It is the mission of Divine Mercy Academy to enable all children to develop their unique, individual potential by blending knowledge and faith to become leaders of tomorrow.

  The curriculum at Divine Mercy Academy is consistent with the philosophy of education, which recognizes the value of the person. In keeping with the students’ individuality, the core curriculum provides content and instructional levels based on students’ abilities and performances. Diversity necessitates that instruction for all students take place individually or in small groups. In reading and math, the sequential and continuous development of skill is based on the Pittsburgh Diocesan Guidelines for continuous growth.

  The classroom teacher is encouraged to effectively utilize the auxiliary services available for providing appropriate levels and modes of instruction. The teacher identifies students in need of special assistance or motivation, and with the principal, arranges for them to be enrolled in either remedial or enrichment classes.
 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

  Divine Mercy Academy uses a Spanish teacher in grades kindergarten through eight. It is weekly instructional lessons that allow students in grade one to understand basic vocabulary words and expressions, along with responses to simple questions and commands. In grade two, there is continued emphasis on listening and speaking skills. The program increases in content as the students progress through the curriculum to grade three, where the scope widens to include the Spanish alphabet and exploration of how to spell different sounds. In grades four, five, and six, the students read and write in Spanish. 

LANGUAGE ARTS

  The language arts program includes phonetic development, English, reading, spelling and handwriting. English and spelling are taught through grammatical and literature-based methods. We implement the Diocese of Pittsburgh guidelines in every aspect of the language arts program. Proper handwriting techniques are practiced and taught daily. The reading program offers various forms of literature to develop an understanding and respect for people of all ages and backgrounds. The development of reading and phonetic skills are improved through the reading program. Vocabulary, oral reading, predicting, and summarizing are some skills stressed in this area of the curriculum. These skills are facilitated through whole class, small group, and individual instruction. A variety of activities encompass each student’s individual learning style and ability level.
 

MUSIC

  All students in grades K-8 attend music classes once or twice a week, depending on grade level. During music class, we use all kinds of instruments to learn the fundamentals of music, including drums, xylophones, recorders, and most importantly, our singing voices!  Often we use movement and games to reinforce and practice musical concepts. At the middle school level, there is an additional focus on world music, composers, and American popular music.

  Every December, we present our Christmas Program in St. Bernadette Church.  In this annual event, we celebrate the birth of our Savior through musical performances by each class.

Students in grades 5-8 can join band, which meets during school time. This year we have an Advanced Band and a Beginning Band. The Advanced Band has five members in grades 7 & 8. The Beginning Band has ten members in grades 5-8.  Small group lessons and rehearsals are offered weekly on flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or percussion. Our band presents two concerts each year, in December and May.
 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

  All students are required to take physical education classes either once or twice a week, depending on grade level. Students develop motor skills, become aware of health-related fitness components, and engage in a variety of physical activities. 

RELIGION

  In accordance with our philosophy of providing a Christian atmosphere of learning and developing the whole person, prayer is a central part of our day at all grade levels. Our students begin each day with a prayer. A variety of materials and resources, such as scripture stories, class discussions, projects and prayer services, are employed to foster both spiritual growth and moral development. In addition, each grade level participates in a service project to benefit the local community. Students attend Liturgy once a week, and grades three through eight participate in these Liturgies as lectors, altar servers, cantors or musicians. Parents are always welcome at the School Liturgies.

SCIENCE

  Students are taught the inquiry methods and the use of the scientific method. Areas of study in science include life science, physical science, earth science and the human body. Students engage in hands-on science experiments in the classroom and in the designated science laboratory. The goal of the science program is to develop thinking skills that will serve students in becoming better problem solvers and intellectual decision-makers.

SOCIAL STUDIES

  In the primary grades, the social studies curriculum emphasizes people, neighborhoods and communities in our world. The students acquire a basic knowledge of mapping skills, geography and history. Intermediate grades are taught United States geography and history. In fourth grade, there is an emphasis on the history and geography of Pennsylvania. American history is studied in grade five, and world geography in grade six. Students in grade seven study United States history up to the Civil War, and eighth-grade students study history from the Civil War to the present. At all grade levels, geography, history, economics, civics and multicultural awareness are key elements that are explored.
 

TECHNOLOGY

Divine Mercy Academy follows the Diocesan Elementary Curriculum Guidelines for technology instruction.

Kindergarten to Grade 2

Skills:
Students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 learn basic computer skills. They are introduced to common hardware such as the keyboard, mouse, and monitor. They practice simple operations, including turning a computer on and off and opening or closing applications. At this level, students also begin developing basic typing skills and learn to recognize and use simple software such as drawing programs and educational games.

Digital Citizenship:
Students explore the concept of online safety and learn to identify appropriate and inappropriate content. They also practice basic internet navigation with guidance from an adult.

Innovation:
Students use digital tools to create simple projects such as digital drawings or storybooks. They are introduced to basic coding concepts through visual programming languages like ScratchJr.

Grades 3 to 5

Skills:
Students in Grades 3 to 5 continue developing their computer skills by improving their typing accuracy, speed, and finger placement. They are introduced to word processing and learn how to create and save documents. Students also begin exploring spreadsheets and presentation software.

Digital Citizenship:
Students deepen their understanding of personal information and privacy. They learn about responsible use of technology, including managing screen time and recognizing cyberbullying. They are also introduced to the idea of a digital footprint.

Innovation:
Students use digital tools such as Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets for class projects. They begin learning coding through programs like Scratch and may explore basic robotics. Technology is also integrated into art and music projects.

Grades 6 to 8

Skills:
Students in Grades 6 to 8 become proficient with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools. They are introduced to databases and basic data management. They also learn basic troubleshooting skills and gain a deeper understanding of operating systems.

Digital Citizenship:
Students develop a more sophisticated understanding of digital footprints and online behavior. They explore the ethical use of information and media and are introduced to concepts related to intellectual property and copyright.

Innovation:
Students create multimedia projects such as videos and podcasts. They learn intermediate-level coding in languages such as Python and HTML/CSS. They also explore emerging technologies, including 3D printing and virtual or augmented reality.