Academics

Officially recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society

SMA is one of only four California elementary schools recommended for faithful commitment to Catholic teaching, and academic excellence. This recognition expresses the mission entrusted to us: forming the whole person through an education rooted in Christ, uniting intellectual excellence with conscience, character, and faith.

Why the Newman Guide Matters

Literature

Literature forms both the intellect and the imagination. Stella Maris students encounter works of enduring literary merit that introduce them to memorable characters, noble ideals, moral conflict, beautiful language, and the great questions of human life.

Grammar & Writing

Students develop strong reading and writing foundations through phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and handwriting. As they advance, the Well-Ordered Language and Writing & Rhetoric programs teach English grammar, sentence structure, narration, composition, and persuasive argument. Memorization and recitation of poetry and Psalms further cultivate clarity, confidence, and a love of language.

Math

Through the Eureka Math curriculum, students progress from counting, place value, and basic arithmetic to multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, statistics, and algebra. Instruction emphasizes the memorization of essential math facts, regular practice, step-by-step reasoning, and the ability to explain how a problem is solved. Upper grades work with linear equations, systems of equations, polynomials, and quadratic functions, developing both mathematical confidence and the foundation for advanced study.

Latin Studies

Children are introduced to Latin through Catholic prayers and traditional hymns. Third grade and fourth grade students develop a strong foundation in Latin through vocabulary study, grammar, reading aloud, written translation, and the memorization of grammatical forms. Latin strengthens English vocabulary and grammar, prepares students to learn other languages, sharpens logical thinking, and opens a window into the Church’s prayers, sacred music, and intellectual tradition.

Science

Students explore astronomy, geology, biology, botany, zoology, ecology, chemistry, and physics through age-appropriate observation, experimentation, and hands-on discovery. Younger students study the natural world by growing plants and observing butterflies and other living creatures, while older students conduct experiments, identify plants, perform dissections, and participate in science fairs. Throughout the curriculum, students learn to investigate the order and beauty of creation with curiosity, precision, and wonder.

History

Students study ancient civilizations, medieval Christendom, the Renaissance, exploration, California history, and the development of the United States. They learn through historical narratives, biographies, maps, timelines, primary sources, and historical fiction. Older students engage directly with important speeches and documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and writings by figures such as Socrates, St. Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc, and Frederick Douglass. History becomes a living encounter with the people, ideas, and events that shaped our world.

Theology

Through the Spirit of Truth (Sophia Institute) religion curriculum and the Faith and Life series (Ignatius Press), students encounter the faith through study of Scripture and Catholic doctrine, Church history, lives of the saints and study of sacred art. Younger students learn foundational truths such as the Trinity and prepare for the sacraments, while older students study biblical interpretation, moral responsibility, and the relationship between faith and daily life.

Art History & Art

SMA offers an exciting and varied art curriculum, students are exposed to a range of mediums and complete many projects throughout the year. Annual highlights include our patriotic art show in honor of Veteran’s Day, our Christmas art show, the Marian art show in May. SMA’s art history course, beginning in 2nd grade, is rigorous and comprehensive. Major art movements are explained through the study of significant works of art and students complete a year long journal of hand drawn masterpiece copies, notated with artist names, titles, and dates.

Virtues in Practice

SMA offers coursework in cultivating the virtues, introducing our students to essential moral principles through age-appropriate activities. Grounded in timeless Christian wisdom, these lessons encourage positive habits, self-reflection, and practical ways to live out virtues on a daily basis. Developed by master educators, our virtues program blends faith formation and character building to help young learners flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Great Books Curriculum

Our Great Books curriculum introduces students to foundational works of the Western intellectual tradition - children engage directly with primary texts arranged in a structured sequence, accompanied by Socratic seminars that encourage analytical thinking.

Sample Reading Lists

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Billy and Blaze by C.W. Anderson
The Story about Ping by Marjorie Flack
Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Animal Folktales of America
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Wind and the Willows by Kenneth Grahme
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Call of the Wild by Jack London
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Henry V by Shakespeare
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Experiential Learning

Stella Maris is located in the heart of San Francisco, with ready access to all of the wonderful experiential learning opportunities that the City provides. Our students are within walking distance of Golden Gate Park, the Academy of Science, as well as the Presidio. Annual destinations include the Legion of Honor art museum, the Opera House, Old Mission Dolores, and sailing on the Bay.