Academic Overview

Academic Program 

St. Agnes Catholic Academy is a co-educational school that educates students from PreK-2 to 8th grade. Our school is FL. Accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference, and St. Agnes Catholic Academy is a ministry of St. Agnes Catholic Parish. We pride ourselves in challenging our students intellectually by teaching them a rigorous academic program, while at the same time, enriching our them spiritually and morally through our faith formation program. We nurture a culturally diverse student body of over 500 students, promoting a global perspective within our vibrant island community. Our academic curriculum requires students to take courses in Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Additionally, we offer specialized programs including Academic Pullout, access to Early Childhood Therapy, High School Dual Enrollment courses.

Our commitment to individualized attention is reflected in our small class size of 24-26 students and our teacher-student ratios are designed to create the ideal learning environment for every child:

  • PreK 2: 6 students to 1 teacher

  • PreK 3: 9 students to 1 teacher

  • PreK 4: 10 students to 1 teacher

  • Kinder: 12.5 students to 1 teacher

  • 1st-4th: 13 students to 1 teacher

  • 5th-8th grade: 26 students to 1 teacher

 

Testing & Grading

Using a combination of formative and summative assessments, teachers progress monitor student learning and differentiate instruction in order to meet each student's learning needs to achieve grade-level standards.  Our grading scale reflects our high standards, preparing students thoroughly for their academic futures.

  • A:  100 – 90

  • B:   89 – 80

  • C:   79 – 70

  • D:   69 – 60

  • F:    59 and below

Standardized Testing

We assess the academic progress of students from kindergarten through 8th grade annually using Terranova standardized tests. These assessments measure each student's achievement and growth, providing predictive data to ensure that each child is meeting their grade-level standards and reaching their highest learning potential.  

Technological Resources

St. Agnes actively integrates technology into the everyday learning environment. We utilize the latest educational technology tools, including a one-to-one iPad program in middle school, as well as computers and interactive SMART boards in each classroom. Our goal is to provide students with an understanding of the technological culture that is evident in their daily lives, and help them acquire necessary technical skills through real-world application.

Academic Support

We support students from PK through 4th Grade with individualized services designed to help every child thrive.

  • PK–2nd Grade: We provide opportunities for students to receive individualized therapies during the school day. All therapists are screened, pre-approved, and cleared by the school.

  • 1st–4th Grade: We offer a co-teacher program where an ESE-certified teacher works alongside the classroom teacher in English, Language Arts, and Math. This includes meeting individualized learning plan requirements, offering differentiated instruction to support students who need additional help, and providing enrichment for advanced learners.

Graduates From St. Agnes

Graduates from St. Agnes consistently gain acceptance at prestigious high schools such as: Immaculata La Salle High School, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Christopher Columbus High School, Gulliver Preparatory School, Palmer Trinity School, Ransom Everglades, and The Cushman School, among others.

 

We invite you to explore St. Agnes Catholic Academy and consider joining our faith-filled community that prepares young leaders for a lifetime of success. Discover how our strong academic foundation, rooted in Catholic values of faith, morals, and service, shape our students into virtuous citizens of the world.

Academic Achievements

Principal’s Honor Roll           

  • 95 – 100 in the core subject areas (religion, language arts, reading, mathematics, social studies, and science)

  • A’s in all non-core subjects

  • No minuses “-“on Grade Level Standards and Active Learner Traits

1st Honors                              

  • 93 – 100 in the core subject areas (religion, language arts, reading, mathematics, social studies, and science)

  • B grades in all non-core subjects

  • No minuses “-“on Grade Level Standards and Active Learner Traits

2nd Honors                             

  • 85 – 100 in the core subject areas (religion, language arts, reading, mathematics, social studies, and science)

  • B grades in all non-core subjects

  • No minuses “-“on Grade Level Standards and Active Learner Traits

Curriculum

  • Faith Formation

    All St. Agnes Academy students have Religion instruction daily. Sacramental preparation is an integral part of the religious curriculum. Children in second grade prepare for and receive the sacraments of First Confession and First Holy Communion. Children in eighth grade prepare for and receive the sacrament of Confirmation. In addition, students in grades third through eighth who have already received the sacrament of First Holy Communion may assist as altar servers at Mass.

    As a school community, we celebrate Mass together each Wednesday and on important feast days and holy days. Students actively participate in the choir ministry, and help prepare for the school's special Masses marking Veterans' Day, All Saints' Day, Thanksgiving, and other holy days. Our students also attend spiritual retreats every year to to expand their religious knowledge, and deepen their faith and relationship with God.

