ACADEMICS
Academics Overview
At The Nativity School, academic excellence is rooted in our Catholic faith. Guided by the Diocese of San Diego Power Curriculum Standards, California State Standards, and Common Core Standards, we provide a rigorous, differentiated program that recognizes each child as uniquely created by God.
We reject a “one size fits all” approach to learning.
A personalized learning environment allow us to support and challenge every learner.
Through small class sizes and strong student-teacher ratios, we tailor instruction to individual strengths, learning styles, and needs—cultivating confidence, curiosity, and learner agency that extends well beyond the classroom.
Preschool – Kindergarten
EARLY EDUCATION
Our Early Education program nurtures each child as a unique and beloved child of God within a joyful, faith-filled environment. Beginning in Preschool and continuing through Kindergarten, students build strong academic and social foundations through hands-on, curiosity-driven learning that fosters creativity, independence, and collaboration.
The primary years are foundational for developing lifelong habits of mind and heart. During these formative years, we nurture:
- A strong academic foundation
- A positive self-concept
- Healthy social development
- A lasting love of learning
Our balanced yet challenging curriculum prepares students to thrive in middle school and beyond, forming well-rounded individuals ready for future academic success.
Grades 1–5
ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
Our Elementary program is designed to support the development of the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit—within a faith-based learning environment. Students build strong academic foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while developing essential skills in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
Grades 6–8
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The middle school years are a pivotal time of growth, and our program is designed to support students through this important transition. As academic expectations increase, students build on foundational skills while being challenged by engaging, rigorous coursework. With guidance from dedicated teachers, they develop independence, responsibility, and the habits needed for success in high school and beyond. Our small class sizes, strong student-teacher relationships, and balanced curriculum create a supportive environment where students grow into confident, well-rounded learners prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
Preschool – Grade 8
Faith Integrated Across the Curriculum
Our highly qualified and nurturing faculty intentionally integrates Catholic values at every grade level. Beyond daily religion instruction, students deepen their faith through scripture study, prayer, reflection, monthly virtues, weekly Thursday Mass, and devotion to the Rosary.
Through this holistic approach, we form students who live our school motto:
“Where hearts and minds grow great and true.”
THE NATIVITY SCHOOL BELIEVES…
The development of a well-formed mind requires the application of Catholic tradition in the context of high academic expectations with effective research based pedagogical approaches.
SEE OUR TOP 10 BELIEFS
