St. Luke's offers what it believes to be one of the best pre-school programs in the borough. Twenty children (age 4) enjoy a full day of positive affirmation and individualized, developmentally appropriate instruction in an open classroom setting under the direction of a trained Head Teacher. Assisted by an aide, the children work in the various learning centers throughout the classroom. Instruction often comes in the form of play. Circle time is the highlight of the day where children gather together for special instruction time with the teacher.

Religion
The Religion Program follows the curriculum presented by the Archdiocese of New York. We also provide additional religious experiences. Throughout the year all children attend Mass in the beginning and end of the year and for the holidays. There are also special prayer services on grade level for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Children are also encouraged to be charitable by donating food for the Thanksgiving Baskets and to send money to Maryknoll (a U.S. based Catholic missionary movement) in February. Classes select a country for their donation and raise funds which are sent to Maryknoll.

Math
Students initially develop skills that help them grasp the foundation of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In older grades, emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem solving and logical reasoning. Teachers integrate math into other curricular areas, preparing students for success in high school and enabling them to see math as an essential life skill. By the time a student has completed the course of study in math, they are well prepared for the challenges of the intense high school math curriculum.

Language Arts
A balanced literacy model is used to teach vocabulary, reading, and writing. The reading curriculum is designed to help students become critical thinkers and independent readers. Higher order thinking skills are taught to all children. Recognizing the importance of the connection between Language Arts with speaking, listening, reading and writing, is the key to implementing a balanced literacy model.

Science
In the early grades, the curriculum includes an overview of many aspects of physical, life, and earth science. In older grades, classes use the science lab in order to conduct science experiments and apply the scientific method. Through a balance of text study and experiments, the curriculum develops the skills of predicting possibilities, comparing results, and explaining observations. The use of an interactive smartboard in the science lab will enhance the lessons and offer opportunities for the children to integrate technology into their course of study.

Social Studies
Students investigate how the development of different societies and the achievements of various individuals and civilizations have shaped the world. Over the years, students learn the history of many "communities" from the ancient world to modern day. A focus on critical reading and writing enables them to develop the skills and knowledge needed for high school and beyond. The use of data based questioning is a large part of connecting the social studies with the reading and writing necessary for future success in social studies.

Enrichment Programs

Technology Programs
Our computer lab is equipped with state-of-the-art iMac computers and a library of software for students from grades Pre-K through 8. Two computers are in every classroom. Presently, there are also ten laptops that are used by teachers to integrate technology into subject areas on a regular basis. We are also equipped with three smartboards in the building, which are easily accessible to all teachers.

Visual Arts and Music Programs
Children from grades 1 to 8 attend a weekly art class. The program's goal is to stimulate "visual thinking" and creative use of materials and concepts. All children attend a weekly music class where they learn about percussion, rhythm and beats. In grades two and three, children trained by a music instructor learn to play the recorder and read music. During after school hours, children also have the option of participating in band class, where they learn to play an instrument of their choice. The culminating activity for a band and recorder class is a concert where they perform in front of a live audience. Children may also learn to play the guitar in a small group-setting after school.

Sports Programs
All students receive physical education instruction once a week. The school has after school sports programs, which include boys and girls varsity basketball. In addition, there is an intramural volleyball program during after school hours and an "open gym," so that the children can play basketball.

Drama
Children in the middle grades have an opportunity to participate in a school play that is selected by the club coordinators. Children are able to participate as actors/actresses or as members of the stage crew.

Special Events
Ethnic pride is an important part of St. Luke's School. Our annual Culture Day is the culmination of a school wide year-long study of countries throughout the world. The children create wonderful displays of artifacts, collect and organize information, and learn to appreciate each other's different backgrounds. Parents and community members are invited to see the children in native attire, taste the food of each country, and enjoy the celebration.

The Feast of St. Luke on October 18th is a big day at St. Luke's School. Always celebrated on a school day, the day begins with a school Mass in honor of our patron saint. We learn about the life of St. Luke during the Mass. We end the day with a school-wide Hat Day parade in the school yard. Children make hats and join in the celebration, wearing their newly designed hats. Parents and teachers join in the celebration.

The Christmas show takes place in December. All classes participate in the performance and hear a variety of songs, traditional and non-traditional. Parents are invited to attend and there is a huge turnout of parents and family members.

Game Night is held twice during the school year. One Friday night in the fall and in the spring, children are invited to come and play board games with their friends. Children participate in Bingo games, Connect Four tournaments and even play in the gym. Parents are welcome to play games or drop their children off for a night of fun.