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FAITH | ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE | COMMUNITY

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Philosophy of LearningThe primary objective of St. Peter School is to educate the whole child. Inherent in this mission is an individualized approach to education in which each student’s abilities, learning style, and particular needs are appreciated and addressed.

• A child’s education should be holistic—encompassing intellectual development and academic knowledge; the acquisition of morals to guide behavior; and growth in each child’s emotional, physical, and spiritual being.

• Learning is lifelong and cumulative whereby acquiring a love of knowledge at an early age leads to an honorable and rewarding lifetime of self-fulfillment, and service to God.

• The pursuit of knowledge — for the highest and best achievements of the intellect — is the purpose of learning.

• Our goal as educators is to develop each child we teach into a mature and responsible citizen imbued with character, responsibility, and service.

• High academic standards in a nurturing environment will provide children with a foundation for success in secondary and higher education.

W E L C O M E and thank you for your interest in St. Peter School, where our students are challenged academically, taught how to be considerate, contributing members of society, and are well prepared for the future with a solid educational foundation. Our supportive and involved community enables students, faculty, and parents to work collectively on behalf of the school.

St. Peter School offers a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade program with a student body averaging 220; one class per grade. Our objective is to meet the needs of all students and to allow each child to reach his or her maximum potential. Teachers use differentiated instructional strategies to foster our objective and remain mindful of students’ diverse backgrounds and unique talents. We have cultivated a dedicated faculty and staff who are professional and caring in spirit. Approximately 80 percent of our teachers hold an advanced degree in their field. Our teachers continually perfect their craft through on-site professional development, conferences, workshops, and graduate coursework. We also have resource instructors who work with small groups in the classroom, as well as a licensed school nurse and school counselor on staff.

All students have access to state of the art technology equipment, including Surface Pro tablets and iPads, and each classroom, including the library, is a multimedia space.

Our core curriculum is based on Archdiocese of Washington academic standards, a rigorous set of standards which exceed the national Common Core academic standards. Students also participate in foreign language, art, music, physical education, and health & wellness courses.

MissionSt. Peter School is a family of learners serving the Capitol Hill parishes and community. The children are provided with an education that is founded on love of God and service to others, characterized by Catholic values and academic excellence, and dedicated to addressing each child’s unique talents and abilities.

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| FA I T H |

At St. Peter School, faith becomes living, conscious, and active through instruction and participation in prayer, worship, and sacraments. St. Peter School is one of the oldest continuously operating Catholic elementary schools in the original city of Washington, DC, and currently operates under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Washington as a regional Catholic elementary school supported by the local parishes of St. Peter’s, St. Joseph’s,

St. Dominic, St. Mary Mother of God, St. Patrick’s, Epiphany Catholic Church, St. Frances de Sales, and the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.

Catholic faith and values are integral to instruction at St. Peter School. A Catholic virtues program is central to the culture of the school. All students participate in at least one service project each month as an expression of the school’s mission.

Students learn about and experience the Catholic faith in a variety of ways. First and foremost, all students have regular, focused religious instruction. Students learn about the Old and New Testaments, the Ten Commandments, the life of Jesus, the lives of the saints, and the theological underpinnings of the Catholic sacraments. Middle school students also explore Catholic social teachings with the guidance of the religion teacher and the parochial vicar, who encourage faith formation through authentic questioning and self-examination.

As a school community, we regularly celebrate Mass and come together for events to mark the special liturgical seasons of the Church. Each Wednesday of the school year students lead a Mass and the entire community including students, teachers, administration, and parents, attend worship together.

“We are blessed to send all three of our children to St. Peter School. St. Peter provides our children a top-notch education within a

nurturing and committed community of faculty and parents. But for us, it goes beyond academics. We are comforted in knowing that the

St. Peter faculty focuses on teaching our children to be kind, compassionate, virtuous young people with strong values.”

