The curriculum followed by the faculty of St. Thomas the Apostle School is the one required by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  An official course of study is designed for every subject taught at each grade level.  This curriculum is in harmony with the state regulations and criteria for approved schools.

Students at the school accept the responsibilities peculiar to their state in life.  So that they will be good students, we encourage them to get a good night's sleep, to eat a good breakfast, and to be prepared with the tools for learning:  sharpened pencils, pens, ruler, loose leaf paper, textbooks, workbooks, homework assignments, etc.

In class we expect them to:

  • pay attention to the lesson being taught
  • participate in class discussions
  • ask questions for clarification
  • do all classroom and homework assignments neatly and completely
  • be in school on time
  • write down homework assignments in an assignment book
  • get tests signed and returned promptly to school

Homework is an important extension of the learning that takes place in school.  Homework can provide practice and drill that reinforces classroom learning and can provide opportunities for independent study, research, and creative thinking.  Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for the students to work, checking assignments are completed neatly, and by limiting telephone interruptions while study is is progress.

Students usually have two kinds of homework.  Many times "I'm finished!" means "I've finished my written homework."  Study homework is by far the more important of the two and deserves at least equal time.

Archdiocesan policy recommends the following time allotments for homework:

                                   Grades 1 and 2     -      30 minutes
                                   Grades 3 and 4     -      60 minutes
                                   Grades 5 and 6     -      90 minutes
                                   Grades 7 and 8     -     100 minutes