Lower School

Lower School (Grades 1–4)

At Holy Name of Jesus School, Lower School includes grades 1–4, where we foster strong connections with both students and parents to guide and nurture children through these formative years. Teachers deliver innovative, standards-based instruction in five core subjects: Math, Social Science, English, Reading, and Religion. Library, Art, Music, French/Spanish, Theater, and Physical Education further enrich the learning experience.

All teachers collaborate though PLCs to implement a Blended Learning Instruction Model, integrating 1:1 Chromebooks, Interactive Boards, and data-driven tools into daily lessons. Small-group instruction allows teachers to meet each student at their academic level while understanding individual learning styles and work habits.

Math
Students explore problems using words, objects, or pictures to conceptualize solutions. We emphasize reasoning and constructing arguments using concrete referents like drawings, diagrams, and actions. Our curricula include Eureka Math2, and IXL to guide instruction and track student growth.

Social Studies and Science
Using a project-based learning model, students explore history, citizenship, geography, and basic economics, while science lessons cover space, living things, and Earth’s natural forces. Students learn to investigate, ask questions, and make connections to the world around them. These units are designed by our teachers to align with Louisiana State Standards and are supported by Bayou Bridges and STEMScopes.

English Language Arts
Lower School students strengthen reading skills through LDOE Guidebooks, teacher-created thematic units, and engaging novels and stories. The Wilson Fundations program utilizes a structured and systematic approach to phonics, spelling, and word study, rooted in the science of reading, to build a strong foundation for literacy development. Grammar and writing are developed using Voyages in English, building a solid foundation for communication and literacy. Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop ensures rigorous and consistent academic vocabulary development to support comprehension and writing skills across all subject areas. 

At Holy Name of Jesus School, Lower School includes grades 1–4, where we foster strong connections with both students and parents to guide and nurture children through these formative years. Teachers deliver innovative, standards-based instruction in five core subjects: Math, Social Science, English, Reading, and Religion. Library, Art, Music, French/Spanish, Theater, and Physical Education further enrich the learning experience.

All teachers collaborate though PLCs to implement a Blended Learning Instruction Model, integrating 1:1 Chromebooks, Interactive Boards, and data-driven tools into daily lessons. Small-group instruction allows teachers to meet each student at their academic level while understanding individual learning styles and work habits.

Math
Students explore problems using words, objects, or pictures to conceptualize solutions. We emphasize reasoning and constructing arguments using concrete referents like drawings, diagrams, and actions. Our curricula include Eureka Math2, Glenco Math, and IXL to guide instruction and track student growth.

Social Studies and Science
Using a project-based learning model, students explore history, citizenship, geography, and basic economics, while science lessons cover space, living things, and Earth’s natural forces. Students learn to investigate, ask questions, and make connections to the world around them. These units are designed by our teachers to align with Louisiana State Standards and are supported by Bayou Bridges and STEMScopes.

English Language Arts
Lower School students strengthen reading skills through LDOE Guidebooks, teacher-created thematic units, and engaging novels and stories. The Wilson Fundations program utilizes a structured and systematic approach to phonics, spelling, and word study, rooted in the science of reading, to build a strong foundation for literacy development. Grammar and writing are developed using Voyages in English, building a solid foundation for communication and literacy. Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop ensures rigorous and consistent academic vocabulary development to support comprehension and writing skills across all subject areas. 

Religion
Religion instruction focuses on helping students recognize God in themselves and others. Through our Core Beliefs, students learn to live their faith daily, growing as compassionate, responsible, and service-oriented individuals. By the end of Lower School, students understand the importance of faith in action and how to be boys and girls for others. These values are supported by the Christ Our Life curriculum, which helps students deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and develop a personal relationship with Christ in the classroom.