Where is St. Donato School?

The main courses taught at St. Donato School, part of the Independence Mission Schools network, provide a robust Catholic education for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The curriculum integrates faith formation with rigorous academics to develop well-rounded individuals committed to service and excellence.

• Religion: Core to the program, this course includes daily prayer, study of the Bible, Catholic teachings on sacraments, morality, and social justice. Students participate in Mass, service projects, and preparation for milestones like First Reconciliation and Eucharist, fostering a deep spiritual foundation that guides ethical decision-making throughout life.
• English Language Arts: Emphasizing literacy and communication, classes cover phonics, reading strategies, comprehension of diverse texts, creative and expository writing, grammar rules, and vocabulary expansion. Through literature circles, debates, and journaling, students build critical thinking, empathy, and articulation skills essential for future success.
• Mathematics: Aligned with Common Core standards, instruction progresses from basic number sense and operations in early grades to advanced topics like fractions, decimals, geometry, pre-algebra, data analysis, and probability. Hands-on manipulatives, problem-solving challenges, and real-world applications ensure conceptual understanding and mathematical fluency.
• Science: Inquiry-based learning explores biology, chemistry, physics, earth and space sciences through experiments, observations, and projects. Topics include ecosystems, weather patterns, forces of motion, and human anatomy, promoting scientific literacy and curiosity about the natural world created by God.
• Social Studies: This discipline teaches history, geography, economics, and civics, from local Philadelphia community to global perspectives. Students learn about American founders, world cultures, government structures, and current events, cultivating informed citizenship and respect for diversity.
• Spanish: Beginning in elementary levels, courses introduce basic vocabulary, grammar, conversational skills, and cultural insights into Hispanic traditions, enhancing bilingual capabilities and global awareness in line with the Church's missionary outreach.
• Physical Education: Weekly sessions focus on motor skills development, team sports like soccer and basketball, fitness routines, nutrition education, and healthy lifestyle habits, building physical resilience and teamwork.
• Art: Students engage in drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media, exploring techniques inspired by famous artists and Catholic iconography, to express creativity and emotions.
• Music: Covering vocal training, instrument basics (recorders, ukuleles), rhythm, theory, and choral performances, including hymns and seasonal songs, to appreciate beauty and participate in worship.
• Technology and STEM: Integrated across subjects, this includes coding, robotics, digital citizenship, research tools, and engineering design challenges, preparing students for a tech-driven world.
• Character Education and Health: Lessons on virtues, anti-bullying, emotional intelligence, and wellness complement academics, supported by counseling and family engagement programs.

Extracurriculars like clubs, sports, and field trips to museums and historical sites enrich the experience. Teachers employ personalized learning plans, assessments, and faith-infused methods to support diverse learners, aiming for 100% high school readiness. With small class sizes and a nurturing environment, St. Donato equips students to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially in Philadelphia's vibrant community.