ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY AND CURRICULUM
Where rigorous meets real world: At St. Peter Catholic School, we pride ourselves on academic excellence with practical applications. Our integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum allows students to not just learn, but also apply the knowledge they receive here, leaving them well-prepared for high school — and life.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
WITH REAL-WORLD RETURNS
Saint Peter Catholic School is extremely proud of its rigorous academic tradition as a school of excellence, following and exceeding the curriculum guidelines as established by the Diocese of Raleigh and the State of North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Our goal is to meet the needs of students beyond their time at St. Peter’s by setting an academic foundation that lasts a lifetime.
And the results speak for themselves: Our students consistently score above the national average in standardized test results.
But we’re even more proud of the results that can’t be quantified: Our well-rounded and faith-filled alumni, who take the rigorous academic foundation they received here and use it to lead, serve, and change the world for decades to come.
CORE ACADEMIC PILLARS AT SPCS
Faith Beyond Religion Class
Integrated STREAM Learning
Whole Person Development
Teach Beyond Textbooks
In other words, your student will be challenged and stretched to reach their full potential — but they’ll have so much fun doing it, they’ll fall in love with learning for life.
“I think St. Peter does a great job of making school fun for kids while teaching them about serious matters and expectations. I’m grateful for the professionalism and dedication of each teacher and staff member employed at SPCS. They exemplify virtuous character in everything they do, which teaches our children about authenticity and how our actions matter, not just words.”
– Elizabeth Leonard, SPCS Parent
ACADEMIC FOCUS AREAS
WELL-ROUNDED CURRICULUM
FOR WELL-ROUNDED STUDENTS
Our core curriculum includes Math, English/Language Arts, Religion, Science, and Social Studies. In addition to these standard academic classes, all students take classes in Physical Education, Spanish, Art, Music, and Computer Skills during the entire school year, offering continuous instruction.
Here’s a bit more about some of our academic focuses:
ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM
Reading is at the heart of a child’s education, and we strive to foster a love of learning at an early age that will grow over the years. Accelerated Reader is a computer program designed to help our teachers and librarian manage a child’s independent reading. The child picks a book at his or her own level and reads it in their free time. The child will then take a short quiz on a computer to ensure he or she understood the content of the book. The quiz results help teachers set goals for the child to continue their reading practice.
The Accelerated Reader program allows children to choose what book they want to read. This makes reading more enjoyable than if they have specific books assigned to them. You can learn more about the program by clicking here.
WRITING
Across disciplines, we also place a large focus on developing strong writers. No matter what field your student goes into, being able to communicate well is essential. Our entire curriculum emphasizes a thorough knowledge of grammar and writing skills.
READ WITH ME
Saint Peter Catholic School welcomes a furry friend to campus once a week — Sophia!
Sophia and her human, Dr. Bonnie Mani from East Carolina University, are part of a national program, Pet Partners. They have been trained and certified together to qualify Sophia as a therapy dog. Sophia works with ECU students, as well as visiting with students from our school.
The students read, discuss, and share connections to their chosen books. Many books have dog themes. They give Sophia treats and learn how to approach and pet her.
This program is all about the love and diversity of reading, and the motivation of reading more in our day. Many students have shown great improvement in their reading skills as a result.
MATH CURRICULUM
Students in First Grade through Fifth Grade learn math using the Savvas enVisions Mathematics program and curriculum. Our faculty researched multiple math programs and selected Savvas Experience Math for the program’s ability to deepen understanding of math concepts, develop real world applications and connections, and develop math vocabulary. The faculty was particularly impressed with how the program spiraled through each grade level and prepared them for advanced Mathematics in middle school and beyond.
2022-23 STANDARDIZED TEST RESULTS
…all of which is ABOVE the national average!
WHAT ABOUT STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING?
We don’t just challenge students without working with them to succeed at meeting those high academic standards! In addition to our incredibly dedicated faculty, we also have an on-site Learning Resources Center, guidance counselor, and instructional specialists. We will work with students and parents to create a plan and ensure each student has the opportunity to reach his or her highest potential.
"EDUCATIONAL HEAD START"
SPCS instilled in me a great work ethic, helped me to develop strong study habits, and gave me the educational head start I needed in high school.
-Kaki Thorell, SPCS Class of 2014, ECU Chancellor’s Fellow
"SAFE, LOVED, AND CHALLENGED"
The curriculum is well thought out and challenging and the teachers do an excellent job of explaining concepts/ communicating expectations. The administration is engaged and passionate about the students. Our children are safe, loved and challenged. We could not be happier.
– Kylie and Jeremy Cucinella, SPCS Parents
"DETERMINATION TO DO WELL"
I feel that SPCS prepared me for academics as it has established in me a strong work ethic and a determination to do well, and strengthened my faith life going into high school.
– Hannah Singleton, SPCS Class of 2014 and current SPCS First Grade teacher
GRADING AND STANDARDIZED TESTING
HAVE QUESTIONS?
CONTACT US!
For questions about admissions, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@spcsnc.net
