Curriculum:

      The curriculum at Our Lady of Mercy school is based on the Christian principle, "to teach as Jesus taught"; that is with love, concern, dedication, and understanding. Through Him, teachers, clergy, parents and students cooperate to bring forth each child's potential -- spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally.

The school encourages respect for life, a thirst for life-long learning, and a challenging curriculum that strives to exercise each student's maximum potential. The school's academic training is distinguished in its focus upon student research and communication, through the use of library resources and computer skills, in coordination with classroom instruction.

      The study of science and mathematics leads the learners from the practical and the concrete to the abstract. Physical involvement, the use of manipulative materials and visual aids are employed to this end. Science lessons are often initiated with inquiry and experimentation.

      Instruction in art and music aims to promote the student's creativity and imaginative self-expression. The school desires to develop the student's appreciation and promotion of wholesome artistic endeavors; to regard them indispensable to the psycho/spiritual well being.

Practical skill application is emphasized in the mastery of language arts, reading, social studies, foreign language and computer education. Instruction employs oral and written practice of language, phonetics and writing. Thematic units provide context and meaning in the study of children's literature and social studies enhancing student interest and understanding.

      The school believes that the student's sense of personal responsibility is fostered when the child is encouraged and expected to take care of his or her duties, according to the child's stage of development. Therefore, parents are asked to refrain from bringing to school forgotten homework, lunches, etc. Please notify the school office and the school will handle the matter appropriately .

      Prayer and worship are vital to the child's education Religious studies, worship and faith application are required for all students regardless of creed. Religion is taught daily. In addition to the religion text, the Family Life program by Benziger is part of the curriculum. School wide Mass attendance occurs on the first Friday of each month and on holy days of obligation which coincide with days that school is in session. During Lent the children attend Mass one day each week.During Advent and Lent the students in grades three through eight receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during school

      The school strives to deepen the student's personal relationship with Jesus and other persons by building a unified community of faith and love. Religious instruction offers a better understanding of the faith and teaching of the Catholic Church. That which is fostered in school should be reinforced by Mass attendance each weekend and the practice of daily prayer at home. Non-Catholics and children who have not received the sacrament of Holy Eucharist do not receive Holy Communion when at Mass. They do participate in song and spoken prayer.