DeSales Catholic School > Academics > General Curriculum

DeSales Catholic School - Academics - Lockport NY

General Curriculum

DeSales Catholic School follows the course of study issued by the School Superintendent of the Diocese of Buffalo, in accordance with the requirements of the State of New York. Emphasis is placed on Religion, Reading, Language Arts and Mathematics. Social Studies, Science, and Health are included as an integral part of the curriculum with greater emphasis in grades 4 through 8.   Art, Music, and Physical Education are taught each week.   Technology classes are provided for students from grades K through 8.   Spanish is taught once per week to students in preschool through grade 7, and daily in 8th grade as part of the “Regents Action Plan." Advanced coursework is offered to 8th grade students in Algebra and Living Environment for potential high school credit. 

Remedial Studies: Special reading, math, and early-intervention programs are offered for grades 1 through 8.   A Special Education teacher and teacher assistant are available to work with students who have diagnosed learning disabilities or those who have been identified as being in need of Title I services. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, vision therapy and physical therapy are provided on campus for those who qualify.  

Preschool

The goal of the DeSales Preschool is to provide a loving atmosphere in which a child can learn and grow.  It is our philosophy that 3- and 4-year old students learn best through play. Every class is led by a certified teacher and assisted by a Teacher's Aide.  We strive to provide an environment that promotes growth physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.  Christian values are a part of the everyday classroom experiences. Our goal is to provide each child with positive learning experiences in order to enhance their self-esteem and confidence, and prepare them to be ready to learn in Kindergarten.  The students learn in a literacy infused classroom using a reading program aligned with the Common Core Learning Standards.  The programs are enhanced with the latest tools and technology. We offer a healthy snack each day.  

Music, Spanish, Religion, P.E. and art projects are added to the children's daily learning.  Class size is limited to 20 students.  By the completion of the DeSales Preschool program the students will have learned to listen, take turns, follow directions, and share, as well as increased their memory skills, and further developed their fine and gross motor skills. The Preschool options offered at DeSales allow parents to choose the educational experience best suited for their child, including:

  • 3 year old Preschool - Two mornings per week, on Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 - 11:30 AM
  • 4 year old Part Time Preschool - Three mornings per week, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from                  8:30 - 11:30 AM
  • 4 year old Full Day Preschool- Monday through Friday full day from 8:30 - 2:30 PM 

All students must be independently toilet trained before the start of school; each classroom has a lavatory.  All DeSales programs follow the Diocesan Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum.

Kindergarten

The goal of the DeSales Kindergarten program is to provide an atmosphere that fosters learning within a Kinder loving environment. It is our purpose to reinforce and build upon the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills that are introduced in an Early Childhood Development setting. Our Kindergarten program follows the New York State and the Diocesan curriculum guidelines.

Through our Kindergarten teachers' numerous years of experience we know that children thrive on structure and routine. Small class sizes optimize learning. By the completion of the school year, the children will have learned to listen, take turns, follow directions, and work independently in order to make a smooth transition into First Grade.

DeSales Catholic School LogoDeSales is a regional Catholic elementary school, located in the Town of Lockport NY, within the Diocese of Buffalo. The school is a designated STREAM school, a center of excellence that inspires individual students to reach their greatest potential, both inside and outside the classroom, while providing students with the fundamental building blocks to be innovative, critical-thinkers, and responsible future leaders.