Walt and Dana LukkenPARENTS OF STUDENTS IN 2ND, 5TH AND 8TH GRADE

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National Blue Ribbon School of ExcellenceSt. Peter School was recognized by the US Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2013. St. Peter School was one of 50 private schools across the nation to be recognized as “Exemplary High Performing.” To qualify for the award, standardized test schools in the areas of reading and math need to be in the top 15 percent of the nation.

In addition to exceptional test scores, in order to obtain the Blue Ribbon award, programs and practices are required to be well above ordinary. The programs and practices that further distinguished St. Peter School include:

• Clear vision and focused mission

• Rigorous, up-to-date curriculum

• Safe learning environment

• Frequent assessment of student achievement

• Effective communication with the school community

The National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence designation reflects St. Peter School’s commitment to high standards and a climate of high expectations, the outstanding dedication and talent of the faculty and staff, and the positive work ethic of the students. St. Peter School students continue to perform well above the qualifying criteria for the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence designation.

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| AC A D E M I C E XC E L L E N C E |

Instilled in each student is a foundation for lifelong intellectual growth. The academic curriculum is based on a rigorous set of standards which includes the core subjects of reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, Spanish language, and , as well as art, music, physical education, and library class. Middle school students also participate in Latin language class and study skills class. We encourage our students to take ownership of their education and to be accountable for their work ethic and conduct.

As a whole school, St. Peter students consistently perform well above average on standardized tests. Our graduates are typically accepted into the high schools of their choice, including: Academy of the Holy Cross, DeMatha Catholic High School, Elizabeth Seton High School, Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Gonzaga College High School, National Cathedral School, School Without Walls, St. Anselm’s Abbey School, and St. John’s College High School.

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“What’s most important to us is that our boys are challenged to be all they can be—intellectually, spiritually, and physically—and St. Peter School provides the environment for that growth while instilling a love of lifetime learning. Teachers who truly care about developing the whole individual and who are committed to academic excellence make certain each St. Peter student is putting their God-given abilities to their highest use. We are grateful for St. Peter School and the strong foundation it provides for our children.”

Michael and Misty MarshallPARENTS OF STUDENTS IN 2ND, 5TH AND 8TH GRADE

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| R E A D I N G A N D L A N G UAG E A RT S |

The reading curriculum is a particular point of excellence and pride for St. Peter School. The goal of the reading instruction is not only to ensure reading proficiency in all of our students, but also to instill a love of reading. The reading and language arts curriculum emphasizes phonemic awareness, spelling and grammar, reading fluency, and building comprehension skills in the primary grades.

Middle school students tackle complex literature and analysis. Students read a diverse array of challenging fiction, non-fiction, poetry, folklore, and drama, each of which emphasizes the acquisition of vocabulary to discuss literature in an analytical way. Middle school students also read several novels, both classic and contemporary, and perform a play as a class. The emphasis on analysis of literature through detail-based written response prepares students for the rigorous demands of secondary and higher education.

St. Peter School’s library program nurtures a love of reading through individualized literature guidance. The library houses more than 12,000 books. First through eighth graders participate in the Accelerated Reader program, which helps students grow as readers by creating individual goals in terms of reading volume and content difficulty level.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade utlize writer’s workshop to deepen their understanding of the writing process and develop strategies for writing across the curriculum. By middle school, students are writing multi-paragraph essays, research papers, and poetry.

| M AT H E M AT I C S |

The St. Peter School math curriculum meets the needs of individual learners as they progress from concrete to abstract math concepts. Teachers use rigorous math standards to plan their lessons, which incorporate the strands of number sense, computation, algebra and functions, geometry, measurement, and problem solving.

Teachers have access to a school-wide collection of math manipulatives, including items such as fraction tiles, algebra tiles, geometry blocks, and place-value flip charts for student use. To further engage students, teachers take advantage of resources such as small white boards for problem solving, and IXL and STAR Math to engage students in differentiated learning activities. A team of resource instructors works with small groups of students during math class to help differenctiate instruction. There are also dedicated peros each week for students to “Drop Everything and Math” (DEAM) so students can sharpen skills.

