Visitation Catholic Elementary School Programs

"This is a top notch college prep elementary/ middle school. Excellent staff, great kids and academics are on par with the best prep schools in L.A! I HIGHLY recommend this family oriented school! A bargain for what you receive! Middle School Staff EXCELLENT! CHALLENGING! CARING!"
Kim Pitts - Parent

Visitation School provides a broad and relevant curriculum that fulfills the school's mission and philosophy. A qualified staff sets curriculum goals according to Archdiocesan and state standards. Textbooks and resources undergo constant review by the staff and supplemental materials are purchased to assist student learning. The curriculum is aligned with the Department of Catholic School's Project STARS, which encompasses the California content standards.

Teachers in every classroom use varieties of formal and informal assessment tools. These assessment tools are used to monitor student progress. ITBS and ACRE tests are administered each year and are used as one measure to assess student achievement.

Religion
Catholic identity is deeply embedded in Visitation School. The doctrines and history of the Catholic Church are taught throughout the curriculum. Students participate in all-school and individual prayer services, and class attendance at morning masses. Students participate in a "Living Rosary," Stations of the Cross, Sacrament of Reconciliation, and celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls. Individual class retreats are also organized periodically. Graduates are invited to participate in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which includes community outreach activities.

Social Studies; Civics
The social studies program has been recently enhanced with the purchase of new textbooks, maps and globes, updated videos and DVDs, and new computer software.

Science/Health Safety
Junior high students participate in the annual school science fair.

Mathematics (Including high school algebra for those who qualify)
The mathematics curriculum at Visitation School now includes a high school Algebra program for eighth graders who qualify. Qualifying criteria includes (1) passing a readiness test developed and scored at UCLA, (2) acceptable scores on the SAT exam, (3) above average work in seventh grade math, and (4) excellent teacher and principal's recommendations. Completion of this course will allow students to take a placement exam in high school for entrance into Geometry.

Math Advantage Program
Beginning fall of 2008 (Grades 1 - 5). Program to feature more individualized learning at each grade level (3 groups in each grade, as follows)
ADVANCED MATH (above grade level)
LEVEL MATH (at grade level)
MODIFIED MATH (for students needing extra help to return to grade level)

Computer Technology
Forty iMacs, new furniture and air conditioning are now in the Library Media Center. A new file server, Internet filter system, high speed DSL line and software programs have been purchased. There is ongoing review of software that would unite subject content with technology. Students attend regularly scheduled class sessions in the Library Media Center. This schedule was developed to allow effective integration of technology throughout the Visitation School curriculum. Several classrooms are equipped with a laptop computer with projector so lessons can be taught using software applications.

English
Reading/Literature
The school has purchased a new literature series, and has implemented a summer reading program.

Art
Visitation School participates in the Gateway to Art program at all grade levels. Student work is displayed in the annual Gateway to Art Show.

Spanish
Spanish is offered to students in grades kindergarten through eight.

Social Justice
Visitation School students are actively involved in
service, established first through a rich curriculum at every grade level that addresses the needs for social justice. Junior high students participate in field trips to the Museum of Tolerance and all students are encouraged to be involved in the annual Respect Life Art/Essay Contest in October.

Outreach programs have been established, such as Thanksgiving collections of food, Red Cross collections to victims of natural disasters, the Holy Childhood Association's annual coin drive for foreign missions, and "Pennies for Peace." Visitation School has embraced St. Margaret's Center in Lennox in supporting those affected by poverty. Students are invited to join the parish group Children on the Journey in its support of the anti-hunger nonprofit Share Our Strength. For more information, contact Toni at 310.322.3595 or email tonimkerker@earthlink.net.