The curriculum at St. Matthew School is an integrated Christian program where fundamental communication skills are emphasized with a hands - on, minds - on, cyclical method of instruction. Students are taught patterned logical higher - level thinking throughout the disciplines of study. They are instructed to make observations, discern patterns, and apply knowledge through the scientific process of inquiry. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and logical thinking are emphasized daily.
Congruent with this philosophy, authentic literature across the genres and subjects is explored in a highly-motivating approach to learning. Students work as a whole class, in cooperative groups, pairs, and as individuals throughout the day. Religion is an integral part of the daily routine where the highest standards of Christian conduct and character are developed. The primary objective for all students is that they become resourceful problem-solvers and Christian leaders.
Additionally, the fine arts program is designed to foster an interest in and appreciation of the visual and performing arts. Students will participate in a variety of balanced , comprehensive experiences including choral and instrumental music, dance, drama, creative and directed movement. Experiences in the visual arts will incorporate painting, drawing, designing, and creating original art using a variety of media.
Students in the 5th and 6th grade have the option to begin study of a band instrument. Instructors from Father Ryan High School provide this musical experience twice a week during the 5th grade fine arts rotation.
To further enhance and extend the fine arts curriculum at St. Matthew School, Spanish instruction is made available for all grades. Using interactive and cross-curriculum strategies, students in grades K -4 study Spanish once a week, and 5th and 6th grade students receive instruction twice a week during the fine arts rotation.
St. Matthew School regards the development of the whole child as essential and thus provides directed physical education and/or recess daily which is scheduled and supervised.
St. Matthew School curriculum supports every classroom with enhanced technology. Each classroom has 2 to 7 student workstations that are connected to the campus-wide network as well as the internet. In addition, internet access is available on 4 student workstations in the media center.
To challenge our 5th and 6th grade students in the technical world of today, SMS is providing an enriched computer curriculum in which the students will be trained in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Projects will be integrated through this hands-on learning process and allow students to apply advanced computer skills.
Detailed curriculums with specific objectives, skills, and resources used are provided at each grade level by the individual teacher.
Currently registered students who continue to meet school standards and their siblings will be given priority for admission. They will be followed by children of faculty members of St. Matthew School and registered, contributing parishioners of St. Matthew Church. A contributing member is one who is registered, actively participating with time and talent, and financially supporting the parish by signing a yearly pledge card and contributing through the use of the envelope system on a regular basis. Applicants for admission will be given priority in the following order:
1. Siblings of currently enrolled St. Matthew students who meet school standards
2. Children of faculty members of St. Matthew School
3. Registered, contributing parishioners of St. Matthew Church
4. Registered, contributing members of our sister parishes without schools, Holy Family and St. Philip.
5. Registered, contributing members from other Catholic Churches.
6. Non-participating members of St. Matthew, Holy Family, and St. Philip-(will pay non-participating Catholic tuition rate)
7. Non - Catholic Students
All admissions are subject to the approval of the principal and are based the following criteria:
1. Active/contributing parish membership
2. Readiness screening results and ratings (kindergarten students only)
3. Acceptable school records (academic, behavioral, standardized testing, attendance, etc.)
4. Track record of timely tuition payments
Admission for kindergarten students: Students applying for acceptance to kindergarten must be five years of age by September 30th of the year of enrollment verified by a birth certificate. A readiness screening, conducted in January is required for admittance. Screening results, along with the other factors referred to above, are used to determine acceptance. No waiting lists will be established in terms of years. In early March, acceptance letters will be mailed.
Admission for students - Grades 1-6: In January, applications for the fall semester will be accepted. Those entering first grade must be 6 years of age by September 30 and have attended kindergarten. Applications will include current and previous school records and results of any standardized tests taken. A language, math, and writing assessment along with a personal interview will be conducted at St. Matthew School. Past school records, standardized test scores and interview/assessment results, as well as other factors referred to above, are used to determine acceptance. In early March, acceptance letters will be mailed.
Mission Statement
As an extension of the mission of the Church of Saint Matthew to proclaim the message and teachings of Jesus Christ, Saint Matthew School exists to pass on the traditions and teachings of the Catholic faith. Recognizing that parents are the primary educators of their children, the school is committed to sharing the task of nurturing and educating the children spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Through a program of academic excellence, Saint Matthew School provides an environment that promotes the growth of Christian service, leadership, and good citizenship within a welcoming environment.
Philosophy
Saint Matthew School is a Catholic institution dedicated to preparing children for the future. It is our responsibility to integrate religious truth and values as revealed by Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church into every learning experience. This is foundational to our obligation of building community and promoting service to others.
We believe in the worth and dignity of each child. We will create an atmosphere that encourages children to explore special interests and abilities and maximize potential so that they will feel good about themselves, accept other people in the world around them, and make positive contributions to society.
Teaching first and foremost by the witness of our own lives, we help children realize that learning is challenging, fun, and life long for everyone. At Saint Matthew School, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of self-worth in ALL children by teaching and strengthening our faith and letting it permeate everything we do.
"Let the little children come to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of Heaven belongs."
Matthew 19:14
Spiritual Life Program
Message: St. Matthew School will spread the faith by giving our students the message of the gospel and the truths of the Catholic religion. The environment at St. Matthew School will reflect a Christian spirit of love, forgiveness, oneness, family, and faith-community orientation.
Community: Our school community mirrors the larger parish community and joins with it in prayer and social gatherings.
Worship: St. Matthew Catholic School strives to be a worshipping community of faith. To this end, the students will attend mass twice a week, and participate fully with readings and song. Each class will create and broadcast prayer services and/or skits and songs with religious themes to the entire student body via the school’s closed circuit television. In addition, daily morning and afternoon prayers are recited over the intercom for the entire school community. All kindergarten students are assigned a prayer buddy from the 5th and 6th grade who will meet with them regularly throughout the year and share special times with them. Students not of the Catholic faith participate in religious instruction to learn about basic Christian principles and to broaden their education by exposure to Catholic life and doctrine. Parents are expected to uphold and model Christian standards of conduct and discipline. To extend the learning at home, St. Matthew offers family prayer cards that can be used at each evening meal to promote family prayer and commit parents to actively model the faith, values and principles upon which the school is founded.
Accreditation/Affiliation
St. Matthew School is a parochial elementary school with both Diocesan and State approval. St. Matthew offers a strong academic curriculum that follows state and Southern Association standards. The school holds membership in the Diocese of Nashville and the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). Various other professional organizations are held by members of the faculty and staff.
![[Church of St. Matthew Tower]](/home/images/school_logo.jpg){kind=logo}
![[Saint Matthew School]](/home/images/header_school1.gif)
![[Back to Top.]](/home/images/backtotop.gif){kind=small}