In the early childhood years, the St. Peter School math curriculum places an emphasis on fundamental skills, number sense, and computation with the use of hands-on activities and manipulatives. As students progress through each grade level, they learn to solve more complex problems and provide proof and support for their ideas. By eighth grade, students solve multi-step questions, graph linear equations and inequalities, solve systems of linear equations, and apply the quadratic formula.

There is also an annual school math bee, annual school math night, and middle school students are encouraged to join the Math Counts team.

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“Each morning when we watch our first grader bound up the stairs to a new school day we are grateful for St. Peter School. The school’s innovative curriculum and top-notch faculty are instilling in our son a love of learning that will last a lifetime. And equally as important to us as parents, St. Peter School is teaching our son what it means to be a contributing member of a community, the importance of respect and kindness, and the Christian ethic of service to others. St. Peter School is a nurturing community that values and supports every student. We could not be happier that we chose St. Peter School.”

Elizabeth Martin and Chris Coakley PARENTS OF STUDENT IN 1ST GRADE

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| S C I E N C E & T E C H N O L O G Y |

St. Peter School has leading edge science programs, complete with a science lab that includes workstations with sinks and tools required for hands-on science experiments. First through eighth grades use FOSS (Full Option Science System) kits for inquiry-based learning experiences. Each year, students in fourth through eighth grades participate in an in-house Science Fair, and the winners compete in the DC Citywide Science and Engineering Fair. St. Peter School participates annually in the Department of Energy National Science Bowl.

The science program in pre-kindergarten through third grade includes life, earth, and environmental topics. Fourth through eighth graders have class in the science lab, and they study astronomy, the human anatomy, physics, chemistry, and biology.

With the guidance of an instructional technology specialist, students learn to truly integrate technology into the curriculum. Students’ enthusiasm for academic content and mastery of learning objectives are enhanced by the incorporation of state of the art technology. In addition, the library is equipped with interactive technology and a class set of Surface Pro tablets. All middle school students are provided with one to one Surface Pro tablets and there is also a class set of Surface Pro tablets for fouth and fifth grade. All classes have access to tablets and iPads and every classroom has an interactive whiteboard that also functions as a “Smart TV”.

| S O C I A L S T U D I E S |

Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, St. Peter students benefit from the school’s proximity to the seat of the nation’s government and some of the world’s finest museums; the United States Capitol Building, Congressional buildings and the Library of Congress are all within walking distance and the Smithsonian museums are only one metro stop away. This rich environment exposes students to a wealth of unique learning opportunities, whether it is history, politics, or other aspects of social studies.

Through third grade, the social studies curriculum includes community, government, and map skills. Fourth graders learn about the regions of the United States; fifth and eighth graders study American history; and sixth and seventh graders study the geography, history, culture and traditions of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Students use critical thinking skills to analyze information; they give presentations and create projects with the use of technology, textbooks, and primary sources, and field trips highlight important concepts.

Every spring, the students take part in an “International Day,” when each class celebrates a different country of their choice through thematic activities. During the celebrations, students represent unique cultural aspects of their class’ selected country through engaging presentations, ethnic food, games, and elaborate costumes and decorations. Each classroom is essentially transformed into a different place in the world through the assembly of interesting cultural aspects of the selected country.

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| S PA N I S H & L AT I N |

Spanish is taught in Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade with a focus on vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening skills. The history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries is also incorporated. Latin is mandatory for seventh and eighth graders, with a focus on vocabulary and grammar. Students use basic knowledge of Latin words to decipher vocabulary across all subject areas. Latin is also taught within the context of Catholic Church history.

“St. Peter School has provided our son with academic and social experiences that he will carry with him for a lifetime. Academically, his teachers challenge and motivate him while serving as outstanding role models. Socially, he has made friends who have more compassion than we could have ever imagined. Put simply, the school has exceeded all of our expectations and we are proud to be part of this community.”

Kathleen Amacio PARENT OF STUDENT IN 2ND GRADE

“What we love most about St. Peter’s is that it truly lives out its mission—it provides our children a wonderful education, founded on love of God and Service to others, characterized by Catholic values and academic excellence. Every day, in so many ways, we see this put into action. From the middle-schoolers high fiving the pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students and the school family service projects, to the advance reading and drop everything and read/math time. Our children are engaged and challenged academically, socially, mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. St. Peter’s faculty and staff are an amazing example and we are so lucky to have them help us give our children the best foundation possible.”

