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Preschool through Middle School
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Academics

Wauwatosa Catholic provides our students with a rigorous and quality education in: 
  • English / Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Religion
  • Physical Education
  • Foreign Language (Spanish)
  • Music
  • Art
  • Library Media / Technology

Our curriculum is based on standards established by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee including the Common Core State Standards. Archdiocesan Curriculum Details for grades K5-8 can be accessed below.

Wauwatosa Catholic School is fully accredited by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation. In June 2014 Wauwatosa Catholic School received authorization to become Wisconsin's first Catholic elementary school to have an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

At Wauwatosa Catholic School we are committed to caring for the whole child, by providing a secure and nurturing school environment in which each child’s unique talents are recognized and respected and each and every student is encouraged to develop his or her potential. We are committed to providing an environment that fosters spiritual and moral growth as well as academic progress.
 
 

Grade Specific Curriculum

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has developed Grade Specific Catholic Education Curriculum (click on grade level below) to identify key religious education concepts for each grade level (1-8). Curriculum guides for parents were developed so schools and parents could identify what we want our students to know and be able to do at the end of each grade based on national state and local standards.

What is a Curriculum Guide?

Academic excellence is a hallmark of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. To assist schools in maintaining academic excellence, the archdiocese's Office for Schools has developed curriculum guides for grades 4K-8 that identify what we want our students to know and be able to do  at the end of each grade based on national, state, and local standards. With these guidelines as a template, each individual school develops a plan to clearly articulate what is taught, how it is taught, and how student achievement is assessed for each grade. This process of "fine tuning" results in a school specific standards based curriculum that guides teaching and learning.

Each Curriculum Guide lists characteristics of that grade level, expectations, English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Tips for how to help your child at home are also included.

 

Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)

One tool that Wauwatosa Catholic School uses to learn about our students is the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS).  All students in grades K5-8 are given the assessment each spring (grades 3, 5, and 7 are required). Standardized achievement tests measure how much students have already learned about a school subject. Wauwatosa Catholic School uses these standardized tests to tell how our students are doing academically and to give teachers a picture of the skills and abilities of their students. Standardized testing also helps teachers and administrators make decisions regarding the instructional programs.

Please keep in mind that standardized test scores are only one indicator of a child's ability and achievement in a variety of subject areas. As a school, we assess each student's progress and potential through a variety of formal and informal ways; including observations, evaluation of individual and group work as well as individual subject assessments. By taking all of these assessments into account, we are able to have a more comprehensive understanding of their academic achievement. Please contact the Wauwatosa Catholic School office with any questions at (414) 258-9977 or click here to learn more information on the testing.

Overall, Wauwatosa Catholic School is very pleased with the results of the ITBS. As a school, we are committed to using these test results to determine the strengths of our curriculum, as well as modify curriculum that may need to be revised or improved in order to better meet the needs of our students.