ADW Curriculum Standards

The curriculum at St. Jude Regional Catholic School follows the standards of the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Washington and aligns with Maryland’s recommended courses of study. We integrate multicultural education throughout all disciplines and aim to help each student understand themselves in relation to God and the world around them. Our framework is built to develop 21st-century skills, with curriculum standards forming a continuous pathway from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. We regularly update our curriculum to keep it academically rigorous, developmentally appropriate, and supportive of nurturing life-long learners.


Please click here to view the ADW curriculum standards for each grade.

  • Combines phonics and whole-language instruction
  • Builds vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension
  • Literature study begins in primary grades and grows each year
  • Encourages independent outside reading

  • Emphasizes exploration, estimation, and critical thinking
  • Strengthens computational skills and problem-solving
  • Builds mastery of basic facts for advanced math readiness

  • Hands-on, concept-based learning across major science areas
  • Develops critical and creative thinking through hypothesis and inquiry
  • STEM integrated throughout; K–4 attend weekly STEM classes

  • Strong focus on writing, grammar, usage, and mechanics
  • Includes literary appreciation, presentations, listening, and vocabulary
  • Teaches research skills and effective study strategies

  • Interdisciplinary study of history, geography, economics, and culture
  • Builds informed and responsible citizenship
  • Grade-level focuses:  

         4th—Maryland; 

         5th–6th—World Cultures

         7th–8th—U.S. History

  • Teaches word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, online research, and keyboarding
  • Includes coding, robotics, and technology-based problem solving
  • Students use iPads and Chromebooks across subjects

  • Weekly music and art classes connected to curriculum themes
  • Covers music concepts, history, instruments, and seasonal songs
  • Visual arts include techniques, art history, criticism, and design principles

  • Develops motor skills, fitness, and knowledge of sports and games
  • Promotes sportsmanship and healthy lifestyle habits

  • K–4: weekly Spanish special focusing on vocabulary and conversation
  • Grades 5–8: core Spanish program covering grammar, vocabulary, conjugation, idioms, conversation, and culture

  • Teaches Catholic doctrine, tradition, Bible study, prayer, and social justice
  • Prepares students for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation
  • Begins and ends each school day with prayer; every class opens with prayer
  • Weekly Friday Mass for the full school community; parents encouraged to attend
  • Grades 4–8 attend Adoration weekly; Grades 2–8 attend monthly Confession