Elementary Level - Montessori
- Excelling in Academics
- Spanish Immersion
- Reinforcing Religious Values
- Encouraging Distinction
- Community Service
- History
- Philosophy
- Student Clubs
- Athletic Teams
- After School Program
- School Hours
Excelling in Academics
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Enrichment instructors in the Fine Arts, S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math) and Spanish
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Subject areas include: English Language Arts, health, math, music, phonics, physical education, reading, religion, science, and social studies
- Accelerated Reading in grades 1-5
- An attractive library equipped with six electronic tablets, with access to academic databases, online encyclopedias, and nearly 16,000 library books.
- Use of interactive display boards, wireless laptops, computers, iPads, 3D printers, robotics, digital imaging cameras, and microscopes, integrating technology within the curriculum
- Participation in Spelling Bee, the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest, and other academic competitions
- An array of stimulating learning materials fostering creative thinking and progress
- Students in grades 1-5 will participate in S.T.E.M. classes. S.T.E.M. classes integrate science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on lessons designed to teach critical thinking and reasoning skills. These types of lessons enhance student collaboration, creativity, and communication skills while empowering our students for the future.
- Attractive, well-equipped and well-maintained playground
- Noted guest speaker presentations given throughout the year
- Extra-Curricular activities enhance the educational program
Spanish Immersion
A Spanish Immersion Montessori Primary class is a unique educational environment that combines principles of Montessori education with full immersion in the Spanish language. Here is a detailed explanation of what this entails:
Montessori Education
Child-Centered Learning:
Montessori education focuses on the individual child's interests and developmental needs. Children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace within a prepared environment.
Prepared Environment:
The classroom is carefully designed with materials that are accessible and inviting to children. These materials are self-correcting and promote hands-on learning, allowing children to engage in activities that foster independence and critical thinking.
Mixed Age Groups:
A Montessori Primary class typically includes children aged 3 to 6 years old. This mixed-age setting encourages peer learning, where younger children learn from older ones and older children reinforce their knowledge by teaching younger peers.
Role of the Teacher:
The Montessori trained teacher, often referred to as a guide or director, observes each child's interest and developmental progress, providing individualized lessons and support as needed. The teacher facilitates learning rather than directing it.
Spanish Immersion
Full Language Immersion:
In a Spanish Immersion Montessori class, Spanish is the primary language of instruction. All classroom activities, including lessons, songs, stories, and everyday conversations, are conducted in Spanish.
Language Acquisition:
Children naturally acquire the Spanish language through immersion, similar to how they learn their native language. This method helps children become fluent speakers by the time they transition to the next education level. Students will also receive English Reading instruction so they will also become proficient readers in the English language.
Cultural Exposure:
Along with language, children are exposed to the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries through celebrations, traditions, music, and literature. This cultural immersion enhances their understanding and appreciation of the diverse world around them.
Integration of Montessori and Spanish Immersion
Seamless Learning Experience:
The Montessori approach and Spanish immersion are seamlessly integrated to provide a holistic learning experience. Children engage in typical Montessori activities such as practical life skills, sensory exploration, math, language, and cultural studies, all conducted in Spanish.
Cognitive and Social Benefits:
Learning in a bilingual environment enhances cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and creativity. It also promotes empathy and social skills as children interact with peers from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Lifelong Skills:
Children in a Spanish Immersion Montessori Primary class gain lifelong language skills and a strong foundation for future academic success. They develop a love for learning and an openness to new experiences and cultures.
A Spanish Immersion Montessori Primary class offers a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can develop academically, socially, and linguistically. By combining the Montessori philosophy with language immersion, children gain the benefits of both educational approaches, setting them up for a future of academic achievement and cultural competence.
Reinforcing Religious Values
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Daily classroom prayer
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Weekly Mass
- Pray the Angelus and grace before meals daily
- Music Ministry
- Altar Servers
- Opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent
- Stations of the Cross during Lent
- Rosary prayed especially during October and May
- Advent wreath and prayer during Advent
- May Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program
- Integrating Gospel values into the the curriculum
- Fifth grade level retreat
Encouraging Distinction
As a leading college preparatory school in South Texas, IWA starts at the Elementary Level in preparing for rigorous academic expectations.
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Accredited by T.C.C.B.E.D. (Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department)
- Certified teachers
- Thirty-one percent of faculty hold a Master's Degree
- Grand National and State level winners in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest
Community Service
History
The Montessori program at Incarnate Word Academy can be traced to three dedicated and committed women, Mrs. Irene Meaney, Mrs. Ellen Flood, and Mrs. Jean Adams.
As a result of their encouragement, and the work of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, the first Catholic Montessori school in Corpus Christi was opened in September, l965, and has been in continuous operations since.
Philosophy
The Montessori philosophy may be summed up by the child's plea “help me to do it myself."
We continue the legacy of Dr. Montessori, who felt that the goal of education should not be to fill the child with facts, but rather to cultivate the child’s own desire to learn.
The work of the teacher is to support and guide the child as he becomes an autonomous learner, engaged in the development of his or her unique self, as a competent, responsible and adaptive citizen.
Student Clubs
Athletic Teams
After School Program
The YMCA provides after school care for any student for a monthly fee. Parents may register their child in the YMCA After School Program during Angel Check-In.
After school care is provided from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in the Elementary Level - Traditional building.
After school care is provided by the YMCA. Spaces are limited and managed through that organization. For additional information regarding the after school care program, please contact Audrey Dumes at adumes@ymca-cc.org or 361-882-1741.