

Science

Our lower grades science program inspires curiosity through hands-on, thematic lessons. In kindergarten, our science specialist uses the Amplify Science curriculum from UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, along with books, models, demonstrations, and other visual resources. Students explore age-appropriate topics while developing observation, inquiry, and early scientific thinking skills.

Art

The children attend a weekly art class taught by our lower grades art instructor, where they explore through a variety of media.

P.E.

Twice a week, grades 1st-5th attend P.E. with our Physical Education teacher. St. Anselm School follows the Rhythm and Moves curriculum.

Spanish

Students participate in physical education twice a week with our Physical Education teacher. Through age-appropriate activities and instruction, students develop physical fitness, coordination, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy lifelong habits.

Music

1-5th-grade students attend music class once a week. They learn music by creating, performing, and responding. The students also have the opportunity to join the school and church choir. The goal of our music curriculum is to foster a love of music and build the self-confidence that comes from the development of skills and performance.

Technology

Technology is integrated to various degrees in all subjects. iPads, MacBooks, and ChromeBooks are the primary technology tools used in the classrooms.

Library

Students visit the library weekly, where they learn how to use the library, check out books at their accelerated reading level, and to cultivate a lifelong love of reading.