The Diocese of El Paso sets the school curriculum which is adapted from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and teachings of the church. All curriculum meets or exceeds state standards. The curriculum includes instruction in the areas of religion, language arts, science, mathematics, social studies, technology, health and physical education. It also includes art, foreign language, music and drama when feasible. Career education, drug education, and safety education are integrated into areas of the curriculum as appropriate.

Citizenship, conservation of natural resources, social justice and understanding of the free enterprise system are correlated with instruction in appropriate curriculum offerings. The Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (T.C.C.E.D.) determines the time allocated for instruction in each of these areas.

In addition, St. Patrick Cathedral School practices gifted and talented and Bloom's Taxonomy methodologies to ensure a challenging and higher level of education.

Religious Education Curriculum

All students at St. Patrick Cathedral School receive instruction in the Catholic faith. The school has a comprehensive religious education program reflecting the needs of our school and parish community as set out by the United States Bishops' Pastoral, To Teach As Jesus Did (1972); and the National Catechetical Directory, Sharing The Light Of Faith (1977). The New Catholic Catechism (1994) serves as a resource document for religion teachers.

Sacraments: Students are prepared for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist in the second grade. Parents of students receiving the sacraments must attend sacrament preparation meetings. A special First Communion Mass is held in April or May.

Any student in grades three through eight who has not received these sacraments and wishes to do so will be offered instruction.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AS PART OF CURRICULUM

Participation in religious activities is an integral part of the student's education at St. Patrick Cathedral School. All students must participate in religious activities. In addition to religion class and weekly Eucharist, the entire school participates in morning, meal time and afternoon prayers.

Religious teaching is not confined to religion class or religious observances. Teachers are encouraged to relate all academic areas of study to God's plan and challenge students to relate their faith experience to their academic studies and lives outside the school and church.

Teacher or student initiated religious activities are encouraged. They should be meaningful, interesting and planned for each particular age level. All activities must maintain a proper air of reverence, avoid any sense of parody or ridicule and be in keeping with Catholic tradition and teachings.