The primary goal of the program of instruction in the schools of the Archdiocese of Denver is to provide learning experiences which most effectively inculcate worthwhile attitudes and impart the knowledge and skills necessary for the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical development of the student.

The Office of Catholic Schools provides courses of study/curriculum guides for mandatory use in all Archdiocesan schools.

Curriculum evaluation committees consisting of teachers, principals and/or other curriculum experts are charged with the responsibility of assisting the Associate Superintendent in reviewing, revising and developing implementation for individual subject areas of the curriculum. Changes to curriculum areas are made according to a set subject rotation, as determined by the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Staff Development with the approval of the Superintendent.

A. Preschool Course of Instruction

• The basic program in preschool includes: religion, language, mathematics, personal-social development, social studies, media-art, music, science, and sensory-motor development.
• The basic program in pre-kindergarten includes: religion, communication and language arts, mathematics, self, family and community, science, art, physical education, music and rhythm and technology.
• The underlying instructional strategy in preschool and pre-kindergarten is the use of organized and free-play activities that are intended to provide opportunities for the child to interact, explore and relate successfully in his/her environment. 

B. Elementary School Course of Instruction

• The basic program in kindergarten through grade three shall include religion, language arts, mathematics, music, art, and physical education. Concepts of social studies, science, health, and safety should be incorporated into the basic program. Use of technology should be integrated into the instructional program. Inclusion of foreign language is recommended but optional.
• The basic program in grades four through eight shall include religion, mathematics, language arts, social studies, science, fine arts, physical education, health, and safety. Use of technology should be integrated into the instructional program. Inclusion of foreign language is recommended but optional.

C. High School Course of Instruction

• Archdiocesan high schools shall offer a broad based program of liberal arts studies.
• Curriculum offerings and content are to be continuously reviewed by the principal and responsible department within that school. Reports are made to the Office of Catholic Schools as requested by the Superintendent.
• Special attention should be given to the coordination of curriculum and articulation of student performance expectations between high schools and elementary schools.
• All students are required to have no fewer than 27 credits (units) for graduation from secondary schools.
• A general norm shall be:

Religion/Theology English Mathematics Social Studies Science Foreign Language Technology Fine Arts Physical Education Electives Minimum

4 Credits 4-5 Credits 3 Credits 3.5 Credits 3-3.5 Credits 2 Credits 1 Credit 1 Credit 1 Credit 2 Credits

• Additional credits may be required of students in the Honors Program by local school policy.

Curriculum Information

English

Fine Arts

Language Arts

Mathematics

• Philosopy
• Concept Strands
• Algebra Policy
• Learner Objectives by Strand

Music

• Philosophy
• Content Strands
• Learner Objectives by Strand
• Choir
• High School Band

Physical Education

Religion/Theology

Early Childhood

• Philosophy and Assumptions
• Curriculum Details

High School

• Philosophy
• Student Objectives
• Student Objectives by Strand #1
• Student Objectives by Strand #2
• Student Objectives by Strand #3
• Student Objectives by Strand #4

Science

Social Studies

Technology

World (Foreign) Languages