Curriculum at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

At Our Lady of Lourdes, curriculum is so much more than textbooks and lesson plans—it’s a philosophy, a way of teaching and learning that shapes how our students grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

How we teach is just as important as what we teach. Learning isn’t about memorizing facts to pass a test. It’s about understanding, thinking critically, and applying knowledge to real life. That’s why our curriculum is designed to engage students in meaningful ways, making learning active, relevant, and lasting.

We follow the Florida State Standards (which can be found on CPALMS—link available on our homepage), but as a Catholic school, we don’t stop there. We stretch beyond these benchmarks to promote deeper understanding, encouraging students to connect their learning to faith, morality, and the world around them. Education here isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about wisdom, integrity, and action.

A Fully Integrated Approach to Learning

Great teaching isn’t confined to a textbook or a single subject at a time. Catholic schools have always understood that learning is most powerful when subjects are woven together, and we live that truth every day.

We incorporate STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) into our classrooms, but not in a separate lab. We don’t need designated spaces for STEM, STREAM, technology, or science to make them meaningful. Instead, we bring learning to life in every classroom, through hands-on projects, cross-curricular connections, and real-world applications.

From manipulatives that make math tangible to flexible seating that allows students to choose a workspace that best supports their focus, our classrooms are designed for engagement. We use a variety of teaching models—direct instruction for clarity, collaborative learning for teamwork, group projects for problem-solving, and independent work for personal growth. This balance ensures that every child learns in a way that fits them best.

Learning Happens in Motion, Too

We believe that active minds need active bodies. Research—and common sense—tell us that children learn best when they have time to move, reset, and recharge. That’s why all students enjoy recess twice a day. These breaks aren’t just for fun (though they are fun!). They are an essential part of how we care for our students’ brains and bodies, ensuring they return to the classroom ready to focus, think creatively, and engage deeply with their learning.

A Shared Philosophy on Teaching and Learning

At Our Lady of Lourdes, our entire faculty embraces a common vision of what great teaching and learning should look like. We believe:

• Learning should be interactive and engaging, not passive.
• Students should see the connections between subjects and how they apply to their daily lives.
• Every child learns differently, and a variety of teaching strategies should be used to meet them where they are.
• Faith isn’t just a class—it’s woven into everything we do, shaping the way we think, learn, and treat one another.

When students leave our school, they don’t just leave with knowledge—they leave with wisdom, faith, confidence, and a foundation that prepares them for a lifetime of success. That’s what great Catholic education is all about.