Curriculum
Elementary (K-8) Curriculum and Standards
We adhere to the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Office curriculum and standards. This curriculum meets and exceeds the curriculum requirements for the Maryland State Department of Education. The curriculum contains educational framework designed to develop 21st century skills. All curriculum standards reflect a continuum of learning from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. The ADW continuously update curriculum documents to ensure they are academically challenging and developmentally appropriate to encourage and nurture life-long learners.
Our Catholic faith is central to our curriculum and permeates the life of the school. The students are given daily religious instruction to support their spiritual growth. This instruction utilizes daily prayer, devotion, and opportunities to serve others. Preparation for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Reconciliation is the central focus in second grade. Confirmation preparation spans the seventh and eighth grade years, with students being confirmed in the spring of their eighth grade year.
For grade and subject specific standards, please refer to:
ADW Catholic School Curriculum Standards
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Assessment
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St. Martin’s School use standardized tests to measure how well students master the concepts and skills being taught. These assessment tools also compare our students’ scores to others across the country. We use a computerized assessment tool that offers distinct advantages for teachers, parents, administrators, and students—including students with special needs.
For details, please refer to: Assessment - Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools (adwcatholicschools.org)
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Accreditation
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All archdiocesan elementary and secondary schools within the Archdiocese of Washington are accredited by Cognia.
The Cognia accreditation process is recognized for its ability to effectively drive student performance, ensure mission effectiveness, and promote continuous improvement. Annually, our Archdiocesan schools collect and analyze data, set goals, plan, implement, and evaluate their school improvement efforts. This ongoing continuous review and evaluation of activities leads to authentic school improvement.
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The Cognia accreditation process surpasses state standards in that a group of school administrators and superintendents from around the nation spend three days evaluating the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic schools and our school improvement efforts. The review includes interviews with stakeholders, classroom observations and surveys of faculty, parents, and students. As part of the accreditation process, the Archdiocese must report to Cognia its progress in addressing our team’s Improvement Priorities within two years as well as provide evidence of compliance with yearly assurances completed by schools. The comprehensive review visit takes place every five years.
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The Archdiocese of Washington Catholic schools Cognia accreditation is valid through June 30, 2026.