Lower School Religion

Program Overview

As an independent Catholic school faithful to the Sacred Heart tradition, Princeton Academy maintains the integrity of the Catholic faith while respecting and integrating the faith traditions of the world.

A student who journeys through Princeton Academy’s Religion program (Junior Kindergarten through Eighth Grade) will receive a strong biblical studies background along with the ability and sensitivity to allow its message to shape their identity and be made concrete in their actions of service to others. The "whole" individual is engaged in the Religion program, consistent with the belief that the mind is connected to the heart, body, and spirit.

Each student has opportunities to grow in their understanding of "community" by participating and leading in worship services, reflecting from their own heart and mind in assemblies and "gratitude" gatherings, helping forgotten and marginalized individuals and communities in service projects, and enjoying a mentorship with an older student or being a mentor to a younger student.

Each Religion class begins with a period of relaxation/guided meditation with soothing instrumental music and prayer. Children are free to share their prayer intentions. This atmosphere creates a "safe place" for children to ask the deeper questions of life's values, meanings, and ethics.

The Bible is the primary text of the curriculum. Each lower grade level focuses on a different section of the Bible until middle school, when they explore an overview of the whole Bible. During their last two years, students will primarily study ethics, worship, and world religions. Students not only gain skills and knowledge in historical, literary, and theological interpretation of scripture, but also in hermeneutics (connecting the message to every-day life and world events). Writing projects and journaling are required along with group projects involving the arts of drama, art, music, and prayer.

Pre-Kindergarten

Stories about God’s love

Kindergarten

The Pentateuch – stories from Genesis through Deuteronomy

1st Grade

The Historical Books – stories from Joshua through Esther (and Sacramental training for Catholic students)

2nd Grade

The Prophets of the Old Testament (and Sacramental training for Catholic Students using the book, “Celebrating Our Faith”)

3rd Grade

The Psalms (children will write their own book of prayers modeled after the Psalms) & Other Wisdom Literature

4th Grade

The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John) & Acts