Lower School

Lower School at Holy Name of Jesus includes first, second, third, and fourth grade. We encourage a strong connection with both our students and parents, working together to understand, guide, and nurture through the elementary years. Teachers use current and innovative curriculum in our five core subjects: Math, Social Science, English, Reading, and Religion. We use Louisiana State Standards to create our lessons and to assure readiness for the next grade level. Library, Art, Music, Spanish, Theater, and Physical Education further enrich the learning experience. 

All teachers work closely with our Dean of Academic Innovation as we implement a Blended Learning Instruction Model, including 1:1 Chromebooks, Interactive Boards, and data collection programs into our daily lesson plans. Teachers work with small groups in order to meet each student at their academic level and to get to know their student’s work habits and learning style.

In Math, students use words, concrete objects, or pictures to help conceptualize and solve a problem. We teach students to construct arguments using concrete referents such as objects, drawings, diagrams, and actions. In Lower School, we use the McGraw-Hill My Math curriculum and use IXL to help teachers collect data to use during small group instruction.

In Social Science, we expose our students to the world around us. We use Studies Weekly to learn about people from the past, learn how to be a good citizen, introduce students to geographical features, and touch on the basics of economics. Using Studies Weekly Science, students discover outer space, learn about characteristics of living things, and experience Earth’s natural forces. 

In English Language Arts, students grow their strength in reading through the LDOE Guidebooks and teacher-created thematic units. Students delve into novels and short stories that help them to comprehend text and form a love of reading. Students in Lower School use Shurley English (Grades 1-3) and Voyages in English (Grade 4) to build a solid foundation in grammar and writing. 

In Religion at Holy Name of Jesus, we focus on being one of God’s children and how to see God in other people. We delve into our Core Beliefs and how we can apply them everyday. Students leave Lower School knowing that they are loved and having an idea of what it means to be a Catholic and become boys and girls for others.