The Halls PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN 4TH AND 1ST GRADES

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| C O M M U N I T Y |

One of the many strengths of St. Peter School is community engagement. Our supportive and involved community enables students, faculty, and parents to work collectively on behalf of our children.

A major goal of a St. Peter School education is to establish in students the Catholic ethic of concern for and service to others. Students regularly engage in service activities designed to foster social awareness. These activities are carried out by the Student Families and the Student Council.

All students are members of a Student Family which is led by an eighth grade student and includes students from each grade; pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Student Families work quarterly on a service project such as packaging household items for American and International families in need or assisting the ministries within Catholic Charities. The Student Families also encourage mentorship and friendship between the older students and their younger peers.

The Student Council leads canned food drives, organizes winter clothing drives, and raises funds for a charitable organization each month including our sister parish and school in Haiti, Notre Dame D’Altagrace. Middle school students are required to perform 15 hours of community service each year; all parents also perform volunteer hours in service of the school community.

The practice of mindfulness is a part of our social-emotional learning program. Cultivating mindfulness at a young age helps our students learn to handle the stress and demands of our increasingly fast-paced world. Slowing down and being in the present moment allows us to be more mindful of our thoughts and actions; it allows us to be healthier and to be better learners. Mindfulness is also a wonderful complement to our Catholic Faith as we learn to become still in order to fully experience prayer and the presence of God in our lives.

There are many community building events throughout the year for the school families sponsored by both the school and the Home and School Association (HSA), including picnics, game nights, student event receptions, parent coffees, and open houses for both prospective and current parents. St. Peter School is fortunate to have strong support from its families, parishioners, and the community at large.

“Living in a city doesn’t mean you have to be disconnected from other parents and your children’s classroom, thanks to St. Peter and the community support of other parents and teachers. My two kids love going to school every day, and they have not only learned so much, but they have a better appreciation for God and more respect for their peers. They are learning the same values we were raised on which is so important to us.”

Kathy and Kurt Kovarik PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN KINDERGARTEN AND 2ND GRADE

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“The team of teachers and professionals at St. Peter’s has impressed us with their level of commitment and caring for our daughter and her classmates. Not only do they focus on her education and spirituality but also her individuality as she grows, which we find invaluable.”

The SilvermansPARENTS OF STUDENT IN 1ST GRADE

| E X T R AC U R R I C U L A R S & E N R I C H M E N T |

St. Peter students are afforded a variety of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities. Fourth through eighth grade students may sign up for school band or choir, or join one of the CYO sports teams, such as basketball, track, or cross country. Our Aftercare program is second to none. Aftercare is available until 6:00pm each day, when our students can enjoy physical activity, creative arts, and academic enrichment in addition to space to complete homework and socialize with peers. The Aftercare Enrichment offerings include activities such as dance, flag football, Tae Kwon Do, music instruction, art club, cyber club, and Mad Science.

“St. Peter School has become one of the premier scholastic institutions in our community, and the students, parents and faculty are extremely proud to be a part of it. I can see every day with my kids how the school’s commitment to academic excellence and spiritual values are making a real difference in their lives.”

John Easton PARENT OF STUDENTS IN 5TH AND 7TH GRADES

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“Sending our daughter to St. Peter School has been the best decision we have made for her life thus far. Our daughter has blossomed in her faith, academics, and relationships under the care of the loving teachers and supportive administration. She has made friends with children whose parents share the same Catholic values we hold dear. We are constantly amazed and grateful for the lovely person she is growing into, in no small part due to her tutelage at St. Peter School.”

Julie and Jon Penndorf PARENTS OF STUDENT IN 3RD GRADE

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St. Peter School422 Third Street, SE

Washington, DC 20003(202) 544-1618 | stpeterschooldc.org

FAITH | ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE | COMMUNITY