Outstanding Academics

The Diocese of Nashville has developed a comprehensive curriculum and instructional standards through ongoing collaboration with teachers and administration. The curriculum at Saint Ann School fully meets and exceeds diocesan expectations. In developing our unique instructional program, Saint Ann School faculty routinely seeks state and national standards as important, rigorous benchmarks towards which to strive. Ongoing student assessment demonstrates our program is highly successful. As a school, our yearly standardized testing puts us in the top percentage of schools nationwide and within the Dicoese of Nashville. Our regular student assessments, and our ongoing tracking of students performance scores, allow us to be proactive in assuring students get the instruction they need in the areas they most need it. 

Saint Ann School offers one class per grade levels for students in grades pre-K through 8.  Grades K-4 are self-contained, while grades 5 - 8 are departmentalized. A part-time counselor is on staff to assist students as needed. The goal of the curriculum is to work towards development of foundational academic skills, and to help students build the academic skills necessary for success in high school. Evidence of this commitment to a "forward looking curriculum" can be seen in our extensive use of cutting edge technology such as our 1:1 laptop program in grades 5-8, the introduction of classroom technology in grades pre-K -4, our foreign language program and the emphasis on student responsibility and leadership.

Core subjects form the basis of the curriculum per guidelines of the Diocese of Nashville. Instruction in religion, computer science, physical education and the fine arts are a required part of this program. Children celebrate Mass each week. Service projects in the community are an essential component of Saint Ann School. Students participate in various enrichment programs and clubs. A program of competitive sports is available under the auspices of the Diocesan Athletic Council. Self-discipline is the goal for each student.

Our size allows students ample opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the Saint Ann School experience. Students are not lost in the crowd, but rather are encouraged as individuals to take on new challenges through involvement in school activities.

The subjects taught are:

• Religion-Catholic Christian Doctrine, Scripture, Prayer and Morality
• Language Arts- Phonics, Reading/Literature, English/Grammar, Composition, Spelling, and Vocabulary
• Mathematics- Math Concepts, Pre-Algebra and Algebra (for qualifying students)
• Science
• Health/Fitness
• Global Studies
• Visual Arts
• Music Arts
• Theatre Arts
• Technology Instruction (grades 3-8)
• Spanish
• Library Skills

Each year all Catholic Schools in the Diocese administer a series of standardized tests as a means of knowing each child better and thereby improving the instructional program as it relates to the child as an individual and to the class as a whole. It is not the policy of Saint Ann School to release scores of the child to anyone other than the child’s parents.

Iowa Test Scores: A Tradition of Excellence. 

Each year, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills score puts Saint Ann School in the top percentage of schools nationwide as well as within the Catholic Diocese of Nashville. These tests are one of the tools we use to both evaluate the school's overall curriculum but also to assess individual student progress. For every student, we annually chart each of the fifteen subcategories on the test to ensure that students are making appropriate yearly achievement gains.

Reniassance STAR Assessment: Reading and Math 

Quarterly, students 1st-8th take the STAR reading and math online assessment.  This allows teachers real-time data to ensure students are growing throughout the year.  The benchmark assessments are given in August where goals for October, January, and March are mapped and monitored.  The assessment takes roughly 45 minutes and gives teachers individualized information for each student.  Data analysis is completed quarterly with the school administration. 

Saint Ann School prides itself on their smaller classes and individualized instruction.  Teachers are trained in various best practices to ensure student needs are met within the classroom setting.  Teachers use small groups within their classrooms to ensure students have the opportunity to thrive.  If extra supports are needed Saint Ann School has a team ready to support individual students through various ways. 

Saint Ann School also has many students who are ready for an academic challenge.  Those students that are at or above grade level have multiple opportunities to grow to their fullest potential.  In addition to the daily differentiated lessons students also access Freckle.  Freckle is an on-line academic program that uses the Star Reading and STAR Math data to build a learning platform for individual students.  All our students have access to technology throughout the day and can access Freckle to grow at their own pace and level. Additionally our upper school students, 7th and 8th grade, can opt into Pre-Algebra/Algebra and Advanced English classes, if they qualify. 

Catapult Tutoring 

Saint Ann School has a contract with Catapult Tutoring.  Catapult has a well-developed curriculum in reading and math to support students.  The tutor works closely with the classroom teacher to ensure they are aware of the goals in the classroom, where the student is struggling, and next steps in the student's learning.  The Catapult tutor works with students anywhere from 1-3 times a week, depending on student needs.  Catapult works with students during the school day and is no extra cost to parents. 

Hermitage Tutoring 

Saint Ann School has a contract with Hermitage tutoring for those students that need assitance with homework or study skills.  Hermitage works with students after school.  This one on one tutoring session is $40 per hour. 

Resource Teacher 

Saint Ann School has a full time resource teacher on campus to help students with needs that cannot be addressed within the classroom or with Catapult.  Our resource teacher works closely with students who have ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning differences. 

Report Cards are issued four times each year. The grades for each report period are based on daily work, class participation, assignments completed, and tests and quizzes. Report cards are sent home in Tuesday folders. Students in grades 3-8 are eligible for the Principal’s List and Honor Roll. Students in grades pre-K-8 are eligible for the Perfect Attendance Award, Best Effort, Citizenship, and EagleSTRONG. The requirements for eligibility are:

Principal's List: An overall average of 95-100% and the all conduct, effort, and specials grades must be 86% or higher, a “B” or higher, or a “G” or higher. (Special Classes are: art, music, theatre, technology, health and fitness; they are not calculated into the GPA).

Honor Roll: An overall average of 90.0%-94.9% and the all conduct, effort, and specials grades must be 86% or higher, a “B” or higher, or a “G” or higher.

Perfect Attendance: No absences, tardies or early checkouts.

Best Effort: One student per grade, per quarter, who shows dedication and strives to work hard daily in class.

Citizenship: One student per grade, per quarter who exemplifies the message of Saint Ann through thier daily actions and interactions with students and faculty.  

National Junior Honor Society: Students in grades 7-8 may be invited to join the National Junior Honor Society. To be selected students must have the required grade point average, and must display the qualities of leadership, service, character and citizenship.

EagleSTRONG: Given to one student per grade level at the end of the year.  These students exemplify the core values of Saint Ann and are truly EagleSTRONG.