    Penitential services for students are conducted twice each year. In addition, days of reflection are set aside for the faculty and students.

    St. Agnes Academy's motto of JOY (Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last) is integrated into everything we do. We focus on educating our students not only academically, but also on teaching them the importance of giving back to our community and those in need by firsthand experience.

  • Language Arts

    The language arts curriculum integrates all facets of the language arts components to include literature/reading, composition, vocabulary, oral language, information literacy, and study skills. Emphasis is given to developing students' writing skills across the curriculum and project-based learning.

    The language arts curriculum spirals as students progress from one grade level to another and includes supplemental programs such as Accelerated Reader (Kinder-5th Grade) and writing portfolios. Higher-order critical thinking, along with technology instruction, permeates the curriculum.

  • Math

    Our math curriculum builds a strong foundation in basic skills through hands-on activities in the early childhood grades, advancing to Algebra in middle school.

    We also offer Algebra I Honors with dual enrollment, allowing qualified students to earn high school credit.

  • Science

    The science curriculum is inquiry based following the steps of the scientific method. To meet individual student's needs, instruction is differentiated using various reading levels and lab activities.

    Students work collaboratively through project-based learning to arrive at creative solutions to real world problems. They participate in opportunities such as the Key Challenge, Exploravision and the Fairchild Challenge.

  • Social Studies

    The social studies curriculum encourages students to be active and compassionate members of society while developing insight in the areas of history, culture, geography, and current events.

    The students from early childhood through eighth grade participate in a wide variety of multicultural performances and special events showcasing the school's international school population.

  • Spanish

    Our Spanish program is taught to students from Kinder through 8th Grade and is designed to build strong language skills and cultural understanding throughout their time in our Academy.

    Our Spanish curriculum focuses on developing their proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading, and conversational skills in order to form fully bilingual students. Our goal is to foster Spanish language fluency and cultural appreciation through an age-appropriate learning approach.

  • STREAM

    St. Agnes’ STREAM Lab includes an integrated curriculum for students in kindergarten through 8th grades. STREAM is a curriculum based on six specific disciplines – science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and mathematics. The program uses an interdisciplinary approach, and helps students to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

    With the smartlab® curriculum, students are able to explore STREAM concepts through applied technology and project-based learning. This important resource further enhances the students’ academic experience at St. Agnes. When students explore the STREAM lab, the possibilities are endless.

  • Physical Education

    Physical education is required for all students. The goal of St. Agnes Academy’s physical education program is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, values, and enthusiasm to maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.

    All students from 2nd through 8th grade take physical education classes twice a week. Our physical education classes include activities that help our students to develop general physical condition, athletic skills, motor skills and coordination, teambuilding, practice team sports, and foster an environment of inclusivity, respect, healthy competition, and sportsmanship.

    The sports program has been very successful, winning championships in various sports through the years. The physical education content area establishes the competencies and skills necessary for students to be physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially educated.

  • Music

    Music is offered to all students from PK through 8th grade. Our music classes introduce students to the universal language of music, fostering creativity, cooperation, intellectual flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

    Each grade also participates in the school choir ministry, contributing to the celebration of weekly school Masses.

  • Art

    Art is taught to all prekindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. The art program provides the students with an array of experiences by exposing them to different media, including but not limited to, watercolors, acrylics, oil pastels, modeling clay, textiles, yarn work, sculptures, and book making.

    Furthermore, with access to educational resources linked with the Internet and the availability of SMART board interactive whiteboard technologies, the students explore museums throughout the world, learning about famous artists and their artwork in depth.

    The art teacher collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure that classroom lessons can be enhanced by the curriculum.

  • Standardized Testing

    Students at St. Agnes Catholic Academy participate in the standardized testing program required by the Archdiocese of Miami.

    i-Ready Assessment: Administered three times a year in Kindergarten through 8th Grade to help determine placement and support data-driven instruction.

    TerraNova: Administered each spring in Kindergarten through 8th Grade to measure academic growth from the previous year.

    ARK Test: Assesses students in theological education to track their growth in understanding God’s Word.

SCHOOL COUNSELING

Our school's counseling department supports students through every stage of their time at St. Agnes, with dedicated counselors for elementary and middle school grades. The counseling program is committed to serve students in the following areas: academic, personal, spiritual, and social. The goal is to educate students through the teaching of specific life skills. Counseling services include classroom guidance, individual counseling, conflict resolution, and team approach.