CURRICULUM
A Tradition of Academic Excellence
Curriculum Overview
St. Gertrude School offers a rigorous, content-rich curriculum grounded in the Dominican tradition of intellectual formation. Our students are trained to reason carefully, articulate ideas with clarity, and engage with the great questions at the heart of every discipline. With strong foundations in the humanities, mathematics, science, and the arts, they graduate exceptionally well-prepared—formed in both mind and character for the challenges of higher education and the responsibilities of faithful citizenship.
GRADE SPECIFIC
Curriculum Guides
We encourage you to explore our Classical Curriculum Guides below. These resources provide a clear overview of our rigorous classical education from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Curriculum Enhancements
At St. Gertrude School, students benefit from a rich variety of opportunities that cultivate curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning—both inside and beyond the classroom. From faith formation and scientific exploration to the arts and life skills, our enrichment offerings complement the core curriculum and reflect our commitment to developing the whole child.
LATIN
Instruction in Latin at St. Gertrude School is firmly rooted in our mission and identity as a Catholic institution. As the universal and enduring language of the Church, Latin serves as a definitive vessel for expressing doctrine, dogma, and Divine truth. Formal Latin study begins in third grade and continues with increasing frequency and rigor throughout a student’s academic journey. Through this progression, students gain not only linguistic skill but also a stronger sense of belonging to the life and tradition of the Church. Latin forms the mind in clarity, order, and precision, strengthens a student’s understanding and command of English, and lays a strong foundation for the study of additional languages and cultures. Our graduates are well-prepared to pursue advanced language studies and carry with them a rootedness in both the intellectual and spiritual tradition of the Church.
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-inspired approach to faith formation that engages the child, the catechist, and the environment in a unique and contemplative experience. At the heart of this method is the atrium—a thoughtfully prepared space designed to invite wonder and reflection. Here, young children encounter the mystery of God through hands-on materials that illuminate parables, biblical narratives, and elements of the liturgy. Integrated into the life of our school, CGS deepens the spiritual formation of our primary grade students and complements their daily catechetical instruction.
OUTDOOR LEARNING AND STEM
A cohesive and developmentally aligned STEM curriculum spans kindergarten through eighth grade at St. Gertrude School, fostering inquiry, innovation, and wonder. Instruction is rooted in hands-on learning that reinforces academic content while forming students in a Catholic understanding of the world and their role within it.
Our Outdoor Classroom further enriches this experience, offering all grade levels a natural extension of the classroom. Nestled within the wooded landscape of our campus, this space brings science and stewardship to life through activities such as gardening, chicken raising, and environmental exploration. A dedicated, classroom-style structure—accessible by woodland trail—anchors the space, supporting regular instruction amid the beauty of creation. Additionally, our officially registered Monarch Waystation invites students to participate in the care and flourishing of one of God’s most delicate creatures, integrating ecology with a deep sense of responsibility and reverence.