Early Childhood Through Grade 8 Amsterdam, New York
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
ACADEMICS
St. Mary's Institute is AdvancED accredited. Our academic program, Early Childhood through Grade 8, complies with the New York State Department of Education and Board of Regents directives. The close-knit bond of family and faculty at St. Mary’s Institute provides the students with an environment centered on quality learning.
NEXT GENERATION LEARNING
SMI integrates next-generation learning into every school day. The school offers student-centered, interdisciplinary connections between STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) and standard curriculum. For example: Social Studies could be learning about the American Civil War while the literature class is researching and designing a Civil War Newspaper. Science could be incubating chicken eggs, while charting of the hatching is graphed on a frequency table in Math.
Comprehensive 21st Century learning opportunities are abundant at SMI. Classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, iPads, Chromebooks, and other educational devices, promoting technology literacy and preparing students for high school and beyond.
FAITH FORMATION
St. Mary’s Institute follows the Catholic teaching and doctrine. Religion classes are taught from K-8, and special religious programs are held at age-appropriate levels. Through a partnership with Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, The Second Step is one such program that is designed to develop daily faith by living a moral life.
On holy days, we celebrate as a Catholic community with Masses held on-site. Prayers are regularly practiced every day, and religious items decorate all rooms. Students at St. Mary’s are taught to show respect, have a loving attitude, and behave as Jesus did. Our faith is evident in our daily routine and our interaction with each other.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
St. Mary’s is a home away from home for all of its students. Early Childhood is a great start for children to get acquainted to an academic setting with full-day or half-day offerings. In the Early Childhood classroom, we introduce students to academics through circle time, group and individual projects, structured and free play. Our students also attend music, art, library, computer and physical education classes. St. Mary’s Early Childhood program promotes key developmental abilities that fortify each child into a well-rounded student. Through a school setting, each child will learn valuable social skills through play, as well as an educational foundation through a set curriculum.
3-YEAR-OLD PROGRAM
Children must be toilet trained and 3 years of age by December 1.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Children entering the 4-year-old pre-kindergarten program must be 4 years of age by December 1.
PRIMARY GRADES
KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 5
At St. Mary’s Institute, the primary grades work toward developing motivated, confident, and independent students. Each year, we build upon the previous year’s learning with a well-planned curriculum. Our teachers work together to develop and implement a personalized, well-rounded course of study. We believe that, “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
KINDERGARTEN
Children entering Kindergarten must be 5 years of age by December 1.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
GRADES 6 THROUGH 8
St. Mary’s has four core teachers who function as part of a whole. Together, they work collaboratively to mold a healthy, successful, Christian student. All core content areas are enmeshed.