Mary Help of Christians Catholic School’s (MHOC) educational program emphasizes and maintains high expectations academically while developing our students spiritually, intellectually, morally, physically, and socially.

Our school is dedicated to providing the highest quality of education to all students. The school provides students with a curriculum that adheres to the Archdiocese of Miami and the State of Florida. The core subjects consist of Religion, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Special classes and electives enhance the core curriculum.

Religion

The primary goal of MHOC is to develop the Catholic faith of its students. As such, the religious education program is designed to assist parents in the religious formation of their children.

Our religious education program begins in PK and continues through 8^th grade. During the elementary school years, the children prepare for and celebrate three (3) sacraments: Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Reconciliation is celebrated in 2^nd grade, First Holy Communion in celebrated in 3^rd grade, and Confirmation is celebrated in 8^th grade. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is held regularly throughout the school year.

Prayer is an integral part of the school day. Students receive daily religious instruction, and School Mass is celebrated weekly on Fridays and on important Feast and Holy Days. Students also participate in Stations of the Cross, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Living Rosary, Respect Life, class retreats, and helping St. Vincent de Paul on a weekly basis.

Throughout the school year, students participate in various community service projects in keeping with the mission and philosophy of the school. The service projects integrate Catholic social teaching and addresses community needs through meaningful and reflective service.

STREAM Education

MHOC implements STREAM as a disciplinary approach in all grade levels and subject areas to emphasize and incorporate interdisciplinary connections among Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STREAM). In addition, students in Grades PK-5 participate in scheduled weekly, dedicated STREAM time, and we have designed middle school electives around STREAM principles, including Robotics in Grades 6-8. Our dedicated STREAM Education Teacher provides this hands-on learning in one of our two state-of-the-art science labs!

English Language Arts

MHOC emphasizes Language, Writing, and Speaking and Listening Skills. The school provides students with the opportunity to study a variety of genres of literature in depth, as well as to cultivate their writing skills as they examine a diversity of major literary works and non-fiction text. Students in Grades K-8 participate in STAR Reading Assessments and Accelerated Reader to improve comprehension and vocabulary, and to instill a love for reading. Students in Grades 3-8 participate in ‘Writing Assessment Program’ (WrAP) to further support students’ writing through individualized feedback and scoring across multiple writing genres. Students in Grades 5-6 build literacy skills through Spelling City, and students in Grades 5-8 study Greek and Latin roots to further develop students’ vocabulary. To further develop students’ language arts skills, students in Grades 6-8 participate in engaging, personalized online practice program, IXL Language Arts.

Mathematics

Mathematics instruction includes practice in operations, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Students begin their mathematics learning using concrete objects in the primary grades and then move toward abstract learning. The learning of math facts is emphasized across the grade levels. Technology is utilized to promote facts learning, skill acquisition, and problem-solving. Classroom technology devices complement mathematics instruction. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods such as whole and small group instruction, partner work, and individualized instruction. Classrooms are well equipped with necessary manipulatives, teacher resources, and technology to augment the mathematics educational  program. To provide additional math practice, students in Grades 1-5 utilize Mathletics, and students in Grades 6-8 utilize IXL Math to target specific skill areas for personalized learning. We also offer high school dual enrollment courses in Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors!

Science

MHOC’s integrated science program includes physical, life, and earth and space science and access to two science laboratories. Students participate in science lab experiences, where hands-on activities are used to connect the student’s understanding of theory and practice. Students in Grades K-7 participate in STREAM Expo, where they share grade level projects, demonstrations, and exhibits that highlight scientific inquiry and STREAM principles, and middle school students participate in a yearly Science Fair that demonstrates mastery of the scientific method to solve problems and appreciate science in their everyday experiences.

Social Studies

Social Studies learning invites students to connect with the world around them while honoring the past. Students begin their social studies experience by learning about their family. The learning then expands to the community, their state, country, and ancient cultures. Students study geography in all grade levels with a strong geographic emphasis in seventh grade. The Middle School Social Studies curriculum incorporates a variety of activities to teach appropriate skills including cooperation, communication, organization, critical and creative thinking. Course content includes but is not limited to: World Geography, Ancient and Medieval History, and United States History.

Specials

Music, Art, Physical Education, and World Language are specials area classes offered at Mary Help of Christians.

The music program affords the students opportunities to sing, read, write, act and perform. As a school community, singing at Mass unites us in song as we celebrate our faith. The annual Christmas Show "showcases" all MHOC students and our annual spring Night of the Arts is an enriching experience for our young artists and performers!

The art program aims to stimulate students’ creative energies and open their minds to the world of graphic expression. By fusing studio work with liberal portions of historical background, students will recognize important artists and their products. Students develop a basic understanding of art processes as well as an ability to evaluate and enjoy variety in art.

MHOC’s physical education program strives to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence that will enable them to become a lifelong physically active person. Students in Grades PK-5 participate in structured classes once per week, and middle school students participate in structured classes once per week and a health/wellness class once per week. The school’s goal is to keep students active, engaged, and feeling successful while emphasizing kindness, cooperation, and respect for one another.

The Spanish program at MHOC emphasizes vocabulary, grammar, reading and conversation. Students in Grades PK-5 attend Spanish class once per week and middle school students attend Spanish class twice per week. Subject integration and thematic lessons are incorporated throughout all grade levels.

Technology Integration

Technology is integrated across the curriculum at MHOC! We have iPads in K-2 and 1:1 Chromebooks 3-8. Students in Grades 5-8 are required to utilize a Chromebook as one of their primary learning tools. Middle school students are instructed in technology as part of the elective wheel curriculum. In addition to hands-on applications, teachers frequently utilize online resources and electronic visuals to improve daily lessons. Interactive Promethean Boards enhance the teaching and learning experience at our school!