Academics

Catholic Religion
Catholic Religion is of the utmost importance since the primary purpose of our school is spiritual and religious in its outlook and orientation. Religion is taught daily and is assessed in the forms of “product” and “performance.”  In addition to understanding the history and teachings of our Catholic faith, we expect students to demonstrate their knowledge by applying their faith in daily living.  The faculty and staff at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School model strong Catholic values and nuture empathy, peace, and love among students through daily interactions.


Core Curricular Areas
Emphasis is placed on the proper development and mastery of reading skills, process writing, grammar skills and creative expression, mathematical skills, problem solving, scientific concepts, and social studies skills. The Archdiocese has specific religion standards that are addressed at each grade level, and the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Archdiocese, has specific academic standards in all other content areas. These standards, known as the Indiana Academic Standards, serve as the foundation of all instruction at Holy Name School.

Of course, we pride ourselves at HNS on the depth and breadth with which our students understand and apply what they learn.  Check out our ISTEP+ scores!  Our results show that our students perform well above the state average with a passing rate of more than 88%.  Our rigorous standards are reflected in the yearly growth demonstrated by our students on NWEA/MAP assessments and through classroom performance.  While we are pleased with the growth of our students, all teachers participate regularly in professional development and find ways to further challenge and support learners as we reach for further success.

Allied Arts
All students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 participate in Art, Music, Physical Education, Library, and Technology weekly. Here are a few highlights from this past school year:
  • Students PK-5th grade enjoyed a visit from former IZOD IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher. She shared about her life in racing and read Hot Rod Hamster by Cynthia Lord.
  • Art students created lovely turkey centerpieces for our All-School Thanksgiving luncheon. Once school families arrived, they added feathers to the turkeys with notes that indicated gifts for which they are grateful.
  • During the PK – Grade 5 Christmas program, fourth and fifth graders played recorders, chimes, and bells in addition to singing and performing with the other students.
  • Seventh grade students chatted with PK via Skype, connecting to groups who rarely see each other during the normal school day.
  • Fifth graders are part of Peyton Manning’s Project 18 Health project. Our P.E. teacher, Nurse, Social Worker, and classroom teacher are collaborating with each other to help our students learn about social, emotional, and physical health with resources from this great project!
    • The teachers in each of these curricular areas collaborate weekly to find ways to incorporate problem solving, reading comprehension, process writing, and Catholic identity into their curriculum. From journal writing after Colts Fitness Day in Physical Education to book creations for younger students in Technology, teachers make the content meaningful and relevant.
    Allied Arts
    Middle School students may choose from three electives:
    • ALEKS is an independent study time in the technology lab for students to use ALEKS, a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system that allows students to master math skills at their own pace.
    • Essential Skills is focused on teaching good study habits and exploring students’ natural learning styles.
    • World Perspectives students use UpFront Magazine and current events to analyze and understand the social teachings of the Catholic Church and the connection between those teachings and our role as Christian leaders throughout the world.

    • Upcoming Events

      • March 1, 2012Early Release - Dismissal at 1:30
      • March 23, 2012Spring Break!
      • March 26, 2012Spring Break!
      • March 27, 2012Spring Break!
      • March 28, 2012Spring Break!