IWA offers two methods of instruction for elementary (K3-5th grade) students: Traditional and Montessori.
In addition to the newly installed security fencing, Incarnate Word Academy employs a full-time campus nurse and has paid police officers on campus each day during school hours.
The new 14,000 square foot Catherine & Bob Hilliard Montessori Building includes seven classrooms, a wireless computer lab, an atrium for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program and a Memorial Rosary Garden.
Incarnate Word Academy elementary classrooms are purposefully designed to support our student's creativity and curiosity.
Our classrooms are fully equipped with computer stations and interactive display boards.
Incarnate Word Academy students work together and encourage each other to do their best.
The average elementary class has 20 students and teacher's aides are present in many elementary level classrooms. This allows teachers to work closely with students who need extra attention.
All classes at IWA are vertically aligned and will prepare students for the next grade level. Teachers in neighboring grade levels work closely with one another to ensure our students are prepared to excel each year.
All classes are equipped with interactive display boards, and students have access to in-room computer stations for research, typing, and exploration.
Both educational options, Montessori and traditional, include a spiraling curriculum that prepares the child for the academic challenges of each consecutive grade level while strengthening their core faith values.
All elementary students have access to the library every day, providing students the opportunity to check out books, score AR points, and discover the world around them.
The IWA Elementary Level library has 15,961 titles allowing students to discover everything from the Alaskan frontier to the imaganative world of Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein.
Students immerse themselves in books during story time.
The Atrium serves to bring a program called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to all students from K3 through 8th grade.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd seeks to provide time and space to help us draw closer to God. The program invites each child to work with their hands and to directly experience materials designed for them. The environment and the materials reflect the developmental characteristics and needs of each of the age groups served.
CGS is built on two pillars of faith, Scripture and Liturgy. This can be seen in the materials provided at each age level. The child's choices of work and their engagement in the actual work of their hands are the substance of Atrium time.
All of our catechists have received extensive training and formation in CGS, specifically for the age group they serve. As the lead catechist and coordinator, Mary Ellen Galvan brings a depth of experience. She has worked in education for many decades with a BS in education and an MA in special education and an MA in theology, CGS. She is a certified Montessori teacher and trained as a spiritual director.
The environment and the materials reflect the developmental characteristics and needs of each of the age groups served. The two pillars of Scripture and Liturgy can be seen in the materials provided at each age level.
The child's choices of work and the actual work of their hands with these materials are the substance of Atrium time.
A favorite part of the Atrium is our Angel Buddy program where older and younger Angels have a chance to connect, teach, and share.
STEM education is integrated into the curriculum of all ages.
All EL students at Incarnate Word Academy visit our STEM Lab weekly to practice computer skills and to work on educational software that integrates what they are learning in the classroom with technology.
Pre-K students visit the lab once a week, 1st-3rd grade students visit twice per week, and 4th-5th grade students have classes in the lab three times each week.
Students work with Dash and Dot and Ozobots to learn basic coding skills while working with robots.
Children work individually and with others to find viable solutions to various challenges.
IWA Elementary students John Matl (3rd grade) and Cayson Little (5th grade) have been 3D printing PPE masks for healthcare workers with the help of Mr. Robert Boostrom. Check out the gallery by clicking here!
Students use the STEM Engineering process basic steps: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, Improve.
Pictured above, students have designed and printed their very own pencil/supply holders!
Our elementary students use the skills they have learned in our STEM program to lead a Diocesan training session on 3D programs and printing.
Students can enjoy a much needed break from the classroom to run, play, and explore with their friends.
IWA recognizes the importance of kids being kids. Our large outdoor play area offers many options for children to take a break and enjoy their classmates and the outdoors.
Children have plenty of space to play on the jungle gym or to have fun on the merry-go-round and basketball court.
Our outdoor play area provides plenty of options for kids to put their books down and get their hands dirty.
Families are invited to explore life at Incarnate Word Academy during our annual Fall Fun Night.
IWA elementary students participate in physical education every day.
In addition to their daily Physical Education classes, our students are able to complete in school-sponsored athletic teams beginning in 4th grade!
Montessori education is a student-centered method of learning. The teacher delivers instruction to individuals or small groups.
Montessori classrooms are creative and well-planned areas that are designed to meet the needs of children in a specific age range.
Experiential learning in a Montessori classroom can lead to a deeper understanding of language, mathematics, science, music, social interactions and much more.
Montessori education emphasizes the importance of functional independence, task persistence and self-regulation.
Students are able to work with the teacher, individually, or in small groups.
Montessori classrooms offer multiple places for children to learn and play, in many different ways: by themselves, in pairs, in small groups, in large groups, inside, outside, at tables, on the floor.
Our Montessori students move freely throughout the classroom and choose activities that interest them.
In addition to being state-certified, our Montessori teachers have received training to obtain Montessori certification.
Students can take ownership of their learning by exploring things that interest them as they advance through the Montessori curriculum.
Our students achieve self-direction, responsibility, and respect for others through learning my doing.
The safety of our Angels is a top priority on our campus, and you can be comforted in knowing that we have taken many steps to ensure the well-being of your children while on our campus.
Surrounded by locked security fencing, the IWA campus is accessible only through access points located at each level's main office as well as the campus central office.
All visitors must check-in at one of the available access points to enter our campus.
Both educational options, Traditional and Montessori, include a spiraling curriculum that will prepare your child for the academic challenges of each consecutive grade level while also strengthening their core faith values.
While we wish we could show you the amazing things our Angels are accomplishing in person, we hope that you have enjoyed a little bit of what makes us who we are.
We would love to answer any questions you may have and are happy to assist you in the application process.
STEM classes from K5 through 5th grade.
Turning concepts into reality.
Swim club begins in kinder.
Experienced and loving teachers.
Hands-on faith formation.
The Atrium - Teaching Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
Integrating faith development with high academic standards.